Wake-up Call Challenge

franby64

TMVen - Yes, I'm going to take the same approach to losing weight.

I've done loads of Sl*mming W*rld in the past and have all the bumf but I don't want to do it any more. I want to be more flexible so I'm going to do 3 meals a day with fruit and yogurt as snacks, more exercise and no junk.

Health and Fitness - 6 - Apart from being overweight and the tender ankle I mentioned I seem to be OK. But I am very aware that now is when I need to do some work so sensible eating and exercise as above while it is still in my control!

Growth/Learning - 4 - I have a degree but I have been a SAHM for a few years now and am probably vegging frankly. Both myself and OH would like to learn Spanish so perhaps we will do this - a shared interest and preservation of the old brain cells. Every now and then I get stuff from the Open University but haven't committed yet. I am quite interested in Economic/Politics so perhaps something along these lines. But how could I make it useful?

Career/Business/Work - 0 - I haven't worked for a few years now being a SAHM. Before that I did an admin job in the Civil service. I don't want to be a pen-pusher again! I don't think I'm going to have a career now but would like something in the caring sector - something useful. Will have a look around.

Money/Finances - 7 - we don't have much money but we don't have any debt either so it's OK. Money is not an aim for me as long as we can get by. MSE has done it's work and weaned me off most 'stuff' - shopping is not a leisure pastime for me any more!

Family/Friends/Social Relats - 4 - Just read a post by Craftyscholar which hit the nail on the head for me. I have a couple of good friends and a few aquaintances and that is it. I also can talk to people for a short time but have trouble making long-term friendships and it's because I feel that when people know what I'm like they won't want to be friends with me so I don't go there. I never feel I have the right to take up anybody's time so I talk sparingly and quietly and I think this may have come from my childhood. My parents are the sort who don't really want to listen to the ramblings of a a child! (though they are a little better with my kids to be fair). This is just low self-esteem isn't it?
When I was at school my parents both taught at the the school, I was shy, fat, and spotty, a quadruple whammy!! - no wonder my social life never got off the ground. It's almost laughable isn't it?!
Regarding the immediate family (OH and 3 kids) we all get on well so far though I do often find I am peacemaker and communicator between various factions which irritates me these days. It's occurred to me that perhaps I should leave them to it to hone their own negotiating skills!

Community - 5 - I like where we live and would like to get a bit more involved. This is something I will look into in Sept - probably voluntary work depending on the job prospects (not expecting much around).

Spirituality - 7 - I am an athiest but am quite interested in Bhuddism.

Fun - 3 - I definitely wish I was less reserved and could enjoy myself a bit more. It upsets me when I think of all the times in my life, especially when young, when I've felt too self-concious to be myself. This led me to drink a bit too much in my twenties and thirties though I stopped about 4 years ago. I'm a bit more confident now because I think you care less about being judged when you get older. I was always an old head on young shoulders and I actually feel much comfier being 46!

Hobbies - All things I've done in the past (sewing, knitting, other crafty stuff, music, reading) don't interest me at the moment. I think it's more that I don't allocate time so I don't get into things that is the problem.

Sorry this has turned into such a long post but it has been very useful. I know some people don't like the idea of putting things in categories but it is the links between things that are interesting me. An eye-opener!

Nottoobadyet - good luck with your career decision.

ehallett

Hi everyone

I hope you are all doing well on your goals for the challenge?


Just thought I would pop in and say I have already achieved one of my goals - I have paid for my passport from the proceeds of eBay sales (just stuff around the house) .

I am going to do something positive towards each one of my 7 remaining goals each day.

Emily x

Nottoobadyet

Thank you, Franby! I worked all of today on my job app... I wont send it untill I've had a chance to speak with someone on Monday who used to work there. Not really sure how excited I am about it - on the one hand it matches my experience well and would be an exciting change, on the other it would be a major pay cut and a bit of a risk.

Meh, I dunno. Where are the confused smileys when we need them, eh?

elantan

Hey all ... Am still here just on my holibobs just now will be in touch when I come back ... Can't wait to get home tbh so that I can have a lovely home cooked meal

Nottoobadyet

OK, progress today:

• went to the gym on a 5 day free trial thingy. Was good, and after doing a nice country walk on the weekend of about 10 miles I feel quite fit!
• talked to my collegue about the organization I'm applying for, and options within my current organization. Will get a savvy friend to check the application then send it tomorrow.

svb53

Mini update on me:

De cluttered quite a bit, recycled some, binned some, and taken a couple f bags to charity.

Still working on bringing the Vanquis card down - it's being used for my PAD.

Haven't bought any books other than with a birthday voucher.

Done some work on my college course this afternoon.

franby64

Morning all - finally caught up!

Day 8 (I think) and I've already done one volte face! I've decided that to seriously lose weight I really need to follow my S*limming W*orld plan rather than go with healthy eating though this is still my long term aim. I'm also trying to do some exercise every day.

Anyway I'm not going to talk about weight any more as it is easy for me to concentrate on it as my main problem - the old familiar comfortable problem - whereas I think my main issues are self-esteem/self-confidence ones.

I'm going to go back and find homework no.2 today and have a think about that.

I'm also going to take 3/4 bin-bags out of the attic and sort through them so a bit of de-cluttering there (unless of course I end up putting it all back which is not unheard of)!

Good luck everybody with your challenges!

Nottoobadyet

So today there is a wee collection going on at the office for some of our colleagues in Pakistan - some of whom have lost their homes and all their belongings but are still working to bring emergency health care to all of the poor displaced people there. We're hoping to raise a bit to help them rebuild their own lives when all the terrible flooding is over.

Really puts all my piddly little problems into perspective

LuckyBiscuit

It really does, and it makes me feel even more pathetic that i can't even find the motivation to do some housework and organising!!!! AAAHHHHH!!!! it makes me so mad!!!
sorry guys (PMS) and a critical case of self pity today!!!!
Ive been thinking the last couple of days about the weight loss thingy!!! I sabotage myself constantly what is that about!!!! Problem is the weight makes me lathargic and rubbish, so i comfort eat - cycle!!!!
I so annoy myself i have so much potantial!!!
Anyway rant over, can't make any decisions in the next couple of days as they are mostly emotional!!!!
Hope everyone is okay.................

Love to all.............................

Luckystepho

Hi everyone I have been so bad at updating then I lost the thread!! I will most definately update later on...

Sounds as though everyone else is doing great- glad things have settled with your mum and Dad and your health's improving.

Hi Em- I am so glad you've joined, I remember reading your threads before and was just wondering how you were doing the other day! You are going great guns.

Elantan- enjoy your hols!

I am bookmarking this now and will be doing some work on it later- need to set some goals!
xx