Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation & back to Parkrun

Update

I've decided to resurrect my blog as I really miss it.  It helps me reflect and clarify my goals and values and to appreciate all the good things in my life.

Over the last few months (at least 6) I've completely lost my mojo.  I've put on weight, had several injuries, been stressed out with uni work and paid work and feel like I've lost perspective on what is really important to me.  So I'm making an effort to pull myself together. 

12WBT 

I signed up for the Michelle Bridge's 12 Week Body Transformation (with the support of my MIL who also wants to loose a few kilos and is a whizz in the kitchen).  I'm on day 6 and its been great but very tough.  I'm on a 1200 calorie plan and exercise 6 days a week.  Sometimes we eat the recipes in the plan and sometimes I eat whatever as long as I track the calorie content.  Here's a sample of this weeks meals and snacks.

Cauliflower and chickpea patties with salad

Stir fry beef and greens

 

     Chicken, mushroom and salad toasted wrap

            Ryvita, ricotta cheese, honey and chopped almond             

   







Today I did my first parkrun in a LONG time.  5km of hell.  Now my hip is just letting me know its there and I'm a bit scared about that.

But I've been sticking to 1200 calories (though I do have a high tea treat coming up :)).  I have to eat 3 meals plus 3 snacks a day so its really forcing me to chose super healthy and light foods.  I can't believe I haven't had chocolate in 6 days!!!  Honestly, it was becoming a problem.  I was eating a BLOCK of chocolate a day plus other sweet treats.

Autism

Well I'm very ashamed that I've put the boys' goals on the back burner while I unsuccessfully try and keep work and study going.  I need to change this for their sake.  They are beautiful boys who deserve a maximum chance of living successful and independent lives in the future.  Tomorrow we are going on a much needed break and I just want to have FUN with them.  Then we are going to get back to progress.  Meanwhile bring on a much-needed break

Its good to be back!

Put down that fork and pick up those joggers!

Running
Sorry for being a slack blogger.  It seems like forever ago but the only exercise I've done this week is 5km on Monday and a pump class on Tuesday.  This morning I managed to get my butt out of bed for a slow 90 minutes before the heat set in.   I've put on a couple of kilos in the last couple of weeks and I can really feel them!

Autism
T2 officially finished early intervention ABA sessions last week.  His supervisor went to school to watch and he is doing pretty well with NO support in the classroom.  He was daydreaming alot but his attending has improved greatly and he hardly ever has behavioural problems any more.  In fact I've been observing many of his peers lately and frequently the twins are far better behaved than 80% of them.  Its been a long road and it definitely isn't over.  But here's to progress and a bright future ahead!

The twins were invited to 3 parties in 3 days!  I remember a time when I was scared that the twins would never be invited to a party.  I'm not sure if you've read this article, but it really broke my heart.  I can't believe a whole class of parents could be so heartless and cruel.  Shame on them.

Look at that stance!

Thankfully, We've had the opposite experience at the twins' school.  The boys are completely included and have some really good friends.  I was worried about the putt putt golf and bowling parties.  These involve metal sticks and hard balls and we've had stressful experiences in the past.  This weekend I was able to talk to other parents while keeping a half an eye on the boys.   They behaved really well and had a great time.


What a great weekend!

Running update & my child is hugging strangers!

Running
I've been trying to hit the weights in the last couple of weeks and I've been loving it.  But, I've been so stiff that I've been hardly been able to run properly.

Life got in the way of blogging so my workouts since my last blog post are

Monday - 70 minute run (ahem...shuffle)
Tuesday - body pump class, 15 minutes on the elliptical, 10 minutes on the bike
Wednesday - Friday off
Saturday - 5km - see below

Not happy about the time :( Consolation is the 368 calories:)

Life
Want to know why I had Weds-Friday off training?
Work asked me to finish at 11pm and start 6 am (I need my sleep!!!) and T2 woke up with croup on Wednesday at 1.45am.  I then realised I was out of Redipred, so my husband and I had to take T2 to the local hospital and then didn't get home until 3.30 then I had to get up at 5.30am.  Croup was brought on by a virus which I also now have.  Friday we all stayed home and coughed (except for the short escape to our local donut king!).

Autism
This morning I got a delivery of two lunchboxes for the twins from the local Tupperware woman.  She actually called me a Tupperware virgin (snigger).   I was talking to her on the doorstep when T2 burst out of the house and hugged her.  It was quite embarrassing as I said to him 'T2 you don't hug people you don't know!'.  We've had the 'you don't kiss people at school' conversation but now I think a refresher course on PDAs is required.  Sigh.

A gym workout; recovery run; and my baby goes to High School!

Running

Yesterday was so wet and because my schedule involved doing a speed workout, I decided to go to the gym.  First up I hit the treadmill.  Since I'm still pretty unfit my run involved 1min at 11.5 km/hr, 1 min jog x8.  Then I hit the elliptical trainer for 15 minutes.  It was hell....and I noticed it was called the Cybex - sounds like a scary sci-fi character doesn't it?

The Cybex

After that, I thought I'd better hit some weights.  I was in for a rude shock.  I can't believe how weak I am.  I need to do more weights if I'm going to keep running and stay injury free.

This morning I was still sore so after my early shift I ran a very easy 25 minutes and did some stretching.

Beautiful conditions

Autism
The twins went into Year 1 today and settled in really well.  The lovely special ed teacher even messaged me to give me an update.  I'm so lucky to have found such a wonderful school for the boys.  When they get home I'm letting them do what they want for the first week ie ipads, Wii systems, DS games.  But watch out kiddos, screen limits are coming

Life
So I worked 4 hours, did my run and then thought 'what now?'  I'm not used to having no kids around.  After lunch my Mother-in-Law and I decided to catch up on The Knick (life's too short for chores).  This is an awesome historical/medical drama.  The big boys in my house don't like it (too gory!). 

No Gloves……AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Eldest starts high school
I can't believe it.  My darling boy (neurotypical) has started school.  And, as expected he has taken to it like a duck to water.   It is lovely to have at least one uncomplicated, healthy, stress-free kid.  I love them ALL to bits (well maybe not when one of the twins is having a public meltdown ;-).
My eldest does have one medical condition - a peanut allergy and yesterday I was excited to hear an update  on medical trials held in Melbourne.  I hope my son will be able to benefit.  Its interesting that probiotics are involved in this treatment.

A hard 5km, a chocolate walking tour and The Imitation Game

Running

As I was due in the city for a Chocolate walking tour at 10am so I decided to do my own Parkrun substitute - a hard, hot and hilly 5km.  It was very hot and there was one major hill at about 3.5km when I just wanted to quit, but thankfully I didn't.  I then collapsed in my pool and then held an ice pack on my face for 15 minutes. Here are the stats.

Hot, hard work.  I've got a long way to go to reach my goals

Foodi Chocolate Tour
My mum treated me to a Foodi Chocolate walking tour in Sydney's CBD.  I thought I knew all the best chocolate haunts in the city but today I discovered that I didn't know quite a few.  We met at the Archbold Fountain in Hyde Park and proceeded to the Rocks area stopping at Adora chocolates and then Chocolarts.  We were given samples and talks about the history of chocolate, the cacao plant, free trade chocolate and chocolate of origin.  But really, we were there to eat as much chocolate as we could get.

Almost too beautiful to eat....almost

After Chocolarts we headed to the Guylian Chocolate cafe where we sat down to a hot drink.  I chose the coconut hot chocolate, which was very generous.

The upstairs area at the cafe was lovely

My Coconut hot chocolate

...included a jug of hot chocolate

 It consisted of coconut in the bottom of our cups with a jug of hot chocolate to pour over the top.  I had never been to the Guylian cafe before, but it won't be the last time.

Our next stop was the George St Lindt Cafe.  Going to the Lindt Cafe felt strange and sad at first (even though it was a different venue to the siege) but it was a beautiful and spacious store.

This image is so sad.

So many varieties of Lindt blocks and Lindt balls

varieties include champagne, lemon, Spring, sea salt.....

I chose lemon

 Our final stop was Josephan's chocolate, originally from Leura.  These chocolates are very high class.

High Class chocolate at Josophan's

My only complaint about the tour is that it didn't include Haig's chocolate, so after the tour finished I went to my beloved Haigs to stock up on choccies for the family.

The Imitation Game

Last night my mother-in-law and I went to see The Imitation Game, the movie about British mathematician Alan Turing who cracked the Enigma Code during World War 2 and enabled the Allies to intercept German communications which helped win the war.  It was interesting how Alan Turing was protrayed during the movie.  The way he was portrayed - significant social deficits, difficulty interpreting language and perspective - would have placed him firmly on the autism spectrum.  However, I wonder how accurate this film was.  It almost felt like he was made into a caricature.  It was, however, a sad and enjoyable movie.  I love Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley and any British historical drama is right up my alley.  I will definitely try to read the biography of Alan Turing as a result of seeing this movie.

Oakvale Farm & Water World, Salt Ash; consistency

Running
I'm still trying to get some consistency in my running.  I did a slow one hour run yesterday afternoon and then a 20 minute jog in the beautiful cooler weather today. No speed, but that's ok - for now.

Life
We went to visit my dad, who lives quite close to Salt Ash, near Nelson Bay.  We went to the temporary Waterworld set up there on Friday and then to Oakvale Farm on Saturday.  We all had a fantastic time, despite the extreme heat (great for Waterworld).

So much fun for the kids!

Water World - Salt Ash
Ok if you plan to go here, a few tips.  Bring a pen!  We had to line up and fill out a waiver form and there was a line up for the 3 pens provided.  Those who could fill out their form went straight to the front of the line.  Also, you aren't supposed to bring in outside food but we usually do bring a small snack as all my kids have serious allergies.

Plenty of areas for smaller kids (ignore my finger :))

Once T2 got the hang of the steering he absolutely loved the boat area

There are plenty of slides

The boys all had a blast.  We have our own pool so they are all confident in the water.  Adults aren't allowed on the slides but are allowed to wade in the pools at the bottom of the slides.  I would have melted if I didn't get in the water.  Also most people (including myself) had purchased a voucher (can't remember if it was Groupon, Scoopon, whatever...)

The biggest slide for the very brave

I was so proud of T2.  He was great, even during the long line up to get the elusive pen.  After an hour and a quarter he had had enough so he played with my phone while my other two continued on.

Oakvale Farm - Salt Ash

This place if fantastic!  We went a few years ago when the twins were quite out of control and hadn't started ABA therapy.  Thankfully, this time they were fantastic, despite the searing heat.  It costs $20 for adults and $12 for kids.  Many animals are roaming around and you can buy bags of feed and hand feed lambs, goats, chickens, kangaroos etc.

I love how the kids can interact with the animals

There are many kangaroos hopping about

The barn yard area

The boys got to milk a cow, go on a tractor ride (T2 insisted on another go on the tractor).  There was plenty of opportunity to pat many of the animals.

Tractor - and ducks

The tractor ride goes all around the farm

A new, huge koala enclosure opened last year and there is a BBQ area, and even a fantastic playground.  It's a great day and I highly recommend it for adults and kids.

This new koala enclosure opened last year

And there is even a playground (with aeroplane!) for the kids to play in

Nursing & Running don't Mix & successful outings on the Spectrum

Running

Last week I worked 3 days in a row on my feet.  I've never had foot problems before but I believe I developed some Plantar Fasciitis from this.  I spent Christmas day with my feet on ice and rolling them on a tennis ball.  It was really, really painful, and to be honest, a little depressing.  It made me think can I be a nurse, can I improve my running and still work on my feet.  Three days of rest and today I thought I would try to run on grass for 15 minutes.  Thankfully there was no foot (or hip) pain.  I feel I'm back where I was 12 months ago.  But I'm determined to 'never, never, never give up'.

I was thankful to run on this green carpet this morning!

Bowling

I'm still recovering from some of the horrifying incidents we've had in the past trying to take the twins bowling.  About 18 months ago I took my eyes off T2 for a few seconds and he started RUNNING down the lane.  I completely panicked and thought he would go through where the pins go down and ran after him and it was SO slippery I thought I'd break my neck.  Thankfully, he fell and I got him back relatively unscathed.  He has also known to throw heavy balls where they shouldn't be thrown.  12 months later we returned to that alley and the owner still remembered us. 

Today we had a fantastic time bowling.  We sat the 3 boys down to go over that it doesn't matter who wins, and packed reinforcing snacks to be unveiled at around halfway if everyone was playing properly.  It was a great time.  My take home message is don't give up (well you might want to take a break for a while, but long term - don't give up hope).  Also my eldest is now bowling the adult way  - he's growing up way too fast.

Husband assisting T2 to bowl

Paddington - the movie
Another difficult outing in the past has been going to the movies.  I've had the twins throwing apples, scripting loudly, crying, moving seats, getting under seats etc.  I am a movie person and its important that I can enjoy a movie with my family.  Its taken a long time and gradual improvements over the last couple of years, especially for T2.

I'll always remember that this was the first movie T2 watched from beginning to end - happily!

Yesterday, watching this gorgeous movie, I feel like we got our first completely successful movie outing.  At the moment T2 loves it when others do the wrong thing, so Paddington was right up his alley.  He's a bit of a cuddly teddy bear himself so Paddington was the perfect movie for him.  My tips (besides persistence) is to watch the trailers several times (Youtube) and talk about the characters before going,  take plenty of desirable snacks and give a few at a time for watching the movie (we didn't have to ration so much today).  I do have a family rule though.  No snacks until the movie starts (otherwise everyone would be full before it even starts) - Good Luck!  Although its taken so long we never take a successful outing for granted - we appreciate it so much.

Niggling hip, Goals & The Best Godfather Ever

Running

Its been tricky fitting my running in lately and when I do my left hip has been a little achey afterwards.  Yesterday I did fit a very slow 50 minutes in.  It doesn't feel like an injury, more like a niggle.  I've been working quite abit as my work is short staffed and after a long nursing shift my feet feel too sore to run.  I don't know how I'm going to overcome that.

Life
The boys are on school holidays.  Since we're not going away they've been busy swimming, playing cricket, lego and video games.   Last night after I got home eldest and I went on a little Mother and son outing to the movies to see Alexander and the Horrible,Terrible, No Good Very Bad Day.  It was quite good.  Not up to Diary of A Wimpy Kid (now they are funny pre teen movies) but we had a few belly laughs together.

Today the world's most awesome Godfather came over.  My husband and I chose well.  He bought them a mini AIR HOCKEY TABLE for Christmas!!!!!! We've all had a go and even T2 LOVEs it.And also clothes (they actually all like getting pjs and cricket shirts).  We've all had a go and even T2 LOVES it.

The Boys' New Personal Air Hockey Table!!!!Awesome!

Autism
I have made a few goals for the boys to work on over the holidays.
T2's goals are
1) Learn to draw the farm animals in this book

T2 now knows how to draw sheep and pigs - the ones on the right are his

2) Work on topical conversation and eye contact using the Teach Me Language Program

Topical Convo

Topical Convo

3) Finally be able to randomly ask when,why,where,which and how questions and have an accurate response.
T1's goal is to ride a bike sans training wheels.



1) To ride his bike sans training wheels.

So far T2 has been doing really well working for 10-15minutes a day on his goals.

87 days until marathon - school meeting - Yum Cha at The Emperor's Table North Ryde RSL

Running
I had today off work (yipee!) but had a before school meeting about the boys so didn't run then.  My marathon schedule said 50 minutes for today.  I got home after the meeting and started studying in my cosy, quiet home.  Internally, I was making excuses.  I'll go for a run later, I have so much study to do etc etc.  Finally, I came to the words 'glutamine catabolism' in my textbook and thought to myself 'I'd much rather run in the wind and rain than read anymore of THIS!  So I headed out.  At first it was just windy and not raining.  I spent the first ten minutes actively looking above and avoiding any gum trees that looked they might come down on my head (seriously, that would just be my luck!).  After 10 minutes or so it started raining lightly.  It was beautiful.  There was no one else out running and I started to feel great. Towards the end of my run my mind turned to lunch.  A mantra of 'yum cha, yum cha..' began.  Thankfully my MIL hadn't eaten yet so off we went.  I did take my textbook to read over hot chocolate afterwards :).

Post run fuel!

I LOVE these egg tarts!

I did study while sipping this

One of the world's most comfortable (and perhaps most ugliest) chairs :)

I didn't take my phone on my run - for obvious reasons.  Thankfully no gums like this fell on my head.

Autism

My meeting this morning was positive overall.  It IS difficult knowing that ultimately its not up to me to make final decisions.  The school really has been outstanding and I couldn't expect more for them.  Next year the boys will be mostly unsupported in the classroom with T2 having a shadow on the playground.  The question of separating the boys next year came up and I voiced my opinion that we'd rather they stay together.  I'm very lucky T1 has such great language skills and I can clarify what T2 is trying to say because T1 was in the classroom.

I can't imagine how difficult it would be for the parents of a non-verbal or a child who can't adequately express themselves (verbally or non-verbally) going off to school each day.  For all of you who have 'typical' kids - imagine it.  You send your kid to school, they come home and you really don't know for sure what exactly happened, how your kid feels or perhaps why they feel a certain way.  These kids can be so, so vulnerable.  Its terrifying really. 

Do you have any IEP tips?
What is your favourite yum cha dish?  Mine are steamed prawn & chive dumplings