The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

I politely asked Santa for a copy of the new book - The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Low and behold, I received it at our early Christmas dinner with J's family. 

We jumped on a plane at 8.30am yesterday. I read it for a few hours, napped, read some more. You know how it goes. I must mention there were a few squealing babies surrounding our seats. Now, squealing babies are fine. I understand, they do that, because really - what else can they do?! But for four hours!!! Needless to say, I was a slightly disgruntled passenger. There was a little girl, perhaps 12 months old (I am not really sure, no maternal instinct 'round here). She would not stop looking at me. Then, when I pulled a Christmas cookie gifted to me by a lovely friend, she pointed. And squealed. And pointed some more. She wanted my cookie. So I just gave her this look that 'said' "you are really cute, but you are sure as hell not having my cookie!" and she turned away and went to sleep. Funny.

We arrived in Darwin around 12.30pm, got home to Mum and Dad's place, I read some more and then I napped again. Woke up to a torrential storm, which apparently flooded the area one of the local bridges, and everyone else was napping. So what do you think I did? Kept reading. I finished the book in one day. I still can't believe it because I have the attention span of a salted peanut. 

The book is great. It's funny in parts, sad in parts and easy to read in all the other parts. I definitely recommend reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Especially if it is a balmy Saturday afternoon and you have some quiet time. I am looking forward to seeing the movie! 

Note: I never EVER nap. And I never EVER "have time" to read. I'm proud of myself and now have the reading bug! 

Pizza Capers.

Outside of my typically planned and mapped intake of food, there are occasions when I simply cannot be bothered to prepare and cook a nutritious meal at home. Yesterday I didn't arrive home until late in the evening and J was busy mulching and watering the new trees down the paddock. We were also flying out to Darwin the next day (and I had gone a little cuckoo waiting for a water delivery - I cleaned out the fridge). Ha, it almost sounds like I am justifying our Friday night food frenzy. Let me assure you, I am NOT. 

We didn't leave home until 8.00pm to grab some dinner. I was hoping that the new Indian restaurant in Samford had opened. Unfortunately (which later turns to good fortune), it wasn't and Pizza Capers was the next best option. I like to have the best of ALL worlds when it comes to take away. I also am a real tight-ass, so if there are coupons on the counter then I, bloody well, will use them. On offer was a 'Gourmet 4 Course Banquet'. Winner! 

For $32.95 (add on $4.00 for a 1.25L Pepsi) J and I feasted on:

Appetiser - Sour Cream and Chives dip with Parmesan Dipping Crusts

Entre - Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

Main - Supremo Pizza

Dessert - Pear and White Chocolate Calzone

The service was amazing from the moment we arrived. The dining area was on a brand new deck and the table even had a little vase of flowers on it. The food was magnificent (yes, I said it). And the price??? Ridiculousy cheap. We were soooo full that we had the take the dessert home with us. It has been so hot in Brisbane lately so once we were home I stripped off and over indulged on the couch and slipped into food coma. Unfortunately I only managed to get a photo of the dessert...

Aldi.

I love going to Aldi. There are the regular grocery items there and then there are the cool items there like lawn mowers, BBQs, pizza stones, 4wd winches (yes, I know, why?) and a heap more. I have been shopping at Aldi for bits and pieces over the last few years. I am still a Woolworths shopper through and through, don't get me wrong. 

Shopping at Aldi is a great way for me to save money on the things I buy so much of. However, there are a few things that still annoy me:

1) How the check out operator doesn't start serving the next customer in line until the previous customer is packed up and on their way. Well... unfortunately for me I have the 'it's-too-late-for-me-to-pick-up-a-basket-now-I-am-half-way-through' kind of attitude. So I load up and load up on bargain goodies and dump everything on the check out conveyer belt (far from elegantly). Then I have to fondle around finding my wallet and stacking my purchases at the same time. Then I get flustered. And then I get shocked that they charge for a credit purchase rather than savings or cheque purchase. 

2) Then the check out operator puts the receipt on top of all of my stacked goodies that I plan to carry through the shopping centre with my arms locked out like a zombie. Well that receipt is surely not going to stay there is it?!? So I unlock my zombie arms, plomp my stack of goodies down on the bench, put the receipt in my diary and walk away with a slightly elevated heart rate and a face tinged pink.

However, all is not lost with shopping at Aldi. With my recent eating habits, I have stumbled across some scoop purchases which I will definitely keep going back for.

Free Range Eggs - $3.69
Lite Cottage Cheese - $2.something
Rice Cakes - $1.something
Rye Sourdough - $2.79
Blueberries - $1.49 (!!!)

Moral of the story, you wonder? 'Things' (for lack of a better word) don't change. People don't change. You (well, me in this case) have to change. Perhaps I could buy an Aldi trolley token and keep it on my key ring. Hell no. Or I could hunt down an empty box on my way through so I could just stack my goodies in there and be on my way. Perhaps not. Or I could find those canvas/hessian/burlap grocery bags I loved but now can't remember where I saw them because I never wrote it down or impulsively bought them at the time. Yes. Problem solved. Now to find them.

Textures and Things that Tittillate.

I will not provide explanations to these pictures. All you need to understand is that things like this give my butterflies.

Snippets from Bali.

L-R Lindsey, Kim, me, Amy. Yes, it may seem my tummy houses a small baby. Don't worry though. It's just a cocktail and pastry baby! Love this photo and love this place.

Espresso Martini @ La Lucciola. Yummy!

Potato Head Beach Club, Seminyak. Gorgeous place.

Some type of sangria with white wine, mango and lemon grass. I jokingly suggested eating all the mango because they are $2.99 a pop here in Brisbane at the moment. 

A 'Kookaburra' - best cocktail of the trip at Potato Head.

Cocoon Beach Club, Seminyak. 

 Along the coastline around the Jimbaran Bay/Uluwatu area.

Lindsey was blissfully happy to enjoy a monkey experience!

 All of these photos are taken at the Rock Bar. Definitely a must-do despite the long drive.

 Glenn and Amy - one of my best friends and her partner. They are so lovely. 

Lindsey - a sun goddess (haha!)

So, upon the ending of my 4th trip in Bali I shall make some recommendations. Some people think Bali is cheap, cheap, cheap. This is partly true - you get what you pay for. Pay $2 for a singlet from the market and that singlet will provide you with $2 worth of wear. Pay $39 for a singlet from a cute boutique and that singlet will provide you with $39 worth of wear. However, you do stumble across great bargains though - the dresses from the markets are usually a winner. 

Beach Clubs/Bars - for drinks, meeting friends, watching sunsets

Cocoon - southern end of Seminyak in Double Six

Ku De Ta - northern end of Seminyak near Jl. Petitenget

Potato Head - northern end of Seminyak near Jl. Petitenget

Rock Bar - in Uluwatu/Jimbaran Bay. About 1 hours drive to get there but totally worth it. Arrive around 4pm to secure your spot. 

Restaurants - for dinner, drinks go perfectly with the meals, just below Western prices

Mamasan - TO DIE FOR! I can still taste the dishes in my mouth today. Great for people who love chilli. Not so great for those that don't. Try the dumplings!

Potato Head - western style menu which can be a nice change to Bali food. Atmosphere is amazing.

The Junction - mixed menu. The girls will agree the Thai Seafood Curry a winner. Had my best Chicken Sate of the trip here. The decor is just gorgeous.

Ultimo - cheap, fast, good Italian food.

La Lucciola - one of the best eating experiences Bali has to offer. Great food, great view and great service. 

Laca Laca Cantina - cheap, yummy Mexican food in a beautifully decorated restaurant.

Pizza Club - for something easy when you can't put your finger on a craving. Cute little place run by Aussies and delicious pizza. 

Note: book ahead at Mamasan, Potato Head, Ku De ta, La Lucciola and similar kinds of place. Be sure to check out the restaurants along Jl. Petitenget.

Breakfasts/Coffee

Revolver - Gang 51 on Laksmana St - run by an ex professional surfer, Katie Allan - fantastic fresh and healthy breakfasts and FABULOUS coffee. This place oozes cool. Be sure to try the Granola.

Sea Circus - Jl. Kayu Aya - good breakfast and good coffee. Again, I had the granola. Give it a go, you will be impressed.

Note: while it is appealing that your accommodation may include buffet breakfast, I will now avoid this in the future. Mass produced food lacks quality and I always leave feeling terrible. Breakfast at Revolver or Sea Circus with a coffee, will set you back around $7.50AU. I think it is SO worth it.

Tailor

Janoko - in Poppies Lane II. Pricing is unbelievable and the service is fantastic. No need to negotiate pricing, it seems the price for tailored suits was the same across the board. Be sure to go and check on your garments a few days before leaving so they have enough time to alter them. I took some dresses to be altered that were too big and also had a dress copied. 

Shopping

I will avoid Kuta until the day I die. 

For ladies with feet smaller than size 10 - go to Matahari and Discovery.

Bags/Clutches - see above

Boutiques/Homewares - there are hundreds (literally) of cute boutiques, to suit men and women, all over the place. I particularly like Seminyak to shop for clothes. For homewares, Seminyak is also good. Just be aware that pricing can be much the same to Australia. However, you can be assured that not many people will have it!

That's all for now. If anyone wants some more info on Bali, please feel free to email me - brodie_lockhart@hotmail.com

17 (and 18) again.

Below is a photo of me wearing a particular pair of jeans. I had just turned 18 in this photo. For some reason, I kept these jeans. Little did I know that they would never fit again. Or so I kept thinking for the 4 years they have been hiding under my bed.

Fast forward 4 and a half years, a steady weight gain of over 10 kgs and corresponding weight loss of over 10 kgs, they fit! I absolutely shocked myself this morning when I tried them on. In February, I could not get them past my thighs. Say... in July, I could get them up towards my hips. Then, in September I could almost do them up. Two weeks ago, I did them up. Mind you, with a muffin top the size of your Grandma's chocolate cake. Today, this is what they look like:

Now please, before you sigh and think "oh, I wish she would shut up about 'it'...", do come back soon. It is simply that this weight loss, fitness and healthy eating has become such a big part of my life that I have to share. I promise I won't post about it for a while!

Hello, J!

I usually like to have a focus for each of my posts but so much has happened over the past few weeks that everything is a jumble. Here is a rundown:

1. Finished my final exams on Thursday.

2. Started my "holidays" on Friday - I have two whole weeks off work - I haven't even thought about how my roster will work over Summer.

3. I am off to Bali tomorrow for 9 days with some friends. 

4. J said he didn't want me to do the groceries as I will be away. I purchased 4 'man-size' beef noodle bowls. 

5. Going to a Cancer Council fundraiser on Friday 30th November - if you are interested see http://tutusandtiaras12wbt.wordpress.com/

6. CrossFit Geebung has a new webpage - if you are interested see http://www.crossfitgeebung.com.au/ - I am looking forward to the Christmas party in a few weeks!

7. J complained that I haven't made a post in a while - so this is why I am here basically.

OH. Have just remembered some things to share...

Food

This year was my 4th year in university. Each and every year, come exam time (which happens 4 times a year!) I would feast and feast again on lollies, chocolates and whatever else I could get my hands on. I would make excuses and be so lenient on myself - I would say "oh, it's exam time, it'll be fine". However, this time around, I made serious changes. I used my food planner from Kikki.K, did a nice and fresh grocery shop and prepared meals/snacks in advance (where possible). I even tried a few new recipes. 

There was a pinnacle turning point within these two weeks for me. I couldn't remember the last time I ate chocolate (yes of course, I have eaten some since then!). This is the point I realised, that if you focus on something with all of your might and believe in yourself, you can really do anything. It was the 'cleanest' week of eating, ever. I had never felt so alive, full of energy and happy - despite the stress of my last ever exams -  I was so excited by what the next day had in store. So food, I thank you for one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life.

Uni

A four year journey has ended. Gone. Done and dusted. Just like that. Back in 2008, I never imagined I would make it this far - there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I had a little tidy of the study yesterday to rid myself of the clutter and papers. I have stored the last set of textbooks and will hopefully sell them over the Summer. When I look back, it was quite a tumultuous journey (I never want to move house again. 5 times in 4 years is too much. The next time will be a brand new architecturally designed home - hey J??? - and I will start fresh).

'Holidays'

I plan to go to Bali, have my parents visit for my graduation, go to Darwin for Christmas, go to DIY heaven at House on a Hill, spend time in the yard, spend time with J, cook, clean, re-organise (yes, I am for real) and of course - work. I am really hoping to have a quick trip overseas in February (destination T.B.D). We will wait and see.

Rain. More please?

Finally, I have been home at 'House on a Hill' to experience a good storm! 

I am so thankful, as we are trying to get our new turf looking healthy. I also have some tomatoes (still green) growing and I am a little forgetful when it comes to water. They have been a long time coming. I planted the seeds in April when my Mumma was visiting. The brush turkeys have managed to munch on a few but hopefully this time around my crop are safe!

Whenever it rains, I get a little fluttery. Coming from Darwin, I associate rain with being at home with my family and balmy nights on the balcony. I haven't been 'home' for so long... I don't miss the place, I just miss my home - as in, Mumma and Dad's house.

I have been starting to go to CrossFit in the mornings a few times a week. It means that I get to spend the afternoon with J (if he manages to finish early, ha!). It is so hard to get up at 4.45am and I find that I never really do well in morning WODs. Today was a different story, I nailed my Clean & Jerk PB. Anyway, this morning, the sky was so pretty I had to pull over and take a photo. Perhaps it was something to do with the storm? The colours are a bit like a Rainbow Paddlepop!

And as I click 'publish'... the storm ends. How ironic.

To Brodie. From Brodie.

I like to reward myself with presents when I achieve a goal. I will share one example with you.

Four years ago I set out to complete a Bachelor of International Business and a Bachelor of Commerce. In less than four weeks, I will have finished my final exams. Might I add, this is within the suggested time frame, with better than average academic results and is inclusive of early life tragedies many people make excuses about (eg. motor vehicle incidents - yes! I can laugh now). Anyway, once I am all done I shall buy myself this Polaroid 300 Instant Camera:

CrossFit. And my story.

I have embarked on a BIG journey. I had been hearing such great things about CrossFit and had been seeing fabulous results for a long time. Fortunately,  some good friends, Greg and Jules, opened a brand new CrossFit 'box' - CrossFit Geebung. I decided to give it a go and I hope you will too (the first session is free!!!). I will never, ever look back.

Now, I know you will have questions. People ALWAYS do. I will endeavour to answer them now.

Isn't it hard? YES. F***ing hard at times. In the end, it is worth every second, every drop of sweat and every devilish moment I consider not showing up.

Don't I need to be fit? NO. That is why you should come to CrossFit. Becoming a CrossFitter will allow this to happen in no time at all.

But my clothes are daggy...? WHO CARES. Hell, come half naked if you like. No one will judge you, what clothes you wear (or don't wear) or how you look. One tip however - avoid make up - you'll just sweat it off!

I don't have the time...? MAKE TIME. I am at uni, work part time, live in a rural area and have all those other commitments that people complain about. The distinction is though, I don't complain. I structure my week around CrossFit classes. Sad you may think? No I say. Just living my passion.

I'm too fat...? NO YOU AREN'T. CrossFit is suitable for all ages, sizes and capabilities. Everything is scalable to your abilities. And I mean everything.

I'm a girl, I don't want to get bulky...? YOU WON'T. Unless you take those super supps, pump testosterone into you and eat incredibly, it will not happen. We are women. I will leave more explaining to the professionals.

Hopefully I have covered your questions so far. I will now delve a little deeper and share my own experience.

Ever since childhood, I have always been a "big girl". I never played sport. I was never active. It just wasn't present in my life and I don't really have an excuse. Meanwhile, my brother was playing cricket/football/rugby (probably all at once if he could). In Year 11 I finally recognised there was a serious issue at hand. I couldn't fit into a Size 14, which meant I couldn't wear the clothes I wanted to. I started riding about 14km a day along the foreshore (in hindsight, this was probably helpful for my mental health too!). I became a Size 12 and remember the a pinnacle moment in my 'Gap Year', which just so happened to be within the male dominated construction industry. Someone asked me how much I weighed - I responded with 77kg - and this is the point of reference I keep today. 

A year later, I moved from my home town in Darwin to study on the Gold Coast. As it regularly happens, I put on the "Fresher 5" - those 5 kilos that just appear out of nowhere. Really it is the booze, hang-over cure and study lollies but I denied this and kept shovelling them down my gob. 5 kilos became 7 kilos and then 10 kilos. Over the next 3 years I dabbled in the gym - making the same mistake as many - 45 mins of cardio 3 times a week. I wondered why nothing was happening. I was eating "healthy" or so I thought.

As I entered my 4th year at university, I started reading. Reading articles online, magazines and on Facebook groups. I developed an interest in health and fitness and joined a gym (Good Life). I stopped eating those yukky white carbs - bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. It was ridiculously hard a first but eventually, it became habit. I developed my own weights program, as I had learned that it is best for burning fat (SHOCK HORROR! Get off the treadmill). I worked one muscle group per day usually 4-5 times a week and based my workouts on everything I read from professionals, fitness models and other fat people. I got down to 82kg, from about 88kg mind you. And then down to 80kg. This happened over the course of about 3 months. I kept at it, with my mind set on the scales. Unbeknown to me, my body was changing but the numbers weren't.

In August this year I learned Greg and Jules would open CrossFit Geebung in September. I found myself thinking about CrossFit but didn't find the guts to to commit. I tried it out during the opening week and fell in love. Not with a person but CrossFit. Now I live my passion 7 sessions a week over 5 days and my gym membership at Good Life is merely a memory in the back of my mind. At the moment my training goes something like this:

Mon - 1 hr, Tues - 1 hr, Wed - 2 hrs (StrongMan and then CrossFit), Thurs - REST, Fri - 1 hr, Sat - 2 hrs (CrossFit and then Strongman) and Sun - REST. I have since learned it is very important for me to rest, it allows my body to recover and in turn, the results to happen. And what about my weight, you ask? I don't give a s*** anymore. Although, I do know I hover around 78kg. I am fitter than I have ever been before. I am stronger than I have ever been before. I have much less body fat than I have ever had before. Put simply, the numbers do not matter anymore. This is because the type of training CrossFit includes - strength and conditioning. How happy am I? I cannot put it into words.

There is no need to be scared about what will happen at CrossFit. There is no need to fear CrossFitters as people, nor the environment it all happens in. There is no need to screw your nose up at my excitement, the quotes I put up or the photos I share. I simply just want you to share my passion. In terms of the people: there is a vibrant culture, masses on masses of verbal and physical support and a lot of love from a new "family". In terms of the work: it is hard, it will get harder but your body will learn to cope, your personality will grow and your fat will shrink. Heck, you may even develop some sexy muscle! So, with my most sincere/welcoming/inviting feelings ever - get out of the gym, get into a box, put down the crap food (yes, that means the muesli bars, cereals, fatty meats and soft drink) and pop the wine glass down on the bench (just pick it up again every so often). You have one chance at life and one body to live it with. Cherish it, work it and get whatever the hell you can outta it. 

See, we do have fun. Here are some girls using "super powers"!

This is after our Monday Benchmark WODs

This is me and a team during one of our Saturday Team WODs

This is me having a laugh during StrongMan - I was carrying more than the weight of J (80kgs). 

This is after some dirty tyre flipping (there was dirt on my chin!)

And this is some of the CFG members