A few months ago I got shingles. I was under a lot of stress, barely sleeping and generally not looking after myself. Most people get shingles on the body or limbs. Not Me. Obviously. I got shingles in my EYE. MY EYE! I mean what the hell?
My GP couldn't diagnose it - he sent me to emergency for further tests. It took 2 trips to emergency in a matter of days before I finally got a doctor who suspected it might be shingles. I was sent to a specialist who confirmed that I had a rare diagnosis of shingles in my eye. Of course. If it's not rare it's not for me (please see a post from a few years ago about a rare disease I got during my pregnancy).
It took weeks to recover from - it was extremely painful and I was lucky to get away with with little bit of damage I was left with. But the Dr warned me that anything to do with my eyes going forward had to be taken seriously so last week when I felt like my eye had a bit of grit in it, I made an appoinment to see the GP.
By the time I saw the GP (24 hours after the first sgns), I was pretty sure it wasn't shingles. I was pretty sure it was conjunctivitis. AKA Pink Eye. (A little piece of me dies as I write the words.)
When I saw the Dr he asked me how I thought I'd gotten conjunctivitis. This was my response:
"Well it's either because Zach is going through a phase where he sit's on my head and farts on me or it's because my dog sleeps in my bed with his butt in my direction and he farts a lot."
Silence.
Crickets chirping.
Awkward.
Finally he speaks "Um well that's not really how you get conjunctivitis...I meant, have you been feeling run down, like your getting sick, are you under a lot of stress...that sort of thing?"
Me (as I wish and hope for the ground to just swallow me up) "Oh. Yeah. Of Course. I was just kidding."
Extreme Awkward.
*Author will need to find a new GP as she can never see him again. Ever.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Why I have a can of Mortein in my car
I gave a friend a lift recently - the car was a mess - full of mini dinosaurs, bits of bark and sticks (Zach's latest obsession), popcorn, sultanas - you know the normal "I have a toddler" stuff. But that didn't bother her - she did however curiously ask why there was a can of bug spray rolling around the floor of the car.
A few months ago I had dinner at a friends place. They're keen gardeners and offered me some plants for my new home. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner - homemade pizzas, good wine (just one glass thanks!) and great company. When it was time to go my car was packed full of fabulous plants - Frangipani's and succulents.
The drive home was about 35 minutes and it was raining. I was in a great mood, singing at the top of my lungs to whatever was playing on the radio. But all was not right and a sense of dread came over me. I turned the radio off. I sensed something moving aboveme. I prayed "please don't be a spider, please don't be a spider". I dared not look up...and I didn't need to because 4 cockroaches scuttled over me and onto the windscreen. I screamed. Oh I screamed like a little girl. But what could I do? I was on the freeway driving at 100km/ph and it was raining. I kept as good an eye on those roaches as I could while they scuttled about the windscreen, taunting me, teasing me, threatening me. Little Fuckers. I can only imagine what the scene looked like - me screaming while roaches ran around owning the car. Every little itch or twitch I thought was another creature - I dont know, maybe crawling in my hair, down my back or worse in my ear!
I drove home as carefully as I could. Obviously I was stuck behind every slow driver that ever existed, stopping at every red light possible and I swear that garage door took twice as long to open! I ran into the house and grabbed the mortein and a fly swat. I then sprayed the shit out of the car...and the plants. I made sure I found those 4 litte bastards and killed them good and proper. I took the plants out the car as quickly as I could and sprayed the car again for good measure...maybe an entire can...maybe.
The next morning...after dreams of bugs crawling all over me...I tentativly went to the car. I couldn't be sure but I felt those 4 roaches weren't working alone. I opened the back passenger door behind the drivers set. It was fucking carnage - at least 15 dead cockroaches on the floor. I didn't know wether to scream, cry or laugh. I checked the rest of the car - another 10 roaches. It was traumatic to say the least.
I messaged my friend to say thank you for dinner, the plants and the cockroaches that attacked me. Her response? "Oh cockroaches, I'm surprised they weren't redbacks."
This is why I now ALWAYS have a can of mortein in the car.
*many cockroaches were harmed in the making of this story
*the author does not care - they deserved it.
A few months ago I had dinner at a friends place. They're keen gardeners and offered me some plants for my new home. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner - homemade pizzas, good wine (just one glass thanks!) and great company. When it was time to go my car was packed full of fabulous plants - Frangipani's and succulents.
The drive home was about 35 minutes and it was raining. I was in a great mood, singing at the top of my lungs to whatever was playing on the radio. But all was not right and a sense of dread came over me. I turned the radio off. I sensed something moving aboveme. I prayed "please don't be a spider, please don't be a spider". I dared not look up...and I didn't need to because 4 cockroaches scuttled over me and onto the windscreen. I screamed. Oh I screamed like a little girl. But what could I do? I was on the freeway driving at 100km/ph and it was raining. I kept as good an eye on those roaches as I could while they scuttled about the windscreen, taunting me, teasing me, threatening me. Little Fuckers. I can only imagine what the scene looked like - me screaming while roaches ran around owning the car. Every little itch or twitch I thought was another creature - I dont know, maybe crawling in my hair, down my back or worse in my ear!
I drove home as carefully as I could. Obviously I was stuck behind every slow driver that ever existed, stopping at every red light possible and I swear that garage door took twice as long to open! I ran into the house and grabbed the mortein and a fly swat. I then sprayed the shit out of the car...and the plants. I made sure I found those 4 litte bastards and killed them good and proper. I took the plants out the car as quickly as I could and sprayed the car again for good measure...maybe an entire can...maybe.
The next morning...after dreams of bugs crawling all over me...I tentativly went to the car. I couldn't be sure but I felt those 4 roaches weren't working alone. I opened the back passenger door behind the drivers set. It was fucking carnage - at least 15 dead cockroaches on the floor. I didn't know wether to scream, cry or laugh. I checked the rest of the car - another 10 roaches. It was traumatic to say the least.
I messaged my friend to say thank you for dinner, the plants and the cockroaches that attacked me. Her response? "Oh cockroaches, I'm surprised they weren't redbacks."
This is why I now ALWAYS have a can of mortein in the car.
*many cockroaches were harmed in the making of this story
*the author does not care - they deserved it.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Im Officially the Worst blogger ever!
Ok. It's official - I am possibly the worst blogger in the world and I am completely fine with that title. Who has the time?!?! I work, I have a toddler, I have a life...oh wait - not much of a life, but I'm trying! But as the end of another year approaches I feel the urge to write and I honestly don't care who reads this and if no-one read it that's ok too because this is for me and I am no good at keeping a journal (no surprises there) so this is the format I choose.
2016 has been a massive roller coaster and I am looking forward to seeing the back of it. Roller coasters are overrated anyway. There have been so many noteworthy moments but so many I'd rather forget too. But here's what I have learnt about myself:
1. I'm funnier in person than as a writer (great, this blog is doomed). I'll work on it!
2. I am hard working (this could be read as 'workaholic, but whatever)
3. I am determined - to succeed, to be happy, to live an AMAZING life...and have a marginally interesting blog
4. I can't do boring or mundane - I can do relaxed and chilled out and they are totally different.
5. I want a life that is completely full to the brim, I want adventures and explorations and experiences - I may even go camping...in a tent...oh yes, this 5-star princess is challenging her own beliefs!
6. I want to be the very best version of me that I can be. I want my son Zach to grow up seeing a mum who loves life, challenges the norm but can also get on with the day to day things. I want to challenge his thinking, his ideas and his creativity so that he too can be his very best.
7. It's important to me that a portion of my time, of my life, is given to others in some way. This is not only fulfilling personally but is important in becoming the best version of me. When we do things for other, we aren't focusing on ourselves and that is a good thing. Outward thinking - it's a thing.
8. I am far too obsessed with how I look and not in a positive way. For the past 3 years, I have forgotten to look after myself, putting Zach and my family first. This is ok, but not at the expense of ones self. I am reclaiming me and getting my 'Shine' back... kind of like how Stella got her Groove back...hahaha...please refer to point #1.
9. Life is going to get harder before it gets easier and 2017 will be a big one. There will be huge changes and it won't be easy, but I am not alone and I am surrounded by love
10. I will often trip, but I always get back up... Always.
2016 has been a massive roller coaster and I am looking forward to seeing the back of it. Roller coasters are overrated anyway. There have been so many noteworthy moments but so many I'd rather forget too. But here's what I have learnt about myself:
1. I'm funnier in person than as a writer (great, this blog is doomed). I'll work on it!
2. I am hard working (this could be read as 'workaholic, but whatever)
3. I am determined - to succeed, to be happy, to live an AMAZING life...and have a marginally interesting blog
4. I can't do boring or mundane - I can do relaxed and chilled out and they are totally different.
5. I want a life that is completely full to the brim, I want adventures and explorations and experiences - I may even go camping...in a tent...oh yes, this 5-star princess is challenging her own beliefs!
6. I want to be the very best version of me that I can be. I want my son Zach to grow up seeing a mum who loves life, challenges the norm but can also get on with the day to day things. I want to challenge his thinking, his ideas and his creativity so that he too can be his very best.
7. It's important to me that a portion of my time, of my life, is given to others in some way. This is not only fulfilling personally but is important in becoming the best version of me. When we do things for other, we aren't focusing on ourselves and that is a good thing. Outward thinking - it's a thing.
8. I am far too obsessed with how I look and not in a positive way. For the past 3 years, I have forgotten to look after myself, putting Zach and my family first. This is ok, but not at the expense of ones self. I am reclaiming me and getting my 'Shine' back... kind of like how Stella got her Groove back...hahaha...please refer to point #1.
9. Life is going to get harder before it gets easier and 2017 will be a big one. There will be huge changes and it won't be easy, but I am not alone and I am surrounded by love
10. I will often trip, but I always get back up... Always.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
A shared journey is a great journey!
In my previous post I told the story of our journey to have a child - it was a long, expensive, emotional one. Announcing our pregnancy to our families was a moment of extreme joy, but with a little hesitation too - they had known about our previous 3 pregnancies and it was also heartbreaking for them when we lost them - because they are my 'village' and we all felt the losses.
Around the same time we started doing our IVF cycle for Zachary's pregnancy, my younger brother Roh and his wife Bec had started trying for a baby (I won't lie a small part of me hoped they would take a few months so that we could enjoy being the centre of attention for a while!). But I had a suspicion - I'd seen Bec at my older brothers house and I could have sworn she held her tummy - you know in that protective way pregnant women do... and she was being very cautious about what she ate. My spidey senses were tingling and I felt a small rush of hopeful excitement. Sure enough a week after our announcement, Roh and Bec announced that they too were pregnant!!! My instinctive reaction was tears - happy tears - I love them and this was amazing news! The idea of having someone I love travel the journey with me was awesome! Not only were they pregnant, they were due 4 days after us!!! I know that it would have been a little stressful for them during the weeks prior to the announcement - hopeful that our pregnancy would go the distance. When we reached the 12 week mark I am sure they let out the biggest sigh of all! They are sensitive and thoughtful like that.
Over the next few months of our pregnancies Bec and I bonded over the joys, the emotions, the cravings, the morning sickness (hers... I didn't have any but Bec had it quite badly), our ever changing bodies and the anticipation of motherhood. We spent time together, did Pre natal aqua and pilates together and we felt comforted by each other. When Zachary came early Bec was there to support me - especially emotionally! We'd been out of hospital a few weeks and Zachary was 7 weeks old when Bec went into Labour - Isabella Helen was born on the 9th December 2013. A delicious chubby black haired beauty! It was love at first sight! I new that our children would be blessed to have each other and hoped they would become great friends!
 |
| Comparing Beautiful Bellies - I was HUGE!!! |
 |
| Bec and the beautiful Isabella minutes after her birth I have SO much love for these two |
 |
| Zach and Isabella Meet for the first time - already copying each other - born to be friends! |
 | ||
I love the way these two are together - so loving!
|
Together Bec and I are blessed with wonderful families - between my family and hers we are lucky to have parents who are involved and interested and supportive of us. We have siblings who love our babies like they are their own and nieces and nephews who adore their new cousins.
It takes a village to raise a child. This is a story about one part of my village - but she's an amazing part!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Identifying my Identity
It's been a while since i last wrote a post for my blog. A lot has happened. Big things. Life changing events. I have a new identity. I'm a mum now.
After 5 years of trying to fall pregnant, 2 years of IVF, 3 miscarriages, many tears and lots of $$$ spent, Andrew and I had our prayers answered. On Friday 25th October 2013, at 2:05am Zachary Flynn Baker entered the world. 7 weeks early, weighing just 1.7kilos, our little man came screaming into this world after a what must have been a rude awaking for him! I was very sick, having developed a life threatening disease called 'Acute Fatty Live in Pregnancy'. After 4 days at St John of God Hospital Murdoch where I had been monitored closely whilst doctors tried to figure out what was going on with me, I was finally sent to King Edward Memorial, as it was clear that I would have to deliver our baby early (SJOGM nursery isn't set up for babies under 34weeks). At 1am on Friday morning the doctor woke me up and asked how long it would take Andrew to get to the hospital....Zachary was delivered by emergency c-section an hour later. Later I found out that my organs had begun to shut down and there was cellular breakdown occurring within my organs. The way to stop the disease was to deliver. We were so very blessed that Zachary was healthy - tiny, but healthy.
So now I have a new identity. I'm a mum. This is what I yearned for. This is what I felt I was put on this earth for. I should be a natural...right? WRONG! It's taken me 9 months to finally be able to say that I am enjoying motherhood. Zachary was in hospital for his first few weeks - i visited him from 7am till 7pm every day. Then I went home at night and did normal things, like cook dinner, watch TV, sleep (with a little breast pumping thrown in).
Then we brought our little man home, now weighing 2 kilos and wearing 000000's (6x0's) instead of 0000000's (7x0's). It wasn't till I brought him home, that reality started to kick in - I was now a mum and this little guy depended on me for absolutely everything. There were no nurses to get me his milk or tell me when he fed overnight or to help me try and get him to latch on to my breast. It was all up to me (and his dad of course!). What I wasn't anticipating was getting Post Natal Anxiety. This did not sit well with the picture in my head of what I would 'look' like as a mum...you know - Perfectly groomed at all times, house spotless, baby happy, sleeping & feeding well, dinner on the table - the picture where I'm always happy and smiling and where motherhood is as natural to me as walking! For months I let that (unrealistic) picture of perfection cloud my reality, invade my confidence and take away from all the great things I was doing. It clouded my ability to see how amazing Zach was, how well he was doing, how despite being 7 weeks premature he was giving his cousin Isabella (born the day before Zach's due date!)a good run for her money. My anxiety was my dark cloud following me everywhere. I was so lucky to have a fabulous Child Health Nurse and a compassionate GP - both encouraged me to seek help and support and they sent me to St John of Gods 'Raphael House'.
Today was my 7th counselling session and we reflected on my first session where I was inconsolable, I could barely speak, I just cried. Today I was laughing and marvelling at my beautiful boy who was making his way around the room looking for adventures. I identified my identity and it wasn't the (unrealistic) perfect image and I'm ok with that. I'm flawed, I make mistakes, I get it wrong sometimes...and that's what is going to make me the best mum to Zach. I've identified my identity. My identity is me.
 |
| Zachary Flynn Baker - Life: Day 1 |
So now I have a new identity. I'm a mum. This is what I yearned for. This is what I felt I was put on this earth for. I should be a natural...right? WRONG! It's taken me 9 months to finally be able to say that I am enjoying motherhood. Zachary was in hospital for his first few weeks - i visited him from 7am till 7pm every day. Then I went home at night and did normal things, like cook dinner, watch TV, sleep (with a little breast pumping thrown in).
 |
| Zachary Flynn Baker - Leaving Hospital |
 |
| Zach and his dad |
 |
| Zach - such a personality! |
|
| Zach meets his new cousin Isabella |
 |
| Zachary Flynn Baker and his mum... Me. |
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Getting To the End of the 12WBT
Well it has been a fair while since my last post - it's been a busy time for me!
About 6 weeks into the Michelle Bridges 12WBT I began a 2 week stint working on MasterChef - I organised a two week filming schedule of fabulous challenges, based here in WA. So, I said farewell the husband and dog and moved into my hotel room at the Crown Promenade (no not the fancy Metropol, that's reserved for the talent and contestants - we plebs stay in the lesser fancy, but still lovely Promenade).
Anyone who has ever worked on a show as big as MasterChef ( or anyone who's stayed in a hotel for 2 weeks!) knows the difficulties of eating right, exercising and staying focused on personal goals of any sort. To start with, as part of my job, I was invited to many dinner meetings - I have to attend and often the host is the chef so I must eat politely what is put in front of me. You trying saying no to the very suave and lovely Mr Guillaume Brahimi with whom i dined several times!
I was able to get in a bit of early morning exercise at the beginning of the week, but once we started filming, I was simply just exhausted - 12 - 15 hour days (and 1 x 22 hour day!) takes a lot out of a person - especially one who is doing IVF. However, I was more active than normal, just by being on set and I felt slightly better about the situation.
We had an amazing 2 weeks and I loved being back in the game - but it did not help my 12WBT journey. I didn't put any weight on, but I didn't lose any either. When I saw my husband at the end of the 2 weeks however, he looked AMAZING! He'd lost more weight and was really starting to look a whole lot slimmer - he seemed to have coped with his short stint as a bachelor just fine! I am so proud of him!
We've reached the end of the 12WBT program now and we are definitely better for having done it. Healthier, Happier, Positive, Motivated, Educated. We highly recommend the program and if you're a couple, doing it together is totally worth while.
Stay tuned for a final wrap up of my 12WBT thoughts, coming in a few weeks.
About 6 weeks into the Michelle Bridges 12WBT I began a 2 week stint working on MasterChef - I organised a two week filming schedule of fabulous challenges, based here in WA. So, I said farewell the husband and dog and moved into my hotel room at the Crown Promenade (no not the fancy Metropol, that's reserved for the talent and contestants - we plebs stay in the lesser fancy, but still lovely Promenade).
Anyone who has ever worked on a show as big as MasterChef ( or anyone who's stayed in a hotel for 2 weeks!) knows the difficulties of eating right, exercising and staying focused on personal goals of any sort. To start with, as part of my job, I was invited to many dinner meetings - I have to attend and often the host is the chef so I must eat politely what is put in front of me. You trying saying no to the very suave and lovely Mr Guillaume Brahimi with whom i dined several times!
I was able to get in a bit of early morning exercise at the beginning of the week, but once we started filming, I was simply just exhausted - 12 - 15 hour days (and 1 x 22 hour day!) takes a lot out of a person - especially one who is doing IVF. However, I was more active than normal, just by being on set and I felt slightly better about the situation.
We had an amazing 2 weeks and I loved being back in the game - but it did not help my 12WBT journey. I didn't put any weight on, but I didn't lose any either. When I saw my husband at the end of the 2 weeks however, he looked AMAZING! He'd lost more weight and was really starting to look a whole lot slimmer - he seemed to have coped with his short stint as a bachelor just fine! I am so proud of him!
We've reached the end of the 12WBT program now and we are definitely better for having done it. Healthier, Happier, Positive, Motivated, Educated. We highly recommend the program and if you're a couple, doing it together is totally worth while.
Stay tuned for a final wrap up of my 12WBT thoughts, coming in a few weeks.
Monday, April 1, 2013
WK4-7 12WBT The Harsh Truth
It's been a while since my last blog entry - it's been a very 'full' few weeks. So here's the bare truth of the situation...
When I signed up for Michelle Bridges 12WBT i weighed in at 78 kilos...yep you read that correctly at just 153cm tall, I weighed 78. I am embarrassed to say it out loud and i know i am not alone. However, whilst there have been some ups and down, at week 7 I weighed in at about 73 kilos...it's not much change since week 4, but it's not more and that's a win. I'll take those 5 kilos and gladly kick them to the curb. Whilst I'm a little disappointed it's not more than 6 kilos yet, I am not going to be too harsh on myself and here's why...
1. I am doing IVF - pumping ones self full of hormones has many side effects.
- Emotionally: I have no control over emotions - i can cry at the drop of a hat, be completely irrational and be down without having a reason - none of which I can control or change. Plus i want to have a baby - and not being able to is the most emotional situation I have ever been in.
- Physically: During certain points in the process I am under instruction not to do anything that will increase my body temp - this means walking not just workouts. for a period of about 4-5 days I pretty much lay low and try to do nothing. Also, the drugs can make you retain water, feel bloated and without doing anything can completely exhaust you.
These are genuine medical situations and are not excuses. Here's what I was able to do: I was able to stick to the diet and that is the reason why my weight has not gone up. By maintaining good eating habits I have been able to stick by my goals and wishes for a healthier life.
2. Now splattered into the past few weeks have been some extreme situations. I am back working on MasterChef - I'm just consulting for a couple of months, but I found myself pulling 60hours in 5 days - which normally I could handle but with IVF on top of that I was tired - workouts were put aside, but I was very active during that week and made sure I walked as much as I could.
Working on MasterChef can be directly related to eating of fabulous food. But here's the thing - whilst i did eat out a fair bit, my stomach had shrunk and I only ate small portions. I was so aware of of what I was putting in my mouth, that I when I walked away from meals not feeling stuffed, not having overeaten, I felt so proud of myself.
3. It seems I have a social life after all: all these months I thought my social life was over - but it's not...and part of that has to do with how good I am feeling about myself! My business partner Eamon opened his new restaurant on Thursday and the party was fabulous - I wore a slink dress, had my hair done and I felt a million bucks - it totally helped that I got loads of compliments too!
Getting dressed up is something I am starting to love again - so is my husband. He's looking AMAZING! He's lost almost 8 kilos, he's riding his bike much more often and even rides with a group of friends on Saturday mornings. He just seems a lot happier too. I am so proud of him!
So here's the harsh truth of the situation - I haven't lost any weight for the past 2weeks, but i haven't gained any. Circumstances have affected my ability to exercise, but I am monitoring my food. How I eat, exercise and my health are always on my mind. The 12WBT has changed me already - In mind body and spirit!
When I signed up for Michelle Bridges 12WBT i weighed in at 78 kilos...yep you read that correctly at just 153cm tall, I weighed 78. I am embarrassed to say it out loud and i know i am not alone. However, whilst there have been some ups and down, at week 7 I weighed in at about 73 kilos...it's not much change since week 4, but it's not more and that's a win. I'll take those 5 kilos and gladly kick them to the curb. Whilst I'm a little disappointed it's not more than 6 kilos yet, I am not going to be too harsh on myself and here's why...
1. I am doing IVF - pumping ones self full of hormones has many side effects.
- Emotionally: I have no control over emotions - i can cry at the drop of a hat, be completely irrational and be down without having a reason - none of which I can control or change. Plus i want to have a baby - and not being able to is the most emotional situation I have ever been in.
- Physically: During certain points in the process I am under instruction not to do anything that will increase my body temp - this means walking not just workouts. for a period of about 4-5 days I pretty much lay low and try to do nothing. Also, the drugs can make you retain water, feel bloated and without doing anything can completely exhaust you.
These are genuine medical situations and are not excuses. Here's what I was able to do: I was able to stick to the diet and that is the reason why my weight has not gone up. By maintaining good eating habits I have been able to stick by my goals and wishes for a healthier life.
2. Now splattered into the past few weeks have been some extreme situations. I am back working on MasterChef - I'm just consulting for a couple of months, but I found myself pulling 60hours in 5 days - which normally I could handle but with IVF on top of that I was tired - workouts were put aside, but I was very active during that week and made sure I walked as much as I could.
Working on MasterChef can be directly related to eating of fabulous food. But here's the thing - whilst i did eat out a fair bit, my stomach had shrunk and I only ate small portions. I was so aware of of what I was putting in my mouth, that I when I walked away from meals not feeling stuffed, not having overeaten, I felt so proud of myself.
3. It seems I have a social life after all: all these months I thought my social life was over - but it's not...and part of that has to do with how good I am feeling about myself! My business partner Eamon opened his new restaurant on Thursday and the party was fabulous - I wore a slink dress, had my hair done and I felt a million bucks - it totally helped that I got loads of compliments too!
Getting dressed up is something I am starting to love again - so is my husband. He's looking AMAZING! He's lost almost 8 kilos, he's riding his bike much more often and even rides with a group of friends on Saturday mornings. He just seems a lot happier too. I am so proud of him!
So here's the harsh truth of the situation - I haven't lost any weight for the past 2weeks, but i haven't gained any. Circumstances have affected my ability to exercise, but I am monitoring my food. How I eat, exercise and my health are always on my mind. The 12WBT has changed me already - In mind body and spirit!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
WK 4 12WBT - Getting in the Groove
So week 4 has rolled on by - we are so in the groove now - husband and I are starting to really notice the changes - both physically and mentally. Lets start with the physical...
Husband has lost about 6 kilos and 20cms from his body - he looks awesome and I am so proud of him. He's back on his bike and doing rides of over 50kms and I can really notice that he is a happier person. His clothes hang differently on his body and suddenly a belt is the new must have accessory!
For me, I've dropped about 4.5 kilos and 16cms from my body. Clothes are start to hang differently and this week when I posted a pic (See Below) of me with my business partner Eamon Sullivan and Cricket legend and McGrath Foundation founder, Glenn McGrath - I was floored and humbled by the comments - they were almost all about how good i looked! Yes that's the sounds of an ear to ear grin! I mean seriously - on guy is an underwear modeling, Olympic swimmer and the other is a very dapper, real life Legend...yet the comments were about me...wow!
Meeting Glenn McGrath and the foundations Managing Director Kylea Tink was really wonderful. Eamon is a McGrath Foundation ambassador and we're really excited about supporting the foundation however we can. But really it reminded me that through real tragedy and sadness amazing things can grow. Glenn is one of the loveliest men I have had the pleasure of meeting and what he has done over the years since his late wife's passing is truly courageous and visionary and humbling. It reminds me that being the best person I can be at all times is important, that thinking outward instead of inward is important, that life is fragile and precious and we must do what we can to give everyone a better life including ourselves.
Between Meeting Glenn and Kylea and getting involved in International Women's day events, I am truly moved to do more for others, whilst also doing 'this' for myself.
The mental changes I have seen in myself and in Andrew have had a huge affect. We are both thinking about our approach to life differently from simple things like the way we eat and exercise, to what our purpose is and what we can do for others - our church, our community, internationally, our friends and family.
Husband has lost about 6 kilos and 20cms from his body - he looks awesome and I am so proud of him. He's back on his bike and doing rides of over 50kms and I can really notice that he is a happier person. His clothes hang differently on his body and suddenly a belt is the new must have accessory!
For me, I've dropped about 4.5 kilos and 16cms from my body. Clothes are start to hang differently and this week when I posted a pic (See Below) of me with my business partner Eamon Sullivan and Cricket legend and McGrath Foundation founder, Glenn McGrath - I was floored and humbled by the comments - they were almost all about how good i looked! Yes that's the sounds of an ear to ear grin! I mean seriously - on guy is an underwear modeling, Olympic swimmer and the other is a very dapper, real life Legend...yet the comments were about me...wow!
Meeting Glenn McGrath and the foundations Managing Director Kylea Tink was really wonderful. Eamon is a McGrath Foundation ambassador and we're really excited about supporting the foundation however we can. But really it reminded me that through real tragedy and sadness amazing things can grow. Glenn is one of the loveliest men I have had the pleasure of meeting and what he has done over the years since his late wife's passing is truly courageous and visionary and humbling. It reminds me that being the best person I can be at all times is important, that thinking outward instead of inward is important, that life is fragile and precious and we must do what we can to give everyone a better life including ourselves.
Between Meeting Glenn and Kylea and getting involved in International Women's day events, I am truly moved to do more for others, whilst also doing 'this' for myself.
The mental changes I have seen in myself and in Andrew have had a huge affect. We are both thinking about our approach to life differently from simple things like the way we eat and exercise, to what our purpose is and what we can do for others - our church, our community, internationally, our friends and family.
 |
| Glenn McGrath, Me, Eamon Sullivan @ our cafe 'Louis Baxters' |
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Week 3 12WBT - Highs and Lows
It's been 3 weeks since my husband and I started our 12WBT adventure. 3 weeks of sticking to a food plan, exercising daily, standing on scales, saying 'no' to all the foods I've said 'yes' to in the past and saying 'yes' to all the things I've said 'no' to in the past.
It's been 3 weeks of taking my lunch with me - even to my own cafe - of planning ahead, of having schedule, of being organised. And it's working. I've lost about 4.5 kilos. My clothes are starting to sit on my body differently, I'm feeling better, more energetic and importantly, I am proud of what I've achieved.
It's been 3 weeks of taking my lunch with me - even to my own cafe - of planning ahead, of having schedule, of being organised. And it's working. I've lost about 4.5 kilos. My clothes are starting to sit on my body differently, I'm feeling better, more energetic and importantly, I am proud of what I've achieved.
But i've had a rough week. For those who don't know, we're also going through IVF at the moment, we've been doing the various stages of IVF for almost 2 years now and the last 3 attempts have been full IVF. Sadly we had 2 miscarriages last year and we have just been through our first cycle for 2013.
This week I found out that our latest IVF attempt failed and the news is heart breaking. For anyone who has been through it, you'll know that IVF is extremely emotional but also has a very invasive physical part to it and of course a huge financial aspect. It knocked me for a six and all I wanted to do was punish myself - eat 'comfort foods', drink wine, curl in a ball and cry. But I didn't. I am lucky enough to have an amazing support group - My husband who is by my side through everything, two of my closest friends Vari & Nicola, who know exactly what to say to me to get me back on my feet and my mum, who's unwavering faith is a huge comfort. I also made a plea via twitter to @12WBT & @Mishbridges - the 12WBT crew suggested that instead of punishment by food, i do something soothing - like get a manicure....An excellent Idea. Mish pledged her support and told me that I am amazing.
The point I am trying to make is that no matter what, how painful something is, if you talk to people about it, if you share your problems with your family and friends, then you can overcome it. There is a huge part of the 12WBT which is dedicated to emotional support - the forums, facebook sites, twitter, live chats. We aren't left to hang out and dry on our own. With life change comes emotional ups and downs - we aren't alone in this.
This week I found out that our latest IVF attempt failed and the news is heart breaking. For anyone who has been through it, you'll know that IVF is extremely emotional but also has a very invasive physical part to it and of course a huge financial aspect. It knocked me for a six and all I wanted to do was punish myself - eat 'comfort foods', drink wine, curl in a ball and cry. But I didn't. I am lucky enough to have an amazing support group - My husband who is by my side through everything, two of my closest friends Vari & Nicola, who know exactly what to say to me to get me back on my feet and my mum, who's unwavering faith is a huge comfort. I also made a plea via twitter to @12WBT & @Mishbridges - the 12WBT crew suggested that instead of punishment by food, i do something soothing - like get a manicure....An excellent Idea. Mish pledged her support and told me that I am amazing.
The point I am trying to make is that no matter what, how painful something is, if you talk to people about it, if you share your problems with your family and friends, then you can overcome it. There is a huge part of the 12WBT which is dedicated to emotional support - the forums, facebook sites, twitter, live chats. We aren't left to hang out and dry on our own. With life change comes emotional ups and downs - we aren't alone in this.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Wk 2 - 12WBT - The First Real Hurdle
Week 2 was a tough one and I'm glad it's over! It's been a full on, emotional week which tested my ability to Just Do It! Due to an IVF procedure I wasn't able to do any exercise other than a 15-20 minute walk daily. This was doctors orders and when it comes to IVF, i definitely do whatever the doc says!
This was a bit of a blow to my overall motivation and to the momentum I had going in week 1.
[On a quick aside, I totally forget to mention that during week 1, my mum and I went did Aqua Fitness - highly recommended by my physio for my back - anyways we turned up and I saw a sea of grey hair. It was me an about 50 Over 60's... all whom were fitter than me!]
The walking is something I do daily anyway with our fabulous fur kid Louis Pierre so that was ok, but I felt wrong not doing anything after having such a great 1st week. There was no point dwelling though I just had to make sure I ate really well. [See shameless proud mother pic of Louis Pirrer attached to this post!]
What is amazing is that husband and I are doing the shopping together...and not killing each other! We use some shopping list App he found (Any List) which we can link together so that we can go in separate ways, cross items off the list as we get them and meet up at the end. GENIUS! The food has been great - especially breakfast. As I longtime breakfast skipper, I didn't realise how much variety you could have and how vital that we be to actually eating. The baked eggs was fabulous, the banana on toast - all great!
We had our treat night on Thursday night as I was working at our cafe Louis Baxters - we have a BYO and Tapas night. It's just a trial but hopefully we'll start doing it every Thursday & Friday night. My job is to be the host - find people tables, get them set up, help them to order and generally to create a good vibe. It was a great night and I felt at ease eating a small amount - it wasn't the healthiest fair, but it was delicious! It was a good test as whenever I'm at the cafe i tend to pick at things in the kitchen which can mean eating a whole lot of bad stuff!
This week has been emotionally tough also as my wonderful, talented business partner, Olympic Swimmer Eamon Sullivan faced the media with 5 of his teammates about an evening of team bonding in Manchester prior to the Olympics. Seeing him on TV, knowing what a fabulous guy he is, knowing that he is deeply sorry and saddened by the events and the ripple affect it has had - It just broke my heart. It showed me that for the past 15 years he has willingly sacrificed a 'normal' life for a sport he loves to represent a country he loves, all with the backing of the Australian public, as long as he Never Ever puts a foot wrong . Eamon is more than just a swimmer who made a mistake though - he's a talented cook, a loyal and loving friend, a great business partner and my biggest supporter during this 12WBT adventure.
Anyway, Eamon has always shown me that it is through adversity that grow stronger and can live to fight another day. So here's to week 3 - I'm back in business!
This was a bit of a blow to my overall motivation and to the momentum I had going in week 1.
[On a quick aside, I totally forget to mention that during week 1, my mum and I went did Aqua Fitness - highly recommended by my physio for my back - anyways we turned up and I saw a sea of grey hair. It was me an about 50 Over 60's... all whom were fitter than me!]
The walking is something I do daily anyway with our fabulous fur kid Louis Pierre so that was ok, but I felt wrong not doing anything after having such a great 1st week. There was no point dwelling though I just had to make sure I ate really well. [See shameless proud mother pic of Louis Pirrer attached to this post!]
What is amazing is that husband and I are doing the shopping together...and not killing each other! We use some shopping list App he found (Any List) which we can link together so that we can go in separate ways, cross items off the list as we get them and meet up at the end. GENIUS! The food has been great - especially breakfast. As I longtime breakfast skipper, I didn't realise how much variety you could have and how vital that we be to actually eating. The baked eggs was fabulous, the banana on toast - all great!
We had our treat night on Thursday night as I was working at our cafe Louis Baxters - we have a BYO and Tapas night. It's just a trial but hopefully we'll start doing it every Thursday & Friday night. My job is to be the host - find people tables, get them set up, help them to order and generally to create a good vibe. It was a great night and I felt at ease eating a small amount - it wasn't the healthiest fair, but it was delicious! It was a good test as whenever I'm at the cafe i tend to pick at things in the kitchen which can mean eating a whole lot of bad stuff!
This week has been emotionally tough also as my wonderful, talented business partner, Olympic Swimmer Eamon Sullivan faced the media with 5 of his teammates about an evening of team bonding in Manchester prior to the Olympics. Seeing him on TV, knowing what a fabulous guy he is, knowing that he is deeply sorry and saddened by the events and the ripple affect it has had - It just broke my heart. It showed me that for the past 15 years he has willingly sacrificed a 'normal' life for a sport he loves to represent a country he loves, all with the backing of the Australian public, as long as he Never Ever puts a foot wrong . Eamon is more than just a swimmer who made a mistake though - he's a talented cook, a loyal and loving friend, a great business partner and my biggest supporter during this 12WBT adventure.
Anyway, Eamon has always shown me that it is through adversity that grow stronger and can live to fight another day. So here's to week 3 - I'm back in business!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Week 1 12WBT - Just Do It!
Just Do it - Best tagline for a sporting company ever! 3 words can have a huge impact.
JUST - no ifs, no buts, no excuses
DO - take action
IT - something, anything!
Seems simple enough and it is - just ask any person currently doing the Michelle Bridges 12WBT. Everyone I speak to who has done it or is currently doing it says how great it is - Michelle has done all the hard work for you - she tells you what to do, how to do it, when to do it and why do it - she's with you every step of the way!
When we did our first grocery shop we couldn't believe how much there was in our trolley - we'd never done such a big shop. But by the end of the week our fridge was almost empty and we couldn't get over the fact we'd eaten it all! We followed Mish's recipes and were never hungry - in fact I ate more than I had in a long time. By the end of the week my body was already adjusting to 3 regular meals and 2 snacks a day! I made sure I always had some snacks ready to go and I even took my lunch to my cafe so I wasn't tempted to eat something I shouldn't!
The exercise component came much easier than I expected - However if you look up uncoordinated you'll see a picture of me attempting aerobics! We'd bought a 3 pack of Michelle's DVD's, so I worked through those - thankful that she had a low impact option on every video. Each workout is broken into 5 minute segments meaning you can do as much or as little as you want and as Mish says, as least you're doing something! The more I did the easier it got and by the end of the week I was absolutely thrilled with my effort - despite my complete inability to make my arms work at the same time as the rest of my body!
It could have been so easy to give up on the exercise - recently I had a hand operation (carpel tunnel), was diagnosed with 2 bulging discs in my lower back and I have just started a 3rd round of IVF. I thought that exercising would be really difficult but it wasn't - If Mish was doing push ups, I did squats. If she was jumping, I did the low impact option. The reasons to not do something are all in my head - I just have to learn to override them!
I lost about 1.5 kilos in Week 1 and I am pretty chuffed with that!
JUST - no ifs, no buts, no excuses
DO - take action
IT - something, anything!
Seems simple enough and it is - just ask any person currently doing the Michelle Bridges 12WBT. Everyone I speak to who has done it or is currently doing it says how great it is - Michelle has done all the hard work for you - she tells you what to do, how to do it, when to do it and why do it - she's with you every step of the way!
When we did our first grocery shop we couldn't believe how much there was in our trolley - we'd never done such a big shop. But by the end of the week our fridge was almost empty and we couldn't get over the fact we'd eaten it all! We followed Mish's recipes and were never hungry - in fact I ate more than I had in a long time. By the end of the week my body was already adjusting to 3 regular meals and 2 snacks a day! I made sure I always had some snacks ready to go and I even took my lunch to my cafe so I wasn't tempted to eat something I shouldn't!
The exercise component came much easier than I expected - However if you look up uncoordinated you'll see a picture of me attempting aerobics! We'd bought a 3 pack of Michelle's DVD's, so I worked through those - thankful that she had a low impact option on every video. Each workout is broken into 5 minute segments meaning you can do as much or as little as you want and as Mish says, as least you're doing something! The more I did the easier it got and by the end of the week I was absolutely thrilled with my effort - despite my complete inability to make my arms work at the same time as the rest of my body!
It could have been so easy to give up on the exercise - recently I had a hand operation (carpel tunnel), was diagnosed with 2 bulging discs in my lower back and I have just started a 3rd round of IVF. I thought that exercising would be really difficult but it wasn't - If Mish was doing push ups, I did squats. If she was jumping, I did the low impact option. The reasons to not do something are all in my head - I just have to learn to override them!
I lost about 1.5 kilos in Week 1 and I am pretty chuffed with that!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Week 1 12WBT - It Begins with a Fitness Test
So the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation program begins with a fitness test. I put this off for as long as I could because I new this would be ugly!
Like many others, I used to be fit - not just fit, super fit - I was at WAIS for 4 years as the WA State Cox for the Rowing team - I had to weigh 45kilos... 45KILOS!!!!!! I had no fat on my body, I ate whatever I wanted, I exercised 2,3 times a day and I loved it.
When I finished my stint at WAIS, I was still extremely active - but then I moved to Sydney, my career started taking off and so did my partying lifestyle - it was all sex, drugs and rock & roll. Smoking, drinking, drugs and general partying kept me skinny for a while but when I left that life behind, I was faced with a new one - one where my metabalism and I were no longer friends.
Suddenly I was one of those people who simply had to look at food to gain weight. It didn't help that I predominantly worked on food and travel shows and pretty much ate my way through my career.
Somewhere along the way I forgot to importance of exercise. Exercise isn't just about losing weight - it does so much more than that. It can help you mentally, it makes you feel better even if you don't think you look better.
So that brings me to one Sunday, 2 weeks ago. I geared up. I mentally prepared for the fight ahead. First up the 1km run. I started with a gentle jog - I got about 400metres and thought that perhaps I might just die. I walked for a bit and then ran for a bit. I seriously thought my lungs would explode. I was so glad Andrew was the only person in that park because I looked like a mess - sweating, heavy breathing, uncoordination. But I did it!
After completeing that run I felt such a huge sense of relief and a determination to do better next time. I did the other tasks - my core strength is better than I thought due to years of pilates and I couldn't do pushups as I had carpel tunnel surgery on my left hand a few weeks before. But I did it and I know that to Michelle Bridges, that's all she wants from us - to do it....the rest will come. So everyday I can hear Mish in my ear saying just do it - every effort counts.
Like many others, I used to be fit - not just fit, super fit - I was at WAIS for 4 years as the WA State Cox for the Rowing team - I had to weigh 45kilos... 45KILOS!!!!!! I had no fat on my body, I ate whatever I wanted, I exercised 2,3 times a day and I loved it.
When I finished my stint at WAIS, I was still extremely active - but then I moved to Sydney, my career started taking off and so did my partying lifestyle - it was all sex, drugs and rock & roll. Smoking, drinking, drugs and general partying kept me skinny for a while but when I left that life behind, I was faced with a new one - one where my metabalism and I were no longer friends.
Suddenly I was one of those people who simply had to look at food to gain weight. It didn't help that I predominantly worked on food and travel shows and pretty much ate my way through my career.
Somewhere along the way I forgot to importance of exercise. Exercise isn't just about losing weight - it does so much more than that. It can help you mentally, it makes you feel better even if you don't think you look better.
So that brings me to one Sunday, 2 weeks ago. I geared up. I mentally prepared for the fight ahead. First up the 1km run. I started with a gentle jog - I got about 400metres and thought that perhaps I might just die. I walked for a bit and then ran for a bit. I seriously thought my lungs would explode. I was so glad Andrew was the only person in that park because I looked like a mess - sweating, heavy breathing, uncoordination. But I did it!
After completeing that run I felt such a huge sense of relief and a determination to do better next time. I did the other tasks - my core strength is better than I thought due to years of pilates and I couldn't do pushups as I had carpel tunnel surgery on my left hand a few weeks before. But I did it and I know that to Michelle Bridges, that's all she wants from us - to do it....the rest will come. So everyday I can hear Mish in my ear saying just do it - every effort counts.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Week 1 12WBT - The Decision
My husband Andrew and I realised that something needed to be done about our weight gain. We'd both steadily put on weight over the years. We are currently going through IVF to try and have a baby - so far we've had 2 miscarriages - this is not the bad new that it sounds like! For the first time in year, we have an answer to the question 'Can we even get pregnant' and the wonderful answer is yes! I put on some extra weight during those 2 short pregnancies and now it's time to start again with a clean slate, a better attitude and a better, healthier body.
I first met Michelle Bridges during Celebrity MasterChef - she was one of the contestants I was given [Others being my business partner Eamon Sullivan, Swans player Ryan O'Keefe Australian Cricketer Simon Katich (yep - all the sporty ones!) as well as INXS's Kirk Pengilly & Singer Alex Lloyd] Michelle is as energetic, positive and outgoing as she is on screen and she is infectious in a positive way. When I filmed with Mish, I wished I could be like her - active, healthy - she always looked great, was always happy and handled the stress of the show with ease. But I had a million and one excuses why I couldn't do it. I laughed it off. But now, some years later I have no more excuses, just a doctor saying it would be best to lose some weight and a mirror that constantly reminds me that I don't feel comfortable in my skin.
Please don't get me wrong - I have a very healthy love and acceptance of who I am. I do think I am beautiful - in and out, but i want a healthier body that I feel comfortable in.
And so, it was an easy decision to make - Andrew and I signed up together to partake in Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation.
I first met Michelle Bridges during Celebrity MasterChef - she was one of the contestants I was given [Others being my business partner Eamon Sullivan, Swans player Ryan O'Keefe Australian Cricketer Simon Katich (yep - all the sporty ones!) as well as INXS's Kirk Pengilly & Singer Alex Lloyd] Michelle is as energetic, positive and outgoing as she is on screen and she is infectious in a positive way. When I filmed with Mish, I wished I could be like her - active, healthy - she always looked great, was always happy and handled the stress of the show with ease. But I had a million and one excuses why I couldn't do it. I laughed it off. But now, some years later I have no more excuses, just a doctor saying it would be best to lose some weight and a mirror that constantly reminds me that I don't feel comfortable in my skin.
Please don't get me wrong - I have a very healthy love and acceptance of who I am. I do think I am beautiful - in and out, but i want a healthier body that I feel comfortable in.
And so, it was an easy decision to make - Andrew and I signed up together to partake in Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Me minus MasterChef equals ???
For those who don't know, my husband and I have decided to move to Perth - that's 'back home' for me...after 16 years of living in Sydney. And what an absolutely amazing 16 years it has been. I came here knowing no-one, a 20 year old with nothing more than a bag full of courage and whole lot of hope. When I look back at that time I can't believe I was so brave! Now, well into my 30's I am about to make another big move and yet again I am counting on that bag full of courage and whole lot of hope.
Lets be honest - there is no way I will be able to re-create the fabulous career I have had in Sydney when I move to Perth and yes that does scare me! I have been blessed to have had a career that I have absolutely loved - for the 18 years I have worked in TV I have loved it. And I have to remember that it all started in the tape room at Channel 10 in Perth! My career is where I found my identity - but is that all I am? Laki Baker - TV Producer?
It's interesting where we find our identities isn't it? Surely I am more than my career? I am a wife and daughter, a sister and friend - doesn't that count for the better part of my identity? Why is letting go of MasterChef so hard then? Is it the show itself? Is it the fabulous crew? or is it that I had it so good on the show?? I had one of the best jobs and I was successful at it. Is it that I just wont know what to say when people say 'What do you do?' how does 'I used to work on MasterChef' really sound? Will I lose my 'coolness'?
So, what does Me minus MasterChef really equal? I don't know...but I'm looking forward to finding out!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Because I am a Girl
There is no doubt that I have an extremely blessed life. I have a beautiful family - parents who did anything for their children, brothers and a sister who are close, a husband who adores me. I have a fabulous group of friends and am surround by so much love and support. I have a dream job - I work on MasterChef - I produce the MasterClass episodes and I look after all guest chefs on the show - booking them, working with them...It's probably one of the best jobs in TV at the moment! I am an educated woman with an established career that I love. I am grateful for everything I have.
Not everyone is as blessed as I am. Girls around the world and in our own backyard go through their whole lives wishing they weren't born a girl, wishing that they were allowed the same opportunities as boys, hoping they will have freedom to chose their husband, dreaming of what it would be like to go to school, praying they'll survive to the age of 5.
We can make a difference in this world if we want to. My mum, Lalani, is making a difference. She is a true women's advocate and has been for as long as I can remember. After the Tsunami hit Sri Lanka, my mum and dad (who were in Sri Lanka at the time) did everything they could to get food, water, clothing and medicine to those affected in the South. But when they returned to Australia, my mum decided that she couldn't just forget what she had seen and so she began a project to help rehabilitate the people affected - in particular the women. The project would
seek to educate and empower the many women who had lost their husbands by helping them to use skills they already had and could develop such as sewing, cooking and rope making, to gain an income.
This project is now in it's 5th year and we, as a family, have all pledged to keep this going. We recently witnessed first hand how powerful our help had been as we met with the women and heard their stories. It has been all because of my mothers relentless efforts from fundraising to speaking about the cause.
My mother has been the most influential woman in my life and this is just one reason why. I am so glad to be a girl, to be a daughter, a wife, a sister, a girlfriend. My hope is that girls around the world will all feel this way - proud and happy to be a girl.
Because I am a girl...I can change the world.
http://becauseiamagirl.com.au/2010/
Monday, April 19, 2010
MasterChef Top 50 Pavlova Trial
This is a story about a girl trying to pretend she can cook and offering to recipe test a trial Pavlova recipe – trial because the producers (the ones higher up than me) wanted to see if a bigger pav could be made by changing an existing recipe… Names have been changed to protect…well to protect me in all honesty!!! I will warn however that there is much swearing…much much swearing, for which I do apologise!
So, to start with I pre heat the oven, once at right temp I start the clock....
It takes me 30 minutes before I get the pav in the oven. I don't think I beat the egg whites enough before adding the sugar, but the mixture has that lovely glossy sheen to it anyway. I beat it longer once the sugar is added in hopes that the mixture firms up a little. It does, but maybe not enough… [I realize later on that I am using the wrong part of the mixer to beat the eggs because I didn’t see the proper piece until I was putting the mixer back in the box!]
Be fore I go further I must say that my mum is a gun pav maker and makes perfect pavs every attempt…I now how a pav is made!!
There is nothing to do whilst the eggs are beating - so it's a fairly uninteresting first 30 - except of course when I put the mixture on the tray....
When I place it on the tray I can see it's not firm enough. In a true demonstration of a lack of loyalty the pav mixture spreads it way across the tray - looking like a 'cow pat' as Spencer notes in reference to a picture of it I send her. But I don't have time to re-mix it. I get it in the oven.
After 10 minutes you're meant to turn the heat down which I do - but it takes a further 10 minutes for the heat in my oven to get down to 120. F*$#*^g Gas Ovens.
The pav is looking like a slightly risen meringue disc. Not the pav my mum makes! F*$#*^g Pav. F*$#*^g Mrs Producer for making me do this.
Whilst in the oven it takes me 10 minutes to beat the cream and chop the strawberries - then it's a further 40 minutes of sitting and waiting and looking at the oven and licking the spatula, then feeling sick, then washing the utensils then looking at the oven then getting mad at husband for laughing at my pav, then looking at the oven again, then contemplating trying again in hopes of cheating my way into looking like I am the pavlova queen...which clearly, I am not.
The recipe says to take pav out of the oven to cool down...this goes against my instinct which is to let the pav cool in the oven, but I dutifully take pav out of oven and watch it deflate, then crack - stupid task anyway. I let it cool and it cracks some more (great...) then when cool, I slap on the cream and strawberries and hope that Mrs Producer says don't worry about bringing it in tomorrow, pics will be fine, but of course, she doesn't and now I must walk into to the office with deflated pav and a deflated ego to go with out....plus the pictorial evidence of my failure. F*#k F#*k F#*k!!!!!!!
I will never make it as a contestant on MasterChef, but at least I make it as good producer on MasterChef!!
So, to start with I pre heat the oven, once at right temp I start the clock....
It takes me 30 minutes before I get the pav in the oven. I don't think I beat the egg whites enough before adding the sugar, but the mixture has that lovely glossy sheen to it anyway. I beat it longer once the sugar is added in hopes that the mixture firms up a little. It does, but maybe not enough… [I realize later on that I am using the wrong part of the mixer to beat the eggs because I didn’t see the proper piece until I was putting the mixer back in the box!]
Be fore I go further I must say that my mum is a gun pav maker and makes perfect pavs every attempt…I now how a pav is made!!
There is nothing to do whilst the eggs are beating - so it's a fairly uninteresting first 30 - except of course when I put the mixture on the tray....
When I place it on the tray I can see it's not firm enough. In a true demonstration of a lack of loyalty the pav mixture spreads it way across the tray - looking like a 'cow pat' as Spencer notes in reference to a picture of it I send her. But I don't have time to re-mix it. I get it in the oven.
After 10 minutes you're meant to turn the heat down which I do - but it takes a further 10 minutes for the heat in my oven to get down to 120. F*$#*^g Gas Ovens.
The pav is looking like a slightly risen meringue disc. Not the pav my mum makes! F*$#*^g Pav. F*$#*^g Mrs Producer for making me do this.
Whilst in the oven it takes me 10 minutes to beat the cream and chop the strawberries - then it's a further 40 minutes of sitting and waiting and looking at the oven and licking the spatula, then feeling sick, then washing the utensils then looking at the oven then getting mad at husband for laughing at my pav, then looking at the oven again, then contemplating trying again in hopes of cheating my way into looking like I am the pavlova queen...which clearly, I am not.
The recipe says to take pav out of the oven to cool down...this goes against my instinct which is to let the pav cool in the oven, but I dutifully take pav out of oven and watch it deflate, then crack - stupid task anyway. I let it cool and it cracks some more (great...) then when cool, I slap on the cream and strawberries and hope that Mrs Producer says don't worry about bringing it in tomorrow, pics will be fine, but of course, she doesn't and now I must walk into to the office with deflated pav and a deflated ego to go with out....plus the pictorial evidence of my failure. F*#k F#*k F#*k!!!!!!!
I will never make it as a contestant on MasterChef, but at least I make it as good producer on MasterChef!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
New Years Resolutions
Oh yes, just like everyone else, I have foolishly made New Years Resolutions...I have a proven track record that clearly shows I don't stick to them, yet here I am with a fairly long list and a hopeful, positive attitude.
So why should this year be any different? It probably shouldn't be - but damn it I am going to give it a red hot go. Again.
Wondering what's on the list?? Exactly what you would expect from a person who makes New Years resolutions.
There's the obligatory weight loss (at the top of the list every year - though with a 35th birthday looming I am definitely making this a huge priority - 20 Kilos in 12 months...EEEEEK!!!!)
There's the overseas holiday (An actual possibility seeing as though we have said yes to a trip to Sri Lanka)
The home makeover (Already started - but will it be finished?)
Remembering birthdays anniversaries and special occasions before they happen not after (Already failed at this one)
Being more giving of my time and my heart (Making a good effort thus far)
swearing less (Never, ever going to happen)
Praying and reading my bible everyday (I only have 10 days to catch up on...wait, what date is it today? The 10th? oops!)
Prioritising God, Church, Husband Family and Friends over Work (Already setting a cracking pace on this - lets hope it lasts!)
Making sure I make it to date night, which is once a fortnight (Husband does not like date night without his date and I don't like date night being spent with my computer or work colleagues!)
So there's the list. It's fairly long but you know what this year I am determined to keep and achieve at least half of them and I shall blog about it to keep me honest!
That reminds me - last resolution - to blog about resolutions...Tick!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
SuperSize TakeOver
It started with a simple line "Do you want fries with that" and then it became "Do you want fries and a coke with that" and then the whole super size phenomenon took the world by storm.
Is it just me or is this completely out of control and now, it's not just confined to the fast food chains. I can't even walk into a service station to pay for my petrol without being asked if I want any 'specials' from the counter - two chocolate bars for the bargain price of $4 or two packets of mints for the price of one - what? Do I have bad breath?
Even the supermarkets are out to get me with their sneaky two for the price of one or two for $4 routines, and let me tell you - here, I do get sucked in. Of course I'll get two bottles of hand wash for $4 especially when you've noted, quite clearly, that buying one on it's own will cost me $3...i mean it would be rude not to...wouldn't it?
In a world where one is not enough and just going out for a bottle of milk is never really that, it seems that someone somewhere is always leave me wanting more, sucking me into thinking one is not enough, never being satisfied with what I've got.
Well I'm fighting back - I'm saying no to the fries and coke no to the two for one or reduced prices for multiple hand wash, NO, NO, NO! I have enough stuff!
However, I'll never say no to two for one cocktails, shoes or handbags.
Is it just me or is this completely out of control and now, it's not just confined to the fast food chains. I can't even walk into a service station to pay for my petrol without being asked if I want any 'specials' from the counter - two chocolate bars for the bargain price of $4 or two packets of mints for the price of one - what? Do I have bad breath?
Even the supermarkets are out to get me with their sneaky two for the price of one or two for $4 routines, and let me tell you - here, I do get sucked in. Of course I'll get two bottles of hand wash for $4 especially when you've noted, quite clearly, that buying one on it's own will cost me $3...i mean it would be rude not to...wouldn't it?
In a world where one is not enough and just going out for a bottle of milk is never really that, it seems that someone somewhere is always leave me wanting more, sucking me into thinking one is not enough, never being satisfied with what I've got.
Well I'm fighting back - I'm saying no to the fries and coke no to the two for one or reduced prices for multiple hand wash, NO, NO, NO! I have enough stuff!
However, I'll never say no to two for one cocktails, shoes or handbags.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
What I learnt from Matt Preston
I currently have a 'no dessert' rule at work. Our caterer, Zee catering serves up beautiful food and everyday they serve up delicious desserts. Now these are not your low fat variety, these are tasty, suger filled, high caloried fabulousness on a plate.
But one day after weeks of holding out and sticking by my 'no dessert' rule, I caved. I caved for a lemon delight pudding with ice cream. As I walked out to the area where the cast and crew have lunch George asked loudly what I was doing - this caused the entire crew to start chanting 'Don't do it Laki' - embarrassing to say the least! Then Matt Preston appeared.
With a booming voice he asked 'Laki - what are you doing?' He then promptly asked me to hand over my bowl of dessert. I did so...reluctantly. He walked away and gave my dessert away to someone else, returning with just one spoonful for me. Matt explained that one spoon full is all I really needed. He suggested I swirl it around my mouth, that I savour taste. And so, in front of the crew, I did so. And Matt was right. I savoured the taste, I swirled it around my mouth and I got my sweet fix, minus the mega calories.
I was given a little insight into how Matt approaches tasting so many dishes during MasterChef and I am quietly grateful he showed me that I don't need the whole bowl of dessert - I can enjoy the taste with a spoonful. Sure I will always want dessert, but if I am feeling weak, I'll go for the spoonful.
But one day after weeks of holding out and sticking by my 'no dessert' rule, I caved. I caved for a lemon delight pudding with ice cream. As I walked out to the area where the cast and crew have lunch George asked loudly what I was doing - this caused the entire crew to start chanting 'Don't do it Laki' - embarrassing to say the least! Then Matt Preston appeared.
With a booming voice he asked 'Laki - what are you doing?' He then promptly asked me to hand over my bowl of dessert. I did so...reluctantly. He walked away and gave my dessert away to someone else, returning with just one spoonful for me. Matt explained that one spoon full is all I really needed. He suggested I swirl it around my mouth, that I savour taste. And so, in front of the crew, I did so. And Matt was right. I savoured the taste, I swirled it around my mouth and I got my sweet fix, minus the mega calories.
I was given a little insight into how Matt approaches tasting so many dishes during MasterChef and I am quietly grateful he showed me that I don't need the whole bowl of dessert - I can enjoy the taste with a spoonful. Sure I will always want dessert, but if I am feeling weak, I'll go for the spoonful.
Monday, August 3, 2009
MasterChef Made Me Do It!
That's right! MasterChef made me do it - the cry from households all across the country! Cooking is the new cool and we have MasterChef to thank. The family dinner table has been set and dinner now comes with garnish. Kids are not only eating their greens but demanding better food from parents and eating out is all about discovery rather than simply being the easier option.
Whether you cook or not, if you watched MasterChef, then you too were probably hit by food stick too.
Restaurants featured on MasterChef commented on the increase in bookings from new customers, food suppliers ran out of Croquenbouche 'cones' and groceries ran out of whatever core ingredient was featured on the show the night before. But will this new-found relationship with food last? I hope so!
It's unsure why MasterChef was such a hit - was it the upbeat, positive, encouraging tone? Was it the excitement of wandering what on earth contestants would cook with those Mystery Box ingredients? Was it the passion the wannabe chefs showed. Whatever it was it worked. In these 'Difficult Economic Times' staying in is the norm and so is cooking at home. Perfect timing for a show like MasterChef!
The Friday night MasterClass was a hit - giving viewers the opportunity to learn recipes & tips from 2 of Australia's top chefs. It was an opportunity for contestants to pick the brains of the very people judging them. There was something for everyone.
The contestants were passionate and knowledgeable, competitive but caring. Their goals were clear and I hope they all go on to do great things. What the public wanted was more positive role models and That's what they got. Everyday people with a love for food, pushing themselves, jumping way outside their comfort ones and putting themselves firmly in the firing line but all the while smiling, laughing and simply trying harder every challenge!
And so, MasterChef has left an imprint on households across the country and we hope it's a lasting one. Eat up peeps - it's good for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)