Just the ESSENTIALS

SWIMMERS

Buying swimmers.  I know it can be traumatic for everyone..... I bought my first pair of swimmers in about 8 years today.  I promised the kids (and Glen) that I would buy some for when we go away.  I'm living to regret that comment now though LOL

So, today we had to go out for a few things, and swimmers were on that list.  I grabbed whatever they had on the racks in my size, and headed off to the changeroom, with my feet dragging..... Kids were instructed to sit DOWN on the ground, and wait for me outside the changeroom, and not to annoy anyone. 

I tried them on.  Immediately depressed myself, wishing I'd started the weight loss a LOT earlier.  I came out of the changeroom, with a pair of 3/4 black pants, and a tshirt that I was happy to buy, and proceeded to put the swimmers back on the rack!!

After doing another round of the shop, we returned to said swimmer rack, where I picked up a top in a smaller size, a totally different colour, mumbling something along the lines of:  Why do they have to put these padded parts into the boob section, it looks ridiculous, I look ridiculous, why did I promise I"d buy swimmers, yadda yadda yadda.............and headed to the checkout.

Well, I"m now the owner (not proud owner) of a pair of swimmers.  Now, don't be scared, I WILL be wearing boardies over the top, and Josh assured me I looked pretty good (gotta love an 11yo who wants to please his Mum, and will do ANYTHING to ensure she gets into the water)

I must admit, it WAS nice to fit into a smaller size, it's a little satisfying.

Well, job done....

Tomorrow, Emma and Josh both have a friend coming over (the first for Emma this holiday) I'm going to try and finish some wrapping, and maybe start on my December Daily Album.  Printed off some more photos today, so they're all up to date.

Cannot believe it's only a week 'til Christmas.  I'm VERY excited though, especially that both Glen and I will be officially on holidays together, with one of us not having to go to or finish work on Christmas morning.  I'll feel 'normal' this Christmas.

Have a great weekend.  Donna xx

DECEMBER

Already, busy month, school finished a week and a half ago, and since then we haven't stopped... And it's only the 14th.  Still half a month to go.

Well, Emma's 'graduated' Kindergarten, receiving a certificate.   Josh has finished Year 5, and I'm on holidays for 5 weeks.

We've looked after a couple of Josh's friends for the day, while their parents worked.  It's nice to have them here, and they're great kids.  Josh has had a blast, but expects it this week too LOL he's in for a bit of a shock.  Last week we visited my Aunt and Uncle, I had my team xmas dinner on the Central Coast, bought a few more presents, watched Night at the Museum 2, had my niece stay here Thursday night, last night of Club swimming for the year, where Emma got three Personal Bests, which is a huge achievement, Kellie had our kids on Saturday night, and Glen and I got to go out for dinner together for the SECOND time this year *sigh* which was lovely, then yesterday we had our family/friends xmas bbq, followed by our annual street xmas party last night.  By the time I crawled into bed at about 11pm, I was exhausted.  Doing nothing all day, and being on your feet is a killer.

This week will be just as busy.  Visiting an Aunty today, visiting friends who have just moved to Stroud on Wednesday, and our immediate family early xmas dinner on Sunday, with a bunch of other stuff mixed in I'm sure.

Still need to do Santa photos, make gingerbread men, finish xmas shopping, wrap presents, finish off the last few cards to mail out, clean the house again from top to bottom, and plenty more.

I made Kim's mini cheesecakes from Tarisota blog, a couple times.  I've been good, and haven't had ONE.  No, I didn't eat more than one either LOL.  Apparently they're very nice though, and So, so easy.

Now lost 7kg, still along way to go, but it'll be nice when I can say the big *10kg* that's what I'm looking forward to.  Plodding along, still don't miss anything, although I did have some wine yesterday.

Have been taking my photos for my December Daily album, but haven't added them in yet.  Album all done, so that will be another job for this week.

Will leave you with a couple photos.  Have a great week.  Donna xx

CARS

Cars.  *sigh* Mine broke down this morning.  My one day off this week, so I suppose I should be grateful it didn't happen on the freeway at 5am.

No, it happened on Newcastle Rd, near the BIG roundabout at Jesmond.  That light flashed on.  And the car slowed down..... I was doing 20km in the right hand lane, at 8:30 this morning, peak hour.  I managed to pull over in the bus lane, and slowly up into the side street. 

Waited.  Rang Glen, who couldn't come over as he was stuck at a job, I rang NRMA, who were there within the hour, and checked a few things.  Waited for tow truck.  In the meantime, Glen managed to bring our other car over to me, so when the tow truck arrived, I would have a car.  Another hour, and the tow truck came.  So, now it sits at the repairers, who don't know if they'll have time to look at it today, or tomorrow !!!! 

We are a 2 car family.  We both NEED our cars.  I've had to make alternate arrangements.  My sister who is already picking my kids up from after school care tomorrow, will now have to pick Glen up from work and bring them all home, as I don't get home until 8pm tomorrow.

So, now I'm about 2 hours behind today.  Almost time to go and get the  kids. 

Cars !!! and their stupid computer systems.  We've had more trouble with our 5 yr old car than with our almost 10 yr old car, and we were going to trade in the older car.  I think I know which one I'll be pushing off a cliff !!! LOL

Have a great rest of week.  Donna xx

CRAZY WEATHER

Yesterday it was 41 here in Newcastle, and today back to about 20.  Yesterday we headed up to Little Beach,  Port Stephens for the day.  Emma had been asking to go to 'the bay' so we did.  It was beautiful up there, a balmy 28 with a cool breeze.  We had shade under a tree, close to the water, and the kids spent all day with their boogie boards in the water having fun.  Glen and I both got sunburnt!!! I don't know how, as we were UNDER the tree.  Oh well, a great day, and thank goodness we missed the heat.

Someone stole our garden solar lights last night.  They left the one that didn't work, and smashed 2 on the footpath.  Noice. Oh well, if they're that desperate for them, they must need them more than we do.  Thank goodness I didn't buy the stainless steel ones though....

Me, well I've lost a grand total of 5.5kg and going strong.  Still have a looooooong way to go, but I'm not finding it hard at all.  I've cut out everything that's bad for me, and still I'm going strong.  It's been about 12 weeks I think, it's coming off a LOT slower than I want, but hopefully slower is better.

Well, not much else going on.  Kids finish up NEXT Thursday, and we have a lot planned for December.  Looking forward to starting my December album.

Have a great week.  Donna xx