This is the episode in which Fiona is given a star chart, much like one I’d use with children, in order to motivate her to get to the gym more, eat better, and to report back to Rish on what I’ve been doing in order to collect my reward.

I love Progress Charts/chore charts/visual schedules of morning routine. It’s the sort of thing I suggest all the time at work for the kidlets I work with. Basic behaviour strategies, along with seeing what’s expected of you helping you to keep it all together. I’d be lost without my diary. And I love being able to cross the days off on my Hello Kitty calendar on my desk at work. So, hopefully, the stars will be motivating.

And the rewards? Not sure yet - shopping, outings with Rish, things such as that.

I’m also thining I’m going to enter for the Mothers Day Fun Run. Only 5km, but that’s still a long way in my little eyes! Give me soemthing to train for! (that’s not a little black dress, or related appearance-based motivation).

Okay, a busy day ahead at work… I need to put all my clients down on paper with their plans, if I know them, for the next school term. Then figure out how much time I need for each, if I have the time to do all that, and then if I can take on more clients. Fun times.

So, not even a week ago, I boldly declared that I was to have no more chocolate for a month, until Rish and my anniversary on December 6th.

Of course, last night, Rish tempts me with a block of Lindt chocolate… and tells me that I’ve earned it from all my work at the gym and my efforts at keeping my food journal the past few weeks. I feel a little skeptical (who is whose hugest critic?) but I eat it, and love every bite :) Smelled like Easter!

The real aim about the not eating chocolate was to not eat so much crap at work - if it’s there I tend to snack away - damn chocolate and chips.

So, I have a new resolution - to no longer get the chips or the chocolates from the little “shop” we have at work. If I’m snacky, I have my muesli bars, and my yummy miso soups. I’m not eating that stuff because I’m hungry, I’m eating it because I’m tired, or stressing over something like a phone call I’m had or have to have… etc.

Eating chocolate outside of hours isn’t really an issue, as it’s not that regular! Not with the way our cupboards have been looking :)

Speaking of food! Here’s last night’s cooking adventure! Rish BBQd some HUGE pieces of salmon to have with roast pumpkin (with fresh rosemary from our backyard!),asparagus, and pesto - added some feta and olives :) Rish was a little disappointed that we didn’t stck it up, restaurant-style, before taking the photos… Accompanied this with some nice Australian Rose wine… Having so much fun taking recipe ideas from the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet book. Feeling so fresh and healthy! I think we should get Book 2 for Christmas.