More than just a playgroup!!

Thank you to all my sweet friends and Moms at Chase Oaks Church! We all get together often for a playgroup with our kids on the Wednesdays that we dont meet at church. A couple Wednesdays ago when we got together for a playdate with the kids they all brought something with them to add to our stash of baby items that weve been collecting. Now we have so many great things to take to the School Age Parenting Program through PISD. Such a fun way to get together and at the same time, invite everyone to participate in giving to others in a simple, small, easy way. Now that February is over...were going to deliver all the great baby items from the playdate and our family giving bucket. Thanks to all the families who helped us and donated items! You guys are so great!!!

"They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed."
Psalm 37:26

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National Zero Waste Week 2011 Just one week to go

Just like the kids starting a new school year, I cant believe that Zero Waste Week has come around so quickly or indeed that its in its fourth year.  It doesnt seem that long since Mrs Green at myzerowaste.com held the very first National Zero Waste Week back in 2008.

Back then, it felt like a huge challenge and I thought Id take a walk down memory lane to the preparations that Mrs Green was making for her very first ZWW three years ago.  I remember packaging being one of the key problems, as it still is for many people whod want to have a go today.  However, undeterred, Mrs Greens Zero Waste Week saw over 160 people pledge to increase their commitment to reducing waste, reusing, recycling or composting, providing a great platform for her Myzerowaste site to host its second National Zero Waste Week in 2009, encouraging supporters this time to tackle their food waste.

Last years Zero Waste Week returned with an even greater emphasis on food waste, with Mrs Greens campaign week gaining official support from celebrity chef Brian Turner CBE, who shared tips on how he uses up ingredients and how he composts while he cooks.   For me it was a great excuse to find my own local chef and hang out at one of my favourite eateries, picking up tips on how good food can go a lot further with some extra imagination and fabulous recipes.

And so to this year.  As ever, National Zero Waste Week 2011 comes with another waste-busting topic, with this years challenge "Reducing waste while away from home".   This theme holds a special significance for me as it was the same unexpected twist that came with the local councils ZWW challenge back in March 2008, where any waste that I created "on-the-go" had to be brought home and added to my rubbish bins booty, which would be declared later that week.   With such a personal challenge back then, is it any wonder that I get excited about the "recycle-on-the-go bins" that feature in the 1000 bins campaign.

So, what are we asking you to do this year?

Thats simple. Whilst getting on with reducing waste on the home front, Mrs Green and I would love you to become more aware of the rubbish that can be created whilst youre out and about and take measures to reduce such waste that would ordinarily end up in landfill.

From tackling disposable cutlery to recycling drinks containers, there are loads of tips over at the National Zero Waste Week 2011 information page, where you can also share your own ideas in the comments section.  If youre on Facebook and want to receive further news, theres also an event page, which already has 190 people attending.

Dont forget, National Zero Waste Week is also the finale of the 1000 bins photovideo challenge.  Thanks to all who have submitted photos and videos this far.  There are now only two weeks to go to submit your entries and be in with a chance of winning a gorgeous Luciana clutch bag from Bottletop.org, or a fabulous waste-busting goodie bag from Onya Bags, which includes an Onya Back, Onya Bag, Onya Lunch, Onya Weigh, H2O Bottle and a People Towel.

So please send in your entries by Midnight (GMT) 11 September, either at www.facebook.com/1000bins or email me directly at standup@therubbishdiet.co.uk.  Mrs Green and I will then get cracking on voting for the most interesting bin photo as well as the one that made us smile the most and will announce the winners as soon as weve stopped laughing.

Heres one of my own photos taken whilst out and about at a festival in Staffordshire....go on, surely you can do better...............

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Back with some renewed pithe and vinegar just white please

Well, as I read over the last scant entries over the past year or so, Im bemused and humbled by my weight loss journey.

Since reaching my BMI in Sept 2009 of 140, I reached 180 lbs (I know, I know!) in August of this year.

Call it dietary laziness and greed.  I reverted back to my same old bad habits and paid for it dearly.

Back came the unlimited quantities of wine and spirits - especially during the summers around the pool.  Be damned were the healthy portions and food selections, when pizza and carbs abounded in the work cafeteria.

Its amazing how arrogant you become when you shed the pounds, look and feel great, and think that youre invincible to the almighty calorie.

So, after spending this summer feeling ugly in my own skin - with back flab and muffin-top rolls casting an unsightly silhouette on my bikini-clad frame, I enrolled back on the strict diet.

As you faithful readers know, I dabbled back on and off Bernstein a few times over the last year.  Id creep up to 160-165 and think its better to shed these few pounds than let it get out of hand.  However, I just couldnt get motivated and stay strict on the diet.  I blame peanut butter actually.  I missed it so much in the first round that once I reached my goal weight it became a loving staple in my day.  So, strict was difficult for me.

I had to find my resolve back.  I had to get serious.

I think when I saw 179-180 on the scale, I almost had a heart attack.  I could no longer be blind to the reality that I had let things go beyond my control.

From my lovely new size 8-10 wardrobe came some new pieces into my closet.  A few size 12 capris and even a size 14 for "that time of the month."  And here I swore I would never see those numbers again - and they were even feeling tight!

On August 18, 2011, I re-enrolled at my clinic.  What a surprise though - a whole new crop of nurses and staff.  A nice change - some new faces.  Actually, I think having new staff helped me to motivate myself.  They didnt know me - they didnt know my past success and failure.  I didnt need to feel embarassed that I had let myself slip.  It could be a fresh start with them.  It made the transition back easier.

So since the 18th Ive lost 12 lbs.  Ive had a few good 2++ burning days, but I still struggle to stay strict.  Its not as easy this time - knowing whats lurking in my cupboards (aka peanut butter.)  I have cheated a few times because I seem so much hungrier this time.  However, Im committed to making it work.

I think what is a motivator for me is that I paid for 2 months upfront.  With that kind of financial commitment, it helps me keep focused.  I mean, why would I purposely want to literally "piss" $1,100 down the drain for a mere trace, or no ketosis at all?  However, as Im occasionally tempted in the evenings to fill my belly with a bun or extra melba toast, I will need to make myself a little card with the reminders as to why Im doing this.  Otherwise, I cant seem to summon enough willpower to resist incidental cheating, and sabotage the diet and my success.

A vicious circle....

Anyway - heres Round II of the program.

Wish me luck!

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