Howdy!
Well, we have one day left of this amazing month tomorrow. The adverts are out.....proposals may happen world wide! Awesome parties may occur! On a light hearted note,.....if a guy proposes or a couple get married tomorrow, - they only need to remember their anniversary every four years.....but with that you'd want a decent celebration every four years!
It's an extra day for me this month to keep off the booze, (till I've successfully completed Febfast)! I'm thinking Febfast may be an annual challenge for me although I haven't committed to it. Better than 'Dry July', - the month of my birthday!
SOOOO......what's happened in Feb? A bit actually!
* A month off alcohol, - (or only one day from it as I speak). Well done to all Febfast participants by the way!
* I'm moving back to NZ this November so have started to organise bits and pieces to do with that.
* I've booked and paid in full for my Thailand Discovery Kumuka tour in Thailand, (departing 19 Oct, returning to Perth 6 Nov).
* I've made a good start on my 'Introduction To Nutrition' online course and re-aqauinting with chemistry again, - first time since high school! I had trouble obtaining a necessary text book for this nutrition course but have found out I should receive it by the end of the week.
* I'm seriously looking into further studying at Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill next year......and am not ruling out even looking into applying to study a bachelor!!!....(don't know if I'd get accepted for that but there is no harm in trying!) With a Zero Fees Scheme at SIT in Invercargill, - the cost of study is radically reduced, (no tuition fees, just textbooks etc). The plan then would be to probably aim to work part time in a hospitality based job, or maybe for my family or in the field I decide to study in. If not a bachelor, - maybe a diploma!
* Last Thursday I cut through a quarter of my thumb while shredding lettuce with a sharp knife while turning away momentarily to talk! Whoops! However that was my first ever time I've cut myself with a knife. I had a tetanus shot on Friday, arm has been sore since and is only starting to feel almost normal and painfree today!
* Commitment to training hasn't been good enough for my liking,.....no excuses.....fullstop! Have had some really good training sessions and pleasing, (for my current level) runs this month but the consistency hasn't been there. I've stayed up too late at night *studying*, playing/researching on the net which = 5 hours in bed till the alarm, then getting up the next day for work is a struggle yet alone training! I can blame change/excitement/disappointments/disruptions to routine but in reality that is all part of ......and called life! The same applies for nutrition, - for a couple of weeks straight I feel rather on form/unstoppable, loving my choices, - a small unplanned 'slip up' is a hard fought momentarily loss of focus.
The really big thing I want to focus on is achieving certain standards across all areas of life mainly being work, study/self improvement/skill development, maintaining/attaining friendships & family relationships, fun, travel, training/fitness, sleep, nutrition, financial discipline, keeping on top of organisation/essential tasks. (I think all that sounds about right). My thing is I can put all my focus into about 3-4 of them completely for a set period of time, but then let the others slip by the wayside too much!
So.....in regard to my last post it's time to go for DISTINCTION in March :-) Haha!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Current Doings and March Objectives.......
Hi all!
Not sure if other blogs can access the link showing my new property in the post below. It's the smaller grey writing, 'First National Gore, 81 George Street Edendale'. There is a slide show of pics if you can get to it!
Well, - on Thursday morning I did the stupid thing of deciding to turn head and talk when I was shredding iceberg lettuce with a sharp knife at work. (This is after working almost 6 years at this company without an injury,....small complacency crept in).
I sliced through a third of my nail on left thumb and about a third of the way around back of thumb! OUCH!!! Nice thing to happen at 6.55am before having any coffee!!! I sucked it up, wrapped it up in several plasters, wore several gloves which I kept changing and suffered through a busy day at work. I took the day off on Friday, got it looked at by a doctor, got a tetanus shot, was told I 'should' have had a stitch, but it will be OK! Now just got to keep it wrapped, dry, and not knock it! And arm is STILL sore from yesterdays tetanus shot!!!
This is my last weekend of my 'FebFast' mission. I have been craving a wine or beer more so this week than any other, infact tonight the most! But haven't caved! And won't! One thing.....we need to finish what we start and not fall short before the wheels even get rolling OR just short of the finish line!
I have been getting into studying my 'Introductory To Nutrition Course' and reaqainting myself with Chemistry terms and meanings I learnt in high school.....and anatomy/physiology as well. So much info to delve into if I decide to keep learning! Am considering studying either part-time or via correspondence a diploma or degree over the long term but will see!
The AACDS course, (Australian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science) offer an Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Dermal Science which sounds very interesting! It can be studied online in up to 2.5 years with just one or two practical assessments needing to be done over about 14 days at a college as well as lots of work experience hours. I could do this on own, - or this with a beauty therapy diploma to work in a beauty spa. Or if I want to get into cosmetic nursing and do injectables I'd need to do at least a Level 2 Enrolled Nursing diploma as well as this, (plus I'd be qualified for general nursing). Or I could just keep doing nutrition/health/sport science type papers at a manageable pace working up.....seeing where I get to. Or the other option is take up the reduced offer for the Professional Photography Diploma! Money and budgeting is a big thing......but bettering oneself is always good!
Now....The Thailand Trip! I've paid the flights in full and by the end of the month will pay the tour off in full. I depart Perth for Bangkok on 19 Oct 12 and return to Perth on 6 Nov! I changed my mind from the original decision of an overland trip GAP tour from Bangkok-Singapore stopping off at Krabi, Penang, Kuala Lumper, Cameron Highlands to name a few. My current trip is a Kumuka tour, starts at Bangkok, goes to Chiang Mai, bush hiking and visiting tribes for 3 days, then back to Bangkok, down to a National Park down the South for more activity, then off to Krabi for a few days. I will stay in Krabi an extra day and hopefully do a day trip down to Phi Phi Islands at tour completion before returning to Perth. I was initially going to spend some time in Phuket, but decided funds may be better utilised in other areas right now. I will hopefully take lots of pics and do a good report/album on this trip! It will be my first time to Asia!
Following that I will be tidying up loose ends and aiming to return to NZ around mid November. I am already looking into quotes and am researching how to ship goods across.
MARCH OBJECTIVES:
Since I have nearly made it through Feb being successful with no booze.....I have come to the decision monthly resolutions may be better than yearly ones/less daunting etc! After the 30 odd days in a month we should have formed a new habit so we can decide if we want to continue it.....or modify it. Also if wanting to add new habits previous additions SHOULD be consolidated so the start of a new month is a good time!
BOOZEWISE: Am stoked I've made it this far and am confident I'll make it till end of Feb! So do I want to become a teetotaller for good???
Not quite, but I would if I had to! I have come to the conclusion I HAVE to have at least 4 alcohol free days a week every week in March and beyond, no more than 15 standard drinks in any week tops and NEVER more than 1 bottle of wine or 5 drinks for one bought from bar if out in a single session. Ideally bigger sessions with more than 4 standard drinks, (1/2 bottle wine or 3 beers) shouldn't be a weekly thing. No excuses not to stick to these limits. I still want to mostly keep well under this limit quietly!
SO FOR MARCH:
* NO coke zero or any form of diet soft drink! (I did this for 2 years ago so one month should be easy). Hope to then continue. Have done this almost 2 weeks in Feb!
* Since the no diet soft drink is an easy objective............another needs to be added! 31 binge free days in March! I'm not saying sugarfree or exact adherance to specific macronutriet quantities. I'm just wanting to eat how I think an aspiring nutritionist who is basically wanting to shed some fat/get fitter in the long term should eat, ;-) And not let any social perhaps indulgences get out of hand! And to record food intake. A March 'pass' if I achieve this. (Regarding this, I haven't done too badly the last couple of weeks but did fall into a sync of too much chocolate, icecream and cheese at the start of the month for a few days.
I haven't mentioned training or sleep......so March with 'distinction' IF I can manage:
* 3 intense cardio sessions 30 mins plus a pop and 2 resistance workouts 30 plus mins a pop each week.
* minimum of 7 hours lights out time at least 5 nights per week during March.
This is in accordance to being vigilent with work and staying up to date with study by the way, - but what has to happen if I decide to move forward career wise.
Talk soon,
Pip :-)
Not sure if other blogs can access the link showing my new property in the post below. It's the smaller grey writing, 'First National Gore, 81 George Street Edendale'. There is a slide show of pics if you can get to it!
Well, - on Thursday morning I did the stupid thing of deciding to turn head and talk when I was shredding iceberg lettuce with a sharp knife at work. (This is after working almost 6 years at this company without an injury,....small complacency crept in).
I sliced through a third of my nail on left thumb and about a third of the way around back of thumb! OUCH!!! Nice thing to happen at 6.55am before having any coffee!!! I sucked it up, wrapped it up in several plasters, wore several gloves which I kept changing and suffered through a busy day at work. I took the day off on Friday, got it looked at by a doctor, got a tetanus shot, was told I 'should' have had a stitch, but it will be OK! Now just got to keep it wrapped, dry, and not knock it! And arm is STILL sore from yesterdays tetanus shot!!!
This is my last weekend of my 'FebFast' mission. I have been craving a wine or beer more so this week than any other, infact tonight the most! But haven't caved! And won't! One thing.....we need to finish what we start and not fall short before the wheels even get rolling OR just short of the finish line!
I have been getting into studying my 'Introductory To Nutrition Course' and reaqainting myself with Chemistry terms and meanings I learnt in high school.....and anatomy/physiology as well. So much info to delve into if I decide to keep learning! Am considering studying either part-time or via correspondence a diploma or degree over the long term but will see!
The AACDS course, (Australian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science) offer an Advanced Diploma in Cosmetic Dermal Science which sounds very interesting! It can be studied online in up to 2.5 years with just one or two practical assessments needing to be done over about 14 days at a college as well as lots of work experience hours. I could do this on own, - or this with a beauty therapy diploma to work in a beauty spa. Or if I want to get into cosmetic nursing and do injectables I'd need to do at least a Level 2 Enrolled Nursing diploma as well as this, (plus I'd be qualified for general nursing). Or I could just keep doing nutrition/health/sport science type papers at a manageable pace working up.....seeing where I get to. Or the other option is take up the reduced offer for the Professional Photography Diploma! Money and budgeting is a big thing......but bettering oneself is always good!
Now....The Thailand Trip! I've paid the flights in full and by the end of the month will pay the tour off in full. I depart Perth for Bangkok on 19 Oct 12 and return to Perth on 6 Nov! I changed my mind from the original decision of an overland trip GAP tour from Bangkok-Singapore stopping off at Krabi, Penang, Kuala Lumper, Cameron Highlands to name a few. My current trip is a Kumuka tour, starts at Bangkok, goes to Chiang Mai, bush hiking and visiting tribes for 3 days, then back to Bangkok, down to a National Park down the South for more activity, then off to Krabi for a few days. I will stay in Krabi an extra day and hopefully do a day trip down to Phi Phi Islands at tour completion before returning to Perth. I was initially going to spend some time in Phuket, but decided funds may be better utilised in other areas right now. I will hopefully take lots of pics and do a good report/album on this trip! It will be my first time to Asia!
Following that I will be tidying up loose ends and aiming to return to NZ around mid November. I am already looking into quotes and am researching how to ship goods across.
MARCH OBJECTIVES:
Since I have nearly made it through Feb being successful with no booze.....I have come to the decision monthly resolutions may be better than yearly ones/less daunting etc! After the 30 odd days in a month we should have formed a new habit so we can decide if we want to continue it.....or modify it. Also if wanting to add new habits previous additions SHOULD be consolidated so the start of a new month is a good time!
BOOZEWISE: Am stoked I've made it this far and am confident I'll make it till end of Feb! So do I want to become a teetotaller for good???
Not quite, but I would if I had to! I have come to the conclusion I HAVE to have at least 4 alcohol free days a week every week in March and beyond, no more than 15 standard drinks in any week tops and NEVER more than 1 bottle of wine or 5 drinks for one bought from bar if out in a single session. Ideally bigger sessions with more than 4 standard drinks, (1/2 bottle wine or 3 beers) shouldn't be a weekly thing. No excuses not to stick to these limits. I still want to mostly keep well under this limit quietly!
SO FOR MARCH:
* NO coke zero or any form of diet soft drink! (I did this for 2 years ago so one month should be easy). Hope to then continue. Have done this almost 2 weeks in Feb!
* Since the no diet soft drink is an easy objective............another needs to be added! 31 binge free days in March! I'm not saying sugarfree or exact adherance to specific macronutriet quantities. I'm just wanting to eat how I think an aspiring nutritionist who is basically wanting to shed some fat/get fitter in the long term should eat, ;-) And not let any social perhaps indulgences get out of hand! And to record food intake. A March 'pass' if I achieve this. (Regarding this, I haven't done too badly the last couple of weeks but did fall into a sync of too much chocolate, icecream and cheese at the start of the month for a few days.
I haven't mentioned training or sleep......so March with 'distinction' IF I can manage:
* 3 intense cardio sessions 30 mins plus a pop and 2 resistance workouts 30 plus mins a pop each week.
* minimum of 7 hours lights out time at least 5 nights per week during March.
This is in accordance to being vigilent with work and staying up to date with study by the way, - but what has to happen if I decide to move forward career wise.
Talk soon,
Pip :-)
Sunday, February 19, 2012
First National Gore - EDENDALE 81 George Street
First National Gore - EDENDALE 81 George Street
MINE!!! (Well soon anyway!!!) Click on the silver link for a pic slideshow! The light/bright outside colour of house, the green garden, the stones and deck make it look like it could almost be in the tropics! Very tidy! All the white roses add a nice touch too. And I will stay fit with regular lawnmowing lol! Very exciting each time I look at it! :-) Nicely done up kitchen, wooden floors in kitchen and bathroom, nice new vanity and nice windows! Will go and 'greet' it before Xmas this year! My parents checked it all out etc! Whoohoooo!!!!!
MINE!!! (Well soon anyway!!!) Click on the silver link for a pic slideshow! The light/bright outside colour of house, the green garden, the stones and deck make it look like it could almost be in the tropics! Very tidy! All the white roses add a nice touch too. And I will stay fit with regular lawnmowing lol! Very exciting each time I look at it! :-) Nicely done up kitchen, wooden floors in kitchen and bathroom, nice new vanity and nice windows! Will go and 'greet' it before Xmas this year! My parents checked it all out etc! Whoohoooo!!!!!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Hot News Off The Press........
Howdy! I haven't announced this on FB yet......will mention it closer to the time, (still a good many months off). If people find the link to my blog they will find out......anyway.........
I'M MOVING BACK TO NZ BY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!!!!!
Yep! Can't believe how quickly this all came about. I'd been casually surfing the net, looking at real estate and dreaming. Such as apartments in Perth, units and homes in Perth, property in Margaret River, Busselton, Augusta and the like, property on Oz's East Coast, property in NZ, property near my home town. Definitely, around my hometown in NZ is the most affordable option. Anyway Friday, (8 days ago) Mum sent me a link to a beautiful property on a 1300 sq metre section only 4.2km from where they live. I was very impressed! After much deliberating, research, parental help, life assessing.......it's now mine!
I love my lifestyle in Perth, my mates here, the beaut climate, the beaches, the opportunity, the vibe! There were a couple of things I was working toward changing such as not being 'such' a scared nervous driver on busy city roads. That has held me back from achieving and doing quite a few things I would have liked to here in Perth. That's the main one actually as it narrowed down job prospects/opportunities and made it more difficult to be actively involved with clubs etc. That's why I was considering quieter towns such as Busselton where driving would be less of an issue. Back when I lived in Boddington in 2005 I didn't have an issue driving in alot of Mandurah.......but it's grown bigger and busier since then.
However living close to family wins out!....and much cheaper real estate compared to WA! I haven't lived close to family since being......18??? I'd stayed with them for a couple of months a couple of times but did leave their strong circle. Family are being very helpful regarding my decision process too. I am very lucky to have many good helpful perks too. It will be exciting.....and I'm hoping to make a really good go of it. Gotta make the most of the sun this year but, - Perth climate rocks!!!!! ;-) Annual membership in a Triathlon Club over there is NZ$40 in my birth city compared to a few hundred here in Perth so I found out.......so you can guess what I will be doing! Well regarded study is cheaper over there as well if I decide to do some 'on the side' lol!
Other news: - Day 18 and Febfast is still going strong!!! I occasionally get those group sms's which help me keep the feeling of needing to be accountable! To those who don't know what Febfast is.......it's a month off the grog! We pay $25 to sign up for it, - the money 100% goes toward helping youths with drug/alcohol probs and we are encouraged to fundraise further......similar style to the 40 hour famine. Even went for a 6km run at dusk tonight, - quite an enjoyable run even!
Last weekend I was crook, - either a 24 hr bug or food poisoning. Anyway it was horrid. Since I got a totally unexpected/unplanned detox then......I felt really motivated not to eat too much crap this week, - no excesses, minimal processed food, lots of vegies, some fruit, lean protein, wholegrain carbs, (or 'root' carbs such as sweet potato), no soft drink, no confectionary and mindful choices etc. I'd slipped up badly somewhat the week or two before that unfortunately. I was successful this week but! Really must work on going to bed earlier on weeknights still!
Nutrition course arrived! Must start it tomorrow!
Now Thailand is definitely on the cards again. I will finish up at work, have my holiday, come back to Perth to tie up all the final loose ends and stay goodbye to everyone, then head home across the ditch! However I'm going to work on changing my Thailand booking. The option with the right time frame which grabs me now is a Kumuka tour. It starts in Bangkok with sight seeing for a couple of days, then an overnight train to Chiang Mai, 2-3 days of hiking and tribe visits, then down to a National Park for more trekking and much more, then down to Krabi/Phuket area to spend a few days! At tour completion then flying Phuket-Perth. The start date for this tour is 10 October. Another thing I really want to do is a 7 night cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. I've longed to do that for years! Tempting this year......but with money and other commitments, - that one may wait till my next OE.
Past my bedtime well and truly now! Talk soon!
Pip :-)
I'M MOVING BACK TO NZ BY CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!!!!!
Yep! Can't believe how quickly this all came about. I'd been casually surfing the net, looking at real estate and dreaming. Such as apartments in Perth, units and homes in Perth, property in Margaret River, Busselton, Augusta and the like, property on Oz's East Coast, property in NZ, property near my home town. Definitely, around my hometown in NZ is the most affordable option. Anyway Friday, (8 days ago) Mum sent me a link to a beautiful property on a 1300 sq metre section only 4.2km from where they live. I was very impressed! After much deliberating, research, parental help, life assessing.......it's now mine!
I love my lifestyle in Perth, my mates here, the beaut climate, the beaches, the opportunity, the vibe! There were a couple of things I was working toward changing such as not being 'such' a scared nervous driver on busy city roads. That has held me back from achieving and doing quite a few things I would have liked to here in Perth. That's the main one actually as it narrowed down job prospects/opportunities and made it more difficult to be actively involved with clubs etc. That's why I was considering quieter towns such as Busselton where driving would be less of an issue. Back when I lived in Boddington in 2005 I didn't have an issue driving in alot of Mandurah.......but it's grown bigger and busier since then.
However living close to family wins out!....and much cheaper real estate compared to WA! I haven't lived close to family since being......18??? I'd stayed with them for a couple of months a couple of times but did leave their strong circle. Family are being very helpful regarding my decision process too. I am very lucky to have many good helpful perks too. It will be exciting.....and I'm hoping to make a really good go of it. Gotta make the most of the sun this year but, - Perth climate rocks!!!!! ;-) Annual membership in a Triathlon Club over there is NZ$40 in my birth city compared to a few hundred here in Perth so I found out.......so you can guess what I will be doing! Well regarded study is cheaper over there as well if I decide to do some 'on the side' lol!
Other news: - Day 18 and Febfast is still going strong!!! I occasionally get those group sms's which help me keep the feeling of needing to be accountable! To those who don't know what Febfast is.......it's a month off the grog! We pay $25 to sign up for it, - the money 100% goes toward helping youths with drug/alcohol probs and we are encouraged to fundraise further......similar style to the 40 hour famine. Even went for a 6km run at dusk tonight, - quite an enjoyable run even!
Last weekend I was crook, - either a 24 hr bug or food poisoning. Anyway it was horrid. Since I got a totally unexpected/unplanned detox then......I felt really motivated not to eat too much crap this week, - no excesses, minimal processed food, lots of vegies, some fruit, lean protein, wholegrain carbs, (or 'root' carbs such as sweet potato), no soft drink, no confectionary and mindful choices etc. I'd slipped up badly somewhat the week or two before that unfortunately. I was successful this week but! Really must work on going to bed earlier on weeknights still!
Nutrition course arrived! Must start it tomorrow!
Now Thailand is definitely on the cards again. I will finish up at work, have my holiday, come back to Perth to tie up all the final loose ends and stay goodbye to everyone, then head home across the ditch! However I'm going to work on changing my Thailand booking. The option with the right time frame which grabs me now is a Kumuka tour. It starts in Bangkok with sight seeing for a couple of days, then an overnight train to Chiang Mai, 2-3 days of hiking and tribe visits, then down to a National Park for more trekking and much more, then down to Krabi/Phuket area to spend a few days! At tour completion then flying Phuket-Perth. The start date for this tour is 10 October. Another thing I really want to do is a 7 night cruise around the Hawaiian Islands. I've longed to do that for years! Tempting this year......but with money and other commitments, - that one may wait till my next OE.
Past my bedtime well and truly now! Talk soon!
Pip :-)
Saturday, February 4, 2012
FEBRUARY......A MONTH OF 'ASSESSMENT'.....
G'day all!
Well lets see:
* Firstly I paid $25 and signed up for 'FebFast'. That means that I'm to have no alcoholic drinks for this month of February. How it works is that anyone who wants to participate pays $25, registers and is part of an online community who is undertaking this challenge. The funds raised all go to helping combat youth alcohol and drug problems within Australia. Anyone who wants to support the cause but not participate can sponsor a participant. If any social event comes up in February where the participant wants to drink.......they can purchase a 'time out' at $25 a day to keep in line with this theme! My page can be accessed on facebook! The only planned social event which is tempting is a camping trip in which myself and a few others are going on during the last weekend of Feb......down to Dwellingup! So far no drinks! Dwellingup will be a challenge.......but don't plan to 'purchase' a time out! Providing I make it through that weekend with none, - I may donate $10 of the money I save on purchasing wine or beer to Febfast for a kind gesture! That means no coke zero either, just recyclable water bottles......and maybe a nice coffee! Also last month I went a 12 day stint of consecutive days with none so that was good practice!
* Last weekend I bought a tent!!! Basically it's one of those 'flip up/down' ones you crawl into but can sleep up to 3 people if squashed up. After flipping up, - you just peg it into the ground. There is more technique required to taking it down, folding it down small and getting it back into its circular bag again! It's a nice orange colour. First up I will use it for the looming camping trip but I reckon there will be further camping trips for me after that! I enjoyed the camping up in Kalbarri for New Years this year and that was my first camping trip in many years. I will get a pic of if soon.
* I spent lots of time, (more than normal) researching study/training/upskilling options as lets face it, forever my job is dead end! Problem is........to study you need time.....for study you need money! We need to work for money. Without study my lifestyle feels busy.....work, commuting, training, housework, personal care, a small bit of downtime, the odd social catch up, then again, - not to bed as early as I want! With getting up at 4.50am for work, I should be in bed/lights out at 9.50pm at the very latest for 7 hours in bed! But I rarely am, 10.45-11.15pm seems more the average and I HATE getting up in the mornings! My downtime, (and recently 'training' time) has been spent researching study options etc!
* Now it's 'often' I go through these 'reassessing' phases, then decide it's all 'too hard', do nothing so nothing changes till next time I reach this part of the 'cycle'!
* This time I have made a 'small' change! I have bitten the bullet and signed up for an online study course. It's called 'Introduction to Nutrition', is run by Nature Care College over East. It runs for 12 weeks, costs $550 which I paid upfront! For those attending classes there is one two hour class per week. I'm guessing with online study I'm going to need to commit a few hours per week to listen to the tutorials and complete the assessment(s)! I have a basic or I think good idea on what I think is nutritious food........but like the sound of the modules and can see myself learning and refreshing on anatomy, some physiology, some science on how food breaks down, about harmful chemicals/addictives and more. If I want to ever 'further' my studies in that area that course can be credited toward it. But I need to see if I can find the time and inclination to commit to this and pass it........before even thinking of bigger things!
* On a side note in 2008 I signed up for a 'French for Beginners' course which was held on one evening per week in Perth for 12 weeks. The end of the first class I was lost, I could tell by the second week I was falling way behind and didn't understand the class, and week 3 was totally over my head so I stopped going! I was working long hours such as an average of 11-12 hour days back then and was only committing about half an hour a day to 'opening books, trying to study' which obviously was no where near cutting the mustard for what was required! That was my only attempt since the 90's to study! I did pass 5th and 6th form in School back in NZ......through lots of hard work, (I didn't do the final year of high school). But with lots of effort my marks were B's and C's, - not A's! I am expecting my correspondence pack in the mail next week! Will keep you posted!
* As for careers/jobs main areas of interest have been: nutrition, (to work toward an eventual nutritionist/sports nutritionist or dietician), travel/tourism, - infact I saw a great sounding diploma that can be studied online combining business and tourism and can be credited toward a degree in the field if desired! I love travelling, adventure and the ideas of jobs/careers associated with that. There is an online diploma in professional photography which sounds interesting, is on special at $599.....but I enquired and they recommend a DSLR camera, - mine isn't, In all honesty I don't mind my own photos and if I was to go pro.....it would be expensive to set up. Photos are alot down to personal opinion I think. I've always been interested in skin science.....more than the make up/nails side of beauty.
I saw an advert from the Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science in Subiaco, Perth, decided to look them up, decided it sounded very interesting and I saw they were having an open night last Tuesday so I attended! With having a non nursing and non beauty background the Advanced Diploma in which I would need to do would be a real stretch, - but it sounded exciting with great current job prospects for successful graduates. You can then go on to combine it with general nursing and become a Cosmetic Nurse or undertake the Vocational Post Graduate Certificate In Dermal Therapies Cosmetic Medicine Stream. So by doing this I will be able to perform Chemical Peeling, Skin Needling, Microdermabrasion treatments, Laser treatments and maybe Botox if I go down that stream! A growing field! The Advanced Diploma takes about 18 months full time but can be done part time in up to 2.5 years. It can be done online but I would need to attend the college for about 14 days of prac and assessments per year. Now that would be a huge financial and time commitment but it sounds great! Other than that, - getting into nursing or even a medical profession interests me now lots more than it ever has before!
I guess the other thing to assess has been........the stay in Perth......or move elsewhere type of thing. I have lived in WA over 7 years now and coming up 6 in Perth itself. It's a great part of the world, I love it, have great friends here, love the lifestyle, opportunity and all stuff WA! Main drawbacks are: - family so far away in NZ and once you hit 30's I find maintaining/building relationships with family and relatives a higher priority than during my early to mid 20's! Also there is the driving issue.......I HATE city driving, have NEVER been on the freeway, into the city driving my car! I stick to back roads I know, get all worked up if I get tooted. I've been on some of the highways but am very picky about what times/day I drive (I like 5.30am on a Sunday morning for slightly busier roads but often sleep ins win), and end up walking/cycling lots of it and parking a long way away. Merging, lane changes, intersections are my big concerns and I tend to panic. My lack of confidence driving holds me back from some of the things I'd like to partake in,.....not to mention being inconvenient! Lucky I like cycling plus there is a good train/bus system in Perth. I was making some progress last year and kept at it, had a couple of incidents in short succession where I had some rude roadrage directed at me which set me back in confidence again. I'd love to say the driving issue is something I can change, - but I got my licence almost 16 years ago, (half my current age) so am not so sure! Of course I sat my practical in a quiet town in NZ!
Oh, to update, am not sure what is now happening about the Thailand-Singapore trip as listed below as boss won't yet confirm it! Will see!
Wow, this is a long post!
Till next time :-)
Well lets see:
* Firstly I paid $25 and signed up for 'FebFast'. That means that I'm to have no alcoholic drinks for this month of February. How it works is that anyone who wants to participate pays $25, registers and is part of an online community who is undertaking this challenge. The funds raised all go to helping combat youth alcohol and drug problems within Australia. Anyone who wants to support the cause but not participate can sponsor a participant. If any social event comes up in February where the participant wants to drink.......they can purchase a 'time out' at $25 a day to keep in line with this theme! My page can be accessed on facebook! The only planned social event which is tempting is a camping trip in which myself and a few others are going on during the last weekend of Feb......down to Dwellingup! So far no drinks! Dwellingup will be a challenge.......but don't plan to 'purchase' a time out! Providing I make it through that weekend with none, - I may donate $10 of the money I save on purchasing wine or beer to Febfast for a kind gesture! That means no coke zero either, just recyclable water bottles......and maybe a nice coffee! Also last month I went a 12 day stint of consecutive days with none so that was good practice!
* Last weekend I bought a tent!!! Basically it's one of those 'flip up/down' ones you crawl into but can sleep up to 3 people if squashed up. After flipping up, - you just peg it into the ground. There is more technique required to taking it down, folding it down small and getting it back into its circular bag again! It's a nice orange colour. First up I will use it for the looming camping trip but I reckon there will be further camping trips for me after that! I enjoyed the camping up in Kalbarri for New Years this year and that was my first camping trip in many years. I will get a pic of if soon.
* I spent lots of time, (more than normal) researching study/training/upskilling options as lets face it, forever my job is dead end! Problem is........to study you need time.....for study you need money! We need to work for money. Without study my lifestyle feels busy.....work, commuting, training, housework, personal care, a small bit of downtime, the odd social catch up, then again, - not to bed as early as I want! With getting up at 4.50am for work, I should be in bed/lights out at 9.50pm at the very latest for 7 hours in bed! But I rarely am, 10.45-11.15pm seems more the average and I HATE getting up in the mornings! My downtime, (and recently 'training' time) has been spent researching study options etc!
* Now it's 'often' I go through these 'reassessing' phases, then decide it's all 'too hard', do nothing so nothing changes till next time I reach this part of the 'cycle'!
* This time I have made a 'small' change! I have bitten the bullet and signed up for an online study course. It's called 'Introduction to Nutrition', is run by Nature Care College over East. It runs for 12 weeks, costs $550 which I paid upfront! For those attending classes there is one two hour class per week. I'm guessing with online study I'm going to need to commit a few hours per week to listen to the tutorials and complete the assessment(s)! I have a basic or I think good idea on what I think is nutritious food........but like the sound of the modules and can see myself learning and refreshing on anatomy, some physiology, some science on how food breaks down, about harmful chemicals/addictives and more. If I want to ever 'further' my studies in that area that course can be credited toward it. But I need to see if I can find the time and inclination to commit to this and pass it........before even thinking of bigger things!
* On a side note in 2008 I signed up for a 'French for Beginners' course which was held on one evening per week in Perth for 12 weeks. The end of the first class I was lost, I could tell by the second week I was falling way behind and didn't understand the class, and week 3 was totally over my head so I stopped going! I was working long hours such as an average of 11-12 hour days back then and was only committing about half an hour a day to 'opening books, trying to study' which obviously was no where near cutting the mustard for what was required! That was my only attempt since the 90's to study! I did pass 5th and 6th form in School back in NZ......through lots of hard work, (I didn't do the final year of high school). But with lots of effort my marks were B's and C's, - not A's! I am expecting my correspondence pack in the mail next week! Will keep you posted!
* As for careers/jobs main areas of interest have been: nutrition, (to work toward an eventual nutritionist/sports nutritionist or dietician), travel/tourism, - infact I saw a great sounding diploma that can be studied online combining business and tourism and can be credited toward a degree in the field if desired! I love travelling, adventure and the ideas of jobs/careers associated with that. There is an online diploma in professional photography which sounds interesting, is on special at $599.....but I enquired and they recommend a DSLR camera, - mine isn't, In all honesty I don't mind my own photos and if I was to go pro.....it would be expensive to set up. Photos are alot down to personal opinion I think. I've always been interested in skin science.....more than the make up/nails side of beauty.
I saw an advert from the Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science in Subiaco, Perth, decided to look them up, decided it sounded very interesting and I saw they were having an open night last Tuesday so I attended! With having a non nursing and non beauty background the Advanced Diploma in which I would need to do would be a real stretch, - but it sounded exciting with great current job prospects for successful graduates. You can then go on to combine it with general nursing and become a Cosmetic Nurse or undertake the Vocational Post Graduate Certificate In Dermal Therapies Cosmetic Medicine Stream. So by doing this I will be able to perform Chemical Peeling, Skin Needling, Microdermabrasion treatments, Laser treatments and maybe Botox if I go down that stream! A growing field! The Advanced Diploma takes about 18 months full time but can be done part time in up to 2.5 years. It can be done online but I would need to attend the college for about 14 days of prac and assessments per year. Now that would be a huge financial and time commitment but it sounds great! Other than that, - getting into nursing or even a medical profession interests me now lots more than it ever has before!
I guess the other thing to assess has been........the stay in Perth......or move elsewhere type of thing. I have lived in WA over 7 years now and coming up 6 in Perth itself. It's a great part of the world, I love it, have great friends here, love the lifestyle, opportunity and all stuff WA! Main drawbacks are: - family so far away in NZ and once you hit 30's I find maintaining/building relationships with family and relatives a higher priority than during my early to mid 20's! Also there is the driving issue.......I HATE city driving, have NEVER been on the freeway, into the city driving my car! I stick to back roads I know, get all worked up if I get tooted. I've been on some of the highways but am very picky about what times/day I drive (I like 5.30am on a Sunday morning for slightly busier roads but often sleep ins win), and end up walking/cycling lots of it and parking a long way away. Merging, lane changes, intersections are my big concerns and I tend to panic. My lack of confidence driving holds me back from some of the things I'd like to partake in,.....not to mention being inconvenient! Lucky I like cycling plus there is a good train/bus system in Perth. I was making some progress last year and kept at it, had a couple of incidents in short succession where I had some rude roadrage directed at me which set me back in confidence again. I'd love to say the driving issue is something I can change, - but I got my licence almost 16 years ago, (half my current age) so am not so sure! Of course I sat my practical in a quiet town in NZ!
Oh, to update, am not sure what is now happening about the Thailand-Singapore trip as listed below as boss won't yet confirm it! Will see!
Wow, this is a long post!
Till next time :-)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
BANGKOK-SINGAPORE is currently ON!!!!
G'day all! Well, - the latest is that as of yesterday, I put a non refundable deposit of $100 toward a GAP 14 day tour from Bangkok to Singapore!!! The tour is an overland one, it starts at Bangkok with some of the stops including Krabi, (Phuket area and around), Penang, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumper, Melaka, then winding up in Singapore! I am scheduled to depart Bangkok on 22 Sept this year. The tour group size averages 10 apparently but can be up to 15 with the agegroup being between 18-39. When I walked into the STA travel agent to dicuss a couple of tours/dates etc.......one of the first things he asked is 'are you under 39'!!!!! Not a nice thing to be asked when only 31......I was about to leave and have a sulk! You'd want to look obviously young enough......not be asked that :-( Ageing fast is something I'm a bit paranoid about, - but my facial skin is good at the moment, no zits, hardly any creases.
Then I noticed I was looking daggy, no makeup on, sneakers and socks, (forgot to change to my thongs), long lightweight stretchy daggy denim shorts just past knees, regrowth with messy tied back hair, (with more greys now) and a baggy top. I'd just come from two games of laser tag and worked up a sweat with them!
I had no intention of putting any deposits on trips yesterday. I just wanted to find out dates, opinions etc of the two I was most keen on. The other one was a kayak, cycling, hiking on around Thailand, a little more costly but I found out that tour won't operate after June at all.....so it made my choice easy. Then the agent said there is a New Year 15% off tour sale that ends today, - reducing the tour cost by $200 or so and I could claim that with a $100 deposit. So I took a bit to think about it........then bang, did it!!!
The first job will be saving weekly, then booking the flights, then paying off the tour, then organising travel insurance and accommodation for both ends of the trip, then spending $$$. I need to work weekly toward this...........while still putting away my $100 a week to invest which is a habit I developed almost 2 years ago and don't want to break at all......unless I invest brilliantly to grow, buy/build a home one day or retire LOL!
Actually my finances are going to be a struggle over the next few weeks unless I make first ever dip to savings......through faults of my own. Over Christmas/New Year period I was calling NZ far too much and calls have gone up in price! I discovered I have a $304 phone bill due next week, then similar due mid Feb already racked up.......so am banning phone for international calls and texts unless of real emergencies now, - sorry peeps! With also joining the gym recently, other bills that leaves too precious little for my liking! $70 max budget for food the next few weeks! E-mails, facebook, Skype sometimes etc instead. I'm scared to make a savings dip as I never have in this account, and in previous accounts if I dipped once......I kept finding reasons and excuses to keep dipping until account was run right down undoing hard work saving!
Gym and online challenge is going well. Am stoked with my doings last week. Weights, rower machine, outdoor cycling, running outdoors and on treadmill plus normal day to day stuff for training. No alcohol at all this week, (7 consecutive days with none), no other habits I dislike to compensate for it either so all good. I did weigh in today, - still 1kg more than my last weigh in on Xmas morn last year, - but I'm sure 2kg down on this time last week, - not that I saw the number a week ago!
So that's it for now, talk soon!
Pip :-)
Then I noticed I was looking daggy, no makeup on, sneakers and socks, (forgot to change to my thongs), long lightweight stretchy daggy denim shorts just past knees, regrowth with messy tied back hair, (with more greys now) and a baggy top. I'd just come from two games of laser tag and worked up a sweat with them!
I had no intention of putting any deposits on trips yesterday. I just wanted to find out dates, opinions etc of the two I was most keen on. The other one was a kayak, cycling, hiking on around Thailand, a little more costly but I found out that tour won't operate after June at all.....so it made my choice easy. Then the agent said there is a New Year 15% off tour sale that ends today, - reducing the tour cost by $200 or so and I could claim that with a $100 deposit. So I took a bit to think about it........then bang, did it!!!
The first job will be saving weekly, then booking the flights, then paying off the tour, then organising travel insurance and accommodation for both ends of the trip, then spending $$$. I need to work weekly toward this...........while still putting away my $100 a week to invest which is a habit I developed almost 2 years ago and don't want to break at all......unless I invest brilliantly to grow, buy/build a home one day or retire LOL!
Actually my finances are going to be a struggle over the next few weeks unless I make first ever dip to savings......through faults of my own. Over Christmas/New Year period I was calling NZ far too much and calls have gone up in price! I discovered I have a $304 phone bill due next week, then similar due mid Feb already racked up.......so am banning phone for international calls and texts unless of real emergencies now, - sorry peeps! With also joining the gym recently, other bills that leaves too precious little for my liking! $70 max budget for food the next few weeks! E-mails, facebook, Skype sometimes etc instead. I'm scared to make a savings dip as I never have in this account, and in previous accounts if I dipped once......I kept finding reasons and excuses to keep dipping until account was run right down undoing hard work saving!
Gym and online challenge is going well. Am stoked with my doings last week. Weights, rower machine, outdoor cycling, running outdoors and on treadmill plus normal day to day stuff for training. No alcohol at all this week, (7 consecutive days with none), no other habits I dislike to compensate for it either so all good. I did weigh in today, - still 1kg more than my last weigh in on Xmas morn last year, - but I'm sure 2kg down on this time last week, - not that I saw the number a week ago!
So that's it for now, talk soon!
Pip :-)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Happy New Year All!!!
G'day!
As you will see, I have just had a bit of fun with the photos! I was uploading some of the ones from my recent New Years Camping trip in Kalbarri, trying to edit and straighten, do panarama or crop them somewhat with Picasa 3, (a program I managed to get for free on my computer). I was also having a go with editing on the free program that was installed on this computer! It was fun trying to also brighten up the pictures taken at dusk. I also put some various frames around a couple of pictures but think it's best I don't upload these ones here!
I went camping with my best mate, her BF, her Mum and her Mum's partner and we had a great time. Activities included going kayaking, (but I don't deem any of those pictures suitable to post here), taking a dinghy out on the river for a day. The day we took the dinghy out I didn't take my camera though......and that turned out to be a good idea as because of the current, the whole inside of the boat got good 'splash' inside and I ended up getting wet! I'm sure wet cameras aren't such good things......unless they are the waterproof ones! We also did a bit of walking/swimming around the river/beaches and went walking/climbing up and down rocks around the nearby gorges at Kalbarri!
Kalbarri is a coastal little holiday town with a permanent population of less than 2000, and would be about a 6 and a half hour drive north of Perth and this was my first visit! The population swells a bit at peak times but there is a very relaxed feel there. The main industry is crayfish/lobster fishing. There seems a bit to do there......I saw lots of families about. There are the gorges where numerous walks/hikes can be undertaken and we did a few. The riverfront is a nice place to swim, or hire a kayak or waterbike. Dinghy's can be hired such as we did. I saw brochures describing abseiling, skydiving, 4 wheel motorbike tours, fishing trips and more. Oh, and the sunsets are amazing! It doesn't feel overly commercialised either.
We had warm weather, - but not hot hot weather! Normally it's ususally around 40 odd degrees at New Year, - this year I think the days hit maybe early 30's at max and the nights cooled down to about 17/18 or so.......almost could have done a light jumper but it wasn't quite cool enough to buy one! We even had light rain two mornings, - hence me deciding to wear my new bright pink raincoat off hiking! It turned out to be a nice cheap trip which was great as well......great company of course too :-)
Back at work now. Am watching the budget. I've got a target I want my long savings to hit by the end of this year. I'm going home to NZ at Christmas this year for at least 2 weeks, (my first Christmas at home since 2007). I've seen some cheap fun deals in Thailand and am seriously considering going there for 7-10 days in about September. (It will be a hiking/kayaking/cycling but cultural type of tour I'd probably opt for). It's that....or a week skiing in NZ in August........but I'm considering going for the unknown new adventure since I'm going home for Christmas! And Thailand and Asia is quite cheap from Perth.
Lastly........last month I signed up for a 12 week fitness challenge which I opted to start next Monday, 9 Jan. I am sure it can be noted by recent photos that I'm not as lean or as fit as I was mid last year, (due to slackness/lack of commitment) and I decided for a change.......to be accountable to a trainer and work to a more organised weights regime along with my cardio which will remain mainly running with some cycling and swimming. So I'm out to get that body back.....re-fit my size 10's again and even see if eventually I can make some new PB's all round! I will keep you posted regarding progress with that!
Will talk soon!
Pip :-)
As you will see, I have just had a bit of fun with the photos! I was uploading some of the ones from my recent New Years Camping trip in Kalbarri, trying to edit and straighten, do panarama or crop them somewhat with Picasa 3, (a program I managed to get for free on my computer). I was also having a go with editing on the free program that was installed on this computer! It was fun trying to also brighten up the pictures taken at dusk. I also put some various frames around a couple of pictures but think it's best I don't upload these ones here!
I went camping with my best mate, her BF, her Mum and her Mum's partner and we had a great time. Activities included going kayaking, (but I don't deem any of those pictures suitable to post here), taking a dinghy out on the river for a day. The day we took the dinghy out I didn't take my camera though......and that turned out to be a good idea as because of the current, the whole inside of the boat got good 'splash' inside and I ended up getting wet! I'm sure wet cameras aren't such good things......unless they are the waterproof ones! We also did a bit of walking/swimming around the river/beaches and went walking/climbing up and down rocks around the nearby gorges at Kalbarri!
Kalbarri is a coastal little holiday town with a permanent population of less than 2000, and would be about a 6 and a half hour drive north of Perth and this was my first visit! The population swells a bit at peak times but there is a very relaxed feel there. The main industry is crayfish/lobster fishing. There seems a bit to do there......I saw lots of families about. There are the gorges where numerous walks/hikes can be undertaken and we did a few. The riverfront is a nice place to swim, or hire a kayak or waterbike. Dinghy's can be hired such as we did. I saw brochures describing abseiling, skydiving, 4 wheel motorbike tours, fishing trips and more. Oh, and the sunsets are amazing! It doesn't feel overly commercialised either.
We had warm weather, - but not hot hot weather! Normally it's ususally around 40 odd degrees at New Year, - this year I think the days hit maybe early 30's at max and the nights cooled down to about 17/18 or so.......almost could have done a light jumper but it wasn't quite cool enough to buy one! We even had light rain two mornings, - hence me deciding to wear my new bright pink raincoat off hiking! It turned out to be a nice cheap trip which was great as well......great company of course too :-)
Back at work now. Am watching the budget. I've got a target I want my long savings to hit by the end of this year. I'm going home to NZ at Christmas this year for at least 2 weeks, (my first Christmas at home since 2007). I've seen some cheap fun deals in Thailand and am seriously considering going there for 7-10 days in about September. (It will be a hiking/kayaking/cycling but cultural type of tour I'd probably opt for). It's that....or a week skiing in NZ in August........but I'm considering going for the unknown new adventure since I'm going home for Christmas! And Thailand and Asia is quite cheap from Perth.
Lastly........last month I signed up for a 12 week fitness challenge which I opted to start next Monday, 9 Jan. I am sure it can be noted by recent photos that I'm not as lean or as fit as I was mid last year, (due to slackness/lack of commitment) and I decided for a change.......to be accountable to a trainer and work to a more organised weights regime along with my cardio which will remain mainly running with some cycling and swimming. So I'm out to get that body back.....re-fit my size 10's again and even see if eventually I can make some new PB's all round! I will keep you posted regarding progress with that!
Will talk soon!
Pip :-)
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