Day 22 – Ireland 🇮🇪 – NFD

Feeling good today. Sun shining brightly, birds singing, Springtime is really moving at a pace, love this time of year.

@ jaifaim, I have already booked an apartment in Malta, in Birgku ( spelling?) with amazing direct sea views across to Valetta and access via water taxi, plus parking outside for a car so we can explore the island more at our leisure, and explore the three cities and Valetta by foot. Now just have to wait to see which airline flies there in March 2024,,, 😄

In the meantime I am organising our road trip to Spain in October, making sure everything is a fait accompli this year, as last year was all a muddle and another Staycation cannot be borne again this year 😆 I love Ireland, but sometime ya need to get out!!!!

@funshipfreddie, your Reno guy must have had his ears burning knowing we were talking about him !!!!

Being trained in a new book of business in work, it’s going great, so I am in the position of being both trainee, and trainer to two new staff….but I am enjoying the challenge. Only a few weeks ago I was annoyed at my boss, but after my strong words to her, things have gotten better. Oh if I had only been this bolshie when I was younger, I could have ruled the world ha ha !

Have a great hump day 🐫

Day 22 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in: 213 lbs. Still lots of work to do, both at work at home…but onwards we go.

Day 22 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 2min plank ✅ – 150.2

My WF went fine yesterday, and didn’t even have to resort to gum to get me through to bedtime, but my weight is a full pound lower than two weeks ago (although up from last week, but that was a weird week because of the conference I was at). Progress is tediously slow, but progress is progress–and I’m not GAINING weight, so that’s a good thing!–and I’m feeling positive about my journey these days. Will I be 141 at Easter? Nope. But neither will I be 157!!!

@at I haven’t made banana bread in ages, but will have to consider rum-soaked-raisins next time! 😉 I did make Banoffee Pie for Sunday dinner (complete with a GF crust from vanilla GF oreos [Walmart brand] for DS31 that was as good as any crust…a big relief!) and it was a hit for all of us….although, truly, just a plain Banana Cream Pie is probably still what I prefer. But it was fun to make it and enjoy it, and I’m thankful it’s gone now, LOL!

@jaifaim It’s VERY impressive you wore an outfit from 21 years ago; WELL, well done, you!!

@merryapple Fascinating about the Brides Bonn you made!

@lilymartin A licorice slice?? Truly? Do elaborate! And someone you missed from your list: @michelinme I’m actually getting worried…Is she fine? Is her daughter fine? Is her mom fine? This long a silence is not good.

Oh, @funshipfreddie, GREAT quote: “Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now.” ~ Richard G. Scott

@penz Yup, I’ve been finding myself busier than other years seem in memory, and had the same reaction to @northgeorgia‘s weight of 213!

@daffodil2010 “Boiled loin of bacon”??? Hmmm. I’ve never seen that at a grocery store. This is what our US bacon looks like: https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Oven-Baked-Bacon-749438?prm-v1 And here’s what uncooked, unsliced pork belly looks like: https://www.butchershop-pty.com/Pork-Belly-Entero-lb-p211033689 But a pork loin? https://wholesaleclub.meat-maven.com/en/product/boneless-pork-loin-whole-4-kg/ Clearly, it’s nothing like bacon. Now see my confusion?? 😂🤣😂

@gardenlily Actually, I see no reason I can’t talk about the book. It’s fiction that I keep forgetting is fiction–because it’s so well written–about a topic important to the author, about Filipina girls getting caught up in the sex trade there. The particular girl in his novel fought hard but was truly captive, and it’s the story of her life from about 14/15 (we never actually know for certain except that she’s lying when she says she’s 16) until she’s a bit shy of 30. The angle that my author wants to see fixed is all the children fathered by expats who then abandon their babies and the mothers. It hits close to home for me because my brother fathered a boy in the Philippines; thankfully, he took responsibility, and my whole family in the States has a relationship with my nephew via FB and FB Messenger…not much of a relationship, obviously, but it’s there, and we’ve helped financially when things come up. The author has decided to self-publish, so I’ll include a link when he does.

@funshipfreddie So lovely you finally heard back from your original reno! I actually edit very little these days; my established clients have all stopped writing and I’ve done nothing to find new clients. And are you suggesting that staying in my nightgown all day when I’m editing is somehow shameful and inappropriate??????????????? 😂

@penz Well done on resisting the Guinness Truffle Chocolate!!

@snowflake56 I hope the dancing was fun and especially that it was a good experience for your friend.

@jaifaim Yeah, I always LOOK like a zombie in the morning even while my fingers are flying over the keys of my laptop, but yesterday? Nothing, LOL. I’m back to normal today, and have even passed that wake-up stage of zombie-like appearance!

We have services on Wednesdays during Lent, all preceded by a meal, and tonight’s meal is pulled pork sandwiches served by the choir. My job is to make a chopped cabbage salad with golden raisins, chinese noodles, and a balsamic dressing–a yummy favorite the congregation all knows and loves as mine, LOL. I’ve been mulling over how restrained I can be and have decided I’m not even going to try to skip the desserts, but will skip the bun for the sandwich, and will not eat more than a single full serving of a dessert…or enough nibble-portions that they add up to a full serving! As has become habit, I’ll break my fast at 1:30 with two hard boiled eggs, and I think that’s all I’ll need until our early meal. And that’s my pledge to you all!

Okay, my silent streak has clearly ended, LOL! Have a grand one, everyone!

And I’m holding on to this when I’m tempted to add a bun to my pulled pork tonight: “Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now.” ~ Richard G. Scott

Day 23 FD Auckland

Trying to not be ruled by scales and haven’t weighed in for the last two mornings. In truth the temperature has dropped and I don’t want to get out of my Jim jams, sox and tartan dressing gown before I start eating and drinking! Macintosh the Westie gets me up at 0700 hrs come rain or shine.
@gardenlily I so admire your studio clean up. I need to do that badly. Hope I don’t uncover anything too dead when I do! Love the dumping the body at the tip story. Midsommer Murders??
I have seen two rats up in the oak tree using the branches like a highway and y’day there was a well fed rat in the garage so I need to do some pest control. There are so many cats around you’d think they’d be on the case. Mac’s job was to keep cats off the property so the birds have a safe landing place but now he’s so old they are colonising in.
@lilymartin Not sure about the sound of a liquorice slice myself. I love liquorice but in baking?
@daffodil2010 I dream of going to Spain… Goya and food!
Have a good day!

Pocket List
@merry🍎

Day 23 Melbourne, Australia FD

I got back from my time away yesterday and then spent so long catching up on posts that I was too tired to write a post myself. We had a great time at the music festival, and I discovered 2 (to me) new musicians so am very happy about that. And enjoyed seeing musicians that I already love listening to. My sister that I spent most time with does not eat breakfast so most days ending up being TRE just because that is the way we both function. So happily, my weight basically did not change.

Today I am attempting to follow @funshipfreddie‘s example and not eat anything until 3.30pm. The morning was not difficult as I was busy, and I do not usually eat until 11.00am anyway. But I now am looking at the clock every 5 minutes to check whether I can eat yet.

I laughed at the thought picture of the headless body being dumped at the tip.

@daffodil2020 thank goodness things seem better at work. Work colleagues (not just bosses) can be difficult at times, as per @penz.

Day 23 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – NFD

So glad yesterday’s FD is over. I was feeling quite tired & grumpy by about 4 pm. The manopause maybe? 😅 But I persevered & had around 650 cals.

@dramaqueen6 – what’s the link between pasta/rice & joints? I’ve noticed some mornings a couple of my fingers are a bit sore when I wake up, but only for a couple of minutes 🤔 Enjoy your trip! 🚙

@stitchincarol – no, I’m not suggesting staying in your nightgown all day is shameful; I wouldn’t dare 😳 😅

Drat, gotta rush…

Pocket List – Day 23 🍓
@merryapple
@malee57

Day 23 – Ireland – FD800 🚫🚶🏼‍♀️✅

So a tough day food wise yesterday… I woke hungry but was going ok so went with the aim of doing FD800 but then I struggled yesterday afternoon…then had a last minute dinner offer with a friend but she is really mindful about what she eats so I’d say I came in over 800 but not by lots… will be interesting to see the scale tomorrow… @merryapple I’m staying away from the scales during the week as they are annoying me 😂
Resolve is low today… must get my brain into gear… have woken hungry and keep thinking about foods I shouldn’t eat… may try a milky coffee and see if that sorts me out until later.. I usually don’t eat until lunchtime during the week…

Like others I’m feeling a little tired and achey at the moment.

Enjoy jour trip @dramaqueen6! And good luck with getting everything done beforehand. Same for @penz – sounds like an interesting event and what a workplace to offer a week away! Wow!
@funshipfreddie well done on getting through the day. I knew that struggle too. Hate those days…
@malee57 welcome back!

Thanks @stitchincarol it felt good … just have to keep up the work now… good to see you back to the chats.

Ok… going to sign up to FD800 today and have that coffee and then start the day again 🙃

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 23 Pocket List

@merryapple
@malee57
@jaifaim FD800
@daffodil2010 FD800

Day 23 – Rural Nebraska, USA – WFD – 2min plank ✅ – 151.0

I didn’t do horribly yesterday, skipping the bun on the pulled pork sandwich and having only one dessert–a cookie–but I nibbled on lots of meat while I was getting it heated up, and lots of sliced almonds when I was making the cabbage salad, and lots of English toffee bits when nibilitis hit me. I think there was more, as well, but since this is a new day, I’m not going to try to remember my failings from yesterday and start fresh today. 😉😇

Another migraine today: I’ve had to take migraine medicine five days in the past eight days, after taking none for many, many months. I’m due for my annual in the next month anyway, so I’m going to ask about a med I can take to stop this cluster, because I’m fed up with them. They’re not debilitating as they were when I was younger, but they’re still miserable, and I want them gone.

I’m in a race with the clock because I slept later than usual, so don’t have time for chatter (although it’s in me today, LOL) but I’m so intrigued, @gardenlily and @merryapple, with chatter of a studio clean up and a body and Midsomer Murders⁉️🤔 And @penz you made me chuckle–and shake my head in equal bafflement at your junior worker–throughout your post! @funshipfreddie You made me laugh out loud–I’m still laughing! So glad I have your tacit approval to wear my nightgown as long as I want each day, LOL!

And now I must replace this nightgown with actual clothes and get myself across the street to church to do my work there. Have a grand one, everyone, and you can cheer me on that I make huge progress on my edit: I only have 48 pages to go! 😏

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 23 Pocket List
@merryapple
@malee57
@jaifaim FD800
@daffodil2010 FD800
@northgeorgia ???
@stitchincarol WF

Day 24 NFD NZ

Woohoo I’ve broken into the 80s (just!) with 89.8kg. I’m chugging along with this WOL trying to eat ‘normally’ and do 2xFD per week. So no calorie counting, make sensible food choices and try to balance the weekly meat vs veg days… It’s amazing to me that I can eat and lose weight without a ridiculously rigid restrictive diet. Thank you 5:2!!!
Go @ccco! It’s a great feeling isn’t it!
@lilymartin Yes the old tractor tyre… I much prefer this term to muffin top, I must say. Maybe it’s the young and the restless who have muffin tops?!
@malee57 lovely that you had a great time. Amazing to be able to gather again in crowds and have fun!
@stitchincarol You should try and find Midsomer Murders on Youtube. They are murder mysteries set in the charming English village of Midsomer and environs. The characters range from rural workers to the upper crust who are usually driven by one or other of the seven deadly sins to knock each other off in the most inventive of ways. The crimes are solved by a long suffering detective and his sergeant.
Sorry to hear about migraines @lilymartin and @stitchincarol. They’re not much fun. And @dramaqueen for achey joints from ?gluten.
@jaifaim Be kind to yourself and sending hugs. Remember the Elvis suit😁
@snowflake56 Your line dancing sounds so much fun. I used to do Western riding when I lived in California in the 1980s. We would go for a ride then have dinner and line dancing in full Western kit (black cowboy hat, grey boots with black embroidery, spurs, black satin shirt with turquoise tassels). Yahh baby!
@funshipfreddie I too love manopause. I heard on the TV last night the name Funship in relation to cruises. I didn’t know that!
@daffodil2010 Love the motor bike fitness squats. Who knew!
Onward and downward!

Day 24 Melbourne, Australia NFD

Yesterday’s FD went well. The challenge is to keep today’s NFD’s eating within reasonable limits. I’m going to be quite busy so I hope it won’t be too difficult.

Well done @merryapple! Each milestone is exiting to reach. I don’t count calories either. On a FD I eat only fruit and vegies with a small amount of protein, and not too much of those. And on the NFD I try to watch my serving sizes (sometimes as it gets bigger and bigger) and try not to snack too much.

Day 24 – Ireland – NFD 🚫🚶🏼‍♀️✅
159lbs

So a good day FF800 yesterday… I’d have hoped to see a lower number on the scales this morning but I do feel good, know I’m slimming down but it’s just a little disheartening that recent efforts are not showing up yet but… they will, they will, They will. 😁🥴 and I’m still sun 160 👍 Scales being locked away now til 31/3.

@merryapple go you!!!! 👏👏 and thanks! I did and my strategy worked yesterday… an early treat and a little reward for two good days reset me and I was good to go for the rest of the FD800.

@lilymartin and @stitchincarol I’m so sorry to hear about the migraines… I do hope it passes for you… I’m struggling still a little bit but find cranial physical therapy and cutting dairy (most days) and gluten is making a big difference to the vertigo and headaches I developed recently. Maybe that could help you? I gave up taking the painkillers daily as figured they were causing other issues… I’m still waiting on test results but decided to try my own solutions in the mean time.

@snowflake56 what a shame your friend didn’t enjoy it but you tried and she tried. It’s not for everyone I’m sure but It would have been a lot of fun for her and with friends … I think the trick is to not take it too seriously. I know I don’t … I’m going to an Irish dance class at the moment (just for fun with a friend) and I’m rubbish at remembering the steps.. was actually quite good when I was young but now I’m definitely a freestyler… still it’s an excuse for the two of us to do something different and energetic… this term is over soon and I think we’ll do something else but we will see.. 😂

@malee57 – with you on the toughest of days, the old NFD 👍 must keep focus now…

@ccco – way to go you!!!!!!’ The best news 👏✔️

Hi @northgeorgia 👋 and @penz – enjoy!

@daffodil2010 – good for you being able to hop into the bike 🏍️. I love that feeling – it’s been a good few years now so am envious of your trips – just the best feeling in the world on the open road. Particularly in warm climes… 🏍️🧡🏍️
Ok off now to seize the day 🌅

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 24 UK NFD

Back from amazing Rome trip,plan to ease back into reality over the weekend and have a v good last week , I’d love to get back to pre trip weight – still a good 10lb over my goal weight but lowest I’ve been in a good while – looking forward to having a good catch up seeing what everyone has been up to

Happy Fri-yay ☀️

Day 24 – Rural Nebraska, USA – NFD – 2min plank ✅ – 148.4

Delightful number this morning; that’s what the scale says when your body is empty, LOL! I look forward to when that’s the normal number. 😉

Life is is feeling chaotic this morning: we have friends coming over for supper tonight, and I have a fair amount of tidying and vacuuming to do; I have only 30 pages left to finish my edit job…but we have friends coming over for supper tonight; DH had an attack of vertigo in the night…and we have friends coming over for supper tonight.

GAH! He’s already better now, and I suspect the vertigo will be gone in time for him to enjoy the evening, and we won’t have to cancel, but I hate the misery he experienced in the night.

And, yes, @funshipfreddie, I’m still in my nightgown and plan to stay that way when I head to the kitchen shortly to make the broccoli/apple salad and the lemon posset! 😂😂😂

I’ve skimmed the posts, but overslept and am feeling pressure to get my day started; at least oversleeping means I’m well-rested, right?

Have a grand one, everyone!

Day 24 – UK Cam – NFD
Well, the bricklaying was fun except now I see that the bricks I laid are not level with the ones either side! Result – wonky capping on my flower bed 🙁 DH said it adds character … Hmmm, think I’ll leave it to the expert next time and content myself with being the tea lady!

Gone down with a bad chest – not Covid but I feel rotten, sore throat, no appetite (yay – silver lining!) headachy and feeling washed out plus coughing a lot (perhaps it is Covid altho test was negative). DH being a very bossy nurse, telling me to sit down, sit still and relax – def. not me!

Sorry to witter on about myself – hope the migraines are better @stitchincarol & @lilymartin – they can really lay you low.

Take care everyone, and keep on striving.

Day 25 NFD NZ

Quick post
Have a friend from California coming to stay tonight, leaving Tuesday. I have to tidy up and make her bed and cook something nice.
I’m in knitting mode because the temp has dropped. I’m up to doing the sleeves top down and am attempting to work out the 2D shape, no of stitches needed while incorporating the stitch patterns. Then when I get to the armpits I go onto circular needles. Then I have remember what I’ve done so I can repeat it for the other side. It’s like doing 3D maths equations😬

@gardenlily I did have a chuckle. Did you use a string line??Builders/bricklayers string is lovely hot pink colour. Enjoy your bossy nurse!!
Onward and downward!

Day 25 – Ireland – NFD 🚫🚶🏼‍♀️✅

Hi @brightonbelle! So glad you had a great time 🇮🇹 and hope you feel better.

@stitchincarol it sure sounds chaotic for you… I hope you get to relax soon.

@at I did! 🎉 I have a lot of clothes that I had in the 90s and early 2000s.. bought in France back in the day and didn’t get to wear them a lot as medication changed things for years. So yes chuffed that I got to wear it again. And with any luck it will be looser next time… I have my wedding dress too … really should have given that to charity… I must do that – next project👍

@snowflake56 I understand, I’m clumsy too and when I say I was good at Irish dancing I mean in school and very very young… things have changed since 😂😂 still it is so much fun to just go with the flow and not care too much anymore…

Up and out early today. Have a great one.

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 25 – USA/GA – NFD

Weigh-in: 216 lbs. I will probably go for a FD tomorrow. My week is insane next week, filled with lunch-related meetings every day! One thing I have learned this past month is that it is possible to maintain or even lose a little even when not fasting or staying under 500/800. Lunchtime OMAD or if having supper, eat like a bird…and keep to protein and fats over carbs, especially junk carbs. Anyway, I know this upcoming week will be a challenge, but considering what a very emotionally draining month it has been and the irregularity in my 5:2, which could only be expected, I’ve done well — no better — than I have in January and February.

The Easter season is upon us next month with its own challenges, but I think I can keep pressing towards that 210 threshold next month.

Day 26 Melbourne, Australia NFD

Nothing exiting on today so I will push myself to get out and go to the library to do some paperwork. If I go to the library for this rather than in my study, I will not be near my kitchen. And will not be distracted by playing games or watching youtube on the computer.

@stitchincarol good that the dinner party went well. Not good about the migraines. I hope you are able to get something that will stop them occurring.

Day 26 – Ireland – NFD 🚫🚶🏼‍♀️✅

Up and out earlier today as am out with a hiking group today and oops I’ve lost an hour 🤭
⏰ change here today….springing forward ➡️
Actually it doesn’t matter that much as I didn’t sleep very well…
From tonight I need to get back to better sleep habits as my head is feeling the effects of a little sleep deprivation build up over the past week but… I’m doing ok and will have a lovely day with a difference today.
Was due to possibly ski this weekend for 4 days but decided not to… think it was the right decision – just not there yet 💪

Have a great one everyone and @stitchincarol I’m in the same boat.. actually noticed my rings the other day but not reflected on the scale. Curious. 🤔

Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 26 – South Africa 🇿🇦 – FD

The wheels fell off yesterday as far as sensible eating is concerned, so it’s back on the list for me.

@stitchincarol – those migraines sound grim; I hope you find some relief soon 🤗

Off to buy more paint & stay busy busy 🐝

Happy S🌞nday!

Pocket List – Day 26 🥝
@funshipfreddie

Day 26 – Blah, blah, blah

I’m stalling, because instead of the “up to 1 inch” we were supposed to get, it’s already up to 6″…and is still snowing. And I don’t wanna go. oh well, eh? I’ll be around to chatter after church, since this snow has put the kabosh on any other plans!

Day 26 – USA/GA – FD?

Weigh-in: 218 lbs. I shouldn’t have had that late night popcorn and milk. I wasn’t even hungry, and I knew better! Anyway, hoping to make today a FD and it may be my only FD of the week. Monday – nope, luncheon. Tuesday – nope, working lunch. Wednesday – at home with mom so probably not. Thursday – college spring carnival with free food. Friday – seriously? Saturday – never. So, I’m going to have to eat like a bird or not at all in the evenings most of the week to just keep me coasting into April.

Still, as I reflect on my weight this month (which is obviously not at the top of my mind right now), it’s been my best month since November. It would be so nice to cross back into 200’s territory next month. And if I want to match my lowest month so far (one year ago, last March), then my average weight should drop three pounds from what my average is so far this month. That seems doable. I’m down two pounds on average from January and four pounds on average from February. Hopefully this will be the year my stall-out ends and I start moving beyond the 200s!

Day 27, FD, Aus

Checking in, read everything, but gotta run!

Day 27 – Ireland – FD 🚫🚶🏼‍♀️✅

Hello all on our first day of our last week…. Can you believe it.
Great hike yesterday with a lovely group and I was nicely jaded last night. Glad you enjoyed yours @at… great climbing! it wasn’t great weather here but the company and cakes made up for that…
I AM applying GREAT focus this week as have just taken out my swimsuits for my holiday in late April and am keen to feel as comfortable as possible on the beach with a group of friends and friends of friends .. 😆 so I’ll be planking, squatting, etc for the next three weeks 😂😂.
Which of the group used to hula hoop???

@brightonbelle wow that is good that the reason for the ongoing pain has been diagnosed and thinking about it you were lucky to have flown and not experienced problems… hopefully the antibiotics will do the trick now but mind yourself as they may floor you a little.
@stitchincarol 🤣 blah blah blah indeed 🤣 hope the day got better.
Well done @northgeorgia and @maui for just being here during your difficult times.
Got to scoot… still not adjusted to the new time.. ⏰

@michelinme where are you? I thought of you when I was walking yesterday… I do hope you’re ok… I am
honestly only barely feeling back to myself now after Covid etc so can’t imagine how you got through long Covid but hopefully you are just busy.

Be well all.
Onward and downward ⬇️
We rise by lifting others 💕

Day 27 Pocket List

@penz
@jaifaim