eschano 2014 check in

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Aug 20, 2014 8:32 am

Exciting! I look forward to hear about your experiments!

19th LAM: I watched Maleficient and absolutely loved it! Another great Disney Film with a wonderful message (just wish the bad king didn't have to die). Brilliantly acted and wonderful cinematography and effects. AD: so that was a bit naughty. On my way home I felt tired and the train was so stuffed with even the standing bits being completely crowded that I walked right up to first class, sat in a lovely and half-empty apartment for half an hour (1 stop) and enjoyed myself. Obviously, I didn't have the right ticket but thankfully no one checked and it did give me a little thrill. I won't do it regularly as I believe in paying so the train companies have the money to upgrade and unfortunately I can't afford first class on a daily basis but that was a little adventure

lpearlmom · Post by **lpearlmom** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 12:13 am

Ohh wasn't that a great movie? I really enjoyed it too! Funny I didn't realize there was different classes on the trains. Clearly I couldn't afford it when I was in London!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 9:31 am

Hi Linda! I live outside London and commute in since moving in with my boyfriend so I have to take the proper train as well as the underground (no classes on the underground). Loved Maleficient! In fact, I have plans to see it again as I like rewatching good movies, especially fantasy ones.

As for yesterday:
20th: LAM: got home early after a training session I really enjoyed so the whole afternoon was great! AD: I went into a new retro-sweet shop (I didn't buy anything but it made me feel like a child) only when my boyfriend came home he had done the same and brought sweets back! I had 5 sucking sweets but ok, not the end of the world. As you all know, I'm focusing on non-NoS things at the moment but only as long as the habits are strong (not perfect as yesterday shows but strong).

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:47 am

I really love your new "abundance" habits - sounds like a fun week so far

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 2:46 pm

It really is. I have to say I feel much calmer and happier.

Mostly it works because NoS is in place too. And the big changes that WTH effect barely ever happens anymore (like once or twice a year) and I don't drink diet soda anymore, which also makes me feel much better.

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 4:14 pm

Cool stuff, eschano! Maybe part of my discouragement lately is that I have been spreading my willpower pretty thin for a long time.....

ah, life abundant--that's awesome!

Tessytwinkle · Post by **Tessytwinkle** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 10:15 pm

Hi Eschano. I loved the train adventure

you are having some yummy treats and adventures - exciting stuff !!!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:39 am

Thank you Auto and Tessy!

Definitely consider how you can fill up your willpower again auto! Usually, it works for me when I spoil myself in some way, doesn't have to include money nor food but something special.

21st: LAM: As I was quite sick a lot of my LAM is still about my tiredness. I took a cab home! AD: I finally rearranged my room the way I wanted to and everything looks a bit different, works a bit more smoothly, and is a lot of fun!

Tessytwinkle · Post by **Tessytwinkle** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 9:45 am

Hi there. Sorry you are still feeling so underpar, a cab home is a great LAM, have you tried afternoon naps, you can fit them in at all sorts of occasions. I am a great fan, even 5 mins dropping off refreshes me

I am also a great believer in rearranging, or reorganising space, it is refreshing and as you say it's fun!! Enjoy

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Fri Aug 22, 2014 10:25 am

Sorry to hear your illness is still lingering, but great that you've still got the energy to stick with your commitment to LAM and adventure!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Aug 26, 2014 1:30 pm

Thank you Tessy and Iron, I'm actually much better now after another quiet weekend.

22nd: LAM: taking cab home
AD: walking around London as Flamenco was cancelled.

23rd: LAM: BBQ at my boyfriend's parents and finally brought my stuff to the dry cleaner
AD: BBQ at my boyfriend's parents

24th: LAM: cinema - The rise of the planet of the apes
AD: discovered a new country pub

25th: LAM: Sitting at dinner table in newly redecorated house, candles lighted.
AD: Redecorating the house with art and moving furniture around, trying out a new recipe.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:54 pm

26th: LAM: Treated myself to a facial. Lovely.
AD: Tried a new restaurant with friends.

27th: LAM: Got myself a microfiber hair turban to dry my hair in.
AD: Sat in a restaurant alone for one hour as I was 30 min early and my friends were 30 min late. Sitting in a restaurant for one hour, holding a table for 3 and not actually eating is a bit of an adventure and I'm quite proud I managed.

28th: LAM and AD: Was feeling peckish after lunch and decided to go for a wander when I discovered this wonderful art gallery with a great exhibition. What a brilliant lunch time!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:59 pm

Because I'm going away Fri-Mon, which counts as looking-after-myself and an adventure, I have hit half time in my 30 day challenge

Afterwards I will be going back to track vanilla NoS and Spending again. Although to be fair, while I massively fail on the spending side I mostly stick to NoS.

So far, I feel very reenergized and notice that I am refuelling. I recommend a bit of a holiday for anyone who feels the deprivation is getting to them. But the habits should be in place before - at least for me so I don't have to start from scratch.

Imogen Morley · Post by **Imogen Morley** » Thu Aug 28, 2014 6:21 pm

Life's been crazy, and I haven't had much time to read people's check-in threads, but I wanted to let you know how I ADORE the LAM idea. I'm going to steal it as soon as I get back from my summer holidays, although the perfect scenario would be adopting the habit right now, when I need it the most... Anyway, I'm happy to hear you're doing such great job sticking to your goals. Very inspiring!

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Fri Aug 29, 2014 10:30 pm

Have a lovely holiday!

lpearlmom · Post by **lpearlmom** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:36 am

Have a great time! Can't wait to hear about it! Hope you know what an inspiration you are in your steadfastness as well as your zest for life.

Linda

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Sat Aug 30, 2014 6:53 am

Have a great time! You're doing great with your habits!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Sep 02, 2014 1:11 pm

Thank you so much Imogen, Ironchef, Linda, and Clarinetgal!

I had a wonderful time in Austria. After my time off NoS (well, without tracking), I am now refreshed and look forward to getting back to it. Vanilla all the way again.

During my time-out I also didn't weigh myself and realised that weighing less is a good thing for me. I would rather weigh only a few times a week, as far away from the week's beginning as possible as I felt much more at peace not knowing I gained or lost

I will continue having adventures and LAM as well. The holiday covered both easily every day so I will only track from today again

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Tue Sep 02, 2014 5:41 pm

Hey, welcome back! I'm always happy to hear that you got to go "home" for a while.

osoniye · Post by **osoniye** » Tue Sep 02, 2014 6:08 pm

Hi, eschano- I'm glad you had a good trip and that you feel at peace. That's always good to hear!

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 5:07 am

Welcome back! I'm glad you had a good trip, and that you're at peace with No S. I've toyed with weighing less often, too. Daily weighing is starting to really stress me out.

Continuing to have adventures and LAM sounds great!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:40 am

Thank you all! It's always great to get back on the boards - I feel like you're friends, which is a bit hilarious as it's all virtual.

Yesterday:

NoS -

No issues but after such a long time off it's no surprise

LAM -

Watched an 80s film - we decided we're making our way up from the 80s with fun films that make us feel good. We watched 'Look who's talking' - it was hilarious and an easy watch.

AD -

my food options fell through so I wiped up some pasta that was delicious. New recipe.

I have added DancingYogi now as well where I try to dance around for a few minutes or stretch for a few minutes. Green today but I didn't do it yesterday.

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 3:13 am

Welcome back! Sounds like a lovely and relaxing break.

Ooh, 80's films! I'm a massive John Hughes fan, so anything late 80's or early 90's for me. Please, please watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off!

Oh, also, A Fish Called Wanda!

And The Blues Brothers.

Extra nostalgia points - The Princess Bride

OK, shutting up now.

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 6:20 am

Ooh! I'll have to watch some 80s films. I still enjoy listening to 80s music, sometimes.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:34 am

Hahaha! Iron, all these films are on our list. To be fair 80s-week will be more like 80s month or even quarter, we have so many films to watch. My bf has never watched "When Harry Met Sally" nor "Flashdance"-which is unbelievable to me.

Heather - great idea to have some 80s music too!

Yesterday:

NoS -

I brought back food from Austria - Bratwuerstl, Sauerkraut, and made some potatoes with it. Yummy! And one plate.

LAM -

dinner with candlelight at the table. I always feel so much more connected to my bf when we properly sit at the dinner table.

AD -

not necessarily a good adventure as there were train troubles and I needed to get an alternative way home but I got there eventually.

DancingYogi -

For a few minutes in the morning. I'll have to do this at lunch today!

gingerpie · Post by **gingerpie** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:21 am

Looks like you came back from vacation ready to get serious!! Keep up the line of success

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 1:33 pm

Hasn't seen When Harry Met Sally! Hasn't seen Flashdance! Next you'll be telling me he's never seen The Goonies?

A little sad given recent news, but Good Morning, Vietnam was 1987 I think.

And I know it's not totally a comedy, but one of my favourite "feel good" movies is Local Hero (1983).

I can't stop. Sorry!

worth it · Post by **worth it** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 2:26 am

eschano,

I just LOVE dinner with candlelight and don't do it anymore... reading this reminds me to just do it- even with our 4 year old! Hope you enjoyed that.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:28 am

Gingerpie, thank you!

Iron, I have never heard of "Local Hero" and will get it asap! Lol, he did see "The Goonies" at least. You're right Good Morning Vietnam should be on our list. I was a big Robin Williams fan.

Worth it, it is fantastic and I agree - even with your four year old. What is better than to teach your kid to eat healthily and take care of yourself?

Yesterday:

NoS -

We went out for Indian with friends and judging by the feeling of my overstuffed tummy afterwards my virtual plating was out of control. At least no snacks or sweets!

LAM -

the above dinner with a lovely group of friends - they are my boyfriend's friends and I enjoy getting to know them a lot. Lovely, decent, funny people.

AD -

I ordered a completely random dish instead of my favourite and it was good.

DancingYogi -

stretched in my lunch break for ten minutes.

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Sat Sep 06, 2014 6:00 am

That sounds like a fun night! Good for you, for trying a totally new food.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 9:00 am

Good morning!

Friday:

NoS - Green

LAM - 80s film with my boyfriend

Weekend: very busy weekend so lots of movement.

AD - Driving to London (haven't driven into the city for a while), and managing to get a sofa bed into my Ford KA

Then building the new bed.
Sunday lunch - my shopping delivery arrived 6 hours late so we had to improvise and buy a buffet for our guests - it all worked out well but was a bit stressful at first and then ok!

DancingYogi - Yoga for 30 min on Saturday

LAM - got myself the sofa bed I wanted, drinks with friends, some downtime watching films.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 9:11 am

Yesterday:

NoS -

I was always firmly in the camp of weighing daily and although in theory I wanted to not weigh myself I never really managed it. I either used to succumb to weighing again or worse, start stuffing myself. Now, after I my systems-holiday I have weighted once and I feel so much better. Getting back into my NoS groove now, focusing on habit and cooking a lot - having fun with foods and discover foods that satisfy me physically, mentally, and spiritually without making me feel stuffed (like sushi). Yesterday I cooked http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1076 ... ous-onepot but with no lemon and tomatoes instead of olives - it was delicious and didn't make me feel too stuffed afterwards, although I ate a ton. And I just loved the oriental taste of it. I also cooked a lasagne to freeze, which I don't expect to fall into the same category of sushi-foods

but delicious nonetheless.

Anyways, I kind of went off-point there: since not weighing myself anymore and not taking the systems so seriously (thinking of it as success/failure wasn't good for me) I feel amazing. And my belly is already flatter.

LAM -

cooking all night - loved it!

AD -

took the bus from the station to the high-street near home for the first time. Wasn't worth it but was fun to try another route.

aspencer27 · Post by **aspencer27** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 4:14 pm

Yum, that chicken and couscous looks amazing! It's great to hear that a small change of mindset has had such a huge impact! I definitely feel like my belly is flatter with NoS, too.

What do you consider for NoS instead of the pass/fail? I think I'm at a pretty good point where I don't really care too much about a fail, so it doesn't pull me off track, but I'm curious to hear other methods that work for people.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 4:20 pm

Good question. On Thursday I ate more than a plate as my virtual plating was a bit screwed but rather than thinking of it as a fail I thought of it as uncomfortable. I've been on NoS for a bit over 2 years now and eating more than one plate is definitely uncomfortable now. And having a binge on sweets is also physically uncomfortable. So I will go with this for now. Days I feel good physically and days where I feel crap physically. Without fail a red N day falls in the second category and a "green" N day that falls in there is usually because I haven't been honest with myself, e.g. overate with virtual plating or some other funny stuff. On honestly green N days I usually feel great belly-wise.

Does that make sense? It's more about listening to my body than about diet head where my eating decisions become moral decision in my thinking

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 4:22 pm

That is great that you have found foods that work for you, and it's great you've gotten away from daily weighing.

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 11:12 pm

"systems holiday", I like that phrase, eschano!

And cool about how 2 years on NoS has brought you closer to truly listening to your body, the way we could when we were kids.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 10:14 am

Not weighing and following vanilla NoS is making me feel....hmmm.... beautiful! That's it. I feel good in my own skin. I clearly wasn't ready before to do this but it's great. I'm not saying I'll never weigh again - I will every fortnight or so - but I know I loose slowly on NoS so the longer the gap the better. Also, it means I have to go with how I feel like - that feeling where I know in my gut if I overdid my "N day" or if I stuck to it, while the scale can be deceiving (ever had a crazy S weekend to find you didn't put on weigh and be happy about it just to have you weight creep up the next day? For me that happened a lot as I drink less water on S days and it made me disassociate eating crap and weight gain a bit).

Thank you Heather and auto!

Yesterday:

NoS -

Monday's dinner left-overs for lunch and lasagne for dinner. Had a non-TV evening which was nice.

LAM -

Didn't force myself to do stuff and just rested. Exactly what I needed.

AD - Rest Day
Dancing Yogi - Rest Day

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 12:13 pm

Go eschano! It is great that you've come to peace with getting off the scale. Fortnightly sounds like a good compromise.

I've been through an adjustment process over the 2 years - spent the first year or so tracking daily and calculating trend. Then my scales broke and I just never replaced them. So, for at least 6 months, I had no idea what I weighed - but that was also during the time when I spent 3 months majorly off track. Since I've recently gotten back in the gym, I've started weighing there, which is great because I'm only there once a week. I think this works best for me - just frequent enough for accountability without anxiety.

aspencer27 · Post by **aspencer27** » Wed Sep 10, 2014 1:03 pm

I really like this adjustment. I definitely think I've been overfilling my plate so far. An area I'm struggling with now is eating enough to be satisfied and not stuffed. I'm also struggling with enjoying my food and eating intentionally.

I love that you feel good in your own skin! What a wonderful side effect of the sanity that comes with NoS. You are such an inspiration!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 9:52 am

ironchef wrote:just frequent enough for accountability without anxiety.

I couldn't have said it better! That's exactly how it feels to me.

Aspencer, thanks a lot! You are an inspiration to me.

Yesterday:
NoS -

Funny business: I went to an evening networking event and didn't eat any of the canapÃ©s as I was saving myself for a meal at home. But time flew really fast and I ended up coming home at 22:45 not too hungry but extremely tired after this long day. I skipped dinner, which I don't in any way recommend or aim for, it just happened. Had a bigger breakfast this morning.

AD -

Going to a networking event alone which was geared to a completely different and tight industry (advertising) was an adventure. I was lucky to know the host so when I didn't manage to start my own conversation as most of the time he'd introduce me.

LAM -

Lovely lunch with colleagues

SavingToBuyAMiniYacht - ahem, let's call it a holiday - oops. I haven't done well on that at all!

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Thu Sep 11, 2014 8:51 pm

You sound like you're in a great place! I think weighing once every 2 weeks is a wonderful idea.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 8:39 am

Thanks Heather! I certainly feel like in a good place.

Yesterday:
NoS -

LAM -

watched "Edge of Tomorrow" which I wanted to see for a long time.

AD -

found another rail-route home and tried it for the first time.

aspencer27 · Post by **aspencer27** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 12:19 pm

Nice job, Eschano! You're getting into such a great routine.

la tortue · Post by **la tortue** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 10:35 pm

I'm inspired by these tiny adventures of yours. Great system you've got going. Little things like taking an alternate route home really do make a difference in keeping life interesting.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 8:57 am

Thank you aspencer and airmail! I definitely think that my LAM (looking after myself) and AD (Adventure/per) systems enrich my life so much. It's the tiniest changes that make a difference

Friday and this weekend:

NoS -

- I had 1 Fruit pastille on Friday afternoon so technically a fail but one I can live with quite well

Over the weekend - S days so all good.

LAM and AD and once DancingYogi -

all good. On Friday I finally went back to Flamenco - a much missed routine over the summer. On Saturday I went to see To Kill A Mockingbird at an Open Air Theatre - amazing on so many accounts! And on Sunday we went with my boyfriend's family to the coast for a day out.

I feel so much better being back on NoS. I needed the two-weeks systems holiday but now that I'm back I feel very much at peace. I think my LAM and AD systems keep the "well filled" as they call it in the Artist's Way. I do have to start my money system again this week so I hope it doesn't lead to deprivation feelings again. It's interesting how money restriction trigger me the way food restrictions triggered me before. I should find a system that works.

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 1:33 pm

Beautiful! So pleased to read such a vibrant post - and getting back to Flamenco - yay!

You'll eventually find the money system that works for you. And you're ahead of 90% of people in that you're thinking about it, and you're prepared to make friends with your money instead of ignoring it and hoping it somehow sorts itself out.

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 7:46 pm

I love all of your systems, and I may end up copying you, at least to some degree. I think doing those things really does keep the well filled.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:46 am

Thank you ironchef and Heather!

Yesterday:

NoS -

yummy Lasagne for dinner that I made last week and froze. It's so worth staying in the kitchen one evening to pre-make

LAM and DancingYogi -

Did Yoga when I came home. It's easy when I only have to shove something in the oven - that frees me up to do some yoga. I am also reading "To Kill A Mockingbird" and greatly enjoy it so that might count as LAM. Plus, we went to bed super early. So lots of LAM.

As for DancingYogi - I feel so much better after Yoga and Flamenco. My office-riddled body clearly enjoys moving but it takes something to overcome my laziness. Funny, how my body is in the habit to sit/lie so it wants to reinforce that habit, pushes for it. It would be great to make a new habit to move a bit when coming home so my body can get into it.

I am very excited as it looks like I'll be able to do SavingToBuyAMiniYacht today for the first time in a long time! I got a free coffee in the morning thanks to Caffe Nero and a voucher and the rest of the day is paid for by my work as we have a long day ahead of us (until midnight).

aspencer27 · Post by **aspencer27** » Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:34 pm

If you figure out how to break the habit of sitting after work, let me know! I am definitely better if I workout right after work, but I still get home and sit around. I think having my micro-resolution of decluttering helps, but there are definitely days when I don't even feel like doing that. Knowing that I only have to do one small thing and I have permission to do nothing else usually motivates me to get up and do it. Some days I just do that small things, others I get motivated to do more.

You're doing great on your systems!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 10:32 am

I have those days too aspencer! I think what helps most is that I allow myself to do "only 20 minutes or 15 minutes" of yoga now, instead of forcing me through the whole program every time. And knowing how much better I feel after I my muscles are stretched and moved gently it's hard not to do it. I aim for 3 times per week but in many ways it might be easier to aim for 5 and make it a habit.

Yesterday:

NoS -

One of those days where I realise how far I've come! I used to always fail/ take NWS days on days where we had our work events in my favourite Italian Restaurant. I feel better sticking to NoS though. Something I couldn't do the first year at all. It's so easy to forget the pre-NoS baseline but when I do remember I am mighty proud of myself! And what's also nice is that the restaurant staff mention how much I changed every time and they admire my maintenance. They are all Italian and it's funny to see the cultural difference. They hold "healthy weight" as an ideal and are not shy to mention it. Plus they get how hard it is to maintain. I have given them NoS books to give to their sisters/aunts/girlfriends/boyfriends (but mainly girls - another, less flattering cultural difference) and they love it as it's essentially how old school Italians eat anyways only spelled out.

SavingToBuyAMiniYacht -

yeah!!!! Finally, one day down. I aim to do tomorrow as well.

AD -

our events require me to meet about 30 new high-level execs from FTSE100 companies and entertain them. Definitely an adventure.

Licota · Post by **Licota** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:49 am

So cool that you are saving for something. A yatch! Wow! Do you live near water?

Italian food is soooo yummy. And dangerous... I love pizza and have the best Italias pizza takeaway place as neighbour.

When I watch film that are set in Italy, I notice that the young girls are thin , and mom and grandma a few pounds heavier . Hehe. Stay slim until you have a family, or huh?

la tortue · Post by **la tortue** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 5:22 pm

Sounds like a great day

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:16 pm

I always joke that exercise is the only thing I forget I like. After yoga/walking/lifting, I always feel awesome and I'm so glad I did it, but before I'm full of groan and quibble. That never happens with cake - I never have to push myself to remember that I actually like it. In fact, I have to push myself to remember that I don't like the feeling of eating too much of it! The brain is a funny thing

I think it is fantastic to remember and give yourself a pat on the back for how far you've come. It's easy to forget when your focus is on the present and future goals. I think it's amazing that you've become a role model for so many people in real life, not just here in the virtual world.

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:20 am

That's awesome about being recognized for your progress at the restaurant! As for exercise, it's easy for me to do it during the school year when my older DS is in school, but it's much more difficult in the Summer, when I have both boys with me all day. I always feel SO much better after I do it, though.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:00 am

Lol Licota! I unfortunately only save to make ends meet more smoothly - my newest acquisition was a sofa bed. But I thought giving it a fun name will make it more fun. yummy - pizza! We don't have a good one near us, unfortunately.

Iron, it's so true, I never forget that I like cake. I to though if it involved me making it. As soon as some effort is involved there's a fight to be had, no matter how happy I'll be during and after.

Heather, it definitely makes a difference if you have a routine. So true.

thank you airmail!

Yesterday:

NoS -

all good

LAM -

got the heating fixed just before autumn. "Winter is coming" as they say.

I think I'll make it for SavingToBuyAMiniYacht today

A little low on adventures at the moment, unless reading and finishing "To Kill A Mockingbird" counts. It certainly made me cry and laugh repeatedly (mainly on the train where I do my reading

). I wish she had written another book!

moderatemeals · Post by **moderatemeals** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 4:05 pm

Great job eschano! Thanks too for all the positive encouragement on my posts as well. It's nice to read and I think posting helps keep me accountable and excited about the journey!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:35 am

Thank you moderatemeals! All the encouragement on the boards is key to any successes I can claim.

Yesterday:
NoS -

DancingYogi and LAM -

I'm so proud because my train home was 30 min delayed and I still did 20min of yoga. Formerly, I would have used it as an excuse. It's funny how my body seems to want it so much at the moment. Because of my enjoyment it also counts as looking after myself.

SavingToBuyAMiniYacht -

YAY! Was so tempted to get a cab home to make up the 30min lost but then I thought my body wants exercise and what's the point of doing yoga INSTEAD of the usual as opposed to ON TOP. So I had a double-green.

AD -

massive thunderstorm yesterday and yes, I'm counting it as an adventure. The kittens were super scared so my boyfriend and I let them into the bedroom and made a little tent with a blanket and sat with them. They loved having a place to hide. I know, I massively spoil them and other people would laugh their heads off about that but I quite enjoyed it. (it might be I used it as a good excuse for an adventure as well - win-win)

I know, I might already bore you but since I moved from seeing these systems as a fail/success to focusing on the enjoyment I get from them it all seems to flow. Clearly, I'm just in an easy phase. I already know from my 2 years that there are prolongues times where I have to white-knuckle it but enjoying the systems (the yummy food that's allowed, the flexibility I gain with my body and mind, the kindness that starts to make me a bit kinder to others as well) makes it all way easier. And when I stop enjoying them I will sure take another systems-holiday!

aspencer27 · Post by **aspencer27** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 1:47 pm

That's such a great point of view. I think I'm going to try and implement it on S Days - just really enjoy them. I seem to get it to work for Saturday, but then Sunday I'll overdo it, and not really enjoy the day.

Keep up the great work on your systems!

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 12:19 am

I really enjoy reading about your systems, and I think it's great that you spoil your kitties so much.

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 3:20 pm

Hi eschano!

I really enjoyed reading about your adventure with your kittens.

I'm sitting here typing with my big black/white tabby curled up next to me. Not sure where his brother is right now. Probably with the kids upstairs, who are playing XBox!

it was encouraging for me to hear you are in an "easy' phase. That's wisdom right there. It's so true, isn't it, that the easy and hard times cycle. Not predictably, necessarily, but they always cycle. And since you know I've been in a dry spell, it's hopeful for me that good times will come again!

worth it · Post by **worth it** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 10:25 pm

Eschano,

Just stopped by to catch up on your thread and wanted to say that I always love reading your posts! You are such a positive person and see the "glass half full." We love our cats too- they are a huge part of our family and they spend the night with us, especially when it storms!

Hope you are having a great weekend and enjoy the soba noodles next week!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 10:02 am

Thank you aspencer and Heather!

Auto and worth it: If I had known how happy they make me I would have gotten kittens 10 years ago

And the best thing about them is that they want more cuddles the older they get!

The only two things I wish I had a solution for are: How to stop them from clawing my clothes (I'm trying to minimise my wardrobe but it's hard with clothes having to be replaced all the time) and how to make sure they learn not to jump on the kitchen work top.

Friday:
NoS -

AD and LAM and DancingYogi -

Flamenco although I was so tired the choreography was extremely hard to keep up with

Sunday
DancingYogi -

again, very tired but did it yay!

Yesterday
NoS -

AD -

met a friend at Holborn (Underground station) and walked to Liverpool Street together. Lovely walk and have never done this.

Unfortunately, my friend is going through a rough time and I found the things she told me very upsetting. She's the loveliest person I know. I admire her and love her and feel upset because she is having a very tough time on multiple fronts (as it often is for any of us). We made weekend plans which I look forward to!

So no real LAM as I came home late, got cooking, and then went to bed.

Tessytwinkle · Post by **Tessytwinkle** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 9:47 pm

Hi there. Sorry no LAM yesterday and sad about your friend. It's so painful when dear friends are having hard times. I imagine you are a very good friend so I'm sure talking to you helped. Hobourn to Liverpool Street sounds lovely. There are so many special little walks in London. I loved it when I worked in london. Hope you have a LAM to report soon

what is dancing yogi? Have you explained and I missed it.

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 12:59 am

Lots of dancing going on-- that's great!

People always mention the squirt gun thing with cats and counters. I don't know...in our house they just stopped doing that once they were about a year old. Well, except when we're not looking, LOL!

Sorry about your friend. That can be really emotionally hard to see someone we care about having to fight many tough life issues.

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 5:54 am

I love all of the dancing, and the walk sounds lovely. Sorry about your friend.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Sep 24, 2014 11:24 am

Thanks Tessy, Heather and Auto!

DancingYogi is either Dancing or Yoga or really any other kind of fitness for 10 minutes or longer. I have a low aim for 3x/week but the more I do it the more I like it. I usually end up doing 20-30min yoga or 30 min dancing. Allowing myself to do less though is the real trick why it works for me this time around. I did 15 min this morning!

Yesterday:

NoS -

Another Italian Restaurant work event and it didn't even occur to me to take an S day. I only realised this morning hehe.

AD -

changed the way I do things at our events and it was a bit nerve wrecking but it worked much better!

LAM -

in event weeks (because I work hard for 16 hours for one day and am shattered the other days) I allow myself a cafÃ© latte each morning. And I actually did it on Monday too so I did do some LAM haha.

That unfortunately means that SavingToBuyAMiniYacht is a bit out of the window. A well, next week!

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 1:06 am

I definitely use lattes as rewards (or "prewards" haha) for anticipated tough days.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 9:30 am

Ha auto! At least I'm not the only one. But now the events are over I will try to stop buying coffees again starting Monday (SavingToBuyAMiniYacht etc).

Yesterday:

NoS -

So... I probably ate the right amount for full but not stuffed with each meal but just before going to bed I got hungry again. I didn't eat a snack but I woke up at 4:40am. I wasn't actually that hungry but just couldn't sleep anymore. This is something that always happens when I don't eat enough over the day. I remember in my no-carbs-at-night diets pre-NoS I used to always wake up super early. I definitely don't aspire to this - I value my deep sleep and I barely ever have problems sleeping soundly through the night. Does anyone else deal with this waking-up problem?

LAM -

another latte in the morning and finally The Good Wife is back! So I watched an episode. I also went waxing but I think that counts as a green in the torture department not LAM. I won't report that again here (not least in case any man is following this).

AD -

nope.

DancingYogi -

yay! Before work I did some Yoga.

r.jean · Post by **r.jean** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 1:11 pm

I sometimes wake up hungry at 3-4 am, but I am not sure why. It seems like it happens when I eat my dinner really late. I usually eat at 6:30 or 7 but occasionally it is as late as 8:30-9. Maybe it is because of not eating enough throughout the day. I will have to notice next time.

I like your added "systems" and your humor. I do not post a lot but I do read and benefit from the stories of others on the same journey.

Tessytwinkle · Post by **Tessytwinkle** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 10:00 pm

Hi Eschano. I sometimes wake hungry. But I try to get back to sleep. If I read I tend to Stay hungry so I listen to podcast of something like a desert Island discs on my phone. That soon gets me back to sleep

I can't wait for the Good wife to come back. We don't get satellite so hanging on for return on terrestrial TV.

Tessytwinkle · Post by **Tessytwinkle** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 10:01 pm

Hi Eschano. I sometimes wake hungry. But I try to get back to sleep. If I read I tend to Stay hungry so I listen to podcast of something like a desert Island discs on my phone. That soon gets me back to sleep

I can't wait for the Good a wife to come back. We don't get satellite so hanging on for return on terrestrial TV.

LoriLifts · Post by **LoriLifts** » Thu Sep 25, 2014 10:28 pm

Hiya eschano!

Sounds like you're doing great!
I need to reduce the amount of coffees I buy too!

Keep on truckin'!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 9:14 am

Hi Tessy, Jean, and walkerLori! Thanks a lot for your comments! It's good to know it happens to others too.

I didn't realise I didn't press send on that post on Friday so it's gone now.

Anyways, Thursday went well and so did Friday and the weekend.

I am on my first work day of my coffee free month and am finding it a bit challenging. I know this will cease though and that I'll be a lot better off in about three days. I didn't have coffee over the weekend so I don't have to deal with withdrawal, just tiredness.

I'm also happy that I seem to be able to do DancingYogi quite well. The only system I have to start tightening up on is SavingToBuyAMiniYacht. I have a day planned today and another on Wednesday.

Tessytwinkle · Post by **Tessytwinkle** » Mon Sep 29, 2014 9:19 am

Hi Eschano. I love you determination to apply noS principles in other areas of your life.
No coffee month! Hmmmm challenging

especially as a latte often features in your LAMs! So best of luck I shall be rooting for you. I shall also be interested in how your LAMs develop without special coffee treats - more room for imaginative treats methinks

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 12:38 am

Ah, eschano, first the diet soda, now the coffee?? My dear, you are becoming such a goody-two-shoes!

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow morning when I'm swimming in my coffee.......

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 8:25 am

Lol auto! I am firmly keeping my wine-with-dinner or wine-as-desert habit so not too good!

Tessy you're absolutely right! I'll have to get more creative! I think that's a good thing.

Yesterday:

NoCoffeeMonth -

I did end up having a head ache in the afternoon but as I didn't have coffee on the weekend I'm not sure that's down to this. One day down - yay!

NoS -

My boyfriend cooked for me yesterday so it was all good. I also went to bed super early - see LAM.

LAM -

didn't feel too well so had a pre-dinner lie on the sofa and also went to bed super early. Feeling much better today! I'm excessively tired these days, no doubt because of the season change. Maybe also because I started to be a bit better with my DancingYogi.

SavingToBuyAMiniYacht -

Yay!!! I did it yesterday. Tomorrow is the other day I have planned for this week.

Also: I got promoted! So happy about that. The pay rise is small but every bit helps. That said I'm no less motivated for SavingToBuyAMiniYacht as I think that I often spend money for senseless things. Like lattes, aka Â£676 per year. When I could just have a coffee at home, paying 1/3 max.

My NoCoffeeMonth will save me Â£65 - I'm quite happy with that.

AD - Adventuress - which has originally started as a (successfully completed) 30 day challenge might change now. I loved how it stretched my limits the tiniest bit but regularly and I do think it added some fun - just to know not to take life too seriously - so I will keep it but might aim for 4 out of 7 days.

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 11:05 am

Congrats on the promotion, well done! You're clearly a very dedicated worker (16 hour days?!) and I'm glad they have recognised you.

One tip I got many years ago about pay rises (however moderate) was to save them. The logic goes - you already were making your budget work with your previous income, so the extra can be rainy day / exciting holiday money without any need for extra economising.

aspencer27 · Post by **aspencer27** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 12:38 pm

Sounds like yesterday was a great success, and I'm glad you're feeling better. We have fortunately had a bit of summer pop back up here after a couple of colder weeks, so I'm enjoying it while I can.

Congrats on the promotion!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 1:49 pm

Thanks ironchef and aspencer!

Ironchef - I love the idea about saving the payrise. It's a great idea. In fact, I'll make the money go automatically on my savings account as soon as I get it -that way I'll save it without knowing.

Can I ask a question? So I always demand a certain number before my annual review and sometimes I get it. Should I have gone back and ask for more?

I'm not very experienced in negotiating my salary. Any tips?

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 11:18 pm

Great idea on the savings! Long winded ramble about pay negotiations below.

If you have asked for a certain figure, and they have granted it, I don't think you can go back and ask for more. In their minds, they've given you what you asked for and now the negotiation is over. Going back confuses them, makes you seem difficult (hey, we gave her what she wants, why is she never happy?) and also makes it look like your first figure was not based on anything.

If they haven't given you the figure you asked for, that's different, of course. You can say "thanks for the offer, let me think about it" and then go home and work out what you want to do - accept, counter offer, restate your original request?

I assume when you ask for a certain figure, you're basing that on what you're worth in your market (i.e. what other similar professionals are paid, what you could get if you moved to a new company). If so, and they've given you that, pat yourself on the back for being a good negotiator.

If you feel you went too low when you asked there isn't much to be done until you get your next negotiation opportunity. Where you unsure what the going rate was, or were you not confident to ask for it? In either case, you've learned something from the process this time and you'll be prepared when the next round of reviews comes up.

Sorry that was so long and rambly. I found it so hard to get used to negotiating and knowing what I'm worth. My first 5 years of work I got left far behind on the pay scale, because we went through a boom here and I just didn't realise I had to negotiate to keep up!

automatedeating · Post by **automatedeating** » Tue Sep 30, 2014 11:19 pm

That was NOT long-winded! It was awesome!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 8:43 am

Thank you iron! Exactly what I needed. It just feels like if there's no fight I might have asked for too little. I find it hard to know what I'm worth out-there. It's a learning experience and your advice helped a lot!

Yesterday:

NoS -

One of my colleagues (the one with the baking gift) made orange-chocolate brownies. I thought about it (my first answer was no) and then decided to have a small piece (two thumbs) and it was absolutely worth it! It was delicious. Home-baked sweets are just so much better - no preservatives, etc. Otherwise a normal day.

LAM -

took a cab home as it started raining heavily

DancingYogi -

I did one extra pose so delighted with myself.

AD -

new dish tonight. Cooked by my boyfriend (it's his cooking week - lucky me that he insists). Goodish but definitely new.

NoCoffeeMonth -

no problems

today I aim for SavingToBuyAMiniYacht

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 9:15 am

eschano wrote:It just feels like if there's no fight I might have asked for too little.

Perhaps, but not necessarily true. Maybe you were just reasonable and accurate and they've responded accordingly?

I find it hard to know what I'm worth out-there.

A couple of ways I've found out in the past:
1. Find a friend who is in the same field (but not the same company!) who I can trust to keep quiet, and just have a frank conversation. Tell them exactly what I'm making, what I'm thinking of asking for and ask their opinion.
2. Use any professional or industry body - i.e. do you have a union or professional organisation? My industry has APESMA (Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists, Managers and Architects) and they publish tables of mean, median, max and min salaries for different roles in different industries.
3. Check out job ads, in the papers and online.
4. Go for an interview? This is a tougher one, and you can feel a bit weird if you are purely "fishing" for an offer to compare, but it is one way to find out what you might be able to make. Be wary if you speak to an agent, as agencies will talk up how much you can make in an effort to "get you on their books".

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 9:36 am

Thanks so much ironchef! You're the best!

moderatemeals · Post by **moderatemeals** » Wed Oct 01, 2014 11:56 am

Good job eschano! I really enjoy reading your posts.

I'm intrigued by your no month of coffee! Do you mind me asking what your reasons are for attempting it? I'm totally addicted to my morning coffee and have thought it would be good for me to try to go without it for just a bit...mainly to give my body a break from the caffeine. I'll be interested to see what you think of the challenge!

Good luck!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Oct 02, 2014 8:57 am

Hi moderatemeals!
I don't have any health reasons (as far as I understand it coffee has some substantial benefits - if you drink black coffee no sugar) but there were two issues.
a) I had ups and downs every day, so yes, I would feel very alert at times but then I would ultimately crash badly and need another coffee. For lent I gave it up (just to see) and it turned out to be great for my energy levels - I felt roughly the same throughout the day.
b) I like getting a genuine buzz from coffee when I do need it, aka at my work events once or twice a month that run from 9am until midnight or later. So I'm not giving it up for ever but I want to make it a sometimes-drink, not a daily habit.

Yesterday:

NoS -

no issues whatsoever. It helps that lately, mainly because I stopped drinking coffee, I feel quite tired at night so I go to sleep earlyish (and wake up just before my alarm clock, which hasn't happened to me often - yay!)

LAM -

finishing The Girl Who Saved The King Of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson, which is as enjoyable as the first novel despite not having the new-ness factor. Also: I got home a little earlier (trains were fortuitous) and could put my feet up with a glass of wine while my boyfriend was cooking- heavenly!

SavingToBuyAMiniYacht -

Yay!!!!

NoCoffeeMonth - :mrgreen finding this first week quite hard but I know from experience that it will get easier!

AD -

yet another new dish

aspencer27 · Post by **aspencer27** » Thu Oct 02, 2014 12:21 pm

Nice job!

Tessytwinkle · Post by **Tessytwinkle** » Thu Oct 02, 2014 10:11 pm

Wow, you are really rockin this month

I love the LAM and well done for sticking with no coffee plan. It's gonna be hard cos you love your latte but you can do it

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Sun Oct 05, 2014 6:21 am

That's great that you are giving up coffee for the month! Your reasons definitely make sense. I love your LAMs!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 8:35 am

Thank you aspencer, tessy, and heather!

I had a bizarre weekend. My best friend was over in the UK with us. She is beautiful, super skinny - model like really. But I have never been so frustrated with anyone trying to find something to eat (mainly we stayed in so we could cook for ourselves). Finally, she's not on no-carb anymore (yeah, I'm not calling it low-carb as it was extreme) but we went for a lovely meal in a pub on Sunday, something we discussed for 3 days and last minute she changed her mind and only ate one piece of bread. A tiny piece. My boyfriend thought it was hilarious but I found it just a bit - I found it a bit life-negating. Who doesn't want to share a good meal with friends? It's weird. Obviously, I clearly have a strong value system as food means a lot to me that I'm putting on her which is a bit unfair but it certainly took away from my enjoyment of the weekend. The whole super-fuzziness made it all very complicated.

Sorry for the long rant. On the plus side, I believe more firmly than ever that NoS is the way forward and that a bigger "healthy BMI" size is absolutely preferable to this nonsense.

Yesterday:
NoS -

LAM -

Watched the Good Wife and Homeland is back! Yay

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Tue Oct 07, 2014 8:44 am

That would drive me nuts. I'm sure that like you, this is informed by my upbringing, with a strong link between sharing a nice meal and being a good host/caring for someone/celebrating. Although, it is very interesting to spend time with someone who doesn't value food in that way - it can clarify your own feelings and perspective.

I travelled in France with a friend who is a super-picky eater (will eat meat, but only if it doesn't LOOK like meat, blah blah, lots of rules that no one understands and they always change). It was difficult and at times quite embarrassing, especially in rural France where waiters and chefs became confused / insulted. It really dampened by enjoyment of the trip.

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 5:02 am

That does sound weird. I agree with you on food. It's such a central part of family gatherings, social events, etc... I'm also with you, in that I would much rather be on the 'bigger' end of a healthy BMI.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Wed Oct 08, 2014 9:33 am

Lol iron, the French must have loved that.

Thanks Heather!

Yesterday:
NoS -

LAM -

It was my turn to cook but my boyfriend surprised me by having dinner ready when I walked in the door. so nice!

AD -

reading Gone Girl. I know I'm late to the game but I heard the film is supposed to be great so I wanted to read the book quickly first. It surely is an adventure - gives me the creeps big time.

NoCoffeeMonth -

and decided to give up black and green tea too to go off caffeine in drink form. Looking forward to next month already

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 8:39 am

Yesterday:

NoS -

brought the snacks I wanted to a writer's meeting and made it my dinner.

LAM -

my writing group is back on track for this year again!

AD -

pressed out a Halloween short piece during lunch hour - really missed writing and will start again as part of LAM and AD this week.

r.jean · Post by **r.jean** » Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:30 pm

Ditto on the feelings about super picky eaters. When one's eating habits inhibit not only the enjoyment of life but also impact others, there is a problem!

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Fri Oct 10, 2014 8:59 am

R.Jean, glad you think so too. I can deal with rules but find random rules or un-guessable rules very hard to deal with.

Yesterday:

NoS -

LAM -

dinner with candlelight

NoCoffeeMonth -

It's going well but those are hard won battles. I didn't have much sleep this week as they cats keep scratching our door throughout the night (we've tried letting them in but they start licking our faces in the middle of the night). We need to figure something out. The other thing is that my digestion is all over the place! I hope it will all settle down. Today I thought I might be too tired for Flamenco but if I drink a coffee I can go and suddenly it dawned on me why I over-do it so often: I drug myself up to the point I can do MORE rather than go home and sleep and give my body the deserved rest and then do some fun exercise in the morning when I'm less tired! Good to know.

AD -

the yummiest new breakfast: figs, apples, yoghurt - heaven!

SavingToBuyAMiniYacht -

YAY!!!

clarinetgal · Post by **clarinetgal** » Fri Oct 10, 2014 7:41 pm

That's a good point about how drugging yourself up on coffee can help you overdo it. I'm guilty of that far too often. Your breakfast you mentioned sounds divine! I hope you figure something out for your cats soon.

eschano · Post by **eschano** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 9:19 am

Thanks Heather!

I was on a surprise holiday the last week - NoS free and (drumroll) got engaged! I'm over the moon about it. As you all know I credit NoS immensely for giving me the confidence and love to accept myself with all faults and mistakes made and to be made. So yay NoS! I was such a perfectionist before NoS and it has given me a much better perspective and funnily enough all my less-than-perfect efforts now have yielded much better results as my previous bursts of perfection (that were inevitably followed by massive fails).

So in order to get ready for my wedding I will do the following diet-wise: absolutely nothing. Vanilla NoS it is.

Oh, and I had two coffees this week so I cheated on my coffee free month but not a biggie.

ironchef · Post by **ironchef** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 9:25 am

Yay!! *bounce* Hooray! *bounce* Squee! *bounce*
(that's me jumping around and shouting with glee, luckily it is getting late and everyone else has left the office).

Massive congratulations to you and your man! Enjoy this special time of being engaged - it is short, but lots of fun

Also, don't believe the press is sometimes gets, being married is awesome-sauce.

osoniye · Post by **osoniye** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 10:21 am

eschano wrote:I was on a surprise holiday the last week - NoS free and (drumroll) got engaged! I'm over the moon about it.

Yay, eschano! Congratulations on your happy news! Thanks for sharing it with us.