Sometimes · it's · hard · to · be · a · goddess...

Today's contemplation:


I think the world is trying to tell me something... LOL

Today's piece of Wicked Women's Wit:  The chief thing I learnt at school was how to tell lies.  - Gwen Raverat

Wow, I must be the world's slackest journaller :(  Apologies to those who actually have an interest in my life LOL

So let's catch up...

I completed another semester of my law studies in June.  Even with a full-time study load and full-time work I managed my best results of all my years of study - 2 distinctions and a credit!!  Very excited by that, but now under pressure to maintain that level of commitment for my final semester.

Yes, boys and girls, I'm finally going to graduate.  I have only 2 units to complete this semester and I have my Associate Degree in Law.  Not quite as impressive as a 'proper' LLB, but after slogging it out at ANU for far too long at least this qualification puts my time (and piles of HECS!) to good use.  I won't be able to register as a lawyer, but will be able to work as a paralegal - so I'm a pretend lawyer I guess LOL

This week I transferred jobs - same department but a different area and different type of work.  Sadly, after only one day I've been knocked down by a cold and am feeling miserable.  On the upside, I'm almost through the first topic of one of my uni courses so I won't complain.

No other news to tell, my life is pretty ordinary.  Oh, except for the excitement of husband splitting his head about a week ago!  Spent a lovely night in Canberra Hospitals's emergency department watching him get stitched up and trying to get him to stop panicking about the blood, the needles, the stitches, the fact that he wasn't at home, blah blah blah.  But all is now well - he got the stitches out on Monday night and apart from feeling like a total goose and having a nice scar developing, he's fine.  He keeps inventing ever-more ingenuous stories to explain how it happened as the actual explanation is relatively dull - and he's actually convinced people that some of them are true! Very cheeky.

Will try to be more in touch but I'm not making any promises - you know how it goes.

As Jeff would say, I loves youse all!

That's right, it's party night!!  Joining a group of friends and acquaintances, and several thousand complete strangers, to party hearty with Brooks & Dunn... really looking forward to this as my friend's partner and his brother (an acquaintance of my husband's) play with Steve Forde, who happens to be the support act for this show.  Very exciting for all. 

Will give you an update once I recover tomorrow!! 

Today's piece of wicked wit:  The same reason that some people don't like your music is the same reason that other people do. - Kirsty MacColl

Yep, another year older and that's about it LOL  

Realised it's been forever since I posted so figured today would be a good day as I actually have things to share.  

The day has started well.  Got some lovely gifts from husband - lots of pampering spa treatments, perfume, an evening bag and... motorcycle boots.  Yep, motorcycle boots!  Need them though as I have a motorcycle gathering dust so now I'm fully kitted up and have no excuse but to learn to ride the darned thing :)  About time really.  And practical considering we're a 2-job-1-car household.  

In fact, we're about to jump on husband's bike and head down to the coast for the day.  This will be longest trip on the bike so far so will be interesting.  Should have lots of lovely things to tell you tomorrow and can think about what I want to achieve in this next year of my life.  

Update:  Well what a fun day!  Had a great ride to Batemans Bay, my first actual trip on the motorcycle.  Beautiful weather, not much traffic and a lovely lunch by the water at our destination.  Had some lovely grilled fish with salad and a glass of wine.  Worked it off by spending the afternoon walking around Birdland, hand-feeding the wildlife.  Cuddled a lovely baby wombat named Bailey who snuggled into my neck and nodded off as soon as he was handed to me.  Got some amusing photos of that and of me feeding wallaroos, kangaroos, alpacas, ostriches, a deer etc etc.  

Got back to Canberra about 1830.  Uncle arrived straight away to give me a gift card to a bookstore - he knows I love books but I don't know where I'm going to put any more!!  Oh well, better get reading and giving away. 

Headed off to O Stratos for a lovely Greek meal.  Got husband to try some new things - I could see he wasn't hugely excited by the result but he had a go and said it was nice food but not necessarily something he'd try again.  On the plus side, he is planning to visit the restaurant again with some friends so I'll steer him towards the easier dishes next time.  More lovely wine and an early night made the perfect end to a really nice day.   

Today's piece of Wicked Wit:  All your age says about you is how long you've been alive. - Reverend Dianna Gwilliams

You don't always come out the winner :p  

Yes, karaoke can be like war... ok, maybe not war but certainly a bit of a bitch fight LOL 

Saturday night saw the final of the Cooper's comp at PJ O'Reilly's.  I made it to the final 5 - the judges couldn't pick 3 outright winners straight away and we had to have a 'sing off' with the KJ choosing our final song!  Talk about nerves.  Anyway, the long and the short of it is that I didn't win but I'm cool with that :)  

What I'm not cool with is that the chick that did win wasn't the best singer, or even the best overall performer.  The guys that placed 2nd and 3rd were stronger singers (and stronger than me I might add) and had more presence and personality.  So I have to wonder... was it a singing contest or a support-the-pub/popularity contest.  Sure, she got a good audience response for her songs because she had friends with her, as did everyone else performing (you've got to have a personal cheer squad just in case everyone else thinks you suck... LOL).  But most of the rest of us got good crowd response too.  

I know this sounds like sour grapes, but it's not that I'm sorry I didn't win.  Like I said, there were other performers that I knew straight up were going to beat me because they were good singers and got a good reaction from people.  Winning isn't the point.  Having good singers beaten by someone because they are a regular/prettier/have more friends with them is the point.  

Anyway, I'll get off my soap box now - here's hoping the next comp is about the music!  

On an up note, I bought a motorcycle jacket on Saturday.  So now I won't freeze when I ride.  Well, my legs still get a bit breezy if I forget to wear long socks under my jeans - at least until I get boots.  Of course, it doesn't make my riding ability any better but I do look very cool now :) 

Work to do... may not post again for a little while as I need to focus on using my computer only for good (ie actually doing my uni stuff and not just buggerising around!). 

Wicked Women's Wit of the Week:  Everyone wants to ride in the limo with you, but what you need is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.  - Oprah Winfrey

And sing out loud and strong I did!!  I seem to have got myself in a run of karaoke comps recently.  

Last night I was in (and made my way through) a Cooper's-sponsored semi-final at a local 'Irish' pub.  At 1230am was too tired to hang around for the results, but was informed this morning that I'm in the final next Saturday.  Better have a think about song choice a little sooner than 5 minutes after I walk in the door LOL  

And I'm waiting for a call about the date for a semi-final at another venue.  Much keener to make it through that one - first prize is $1000 cash!  A little more inspiring for me than a bunch of Cooper's merchandise and beer - not that I'll turn it down if I win LOL  I'm sure husband and the lads will find a use for all that brew.  

So my study-filled early nights are being hijacked... but I'll cope.  

Feeling a little overwhelmed with uni at the moment - a lot of reading and writing to do and a weird group assignment for my business management unit.  We're all enrolled in the unit externally, so as well as being a group assignment (which I usually do not enjoy) it's all being done online.  Interesting, but a little frustrating.  We're trying to work out the IM program the uni has given us so we can set up some real time chats to work it all out.  

Have been inducted into the cult of iPod!!  Got sent a free shuffle (the tiny little bulldog clip style one) by my walking group (www.walkingwithattitude.com.au) as a prize from a recent walking challenge.  So now I'm trying to get it loaded up with all my CDs and maybe try to download some stuff from iTunes (they also sent me a spending voucher).  I have resisted the iPod on the grounds of pure principle (if it's that popular, why would I want to be one of the crowd type of thing) but, hey, it's free :)  You've gotta like that.  And it's a very lovely shiny shade of green so works nicely with my currently almost totally grey and black wardrobe.  

I'm refusing to buy new clothes for as long as possible - have lost approximately 8.5kg so far with about another 10-12kg to go depending on how I feel and how my shape tones up.  Thank goodness shoes and handbags don't rely on my weight to fit LOL 

Did have to cave and buy some jeans last week though - that baggy paper-bag waist thing is so 1982!!  Been there, done that the first time - I'm pretty sure that's some kind of fashion rule.  If you wore it the first time round, don't have another go for the comeback.  Thank goodness... I was an 80s and 90s fashion victim and do not want to relive any of that. 

Nothing else to tell - sadly life continues to be as boring and day-to-day as usual.  

Be well. 

Ok, maybe not wild - but I am now an official learner motorcycle rider!

Spent the past 2 mornings (9 hours) doing the pre-learner riding course with Stay Upright so that tomorrow I can go and get my motorcycle learner's permit. Then I can finally take little 'piglet' out on the road. Yes, that's the nickname my little bike has earned - it's a Honda "Rebel" CA250, which my husband decided looks like a mini HOG. Hence, piglet. Kind of verging on embarrasing but at least it's not pink! That would be too much.

I still have heaps to learn and lots of nerves, but I'm glad I can now start putting some stuff into practice and building up to getting my Ps then a full motorcycle licence (and at some point on that continuum, a real-sized bike). So you won't see me hooning down the highway any time soon, but I will be riding on Canberra's streets very soon - you have been warned LOL

In other news, I'm now 3 weeks back into uni. Taking 3 units this semester - that's one more than last time. It's a big load when you're working full-time but I'm committed to doing it and doing it well. Work gives me 4 hours a week study leave, plus any flex I accumulate, so it's not bad. They're also giving me time off at the end of November/semester 2 to attend an intensive summer unit. So if all goes to plan, that leaves 2 units for semester 1 next year and I'll finally be able to call myself a university graduate. 7 years after I started... not bad ;)

Nothing else to tell. Will hopefully post some photos of me doing the biker chick thing soon - that will give you all a good laugh without doubt!

Better get back to the books now...

Taken from my LJ (and real life) buddy queensaiyan because I figured 2 posts in one day might make up for the slackness I have displayed recently :D

1. Story behind your LJ Layout?
It's a template. I like the style.

2. What's bothering you right now?
That I have such a scheduled life I can't work out what to do with the next 2 weeks study-free time... what a loser.

3. Do you close the door when you pee?
Of course - ewww.

DESCRIBE YOUR:
4. Wallet?
Tan leather from Fossil. I think it's actually a man's wallet but it's functional and matches my favourite handbag and boots.

5. Wallpaper on your computer's desktop?
Some dodgy preset that husband put on there when attempting to fix computer. Have now changed it to far more interesting old-style poster that says "Coffee - do stupid things faster with more energy". It amuses me...

6. Background on your cell phone?
The opening animation shot from Bewitched where Samantha flies over the city on her broomstick. Chris put it on there for me years ago to reflect both my pagan tendencies and my amusement with all things 50s/60s retro schtik.

7. Jewelry worn daily?
Engagement ring, wedding ring, gold chain with gold pentacle pendant, earrings (but the type varies). In summer, add my gold ankle chain.

8. Where your default icon was taken?
Default is a pic of me taken by a professional photographer in late 2004. It was belated use of my 30th birthday present and I like it.

9. Eyes:
Hazel.

10. Life?
Ultimately fatal.

11. House:
Rented, tidy, warm.

WHAT ARE YOU:
12. Doing this weekend?
Watching TV, reading books, wasting time. Socialised last night but still managed to come home sober - sweet!

13. Wearing:
Red velour trackies, white t-shirt, socks no shoes - so chic.

14. Wanting?
Everything! Now! To finally buy a house... sigh.

15. Where are you?
Home, typing on my computer. Later, on the couch.

16. Listening to?
Printer hum.

17. Have you ever kissed anyone named John?
Only socially - have an uncle and a friend by that name.

18. What do you smell like?
Me, which apparently smells good. Figured it was best to get an independent opinion on that one.

19. Eating?
Nothing right now, which is unusual for me. Although tummy says it's lunchtime... will have to find some snackage.

20. Besides your bed, what is your favorite thing?
Breathing. Without that, there's little else to enjoy.

21. Do you believe in a soul mate?
It's possible, but I think it takes more work than that concept allows.

22. Do you sleep naked?
Yep! Unless I'm staying somewhere that involves use of a couch or other sleeping arrangements where I'm visible by those other than husband... then jammies are involved.

24. Do you believe dreams come true?
Depends on your meaning of dreams. If you mean do I believe in actual dream state memories being prophetic, not sure. If you mean do I believe that if you have a wish/longing/dream you can make it happen, then sure. But just dreaming isn't enough.

25. Do you believe in miracles?
Not sure I'd use that term as it has too many religious connotations for my taste, but I believe that freakish things happen for which we can find no logical explanation at the time.

26. Do you burn easily in the sun?
Nope. And on the rare occasions that I turn pink, it's a 24-hour to brown moment.

27. Do you speak another language other than English?
Nope, but I can order food and swear in several :)

28. What's something you wish you could understand better?
Why people do such horrendous things to one another, so I could help stop it.

29. What did you do last weekend?
Socialised with friends, watched movies, cleaned house.

30. Who do you miss?
It varies dependent on the day and level of intoxication LOL

31. Have you ever been in a beauty pageant?
Eww, gross.

32. Orange or apple juice?
With what? I'm not really a juice drinker generally, and when I do I like combinations. Or alcoholic enhancement.

34. What was the last instant message you received?
Got a request to add this morning from a friend I haven't heard from in a while.

35. Last text message you sent
"When are you getting to O'Malley's" sent last night.

36. Last time you ate a home grown tomato?
About end of April when I picked the last of our crop.

37. What is the closest thing to you that is blue?
Drink bottle lid, tape dispenser, bookmark, computer graphics.

40. Whose house did you go to last night?
Mine.

41. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
My sister, who had her 2nd baby in February.

42. Do you like someone right now?
I like lots of people. But if you're talking LIKE, then obviously Chris is the one ... and George Clooney. Oops, gotta get that drool cleaned up before the computer blows up again.

43. What do you wear more?
Ummm, clothes. Who wrote that question...? Although technically skin would be the correct answer, because I have that on with or without my clothes.

44. What is the last movie you watched?
Hmm, have watched a lot of movies lately. I think The Prestige last weekend. Enjoyed it, but it was a bit longer than needed. And I worked out the twist way before the end - I have a bad habit of doing that.

45. Have you ever heard of the band Our Lady Peace?
I have now.

46. Where did you get the shirt you're wearing?
Not sure, Target probably.

47. Coach Purse or MLB game tickets?
Purse definitely!

48. Do you believe that you can change someone?
Not overall. You can maybe change cosmetic things or help them break habits but I don't think you can change the essence of a person, nor should you.

49. Do you want someone you can't have?
See 42 above... sigh.

50. Who do you tag?
You're it!!

Clearly I've gone back to my slack-arse ways - can't believe it's over a month since my last blog! So sorry...

But I'm now in post-exam/uni break mode and have more time to do interesting, hopefully blog-worthy things to share with you all. So look out!

Finished 2 units this semester in my new Associate Degree course - managed Credits for both so am very happy with that. Am enrolled in 3 units for the new semester so will have to knuckle down and have a proper routine this time. My supervisor has approved my study leave, including financial assistance that will hopefully get through the higher-ups, so that will help with the time management. Am anticipating a 1 week intensive at the end of November, which will leave me with only 2 units to complete in Semester 1 2008 and then I can finally graduate!! I can't believe that in just 1 short year from now I may actually be able to call myself a graduate... sniff. It's been a long road but I can see the end at last.

Work has been very busy. Lots of interesting stuff going on and I'm moving into some more difficult cases so that I can learn. Really great that I'm getting this opportunity. Would never have had this chance in private practice.

We're rolling out a new database soon, and in anticipation I've spent most of the last 3 weeks auditing about 330 case files to ensure that the current form of database (a simple spreadsheet) was accurate for the rollover. Had anticipated being able to close heaps of files and get the number down to a more manageable 200 or so... have ended up with 303. Turns out a heap had been closed/made inactive on the database but were just sitting in cabinets, so I couldn't get rid of as many as I'd hoped! Oh well, it's not like they're active in the sense I have to work on them all the time, but it's still a big bunch of files :) And that's only one part of my work - my other case load sits at about 40 at the moment, and then there's the admin stuff. Thank goodness we're a team of 4 now and not just a team of 2 like we were not so long ago.

Uni starts again on 23 July, but I'm anticipating picking up the books in about a week. Already have one lot of material as I had originally enrolled in the research and writing unit in semester 1, but then deferred it to semester 2. So I should be able to make a start on that one during O Week, which will help me manage the load.

Of course, that still gives me another whole week of non-study stuff - a novel concept I assure you. Have finished 2 small pieces of non-fiction and 2 novels this week, which has been unheard of for a long time! Am planning to try to get through at least 4 books in the next week - probably smaller ones but at least it means I can get some things off my shelf and share with others. Bookcrossing meeting on Monday - will try to resist the lure of things to add to my shelf and just give away instead. I know, it's a challenge, but stranger things have happened LOL

Have also been catching up on some TV and movie viewing - the IQ was getting a workout during exam period let me tell you. Have some classic movies I want to put on DVD to keep for watching later (Maltese Falcon, Raging Bull, Nosferatu and Midnight Express are all just sitting there on the hard drive waiting to be viewed) and a couple of my favourite TV shows to catch up on. Will probably spend most of today on the couch reading and watching as I have a busy week ahead.

So what does my schedule look like when I'm not studying? You would think it would be quiet nights of reading and TV and chatting with husband, but no. Have actually been socialising most nights of the week - had a fun time at a friend's 30th last night followed by catching up with other friends and listening to their band at O'Malley's. Have been too focused on study and sleep for the longest time so really enjoyed the evening.

The coming week looks like this:
Monday - Monthly Bookcrossing meeting.
Tuesday - WW meeting and Boot Camp at lunch time. No evening plans, shock horror! May end up at trivia comp at local nightspot like we did last week.
Wednesday - Bellydance class; karaoke contest in Kingston.
Thursday - Boot Camp at lunchtime; dinner and trivia night with work colleagues.
Friday - free lecture at National Museum - CSI: Fact or fiction?
Saturday - NO PLANS!! Might sneak in some motorcycle practice ahead of my course in August.
Sunday - puppy school then hang around the house.

It's amazing what you can fill your time with when you actually have time!! And of course on top of this there's the usual work days, lunch errands, coffee with friends etc. But I figured I might as well make the most of the time I have while I have it available.

Time to start using some of that time wisely - I'm off to the couch to watch my tacky soap and let my brain switch off for a while.

If pregnancy were a book, they would cut the last two chapters. - Nora Ephron (from More Wicked Women's Wit)

Yesterday I finally completed my 10,000 steps a day challenge! Woo hoo - a really long walk in about 100 days. Today I joined a new walking challenge - an exercise-only challenge where I do interval and other training and log the minutes to see how fast I can climb a series of the world's tallest skyscrapers. A new challenge, a new ticker.



Have almost reached my next WW milestone (getting to the next 5kg dial on the scale) - will definitely achieve that at next weigh in. Then it's on to my 10% loss (ie to be 10% lighter than my starting weight). Guess those of you who can count will know my start point when I update the ticker for the next goal... oh well :p



Work extended my contract for another 6 months - the extension kicks in on 2 June. Today I applied for an ongoing role in another Division at the same level. I don't really want to leave where I am, but apparently if you get a substantive position you can transfer it into the role you already have, if you want to stay and they want to keep you, which fortunately is the situation I'm in :) Nice to be wanted. Anyway, I'm keeping my eye out for a few things and will see what eventuates.

No other news - still tracking along juggling work, uni, husband etc. Rockford turned 1 yesterday - he didn't seem nearly as excited about it as I was LOL

Catch you on the flipside.

Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think it's the only time of the month that I can be myself. - Roseanne Barr (from More Wicked Women's Wit)

Things still busy at work but not so bad with the new supervisor managing everything and keeping us under control. One less thing I have to bother with if someone else knows what's going on LOL.

I've reached the end of my 12-week walking challenge - building up to a regular 10 000 steps a day by walking the Bibbulmun Track in WA over a period of 12 weeks. Sadly I didn't make it to the end of the track so I'm going to keep logging my steps and activity until I do. Will let you know how it goes - I'm almost there!



Am now into a new session of workouts, having also completed the SELF Challenge - 12 weeks really does help you get into some good habits! To keep the motivation going, have convinced husband and some friends that Rockford needs to go on the Million Paws Walk on 20 May 2007 - you should sign up too.

WW is still going well - have a weigh in tomorrow so hopefully things will be looking good for reaching my 10% goal. Want to achieve this before I see my family again on the June long weekend.

Have no idea what's wrong with me - could be the weird weather or that the year is getting away or that I'm just so damn busy, but I'm feeling really tired lately. Have been using a flat, as yet unrepaired bike tyre as an excuse to drive to work, and driving to work as an excuse to get up later and later. Which means I'm then rushing and/or missing a morning workout, and then feeling tired for most of the morning. Guess I need to shift my butt and get my routine back on track - not easy when these Canberra mornings are getting chilly!

Anyway, haven't been overly slack with the exercise. Am walking every lunchtime, with or without company, for 45-50 minutes then eating lunch. Helps me feel good about myself and get through the busy afternoons at the office.

My Politics assignment topics were released yesterday, so I'm finally dipping into my study bank and taking tomorrow afternoon off to make a start on the paper. I wasn't happy with my first assignment (I procrastinated instead of doing it over time), and they are each worth 50% of the course grade so I want to make this one really good. It's in the style of a briefing paper, so I should be able to get some help from colleagues on how best to present it. It's due on the 30th - wish me luck!

In personal news, visited the family last weekend. Still not keen about Mum's new bloke and her moving again. It's only to a town about 1/2 an hour from where she is now, but it's out of my way even more now to visit and I think she's rushing things. She knows all this so I'm not telling tales out of school. Don't think she's listening to me though, and she is an adult so it's her life. I just worry given her past relationship woes, and my brother is only a teenager and still living at home so I worry about the effect on him of having to be further from his friends, school etc. I guess he'll cope.

My Pa is in hospital, and it is doubtful he will go home. At the best, he will be going into full-time care. He is miserable about it and frankly is treating everyone like crap - blames my Nan for the situation which is distressing to all, as she's done nothing but take care of him. I guess it's hard to be old and basically incapacitated - it's enough to make anyone cranky, but it's still difficult to deal with him. Am planning another visit in June (the next long weekend) so I can make a proper effort to spend time with both grandparents.

Work is mad right now! Always lots to do, but more so at the moment. Our PA is on extended sick leave because of her dodgy knee, so my colleague is filling in that job. But she goes on a week's leave mid-next week, so then I have to fill in for the PA for that week. And our new supervisor has now been here a whole week and is still learning how everything goes, but is doing very well getting her head around it all. The upshot is that we basically have 1.5 people doing 3 people's work (because the supervisor is still learning a lot of things, which means I'm taking time going through things with her, which is great because she wants to understand everything that we do). But we have a temp starting as I type, who is going to fill in for my colleague, who is filling in for the PA. Complicated, I know :p

Am going for a health check this morning, organised by work. But it means a 12-hour fast so I haven't had breakfast, or my coffee, and my brain isn't really fully engaged yet. I'm sure everything will be fine though - I'm just hanging out for 10am so I can eat!!

Have to get back to bellydancing class tonight - have had a couple of weeks off and am missing it. It means not going to the club with the lads, but it's only one night so I'm sure they'll cope.

Anyway, lots to do - better get on with it.

I am such a Nanna!!

Last night I decided that, despite the public-holiday possibility of being the only one at the Canberra Bookcrossing meetup, I would have an early dinner and a quick rest of my day's studying before heading out. Sat down on the couch to catch a bit of Foxtel before leaving the house... and promptly dozed off, only waking up when Husband came in from the shed to shake me and ask "aren't you going to Bookcrossing tonight?". But at 830pm I figured I'd left my run a bit late.

What a dag... better luck in May I guess :D

On the upside, I was up early today to get in a bit of a workout, but not early enough (or organised enough) to pile a week's worth of stuff on to my bike to cycle to work. No worries, thinks me, I'll take it all in the car today and leave it at work (ie a week's worth of clean clothes, toiletries and lunches) so I have no excuse not to cycle for the rest of the week. Small problem - a pretty-much-dead battery means the car won't start. Ring husband to come back and pick me and my stuff up and drive me to work (he went in early to set up for an event) and had to wait around a little while for him. Still in the office by 9am, which is pretty good after a 10-day break I think LOL Ended up working through lunch in any event, because I kept telling myself "I'll just finish this file first" and got too involved in winding up/following up a heap of matters... oh well, at least I got a lot done :)

So eyeing the forecast for tomorrow to make sure I actually can cycle - not a lot of choice as half my wardrobe and bathroom are currently under my desk LOL

Have my politics assessment partially drafted, and am getting a bit weary after such a busy day. Think I'll have another early night and (hopefully) an early look at it tomorrow.

Back to bellydancing class tomorrow night - looking forward to it!

Today's piece of Wicked Women's Wit: Housework can't kill you but why take a chance? - Phyllis Diller

And this one is so good to me :) Did my weekly weigh in at home (have decided this is easier than trying to get across to Woden early on a Saturday for WW, although I will keep doing so until my current pass expires at the end of April) and I've surpassed my 5kg goal - WOO HOO!!

For those of you who don't know, in 2007 I'm amping up my fitness regime (from thinking about it to actually doing it!!), including more time walking my beautiful Rottweiller, Rockford, and riding my trusty bike to and from work.

I weigh myself every Monday and I'm tracking my progress using a ticker. I joined Weight Watchers for a trial period until the end of April, and using that as a basis I've achieved my 5kg weight loss goal and am now aiming for 10% of my starting weight as the next goal (so I guess those of you who can count can work out where I started LOL).

I'm also doing a series of walking challenges to keep me motivated. On 12 February 2007 I started a new walking challenge - building up to a regular 10,000 steps a day by walking the Bibbulmun Track in WA over a period of 12 weeks. Let's hope I can make it in time - so far, so good!

I'm also now on Month 2 of the SELF Challenge 2007. The Challenge is conducted every year by SELF magazine (a US-based health and lifestyle magazine that I've been reading for a few years) and has a different cardio workout and strength workout each month for 3 months/12 weeks to help you get into regular exercise, improve fitness and lose weight. I'm doing ok so far and enjoying the routines. Month 2 starts today, so I'm looking forward to changing up the routine.

This is all part of a plan to improve my health, a big part of which is getting to a reasonable BMI and healthy weight. I've given myself a year (ie until 1 January 2008) to reach a healthy goal weight of 60kg, but am not making that the be-all and end-all result! If I feel comfortable and healthy at a higher weight, then that's where I'll aim to maintain. This is about 10% vanity and a 90% oh-my-gosh-I-don't-want-to-have-a-heart-attack-in-my-40s mission, so if I stay a little heavier but can run for the bus and do up my jeans without a muffin top then I'll be happy :D

In breaking news, my friends in Perth finally celebrated the arrival of their first-born - a son - on 2 April. A little overdue, but apparently healthy and lovely, so all is well. Just have to decide what to send as a welcome gift as I probably won't have the chance to see him for several months. At least that's the end of my baby boom for a while - have had a friend or relative giving birth every month since September 2006!! Don't know of anyone else who's expecting so hopefully things will settle for a while.

Still catching up on laundry, and have to start drafting at least one of my assessments today. Will take a 'sanity break' to workout later, and head off to my Canberra Bookcrossing meeting tonight - haven't seen my fellow BCers in an age it seems!

Today's Wicked Women's Wit thought: The tabloids are just porn that any kid off the street can go and buy for 50p. - Holly Valance

That's me - I can't believe it's been a month since my last entry! Which means I've either been really busy, or life has been very dull ... pretty sure it's the latter :)

Have just returned from a week interstate - 2 days in Lismore undertaking a weekend intensive for one of my uni units, then a few days in Queensland (Brisbane and Gold Coast) wasting time and chilling out. Husband now wants to move north; this happens every time we take a holiday... although given that our last one was in 2000 I guess it's not surprising. But I actually think it's not a bad idea, provided we take the time to do our research and save our $. We're giving it 12 months to get our act together before we make a decision. A big part of which will be deciding where we can afford to buy our own place.

Had a nice time away, but I was glad to be back home and in my own bed. Also missed Rockford like crazy! He was pleased to see us too, and has had his usual Sunday morning lying around in the sun doing very little LOL

On the downside, I am now a week behind on all my uni courses as I wasn't able/didn't feel like lugging everything with me to Queensland and spending my holidays studying. Strange, I know ;) So I have a lot of catching up to do this week, particularly with another assessment looming ... bugger make that 2 assessments! Guess I know what I'll be doing every night for the next week or so.

Better get on with my study, and clearing my Foxtel IQ files after a week of recordings, trying to get some Bookrings finished so I can stop holding up everyone else who wants to read them, catching up on a huuuuge pile of laundry, and getting back into my healthy eating and exercise plan. Gee, life as usual.

Some Wicked Women's Wit to ponder: Men like to barbecue. Men will cook if danger is involved. - Rita Rudner

But it's better for just hanging out, which is what I plan to do :)

Am coming to the end of my first back at studies, and it's been fitful at best! Monday I was unwell and stayed home from work, which you would think would give me plenty of reading/note taking time but I was too tired to bother with very much. I did a couple of hours and slept the rest of the time. Tuesday and Wednesday I did my full planned 2.5 hours and got through the first week of one unit and about a third of another. But Thursday night money draw at the club turned into dinner and drinks with friends who happened to be there = no study. And last night became nibblies and beer on the couch night = not conducive to study or my weight loss attempts LOL So with 2/3 of one unit and 2 other full weeks to get through I'm going to have a busy weekend! Will study most of today, taking a time out to do my grocery shopping and my pilates class and hopefully relax tonight with a movie on Foxtel. Then more study tomorrow and relax late the in the day.

Tomorrow being the first Sunday of March I'm supposed to be clearing out my wardrobe. But with study to catch up I think I'll wait until I reach my 5kg weight loss goal. That's supposed to give you a drop in size so it will be worthwhile doing the clean up if that's the case, as I have several much loved items that are just that bit too squeezy to wear right now.

On that note, I am clocking up my steps this week - very pleased with my progress on the current challenge.

Also did my monthly weight and measurements. According to my scale at home I've lost almost another 2kg since the same time last month, but will get a more accurate picture when I weigh in at WW on Monday - so no ticker until I get the official word on Monday night :) In any event, all my measurements decreased (except thigh measurement) since last month so that's a good thing.

Nothing much to tell you this week. Had a weird and stressful situation with a matter at work, but I can't tell you about that because it's confidential so just have to vent to my supervisor about it LOL Next week should be more exciting - have WW Monday, supposed to be having an initial meeting with personal trainer Tuesday, start my dance class on Wednesday and possibly attending a Maxine McKew lecture, club draw on Thursday, and possible karaoke party night on Friday! So a busy week ahead and will have to push myself to sit down at 8pm every night and study... except Friday - karaoke comes first!! LOL

How was your week?

More Wicked Women's Wit:A man must be a very great genius to make up for being such a loathsome human being. - Martha Gelhorn on Ernest Hemingway

Yes, my niece has arrived!!! Faith Neveah was born at approximately 1015am on Thursday 22 February 2007. Spent the weekend with the family visiting and eating and drinking :)

Faith is a lovely looking baby. Generally I find newborns kind of creepy - they're little and blotchy and squirmy and usually not that attractive. And I'm not just being biased about Faith - her big brother Kaleb was not a pretty baby :p But he's pretty good looking now; and yes, that is my aunt bias LOL

My brother turned 13 the same day Faith was born, so neat present for him. He also got a puppy - some sort of terrier cross. We took our darling Rockford (have I mentioned he's a Rottweiler? And about 9 months old?) with us on the visit, and at first I wasn't sure if Rock would think Storm (that's the puppy) was a toy, a friend or a snack!! But they were fine, just sniffing each other and bouncing around like puppies do. V silly to watch, given the marked size difference.

My uni course officially starts today, so have lots of initial reading to do so I can work out how much work I have and what's due when. Better go get on with it - just wanted to touch base with you all as it's been so long. So much for my 2007 promise to journal more regularly...

Today's piece of Wicked Wit: I was a vegetarian until I started leaning towards the sunlight. - Rita Rudner

At least that's the plan - gotta amp up my walking!! Didn't meet my Walking With Attitude (WWA) Challenge goal - made it a little over halfway up the Skyscrapers of the World in the 6-week timeframe. Oh well, it was still interesting to see how much set exercise I could manage.

Dragged my pedometer out of the drawer and put it on this morning. It seems that the pedometer/step goal is more appropriate for me at the moment so I'm starting a new challenge today. The aim of this challenge is to work up to 10,000 steps a day (and hopefully more) in a 12-week period while virtually walking the Bibbulmun Track in WA. The challenge encourages you to increase your steps by 20% each week, so my tracker will reflect that weekly goal.

Today is sunny in Canberra but not too hot so will take a stroll during my lunch break to clear my head, get some air and clock up some more steps.

Have changed my WW meeting to Monday nights so I'll know this evening whether the past week's long work hours, nightly glass (or 2) of wine, and little exercise have had the effect I expect :(

Unfortunately, having WW and dinner plans tonight means I won't get to my BookCrossing meeting. Will make a concerted effort to get there next month - I miss my book buddies!!

830pm update - I'm another 300g lighter :) It's not a lot I know, but it's a loss which is what I need to keep consistently doing. Only 1.9kg until I've lost my first 5kg - no stopping me now!!

Having another yukky sick day and am doing some reading. Picked up a book I purchased some time ago and started flicking through. Gave me a good giggle. It's called More Wicked Women's Wit and it's got some great quotes from great women, some well known others not so. And as a tribute to wicked women everywhere (of which I try to be one) I'm going to use the quotes in each of my (hopefully) daily entries from now until the end of the book. To balance it out I'm also adding them to my BookCrossing page to mix things up a bit.

Today's piece of Wicked Women's Wit: I love being an assertive, uppity women. What's the alternative? - Erica Jong

Because I need to get some quiet and rest... isn't it always the way that when you have a busy time at work and you know you have things you should do, you come down with some lurgy? :( Have some revolting stomach thing - up and down all night, couldn't sleep, couldn't settle, so today I feel dreadful. Have decided that rather than inflicting myself upon my colleagues (and probably spending half the work day in the ladies room) I'll use up some hard earned flex and stay home. Hopefully it won't be a drama - I have plenty of work on but nothing that means life or death if it doesn't get done today. Will see how I'm feeling later on; I may be able to go in for a half day or so if this grossness goes away. At least I'll have time to complete my study application to get access to extra leave, check my enrolment is done, set up my internet stuff (I'm studying by 'distance education' this year), and finish a book I've been reading.

830pm - feeling a little better; had a giggle/sniffle over the last ep of Will & Grace :) Time to snuggle down and get a good night's rest.