Monthly Archives: May 2014

100 Days without Sugar – 83 to go

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

Yes, I did miss a day’s blogging. Mainly because I had nothing to boost about. I got to the pool late, and when I was getting dressed my swim cap both tore in half and slapped me across the face. I managed to be both inconvenienced and insulted at the same time.

“You’re not the boss of me! Owww!”

So brainbox here gave the swim a miss yesterday. Didn’t have any sugar, but didn’t have any righteous glow about me either. And it was a cold day, so went home, ate pasta, and slept.

This morning, it seems that the alarm went off and I decided that it was a fine idea in theory, but in reality not for me. I seem to have shut it off and gone right back to sleep.

I hardly need to credit this, do I? It’s clearly my own creation.

I woke up an hour later, with about twenty minutes to move before I really was late for work. Managed to get myself here just before 9am, but no swim for me today. And really I know I should be guilty, but that’s mostly what I’m guilty about, I’m not. 

I’m tired. Really, really tired, like weary, uninspired, worn out. I try to complete so much and I’m getting more and more discouraged because the weight is still on, the books are still unwritten, the mountain seems unending.

I’m pushing myself hard, and I don’t the results are really worth it.

 

 

 

 

100 days without sugar; 85 to go

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

Dinner was late last night, but it meant I didn’t get to bed until late. I didn’t fall asleep till midnight last night.

Beloved Son had me away at 4.30 am.

I am tired!

Interestingly, my tiredness saw all the negativity come flooding back, with a firm conviction that there was no point in going swimming as I wouldn’t do well and there was only a large chance of making a fool of myself.

Well, so what? I told myself that it didn’t matter if I made a fool of myself or not. I don’t have to be the best, it’s bloody unlikely that I was going to be in any case. Thinking that I had to hit the water with everything I’ve got was just putting me off. Going for a swim in of itself was really more than enough.

A calm pastoral view is a nice view as well.

And I went for my swim, and I completed the 1500 meters, with an easy 50 pace. I’m bleary eyed with the tiredness, but I am still going and there will be more to do before I get to rest. I have, however, coped with my negative attitude today, and that is something. I didn’t talk myself out of it, so well done me.

No, it’s not much, but I’m taking it.  Tonight, however, I think we’re getting takeaway and an will have an early night, I’m dizzy with the tiredness.

Awwwwww! 🙂

100 days without sugar; 86 to go

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

Ah, rage. Rage ragey mc-rage rage. There is a marvelous unearned clarity that comes with rage. It lets you see and think in ways you didn’t get to do before. Mainly because those ways had signs on them, like ‘Go Back’, and ‘Not a Good Idea’. Rage cuts through, clarifies and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit. It is, when you’re in a slump, a good thing.

Why did that sound so familiar?

I really have to update my viewing library…

I managed to learn that the MRA movement, the anti-woman movement that helped spawn the mass killing in the States is going to have an event in Maynooth in June. Ooh, the rage that comes when I hear of that. Because  that is all we need, in a country where Therese Heaney gets 13,000 votes and where 800 babies are found in a mass grave, a step back for women’s rights is just WHAT WE NEED AROUND HERE!

“Jesus. Chill.”

Ahem.

Anyway, I managed to get to the pool and for some strange reason not only get through my 1500 metres but to do it in good time. So go me and all my internalised rage. I both Rock and/or Roll, so I do.

Right, so that is Day 86 nearly in the bag. Very surprised at how quickly it is going! Must make another batch of sugar free biscuits soon. This batch is very sweet, and I think it might be improved by just a grain of salt or two in the mix. Will be doing another batch soon and I will let you know how I get on.

100 days without sugar; 87 to go

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

After a difficult night’s sleep, i.e., being woken at 4.45 am with no chance to get back to sleep, it was hard work getting up and getting to the pool this morning. In fact, once I was there I found myself in the throws of a negative mood I couldn’t shift. It seemed pointless being there, pointless to even pretend I was any good. I should have stayed home and minded my son, or gone into work, or anything; anything but believe I was going to get any benefit out of this.  And I’m sorry to say I gave in. I got out of the pool after only 1000 metres rather than my usual 1500 m, and slid away. And as I dried my hair, I noticed another grey hair in the mirror.

Our Author discovers another reason to despair.

And oh lord are they coming out of the wordwork today. From the somewhat insane candidate to the parent of a student to who knows what, I seem to be a lightening rod for the crazies today. Wish me luck getting home in one piece, no doubt I’ll be beside the mad people on the bus!

100 days without sugar; 88 to go

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

Sunday, 25th May; I woke up dreaming of Cable ties around lampposts. I’m pretty surprised by the election results, depressed, even. Mary Hanafin? Really? On your own head be it. I did vote, so I have the right to complain, at least.

The little man is up at 8am and we go, after breakfast, for a long walk that ends up lasting for an hour and a half. We pet every dog we pass, pick all the daisies and collect all the interesting leaves and stones we see along the way. The estate here is perfect for this in that it has long walks that have no access by car, so there is no need to worry about a car knocking a little person down. It also has a tiny stream that allows for frogs, etc, and he is still young enough to be delighted by it.

We get home, and he is tired. Matter of fact, so am I, so after his lunch he settled down for his nap and I have a snooze. And I end up dreaming of sugar; egg whites whipped to a creamy frothiness, with coconut added and sweetener. I wake up thinking that surely that must be possible?

In any case, while he is still asleep I have made this;

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/magical-peanut-butter-cookies-recipe.html

Sugar free peanut butter cookies. I’ve just pulled them out of the oven and we’ll see how they are shortly. They are here to serve that difficult, after-dinner period when I hate to say no to myself. Will let you know how I get on!

Don’t know how they taste yet…

100 Days without Sugar; 89 to go

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

So, for the purposes of this blog I’m writing this on Saturday the 25th May (look, just work with me on this one). I was woken at 6am by the little man and we had a grand morning together. Then I left him into his father’s capable hands and headed into town to meet my sister. She and my rather lovely niece were off to see One Direction (Squeeee) and we were all meeting for lunch.  On the way there, I was lucky enough to meet this guy.

Or in other words, Rory O’Neil, who had to deal with a somewhat insane redhead on Abbey Street going “Let me shake your hand!”. He was lovely about it, to be honest, even responded to my tweet later on…

Untitled

So! Anyways, the whole town was given over to One Direction, and the pavements were packed. It’s hard to remember I used to live around there, and I’m rather glad I don’t anymore; negotiating the whole ‘gritty urban environment’ thing is so stressful on its own, I don’t think I could cope with it with a little person as well. It was great to hang out with them though, Rachel is all about music right now, so I was able to look deeply uncool to her. Yay!

The evening (and yes, I didn’t home till about six, sorry to the Husband for being out all day!) saw me get home with a quick dinner from Marks and Sparks, and then biscuits with my tea. So that is another day got through. It’s weird being without sugar, it is something that takes a lot of effort. I aim to use Sunday for baking substitutes, and will let you know how I get on.

100 days without sugar; 90 to go.

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

You would be so proud of me yesterday. When I got home after work I put out the bins, cut the grass and washed down the patio in the back garden, started and emptied the dishwasher and washed the kitchen floor as I headed down to the creche. As a reward, for dinner yesterday, I gave myself the biggest serving of lasagne. And it wasn’t bad lasagne either, Himself had made it with three types of meat and chilli powder, so it was delicious. I really couldn’t complain at all, so I’m not going to.

Gosh, what a long week. I’ve been at my desk at 7.30 am twice this week, and I’m working late tonight as well. I was so tired yesterday after my long day, my swim, everything, that I gave myself a break this morning and I didn’t go for my swim. I know, I know, the first faltering step is the first failing step, but I didn’t think I could function and still do everything I have to do today. I have seen the end of the first ten days without sugar, and some days were really, really hard. That’s why I have gone out and gotten this.

 

Nyom nyom, nyom nyom nyom.

Nyom nyom, nyom nyom nyom.

It is a bar of chocolate, and shortbread biscuits, made with artificial sweeteners. I don’t think they can be regarded as very healthy, but they will do quite well as a fall back plan if I find I am weakening. I want to use the weekend to see if I can make up some substitutes using Splenda, etc. I have no trouble avoiding it during the day, it’s my cup of tea after dinner that sees the real temptation arrive. Wish me luck!

100 days without sugar; 91 to go.

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New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

Oh lord this is getting difficult. Really, really difficult. We’ve a busy week here in SILS, what with examinations and grading, interviews and a visit for an extern to prepare for. I would love nothing more than to reward myself with a biscuit or seven, to give myself that nice full feeling. Last night, Himself came home and offered me some yoghurt covered nuts, which I had to refuse. Today, I did a mere 1000 metres in the pool and have been on the go all day. I want to reward myself, and say well done, mainly because I feel I’ve earned it.

But that’s nonsense. It’s just been a busy day, I have no excuse to eat up like that. I’m not hungry, I just want my sugar rush. Well tough luck, baby, you’ll just have to get on with it.

100 days without sugar; 92 to go.

Leave a reply

New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

Last night was pizza. Not sugar, no, but not exactly healthy. At that hour of the day it was just fuel, nothing more.

So. Today, we have had a meeting that started at 9 am, with lots of prep needed. So I have forgone my usual early morning swim and was at my desk at 7.45 am, get me.

It is strange – I feel untoned and sloppy just for not exercising for one day. I’m determined to do a good session tomorrow morning, no matter what.  Wish me luck!

 

100 days without sugar; 93 to go.

Leave a reply

New readers start here; Our heroine had successfully lost over 60 lbs, but has slowly gained back a stone. Shocked at the shocking state of her, she resolves to do without sugar for 100 days.

And that you all should hear about it, you lucky people.

Now read on…

I know I am imagining it, but my clothes feel looser. Probably not due to removing sugar, but just not eating as much junk as I usually do.

This morning, again, another swim. I stick to the Medium lanes, and feel like a pleb. Still, I get it done.

And I meet a friend for coffee, in the Arts Cafe here in UCD, where I get to pass this…

Temptation and the tempting thereof...

And I don’t have any of it. Go me, I have accomplished something today.