Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Thought for the Day

What's my plan for the weekend you ask?

With only 35 days until the big day, you might well be wondering what my plan is for this weekend... It's a good plan. Its my Hen Weekend! OMFG I'm having a hen party! I'm so excited about it I keep wanting to do a little excited dance and squeal!

I don't really know what's happening for it.  I know that my mum and sister are travelling down to stay with me on Friday night.  One of my bridesmaids is also staying with us.  We are getting tans and other such girlie things done and I will be getting these caterpillars I call eyebrows groomed and HD'd to within an inch of their lives! I'll be loverly.

Then on Saturday we go into Dublin City Centre and check into a hotel and I wait to what happens.  It's not as hard as I thought it would be to be kept in the dark.  It's difficult, but not impossible.  Me being the control freak that I am, I thought I'd be foaming at the mouth and having panic attacks that I don't know anything but I'm actually surprisingly calm! Well, I say calm, but what I mean is "Rachel Calm"... I'd still like to accidentally stumble across all the details and know everything. But I am doing my best to keep my nose out of it and go with the "flow".  Going with the flow is a new concept to me.  Not entirely sure how I feel about it, but I'm giving it a bash!

My bridesmaids are amazing ladies and I know that whatever they've done for me is going to be great craic.  Sadly, one of my amazing ladies cannot make it back from the sand pit she calls home (abu dabi). Stupid sand pit. So we will have to celebrate without her, but thankfully she will make it back for the wedding. 

Excitement is building. I can't wait for it. My only issue is finding something to wear.  Once upon a time, when I had issues finding something to wear it was because most shops didnt' stock clothing to cover my cuddly frame.  Now, while there is still enough of me left to get a decent comfortable cuddle off, the problem I am having is that I don't like anything! The hunt continues this evening and if I don't find anything I could always throw on a wedding guna!!

There are only 35 days until the big day.  Can you believe it? I can't. 35 days. Just over a month.  There's 29 days until I finish work.  Basically my life is now broken down into countdowns.  Normally, I have one big countdown a year - Christmas.  Now, I've got four including Christmas. 

1. Finishing Work
2. Wedding Day
3. Honeymoon
4. Christmas

There's lots of little things to be sorted out. Like getting a chunk taken out of my engagement and wedding rings.  Pain in the ass right? But as I speak my engagement ring is swinging about my finger like a bangle, and when I put on wedding ring (for a practice, I need to get the tone of "I do" correct.  Cannot be too giggly or too sombre. Or at least that's what I tell himself. In actual fact I'm like a magpie. Anything shiny I'm on it like a car bonnet, so I keep taking a peek at it and doing my squeaky jig!)  This is wonderful news I know. It's the one thing I've been waiting for on my deflation quest - skinny bloody fingers.

I'm walking the ass of myself. I did 25k in 5 days last week and I'm getting my Jillian Michael's DVD on.  I'm moving up to week two this week and I'm pretty sure it's going to be AGONY!

So this is where we're at.  35 days to go, a finish work countdown and a hen party! It's busy business!!! I will update with news on hen party shenanigans!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Friday, February 15, 2013

Weight Loss Visuals - WARNING: Not good if your having your breakie!

Now listen kids.. This may not be a breakfast read!!! I was fluttering around on the Internet and stumbled across these pics and I thought, as inspiration, I would share them with you.

How many times have you hopped up on that scales at your weight loss class, gym, bathroom, friends bathroom and realised that you ONLY lost one pound or ONLY lost half a pound? And how many times have you been flippin ragin that you ONLY lost that amount?

Well my friends, feast your eyes on what loosing one pound in weight actually looks like.  Now, look it, it's not pretty - but you will think it's amazing!



Isn't that unreal and gross at the same time!

And, if you loose 5 pounds, this is what it looks like:


Imagine having to carry that around with you all day ? Isn't it mental?

So next time your feeling a bit crappy about ONLY loosing 1 pound or a half a pound, whip out these pics and take a good hard look and say "Well done me"! (and also, "Jesus that's disgusting"!)
 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy St Valentine's Day - A Special Day

Yes. Today is a very special day for me and many people like me - approximately 31,000 people like me, in Ireland alone.  Today is special.  Not because the card companies tell us we should show our love to a special someone with gifts and chocolates and all that other stuff.  Today is special  because it is a day to celebrate  the Patron Saint of Epilepsy.

Unless you suffer with this condition, or know someone who does, you probably won't be aware that Monday, 11 February 2012 was national Epilepsy day.  It was a day where people like me, and many wonderful people I have been put in touch with because of this condition, spent their time trying to raise awareness of the condition, dispel common myths and take the some of the fear that others feel when confronted with someone with epilepsy.

Do you know that 1 in 5 employers in Ireland would not employ someone because of epilepsy?

So, to do my bit and promote awareness, I have decided to tell a little bit of my story, which I am very sure most of you who know me will have already heard.

I was diagnosed with this condition when I was 19.  I took a massive seizure in a cafe in a busy shopping center with two friends, one of whom was heavily pregnant at the time.  I was admitted to hospital and subjected to a number of tests and scans and various other things.  It was a frightening time.  My parents were so worried.  They actually thought that I had a tumor.

When I was given the official diagnosis I was alone.  I had no one with me, because I was an 'adult'. This woman I had never met informed me that I had a life long, life changing and frightening condition that could kill me if I didn't take care of myself.  I was given a list of everything I couldn't do, some medication and sent on my way.  It was terrifying. I was 19 and being told that I couldn't continue to live the way I was living.  I may never drive, I couldn't even lock the bathroom door anymore.

My parents were delighted that it wasn't a tumor. I felt like my life had  ground to a halt.  I had never even really heard of epilepsy in any  real sense.  I didn't know anyone that had it and I most certainly had no understanding it.

So I did what every 19 year old does.  I went out, I partied harder than I have ever partied in my life and I did the exact opposite of what I was told to do.  The seizures kept coming.  My family got more and more concerned and I eventually got admitted into hospital again.

It took me a long time to come to terms with this condition. A very long time. It took me sitting down and accepting my limits and deciding that I would not be defined by it. And then I began to look after myself and really try to get the seizures under control. But that didn't work either for many many years. Any stressful situation and I'd seize.

There are many forms of epilepsy  and many forms of seizures.  I was diagnosed with Junior Myclonic epilepsy and suffered from three types of seizures.  One is the seizure associated with epilepsy, fall to the floor, loose consciousness and shake.  Sometimes I would loose control of my bladder. They were the worst.

The second type I took was an absence.  It was like I would stare into space and not react to anything around me.  When I snapped out of it I was always disorientated and frightened.

The final one I suffered from way a myclonic jerk.  The best way to describe this is that it is like the moment you are about to go to sleep and your body twitches or jumps.  I did that all day. Sometimes over 300 times a day.  My arms, legs, hands and feet would twitch.  Sometimes it was barely noticeable  other times it was strong enough for me to drop whatever I was holding.

What to do when someone has a seizure?

If you are out in a club or pub and someone is seizing, don't assume it's drugs and step over them.  That's happened to me on more than one occasion.  One time, it was someone that I thought was a good friend.  She just stepped right over me and said to my other friend she 'couldn't handle this'.

Don't crowd them.  I am always so disorientated when I come too.  I often come around thinking that I am after being in bed and dreamed I was going to have a seizure.  So imagine for a moment, you think your in bed, you open your eyes, your not in your room where you thought you were, your on the floor, surrounded by strangers and friends and feet and all sorts. It is terrifying. And then, when your really come around, its so embarrassing!  Everyone tells you not to be embarrassed, and you know you have no control over this, but its horrible!

Move anything dangerous that is around the person and make sure that they are safe. Sit with them, talk calmly to them, tell them they are ok.  Do not try prevent it.  Do not worry about swallowing their tongue, its a myth.  Do not put anything in their mouth. Do not call an ambulance unless the seizure lasts for longer than 5 minutes.

When they have come too, remind them where they are and put them in the recovery position.  Stay with them until they are coherent.  Stay calm at all times.  They may want to sleep - thats all I ever wanted. Keep talking to them.  Ask them for someones number to call. Get them a friend or family member on the phone if they are alone.

If you know someone with epilepsy, talk to them about it. Ask them how they feel and what it is like for them.

There are some great information websites out there.  www.epilepsy.ie is a great starting point.  Talk to kids in schools.  Epilepsy is a controllable condition.  31,000 people in Ireland are living with it at this very moment.  They are having seizures, dusting themselves off and getting up and starting the next countdown and trying to achieve another seizure free period.  This condition should be spoken about as normally as asthma or diabetes or migraine   There should never be a situation where a person doesn't get a job because of this condition.  We all need to get educated on it.

There is a beautiful girl I know that set up this amazing online home for Irish epileptics.  Her name is Rachel Ashe and her drive and ambition has helped bring this condition into the spotlight.  If you are someone that has epilepsy or knows a person with the condition, and you need someone to chat to.  Someone who knows exactly what it is you are experiencing and feeling, then come and join us.  If you even want to find out more info on the condition, come join us.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/JoinEpilepsyIreland/

Thankfully, I am now over 6 years seizure free.  But I also know, this thing that happened so suddenly has the possibility of returning to me at any point.  And, until then, I just need to enjoy every minute of every day that I am seizure free.

Happy Valentines day everyone! You see, its not just a day made up by card companies!!!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Be aware of your Nutritional Labels

Just read this interesting article. I did not know that sodium is not the amount of salt and to get the salt amount you multiply by 2.5!

This is good info and worth reading if your watching your weight / sugar and salt intake


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2273841/Named-shamed-The-big-brands-STILL-refuse-high-salt-sugar-saturated-fat-packaging.html

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

McDonalds.. Ever again?


Oh holy God! I just saw this on a facebook page. I'm not going to lie to you. My stomach is heaving at the thoughts of it... If this is true, I think I'll be giving fast food a wide berth for a while! Between this and the guy who found brains or liver or something cooked in KFC breadcrumbs I doubt I'll ever eat either again!
 
Taken and shared from the Facebook Page of Danny Garcia https://www.facebook.com/#!/danny.garcia.963
 
Can you guess what McDonald's food item this is????? Say hello to mechanically separated chicken. It's what all fast-food chicken items are made of. It's chicken nuggets, patties, and the meat in fajitas... In addition the processed frozen chicken in stores is made from this.. Basically the entire chicken is smashed and pressed through a sieve... bones, eyes, feet, guts and all. It comes out looking like this... There is more, because it's crawling with bacteria, it will be washed with ammonia, and soaked in it.. Then because it taste gross it is reflavored artificially. Finally since it is weirdly colored like 'Pepto Bismol' pink, it is dyed with artificial color.. This is what people eat and feed to their children... Enjoy !!!
 
 
 
 

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Definitely going to burst before the big day

I think I will definitely, without a doubt, burst into a billion pieces with excitement before the wedding day! Last night is proof!

Despite having been up since 630am yesterday morning, and also working all day, adding in the fact that I went to the cinema and didn't go to bed until 1215am, I still couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop thinking about my dress! And that I was going to be seeing it, wearing it and taking it home with me! And when I did sleep? My dreams were combination of the Django film and my wedding dress!

I have no idea what I'm going to be like the night before the wedding! I pity those staying with me and apologise in advance!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Can you really burst from excitement?

image courtesy of www.dreamstime.com
 
 
Well, is it? Because I really think I am on the verge! This last couple of days I have been getting giddier and giddier and more and more excited.  The excitement is even coming between me and my most beloved - my sleep.  I love my sleep.  There's very little in this world that can come between me and my sleep.  I have never understood being kept awake all night with worry.  I will worry alright, but I will still sleep quite well.  In fact, I have been known to nod off at will.  I consider it a great talent and a blessing. 
 
But, the last couple of nights, I go to bed in my usual tired and sleepy state. Once I get in to bed my thoughts start a gentle little trot on the treadmill that is my mile-a-minute mind and then BAM! My thoughts are flat out running like they are trying to complete a full marathon in 20 minutes and I'm wide awake feeling like 20 Christmas' have come at once! It's like I am seven again and convinced I hear Santa wandering around downstairs and the only way to expel the excitement is to scrunch up in a little ball and squeal!  There are 2 months and 4 days left until the wedding.  It'll be a long 2 months and 4 days for those around me...
 
Lots of wedding related stuff has happened!
 
Menu tasting was done on Wednesday. It was amazeballs, and probably a huge contributing factor to the building of excitement because now, I may not know what the day is going to be like, but I do know what it's going to taste like! Even as i type this there are butterflies the size of bats swooping around in my tummy! The hotel were so lovely to us and the food was delicious (phew, cause its a bit late now if it wasnt!)
 
Here's an excited bride to be holding our menu!
 
 
 
 
 
Then our wedding candle arrived. It has our names on it. It's lovely. Thankfully, the lovely girl who's singing at the wedding explained a bit about the lighting of the candles because, quite frankly, I didn't know about it! It's not a part of the ceremony that's ever stuck out in my mind.
 
My hen party has been organised.  I know very little details.  I just know I'm staying in Dublin City Centre and its going to be amazing! This has me super excited and also spurred me on to work my ass off to fit into a slinky hen party dress (yet to be acquired!) and made me very grateful for my lovely bridesmaids who have worked so hard to try and please the most controlling person they know!
 
How am I working my ass off? Well. Two words.  Jillian Michaels.  I believe she could be married to Lucifer, or may, in fact, actually be Lucifer in human form.  I have yet to confirm this but am relatively sure it will be proven when I move from week 1 of her Ripped in 30 up to week 2.  It's not a move I am looking forward to and neither is the rest of my body.  In fact, after day 1 of ripped in 30 I could no longer climb stairs. Anywho, she's helped those people on that Biggest Looser show and here's hoping she helps me.  The only issue I have with her is she's SO bloody annoying!  Have to try tune her out, or use it as a motivational tool to make me work faster so it's over quicker? I recommend it. But I hate her.
 
Tomorrow is a big day in my bridal life.  Tomorrow, I go and collect my wedding dress and bring it down to Dublin for some alterations and what not.  I'm very very excited. I can't wait to be reunited with it. I am dying to see it again!
 
In other news, I never fully appreciated the effort a bride goes to prior to the wedding.  The buffing and plucking, and moving and toning and the all round care that goes into it! I have never had so many facials, been so moisturised, had such shiny hair. Nor have I ever eaten as well, moved as much and taken as many vitamins in my life!  The lovely girl that is doing my make up on the day of the wedding informed me that my eyebrows are, well, terrible!  I was growing them in order to get them threaded and shaped and what not.  So she told me that she'd do HD Brows on me.  Basically, my eyebrows were long enough, and bushy enough to whip the GHD through them.  They had taken on a caterpillar look.  And, even though they were grand and bushy, when I went to get them sorted, she told me that I have bald patches on them.  Feckin bald patches! Who knew? Not me, that's for sure! So she plucked and waxed and coloured and welded (exaggeration, but only slightly!) and now, I am the proud owner of a lovely pair of eyebrows.  They are still baldy in some places, but she used some sort of magic stuff to disguise that and has reassured me that with patients and perserverance they will not be bald in places for much longer.  I also have to throw away my tweezers.
 
You will notice that I haven't mentioned any losses etc etc.. well that's because I didn't go last Monday! But with good reason.  I was sending out the invitations. There was much to do and I procrastinated in going back! But I will be back on Monday. No doubts about it! I will actually have my Wedding dress in my possession and nothing will motivate me quite like that!
 
Here is me and my excited face getting ready to send out the invites (note the theme... excited! Poor poor H2B... he's going to be head melted by the time we get there!)
 
 
 
Have a great weekend people.  Enjoy your first day of spring

Thought of the day