South African From Cape Town Now Living In Germany

Looking through my windows

2009-12-18T16:18:00.000+01:00

It has snowed the whole day today...and I mean the whole day...

This is looking out from my lounge door to our garden

My front door....

Here you can see my kitchen window and front door

Looking out to the neighborhood

Looking out of my lounge window...yes tree is up and nearly finished.

Looking out of my bedroom window

The view over our neighborhood from my bedroom window.

This morning I attended the last Step class for this year. I had a great time, decided to forget that it was the same routine I've done for the last month and just think about the workout, burning those much needed calories before the holiday season. So there I was..pumping my arms and lifting my legs with a huge grin on my face...I had a good time.

After class I did a 5kl run on the treadmill, took me 34 minutes...I decided to run at a comfortable pace...the difference between my fast pace and comfortable pace is only 2 mins so cant see the point of pushing myself every time I run.

After class I spoke to the gym instructor about how bad I've been feeling the last two days, off balanced and not myself...dizzy as well...so he said he wanted to check my blood pressure and heart...

So once again I had to have the test I had the other day and a lot of extra...according to him I am VERY fit and in EXCELLENT condition...my blood pressure is better than perfect he tells me ( remember he's German speaking to me in English )

This is what I found out today from him

In November last year I weighed 78.2 ( 172.4 lbs )

Today just over a year later I'm 59.2 ( 130.5 lbs ) ( less than the test the other day )

My BMI was 30.5 - today was 22.0

Bodyfat was 40%, - today 23.9% ( lower than the test earlier this week as well )

Fat Mass was 32.2 and now is 14.2 ( the biggest shock to me )

The instructor told me I can aim to get my body fat to about 22% and my weight to 58kg's ( 127 lbs )That would be perfect for my height and age...My hubby will not be happy with this as he already is telling me I'm too thin.

In February this year I started Weight Watchers and put lots of effort into training 6x a week so to my my journey only began in Feb..I joined the gym last year November when my first stats were taken - so in 10 months I think I've done a good job on improving my health.

Hubby and I are going out to do our grocery shopping now, he called to say it was chaos on the roads due to all the snow that fell today.

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Letter to myself.

2009-12-17T15:52:00.000+01:00

Dear Marcelle

For as long as I can remember I have never given much thought as to how I looked after you, what foods I put inside of you. I've taken it for granted that you will always be a healthy vessel no matter what abuse I gave you.
I want to thank you for being such a healthy body for me even during the times when I neglected you in all area's. I trained on and off - I yoyo dieted - I pumped diet pills into your system and with all of that you still have remained an overall healthy body, for this I'm so so grateful.

Just over a year ago I decided it was time to take better care of you. You were starting to show signs of obesity with aches and pains - at the age of 46 I knew it was now or never. I was either going to make the changes I know you needed or let it continue and pray for the best.

This is the second festive season since I dedicated my time to making you a better and healthier body, this year is harder for me as we together are now maintaining, last year I was still trying to find what plan to follow and was mentally getting myself ready for this journey I've taken you on.
I've been spending lots of thought time on how I can help you come out of this festive season on the positive side...so this is my plan for you.

1. I will train you as often over this period as I am able for one hour per session, I know I cant plan this in advanced as Heinz is on leave so I'm prepared for the unexpected as they do crop up over this time, I do have a stationary bike at home I can use at night when we watching tv if I can't get to the gym - You will have Xmas day off and the day after Xmas - but I know that training you is very important as you need that to, I have proved this to you over and over the last few months. You need to train!

2. I know all about the good foods with good point values, so will make sure I chose wisely for you - if you want something that I know is not a good food, I will allow you to eat it, but make sure you remember portion control. Eating 2 scoops of ice cream is better than a whole bowl full like you would eat in the past. You will be allowed these bad foods but I will control the amount I give you, so you will never feel deprived.

3. I will be cooking Xmas lunch and buying all the foods for the holiday period, therefore I will not buy foods that will be lying around and be a temptation for you. Yes having chocolate, puddings and Xmas cake etc are all foods that most homes will have this festive season, but its only Heinz and you, and he's not crazy about all those food, so make use of that, buy only what you both enjoy and cook healthy foods for Xmas day.....no roast potato's, nothing wrong with baked sweet potato instead. Make a huge pot of Fat Free WW soup and have that as a starter before your main meal....I will be making a huge bowl of salad and fruit salad for dessert - you will enjoy your meal.

I promise to make this an easy festive season for you....I will look after you - I will make sure you end this festive season happy with yourself that you managed to maintain your weight so that going into 2010 is an easier one where for the first time our new years resolution will not be * TO LOSE WEIGHT* BUT TO MAINTAIN MY WEIGHT. That alone is a wonderful gift I can give you Marcelle.

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I'm excited

2009-12-16T09:43:00.000+01:00

Today has been laundry day in my home....saw this and thought it was good...
I find hanging the washing out, then the ironing the worst part of washing day.

Went to gym this morning - left a lot later than usual as Hubby mentioned a parcel he ordered from Amazon would be arriving either today or tomorrow...so I hung around!
The parcel I believe is my Xmas present, have been told not to open or look at any descriptions on the box, I won't as I love Xmas surprises and my hubby loves giving them to me...I can wait a few more days for sure.

I did a 10kl run on the treadmill today, took me just over an hour. I also met a Italian/German man who could speak English. It was his first day at the gym today - he helped me with the German words that kept on showing up on my screen as I had no idea what it meant. The joys of living in a country where you don't understand the language, not an easy task and please don't tell me I need to learn, I know all that. I have been for lessons, but still I struggle as without practicing the language daily you forget.

I had an awkward experience at gym today....I stood in front of the basin wetting my HR strap before putting it on, a lady came out of the toilets and stood next to me to wash her hands, her odor caught me off guard, I wanted to cough as the smell took my breath away, she stood there for a while, when finished washing her hands she wiped the area ( like a cleaner ) with handtowel. She then continued to the clock rooms. I stood there unable to breath as the air was thick with her horrible body smell....the next minute another woman walks in the area, the smell hits her, you could see the reaction on her face, I was horrified as I knew she thought it was ME who was smelling so bad, then another woman walked in with the same reaction...
I wanted to die...it was such a horrible situation as I'm the kind of trainer who sprays deo under my arms and a splash of perfume on my arms, I do make a point to not have bad body odor smell in the gym or any time!!

I'm so excited I have to tell you all....~American Sarah who is now in Germany due to her hubby being in the army for the next 3 years, is coming with her daughter to spend a few days with me. We met through our blogs, we've chatted on the phone a few times since swapping numbers. Sunday Hubby and I are going to meet her for the first time and bring them back to my home ( reason to put up my Xmas decorations don't you think? )
We plan to take Sarah and her daughter to 3 Xmas markets as she is not able to get out and about with her hubby having to work. I cant explain how excited I am to have someone in my home again and to sit around and chat and do stuff...just stuff!!!!

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My stats

2009-12-15T17:11:00.000+01:00

Photo's with this entry were taken at my grandson's first birthday party last Saturday in Cape Town - they were send to me via email by my daughter who was there with my other 10 month old grandson ...

My son and beautiful daughter in law, my 2 year old grandson and my nephew James who turned one while I was on holiday in Cape Town two months ago.

My princess - The birthday boy on the right and my nephew

Princess and Surfer Dude ( you have to love the hair ) playing together

My Princess looking all suntanned

Below...THE BIRTHDAY BOY WHO TURNED ONE

Today I went to gym - ran for 5kl, did a bit of upper body weights and asked the fitness instructor if he would please do my body fat - BMI etc as I didn't make it to the appointment I had with the female fitness instructor last Friday..

So here they are :)

15/10

Weight 62.6 kg ( 138lbs )

BMI 23.0

Body fat 26.2%

Fat mass 16.4 kg

Fat Free Mass 46.2 kg

Water 33.8 kg

15/12

Weight 60.0 kg ( 132.2 lbs )

BMI - 22.0

Body Fat - 24.5%

Fat Mass - 14.8 kg

Fat Free Mass - 45.2 kg

Water - 33.0 kg

So all round I see lots of improvements over the last two months....My next check in will be January, I hope after the festive/holiday season to either remain the same or have bettered my stats.....I am going to work very hard to make sure it's not going to be on the negative side...my festive challenge for myself.

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Week 3 on WW new plan

2009-12-14T13:44:00.000+01:00

These photo's were taken on Saturday ( below ) and Sunday ( above ) - am enjoying visiting all the smaller Xmas markets close to home - we had our first snowfall on Saturday morning, later a little drizzle, but not for too long before more snow arrived.
I have 29 points to lose weight and 35 weekly bonus points

I have 35 points to maintain and 49 weekly bonus points

My plan is to eat 29 points from Sunday to Thursday and 35 for Friday and Saturday.

My plan does not always work out ...LOL

Monday

Ate 28/29 points

Gained 9 Activity points

Tuesday

Ate 32/29 points

Gained 10 Activity points

Wednesday

Ate 29/29 points

Gained 7 Activity points

Thursday

Ate 33/29 points

Gained 7 Activity points

Friday

Ate 37/35 points

Gained 5 Activity points

Saturday

Ate 35/35 points

Took day off

Sunday

Ate 28/29 points

Took day off

Gained 36 Activity points

Used 17,5 of my 35 extra weekly points

Last week weight - 60.1 kg ( 132.5 lbs )

Today weight in day - 59.2 kg ( 130.5 lbs )

Lost this week .9kg's ( 1 gram away from a kilo ) ( 2.lbs )

I have to share my story - yesterday while at the Alsfeld Xmas market we popped into a coffee shop..as we walked in hubby said * Let's also have cake * I immediately replied * OK * and started to look at the display to find something I could have that didn't have to many calories/points in them...so I chose a doughnut which seems to have carob smeared on the top. We went to our table and waited for our coffee and cake to arrive...The coffee came first with half a slice of fruit cake on the saucer, I started to break pieces off and ate it ( 5 points )...then my doughnut arrived and Heinz's slice of cake. I took one bite of my doughnut and thought...NOPE, NOT GOING TO EAT THIS...IT HAS NOOOOOOOOO TASTED, wasted calories/points, to eat something that doesn't even give me pleasure. No go!!

Hubby was NOT impressed with me, he thought I was making a scene...I told him I would wrap it in a serviette and throw away but I was not going to eat something for the sake of eating it if it had no taste...it was not the shops fault, it was mine, I chose something very boring...

So I walked out with my no tasting doughnut wrapped in a serviette in my coat pocket..now this was the first time I've ever done that, I would have eaten it up with or without even noticing if it had taste or not...

I'm making improvements...I'm noticing...but not in all area's or area's that I feel I should be making improvements in.

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My Heart Sings

2009-12-12T09:08:00.000+01:00

This morning I woke up early, logged on and had a wonderful 30 minute skype chat with my son and his family back home...

I got to sing * Happy Birthday * to my grandson and watch him with his bigger brothers help, open his presents.

( he was more interested in the laptop on the table )

I chatted to my 2 year old grandson -

we love singing the Barnie song * I love you, You love me * his version goes

* I love me, me loves me * too cute I tell you.

What a wonderful way for me to start my Saturday....

I feel so alive, happy and full of the joys of spring.

Wonderful what family time does for one's Soul!

Let my Saturday begin!

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My baby turns ONE

2009-12-11T14:47:00.000+01:00

Looking at the first photo my heart swells with love and pride....Looking at this photo I see my boy holding his boy...so special..nothing like seeing your own child as a parent and a good one at that.
Tomorrow...12th December...this beautiful little boy turns ONE - and I'm not going to be there to celebrate his big day with him.
This is the first 1st birthday I'm missing...I have always planned my holiday back home to fall at birthday time..but this year as I've been home 2x already it was not possible. When I had two grandchildren it was also easier to plan, now I've got four and its impossible to be there for all their birthdays...
Not that he knows his Nana is not there, of course, its his Nana who feels disappointed that she cant be there for him as well as he's her little darling..he's such a good boy, always smiling and such a pleasure!
My daughter who has been in the US working as an Aupair in Virgina for the last 3 months is heading back to Cape Town with the family tomorrow as well...the family have a home in Cape Town, so going there for the summer months...Lovely for my child to be with her family this Christmas - after her birthday experience in US I'm happy that she will be back in Cape Town with people who love her.
We were going to Koln's Xmas market tomorrow, but due to the rainy weather we have decided to go locally - so tomorrow will go visit another Xmas market, one I have been at before and have a few mugs from, if they have something new I will buy one if the same will leave it, but take my camera with to take photo's to share.
This morning I went to gym and did a Step class with my favorite instructor, she gives the lesson in German and as I don't understand much I have to rely on her non verbal queuing, which is very good...so easier to follow than the other instructors. Afterwards I did a quick 20 mins on the elliptical as I'm not feeling that energetic at the moment. I'm struggling to do the smallest things...I know its a phase so allowing myself to just be and not put too much pressure on myself.
I hope everyone has a great Friday and weekend...

I'm looking forward to the final of the X-factor tomorrow night.

The X factor is like American Idol, its a show Simone Cowell owns in the UK...I have my favorite - JOE...now to see who actually wins as all have something special about them.

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Rain, Rain and more rain

2009-12-10T13:02:00.000+01:00

I received these very cute photo's of my granddaughter that were taken at her ballet class this week...at the end of each term family members are allowed to watch the lesson - this is the 2nd ballet class I've been privilaged to see via photo's and video clippings my daughter in law took and shared with me. As a dancer all my life you can just imagine how seeing my granddaughter dance makes me feel. My heart swells with pride.
I still have not put up any Christmas decorations in my home - I have put up the front door decoration and decorated the small tree at our front door so that from the outside we look like festive people...LOL..once inside there's nothing going on. Am sure I'll get to putting up my tree this coming weekend or next week the latest.
Today it has not stopped raining...didnt go to gym, did a 30 mins indoor cycle while watching tv this morning, after the cycle I did some hand weights...trained for one hour but not half as hard as I usually do when I go to gym. Will be going tomorrow as I'm doing the Step class with my favorite instructor and then afterwards will do an express Power Pump class before going and having my measurements and body fat done.
I still have not sent out my Christmas cards.....I look at the pile sitting on the table and cant get myself to get going. Today was my deadline...I wanted them posted...now tomorrow is my deadline. I need to do them now after this entry as I know once done I'll feel better - have no idea why everything is such an effort for me lately....I hope I'm not going into light depression....it happens to me during winter months...I remember last winter a whole week would go by and I never saw another person besides Hubby...and I had South African friends living close by, so you can imagine with me being alone here how easy it is for me to fall back into that habit...Its one of the big reasons I get out to the gym daily, if I don't I can easily be stuck here behind my four walls with my computer and television.

*Let me think happy and joyful thoughts before ending this entry - Hubby has booked for us to spend 3 days in Berlin for New Year - I'm thrilled!! *

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Wednesday's Chitter Chatter

2009-12-09T08:48:00.000+01:00

Last Sunday Hubby and I went to a little town called Schlitz, its the next town to where we live...a lady at the gym told me about this Xmas market and said we should visit...so with our umbrella's we headed off to Schlitz in the rain to see what this little town had to offer...LOL - NOTHING!!
I thought I'd walk around and take photo's of the town's square to share with my blogger friends - it rained all the time we were there, as you can see in the photo's everyone has an umbrella up - I struggled to hold my umbrella in one hand and my camera in the other...I wanted to show you how skew some of the buildings are-to think people actually live inside amazes me.
These type of stalls you don't find at the big city Xmas markets...think most of the stuff for sale at the country towns markets are all home made...
Hubby had a gluhwein and I had a coffee - at 6 points for a mug of gluhwein I don't think its worth it....my coffee had a lot of cream on the top which I scraped off and threw in the closest bin. Didn't need those extra calories - Sunday is the day I try get myself back on track after over eating on Friday and Saturday's...always juggling what I can and can't eat these days when I go out.
Once again I came home with two mugs...these mugs also have the town's name and year on them...I can't keep up...my collection is huge now and there are so many more markets I want to visit before Christmas.

Please note I have a brown coat and new brown boots on in this photo...
We didn't stay at this market for longer than 20 mins. I don't enjoy being out in the rain, I can deal with the cold, but not the rain. It looks like we're not going to the Koln Christmas market this coming Saturday as its going to rain and driving that far to be stuck inside shops is not my idea of fun...Hubby will be on leave for two weeks soon so we will go to Koln during the week and on a day the weather is good. I want to see Koln's Xmas market and get a mug so we will defiantly be going this year.
One guess which one of these little girls is my granddaughter....Yes, she's the cutest one in the middle!!! * giggle * I wish I was there...I wish I was there.....I wish I was there.....but it was not to be. I'm so grateful I have the wonderful daughter in law that I have who makes sure I get to share all my grandchildren's special times via photo's...its fills the huge gap....
It's summer time in South Africa at the moment...its my little grandson's first summer where he's old enough to be able to enjoy the outdoors and pool...saw a video clipping of him that was taken a few moments after this photo - he was having such fun...

Yesterday at gym I did this new machine - 30 mins = 5kl, It felt like I'd spend the whole 30 mins running uphill...this machine gives you 3 different ways of training....I do the running setting as it feels the most comfortable - will over time try the other settings. I hear this machine comes from the US. Do any of my blogger friends from the US know this machine??
I need to get to the post office this morning, then my body to gym....once back home it's a shower and then the basket of ironing that's already been placed in front of the tv for later.....

Let my Wednesday begin!

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Thanks

2009-12-08T20:47:00.000+01:00

Thanks Tania for the blog award...

As everyone knows I love receiving them

and giving them out to other bloggers.

Passing on the love is how I see these awards.

Tania is a fellow South African that I met via blogland

By accepting this award I have to mention 7 things you don't know about me.

1. I was good at sports at school, but only wanted to participate if I was going to win.

I hated losing....

2. I dislike dress up theme parties - never got into them and would rather not go than dress up

It's the whole * making a fool of myself thing * Not being in control...need to be in control

3. I've never smoked and have such a dislike for it, I cant sit in company of smokers without complaining and waving the smoke away from my face.

4. I don't eat red meat. Stopped eating red meat 20 years ago and don't miss it one bit. Am happy to eat chicken and fish.

5. As a teenager I had posters on my wall of The Jackson Five and the Osmond Brothers - was a huge fan and was in *puppy* love with all the boys.

6. I have this thing about *germs* - I don't allow anyone to drink from my glass, asking me for a lick of my ice cream will send me off the wall - I'd rather give you the ice cream and go without.

7. I wear pencil eyeliner and mascara to gym....if I dont I get told * You look so tired today * or * Are you sick *

Well that's a bit about me..

Now I want to pass this award on to other bloggers.

Staci - Weight Loss Mama

Tamara - One last kick at the cat

Gillian - A Peek Into Our Lives

Mia - A Journey To Thin

Steffi - Mausbar's - Nahkiste

Sarah - Project Five - OH

Sarah - An Army's Wife's Life

Syl - Live, Smile, Run

Debbie - De-Puffing Pixie With Weight Watchers

Patsy - Musing on a 100lbs

There are so many blogs that I read daily and comment on - I know so many of you have said you don't do the blog awards and dislike the one's where you have to write things...so I hope I have not nominated you with this one - I try listen and take note of each bloggers likes and dislikes when it comes to awards...As I said, I love them!!

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I Got Spoilt

2009-12-08T08:14:00.000+01:00

Yesterday as I got home from gym I noticed the post lady standing at my front door...she came over to my car when she saw me arrive and said she had a parcel for Mrs W..... was that me...

"Yes that's me" - But who would be sending me a parcel, we hadn't ordered anything!

I quickly signed for it and rushed inside - typical me, I don't have patience to open it nicely, I ripped it open...

Inside I found a burgundy winter top, a beautiful pillow ( haven't had time to take photo but will ) and a canvas bag ( Robbie Williams collection )

I knew immediately when I saw the pillow who had sent me the gift as I had seen this pillow in her blog...I was so touched I stood there crying...that someone whom I've never met actually thought of me, she sat down one day and sewed me a top, a pillow and bought me a bag - ME...I had to share this with someone, so called Hubby who was at work and told him...his first reaction was * what have you done to deserve such kindness from her * and I knew I'd done nothing...that was the worst part, I hadn't done anything special, she did this out of her own for me. This lady has shown me so much kindness - she made my granddaughter boxes of clothing - she's sent me a book in English to read by a famous German comedian and so much more.

Right now I'm struggling to send out Xmas cards - and then I see what other people do for others and I feel so guilty. I honestly need to get my act together, I need to start thinking of others more and not what others are not doing for me!

Steffi

I dont have enough words to praise your kindness to me

You have touched my life in ways you will never understand

You have a heart of gold

I'm so pleased we became blogger friends

We met when your daughter went to Cape Town to work for a year...

That was our special connection and from there its grown

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

Week 2 on new WW update

2009-12-07T14:40:00.000+01:00

I've added the Christmas market photo's to this entry

Monday

I did 30 mins on the elliptical

Ran 5kl in 32mins

Taught a Dance aerobic class

Ate 28 of my 29 points

Weight 60.1kg's ( 132.5 lbs )
Tuesday

Cycled 30 mins

Ran/Walked for 30 mins

Did a Weight workout for 30 mins

Ate 29 of my 29 points
Wednesday

Ran for 60 mins - 8kl

Ate 28 of my 29 points

Weight 60.2 kg's ( 132.7 lbs )
Thursday

THE WHEELS CAME OFF

TOOK THE DAY OFF from training

Ate 33 of the 29 points
Friday

Attended a Step class for an hour

Ran for 32 mins

Weights workout for 30 mins

Ate 39 of the 35 points
Saturday

Took the day off

Walked around the Xmas market

Ate 39 of the 35 points allowed

Sunday

Elliptical workout for 30 mins

Weights for 30 mins

Weight 60.6kg's ( 133.6 lbs )

Ate 33 of the 29 points allowed

My week...I had 35 weekly points of which I ended the week with 10.5 points left over
My activity points I earned this week totals 51 - those I didnt use so get saved...

This morning my weigh in day I am 60.5 kg's

I think I'm getting this new program and liking it.

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Sunday's update

2009-12-06T14:40:00.000+01:00

Happy Sunday to you all....the photo's with my entry today I took yesterday while walking through the town towards the Christmas market. I thought I'd share the town's photo's with you as this part of the Germany is in the East, which was under communist rule for many years after the 2nd World War. The East side still has tram in the city, something our side of Germany no longer has. I love the feel of East Germany.

I said to Hubby while walking around that the people from the East were also a little different to our side...much friendlier and also a little more in with the current fashion trends...neat and looked like they take good care of themselves. Hubby agreed - he said he also found that in his work industry as well. I told him I wouldn't mind moving to the East should he ever need to with work. I could see myself being quite happy there.
Today...Sunday, Hubby and I went to gym this morning...I did the elliptical for 30 minutes at a high level and fast pace, got my Heart Rate up and out of the fatburning zone with lots of work. Then did 30 mins weights...I saw this program in the Shape magazine....you do 3 sets...1st on light, 30 reps, then a little heavier, 20 reps, then heavier for 15 reps...Can feel the difference to when I do 3 sets of 16 reps.
This afternoon Hubby and I went to a Christmas market in a town close by, it was raining so we didn't stay long, I got two more mugs for my collection - walked around and took more photo's to add to my blog once I've finished showing you the photo's I took yesterday...These two photo's of Hubby and I drinking gluhwein were taken yesterday - our first pit stop before the Christmas market...those photo's to come tomorrow...

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5 Years ago today....I moved to Germany

2009-12-05T18:43:00.000+01:00

Me drinking red gluhwein - 6 points for 200ml's

I wanted that mug for my collection, the mug has the town's name and year engraved on it...

I drank half then threw the rest away - tasted so good and warmed me up but with those extra 3 points hanging over my head I just couldn't.

Today Hubby and I went to a town called Eufurt - its a two hour drive from where we live.

I want to experience different Christmas market's this year.

Today 5 years ago I arrived in Germany -which means this is my 5th Christmas away from my family...

The photo's I'm showing with this entry I took from where we parked the car into the city center, heading towards the Christmas market area.
I'll show you the Christmas market with this coming weeks entries.
So many I can't chose one's to show ..and not too clear as difficult to take with people walking in front of you or pushing you from behind...

It was 5 degrees Celsius today, not too bad.

The only thing I hate about the cold weather is my nose runs and my eye's stream to begin with, then slowly they get used to the cold, but my nose I have to keep blowing and it makes me sound and look as if I have the flu!!

I was able to buy another pair of boots today.....I bought two pairs two months ago and find the brown pair hurt me, I have a high instep from dancing and the strap catches that area across my foot...so have not worn it that often due to this...today I found a flat pair of brown lower boots with lovely sheep skin inside...am sure you are all tired of seeing me in my black coat wearing my black boots, now I can wear my brown coat with new brown boots...LOL...winter photo's I find hubby and I always seem to be wearing the same clothing due to the coats and shoes. You never get to show what you wearing under the coat when outdoors.

It was great to be outdoors in the fresh air today -

we did lots of walking...

Which I needed as I ate too many points on bad calorie foods

Burger King doughnut filled with vanilla - 9 points

Gluhwein - 4 points

Jelly sweets - 10 points

It happens so quickly at these Christmas markets

I resisted the nuts, the fruit covered in chocolate, the fish rolls and so many more

Things I would normal eat when at a Christmas market.

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Thanks Blogger Friends

2009-12-04T19:41:00.000+01:00

This used to be me...when I see this photograph it brings back many memories of how i used to pose in front of the camera...When sitting on the couch like this photo, I always put the pillows up against my stomach, didn't want my bulge showing - I actually sat like this even when not posing for a photo...it comforted me hiding behind pillows.

When I posed with another person for the photo, I always made sure they stood in front of me, with me holding them from the back. I hated my huge breasts and stomach - I have so many photo's with me standing behind someone.

The last two days all I've wanted to do is EAT...gosh, have I been struggling to keep myself away from food, the wrong foods of course.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave me a comment regarding me not being in the mood to decorate my home this Christmas. What I love about blogging is I can put how I'm feeling out there, get comments to make me see all sides of the coin and from there I feel uplifted from your understanding my situation and idea's on how to get around it - so I have given what you all said some thought - I will put up my tree next week and then have a webcam chat with my little grandchildren and show it to them, that way I get to share it - my granddaughter who's 4 and a half will appreciate seeing her Nana's Christmas tree.

I see all around the neighborhood decorations are going up, on the windows and lots of lights on the outside of the homes, seeing this does uplift one's spirit...I'll get there. I will...

Thank you my blogger friends...

Have a great weekend

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

Not In The Mood

2009-12-03T16:15:00.000+01:00

South African's together last year for Christmas lunch -

what a fun time we all had that day.

Last year I visited Nuremburg's famous Christmas market

The year before Hubby and I spend Christmas in Berlin

I'm honestly not looking forward to Christmas this year....I can't even get myself to put up all my lovely Christmas decorations. Today when I drove up the driveway I saw my neighbor had put all her decorations up on her front door, on the Xmas tree at the front door...my heart sank...this year is the first year its Hubby and I alone and no one to share the decorations with. No children to decorate for either. The other day I mentioned to hubby that I was struggling and that I didn't feel like decorating..he was so concerned...he wanted to know why...last year I wanted so many new decorations and now this year I'm not wanting to put them up...Right now its too much of an effort for me...maybe the closer I get to Christmas the feeling will come back...but right now I'm not in the mood and keep asking myself...WHY decorate for whom?? Hubby and I...
We have planned to do lots of Christmas markets this year....this Saturday we going to Erfurt my first visit to the famous Christmas market...then next Saturday we going to Koln and the following Saturday to Rudesheim ( loved this one the most so far ) - in between will be visiting the smaller Christmas markets during the week...Will be blogging all about it so you'll hear more as it happens.

Thursday's Update

This morning I skipped gym, instead went to the German woman I met in the Step class 4 weeks ago for coffee - was really lovely - so relaxing. We planned to meet again next week.

Then this afternoon I went for hi-lights to freshen my color and a trim...so feel a lot fresher and ready for the festive season ( lol ) Monday it's nails then all set!! I'm such a girl I know.

I got home from the hairdresser and attacked the biscuit tin, I had 5 butter biscuits....5!!!!!

I never buy biscuits for this reason, if they're in my house they call my name....there will be no biscuits, nuts, chips etc in this house over the festive season as Marcelle cant keep away from them if they close by...

Rather safe than sorry.

Not teaching Dance Aerobics this evening as I went on Monday, Hall is being used this evening.

Tomorrow it's gym and ironing!!! ( I have such a busy life don't I )

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

Did I really??

2009-12-02T12:46:00.000+01:00

These jeans were the biggest I've ever worn...size 44 ( 18 )

When I first moved to Germany I got very confused when buying jeans. I would head straight for the size 36 ( 12 ) only to find I couldn't fit into them, this really upset and shocked me, I knew I'd picked up weight but really those 36's were so so small. My friend Cazzie explained to me that if I was a size 36 in SA I would have to look at a size 40 in Germany...so this meant when I started buying jeans I had to buy them at sizes 40/42, the 42's fitted me comfortably, every now and again those 40's would fit, after I did a week or two of crash dieting. I was very good at those 2 weeks crash diets, only to pick the weight up again and have to wear my now very comfortable size 42's. I will never forget the day I had to buy size 44 - it was a huge shock to me. Had I really picked up so much weight....I hated the scale so never climbed on it, when I did I got so depressed and felt down for days, it was not worth climbing on the scale.

NOW

I'm wearing size 9 jeans....have never as an adult worn a South African size 9...a 10 when I was thin but mostly size 12...not sure what my German size will be as the last pair of jeans I bought I bought while on holiday in Cape Town.....3 pairs!!

Will have to go to the shops and see what size I am without buying...

Thanks to Diane from Fit To The Finish for this lovely award.

Diane is one of my favorite bloggers, she is someone I admire and lean on at times of struggle as she has maintained her weight loss for a few years now.

A journey I've started and hope to be as successful at, as she has.

I would like to pass this award on to Melissa

What an amazing mother and athlete

I admire how she has combined motherhood with her training schedule

She is to be admired ...and I do admire her.

Please pop over and take a look at her body!!!

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

My Hobby

2009-12-01T15:01:00.000+01:00

I loved taking photo's of my friend and her family...my journey with her started when she moved to Germany for a 2 year working contract. Her hubby works for the same company as my hubby. My first photo session was with the couple expecting their first child...then with the new born and there after every few months they would come over and do a sitting for me. I loved photographing my friend, she was such a natural in front of the camera, a beautiful woman to photograph, she was always laughing...such good energy around her.
A few weeks before they left Germany to return to our home country - South Africa - my friend gave birth to her 2nd child...I was not able to take photo's of them as a family as she was so busy with two little one's and then the major move back home 4 weeks after giving birth.
When I went home earlier this year to see my family I stopped over in Pretoria on my way back to Germany to visit my friend to see how she and her little family had settled back into life in South African - of course a family photo shoot was on the cards, there was no ways I was leaving without taking photo's of them as here in Germany I struggle to find families who will allow me to take photo's and trust me I've asked and spread the word amongst the people living close by with children.

* My dear friend, I miss you so much,

I miss your cups of coffee and our visits -

I miss YOU*

Tuesday's Update

I struggled to get my body to the gym this morning...I was so tempted to stay home and see *if* I felt in the mood to go with hubby this evening...as always when I get out of bed every morning I put my gym gear on - it's a way of telling myself that GYM IS WHERE I'M GOING FIRST BEFORE MY DAY STARTS! -

I had my friend on Twitter give me the push I needed this morning when I told her I was feeling lazy, it worked as I climbed into my car and drove myself down, not too sure what I was going to do as really, really not in the mood to break out in a sweat.

So for someone who was not in the mood I did the following.

Cycled for 30 mins - and broke out in a sweat.

Did 30 mins weights on machines for upper and lower body

Went to the treadmill and walked for 500m then ran for 500m for another 30 mins..

Left the gym feeling good that I had managed to push myself when *not in the mood*

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

First Week On WW New Plan

2009-11-30T15:05:00.000+01:00

Monday

I gained weight after having 3 bad days over last weekend -

Monday morning I weighed in at 61.4 kg's ( 135.4lbs )

I cycled for 60 minutes at home on my stationary bike.

I used all my 29 points allowed

Gained 6 activity bonus points I didn't use.

Tuesday

Weight - 61.2 kg's ( 134.9 lbs )

Walked and ran for 75 minutes

Did 20 mins weights

Gained 12 activity bonus points which I didn't use

Ate 29 points

Wednesday

Weight - 60.6kg's ( 133.6 lbs )

Did 30 mins on the elliptical - 30 mins ran on treadmill

Gained 10 Activity bonus points which I didn't use

Ate 29 Points

Thursday

Weight - 59.9kg's ( 132.1 lbs )

Did no training at gym that morning

Evening taught a dance aerobic class

Gained 3 Activity bonus points which I didn't use

Ate 29 points

Friday

Weight - 60.4 kg's ( 133.2 lbs )

Step class

Gained 5 Activity bonus points

Ate 35 points

Went over by 6

Saturday

Off day so didn't train nor weigh in

Ate 33 points

Went over by 4

Sunday

Weight 60.5kg's ( 133.4 lbs )

Ran on treadmill for 60 mins, did 8kl

Gained 10 Activity bonus points

Ate 29 points.

My program

To lose weight I can eat 29 points and have 35 extra week points

To maintain I can eat 35 points and have 49 extra week points

I kept to my 29 points to lose 5 x last week

Two days ate my maintaining amount of points of 35

I gained a total of 46 Activity points this week.

My personal thoughts.

Yes, I lost the weight I gained with me relaxing a little bit for hubby's birthday weekend...

But...I cannot see myself eating 35 points a day with the 49 weekly extra points and NOT GAINING.

I've decided for myself that I'm going to keep to 29 points from Sunday to Thursday and eat the 35 allowed on Friday and Saturday - those two days are always harder - I'm not going to eat into my activity points nor my weekly extra...Knowing my body - this is the only way I'm going to be able to maintain my current weight, as 60 kg's ( 132.3 lbs )is my goal weight for my height ( 5f5 - 165 ) and age.

It really surprises me when I read blogs and see others on WW who are able to lose weight when eating their activity and weekly bonus points. I just can't see how that's possible. For me personally I've never eaten into my activity points and have only carried 12 points over for a night out - and still lost very slowly.

I know our bodies are all very different and after being on the WW program for 10 months now I've seen that I have to be a lot stricter on myself...maybe its also cause I'm going into menopause and this time of a women's life its hard to lose the weight...

I will continue my journey with my new WW program...over the festive season I will be grateful for those weekly extra points...but till then I'm sticking to my plan.

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

Sunday's Chat

2009-11-29T15:18:00.000+01:00

Looking at these photo's do you see a little boy with a chocolate face???

Well I did as well...

Then heard...

* It's not chocolate it's a brown marker pen *

My son and daughter in law have their hands full with two little boys under the age of 2 and a half...
Can you imagine their household as these boys grow up with them being so close in age.

Blogland has been very quiet the last two days...I spend sometime on Friday evening cleaning out my blogroll...I've decided to keep in touch with bloggers who are more interactive with me personally and of course blogs I enjoy reading and commenting on.

My thoughts are with my daughter who lives in Cape Town, she's moving home tomorrow - I know with a little one it's not that easy to move, I wish I was there to take the little boy off her hands.

My youngest daughter who is in the USA mentioned that her boss was coming to Germany from next Wednesday to Sunday...I was really hoping my daughter and the little girl she is looking after could come and spend that time with me - but with needing a visa for Germany I can't see this happening in time. A mommy can dream now can't she!

My amazing daughter in law who owns her own Fashion Design school in Cape Town had their yearly end of the year fashion show for the students to show off their work last night..this is always such a busy time for the school...my thoughts were with her last night...now to hear how it went.

Sunday

This morning Heinz and I went to gym after breakfast and a latish lie in...

I did an 8kl run on the treadmill and then a few upper body workouts on the machines.

Got home - showered and started cooking lunch.

It's 10 degrees today, not bad if I think back to the last couple of years at this time, normally we've had our first snowfall and its really cold...so making the most of the * good * winter's weather as I know it won't last much longer.

Tomorrow will be my first week on the new WW program so will do an entry about how I found it and my daily points visa's the weight I gained/stayed the same or lost. Am interested to see tomorrow as well.

I will also share what thoughts I have with regards to the new points and how I'm going to work them into my day to day life...

I hope everyone has or had a great Sunday and that next week is a good one for us ALL.

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

Saturday Visiting Wetzler

2009-11-28T17:55:00.000+01:00

As you can see it rained

This photo was taken as we walked over from the new to the older part of town to the Xmas market area.

The rain came down and never stopped once!!

So...no photo's were taken by me, only by hubby who took a few of me....

Honestly, I'm such a girl and I don't enjoy getting wet, being cold I dislike, but can deal with it, but cold and wet...that's just not on for me...I had my camera around my neck but found it impossible to hold the umbrella and snap away...and everything looks *ugly* in weather like that...will be going to lots more Xmas markets this coming month so will still be able to share them with you - by Xmas time you all will be so tired of my Xmas market photo's.

It was good to get out in the fresh air today. We walked through the town under our umbrella's, still managing to participate in my one love * shopping *...and eating out, not having to cook!! Today we had lunch at Subways...My usual roll that used to be 5 points on the old WW system is now 8 points without sauce, so didn't add sauce...it tasted good without so will continue without in the future.

I bought 6 pieces of sushi from the sushi bar for dinner...so that's what I'm going to be having later - oh just seen the time ( 18.04 ) will be eating my dinner after I press *publish post*...LOL...am looking forward to dinner this evening, the last time I ate sushi was in Cape Town with my daughter.

Hope you all having/had a good Saturday.

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

Catching up

2009-11-27T13:51:00.000+01:00

Thanks so much to Marka for giving my blog this award.

I feel very honored that he thought of me when he had to nominate blogs he enjoyed.

A BIG THANK YOU MARKA...

I'm passing this award on to the following FIVE blogs

Diane from Fit To The Finish

Fran from Dutch Girl Get's Healthy

Sarah from Project Five - OH

Syl from Live, Smile Run

Corey from Living and Loving Every Minute Of It

Friday's update.

Last night I went to teach my dance aerobic class...came home so frustrated as the floor is covered in light dust and is so slippery, I'm tired of complaining about the floor and telling everyone that its very dangerous to workout on a floor where it feels like you're moving on ice..someone will have to hurt themselves first before something get's done... hopefully it will not be me.

Today I attended a Step class...decided to walk up to a woman I always see and start chatting to her before the class started....in English..she replied, in English...LOL. So now I've made another gym friend, she only gets to gym once a week on a Friday. The other girl I met was also at gym today, we've decided to meet at her house for coffee next week - cant remember if it was for Monday or Thursday...at 10am. Will have to call her and find out which day..

After the Step class I ran for 33 mins - did a 5kl on the treadmill then went home. One hour and 30 mins of cardio was enough for me.

Tomorrow is my off day....we're going to Wetzler to the Xmas market, something I'm looking forward to as Wetzler is such a beautiful town in Germany. Will be taking my camera with me...its been ages since I last used my camera and for someone who says Photography is my favorite hobby it's a very sad situation I find myself in...I love photographing people, here in Germany with all my SA friends having returned I don't get that pleasure anymore...will have to arrange with my new friends that I take family pics of them. * the idea just hit me now *

Have a fantastic weekend everyone.

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

Thursday

2009-11-26T13:36:00.000+01:00

I didn't go to gym this morning...instead I did ( am busy ) with the two baskets of ironing...

Part of me feels very guilty for not going

The other part reminds me that I'm going to be teaching a class this evening, so OK....

Will end up doing something...

Then the other side reminds me that the floor is very slippery and I never burn more than 250 calories so should actually go to gym and do a better workout.

Today...I'm too lazy!!

I'm going to blame it on the Americans...

They're having a holiday and now I'm in holiday mood as well...LOL

All the American's fault I tell you!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends/readers

I'm thankful for my beautiful grandchildren....

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

My Precious Angels

2009-11-25T14:19:00.000+01:00

I have to admit I'm a very proud Nana, am sure you've know this already as I love posting photo's and updates of my 4 beautiful grandchildren. I thought today I'd share a little more about myself - I have in the past when my blog was very new, but now have a whole new group of blogger friends who don't know that part of me - so will share.

I always get comments saying * You too young to be a Nana *
I became a Nana at the age of 42...it was one of the happiest days in my life when my son told me I was going to become a grandmother..he thought I would be upset and say *I'm too young*- not me. The idea of being a grandmother appealed to me...even at that age. I adore children...little people and love babies...
I fell pregnant at 15 years old, had my daughter at 16, my son at 17 and my youngest daughter at 24. I've learnt to be open and honest about this part of my life, its my life, its what happened to me...its what makes me the me I am today. So this is why at 42 I found myself becoming a granny as my son of 24 and his wife were expecting their first child ...now nearly 5 years later they have these amazing three...My three babies that I love, miss and long to hold and play with.

Weight Update

Went to gym this morning, did lots of cardio....

30 mins on the elliptical

32 mins running on treadmill for 5kl

Weight 59.9kg ( 132.1lbs )

Day 3 on new WW program...going well.

Off to WW meeting this evening, need to swap the books for the new one's.

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~

My Mojo Is Back

2009-11-24T14:53:00.000+01:00

The top photo is of me now and the rest is of me the way I used to be.....It's a reminder for me, ( this is my blog ) of me at a weight I was my unhappiest - Gosh, my boobs were so huge and I was wearing a size 42 pair of jeans ( grew into a size 44 last year )

Is the NOW not so much healthier looking??

Thanks sooooooo much to everyone who left me comments on my last entry about me having gained a little weight. The whole idea of that entry was to share how quickly a gain can happen even with eating *pretty well* and training. Sometime we think we should be losing cause we do everything right, this is not always the case. I now think it was water retention as I've not been to the loo as often has I have the last day or two....will have to check what I ate to see what could have caused so much water retention - I do know restaurant foods normally have more salt in them than foods I cook at home...
This morning I climbed on the scale, am now only 400 grams over my goal weight, which is fine...I'm happy with that...lost a kilo ( 2.2lbs) over night - did get up 3 times last night for the loo....and today had to jump off the treadmill and run down to the loo, cannot run with a full bladder, this situation has never happened before...which is why I'm putting that high gain to water retention...what you think, could I be right?

Look at my fat belly sticking out

A few blogger thought that my gain could be the new WW program I mentioned....It's not possible as I only started the new program yesterday....I started the new program on a MONDAY...LOL - everyone starts their diets on a Monday...me too!!

I do admit the gain gave me a wake up call _ I need to be on top of what I put into my mouth - I also felt I wanted to share it with everyone as I see from reading blogs that so many weight loss bloggers weight goes up and down without them understanding why...This was my first gain since I started this journey in February this year...so bare with me, it took me by surprise...but a good one as I now have my mojo back!!!

~ Thanks for visiting my blog ~