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26Apr2019

| Charlie Alford

Food & Active Log

Here we are at the end of the weirdest week. Woke up with my duvet in the centre of my bed and my torso and legs cocooned. I had cleverly set the alarm on the other side of the bed, so had to deconstruct to turn it off.

So I shot out of bed and did my morning work out. It warmed me up well and I didn’t realise the single digit temperature outside or the condensation on the windows. The workout was accompanied by a dance around the bedroom as I sought out something to where for work, and in more time than it should have taken I was power walking through the neighbour hood towards the tram stop.

Back to work for one day, I rode the tram right to the building. Managed to buy a pot of bircher muesli and greek yoghurt to accompany my morning latte. Talk about fire and ice in my hands. By the time I got to my desk the skin had reddened.

When the clock struck twelve, I took my daily walk to the train station but didn’t quite make it the Boost Juice bar. The cold winds and my lack of weather appropriate attire struck a chord as I passed the Mexican bar. The thought of something sizzling won me over in a heartbeat, and I nestled in for a Chorizo Burrito.

It kept me going throughout the day. I don’t think I even realised I was hungry until I got home at 8pm, cold and standing in the dark. The cold night air discouraged the evening walk home. But on a positive note, in a moment of guilt, I settled for a bowl of Alpen rather than indulging in Uber Eats. At 9pm I’m no longer hungry, but am left wanting for something warm and fuzzy.

So all in all, today’s food resulted in a high carb day and low active day. I guess I’ll start again tomorrow.

25Apr2019

| Charlie Alford

Today in Australia, we observe ANZAC Day. It is to remember and honour Australian and New Zealand soldiers past, present and future who put forth their lives for the ANZ region. It marks the anniversary were many ANZACs lost their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign of the Great War.

Although I am not related to any ANZACs I honour their service as they fought along side my ancestors throughout the 20th century in both world wars. I honour them because they paved the way for me to live in this beautiful great southern land. I honour them because I live in a country built upon equality, liberty and fraternity.

We reach into the future, standing on the shoulders of giants.

24Apr2019

| Charlie Alford

Active Journal

On this fake Friday I fell on my sword. Although completing BodyWeight 1A of the Nerd Fitness Workout, the step count was missing in action. Clocked 3,916 steps, most of which were achieved this morning as I marched along the highway trying to keep ahead of the tram.

My inner team player saw me volunteer for overtime at work and as a result, I didn’t leave the city until the sun had set and the suburbs had returned to shadows and anonymous tree rustles. I’m 33 and afraid of the dark. I’m not afraid to admit it.

Food Journal

Breakfast was half a bottle of V8 Vege Juice as I ran out the front door. I was going to skip the latte this morning but I had time and there was no queue. I call that destiny.

Lucky I did, as my friendly Barista kindly informed me that one of my favourite bands are coming to Melbourne in a few months and tickets go on sale this weekend… eeek! Anyway back to the food log.

Lunch was a Weekend Warrior (again!) and Dinner was a bowl of Alpen.

Not the greatest day for food either.

Tomorrow I’ll try again. Should be easier given its a public holiday and I’ll be up for the dawn service.

Plan for Tomorrow

Following dawn service, I shall retreat back to the house for my two boiled eggs and a cup of tea.

Around midday I’ll go for a walk and swing by the juice bar on the other side of the creek for lunch (if they’re open). If no one is open, which I suspect, I may have to do something daring like eat Alpen for lunch, or have more boiled eggs.

Dinner will be the same as lunch. A roll of the dice.

Next time I’ll do that pesky errand called grocery shopping.

Positive Thoughts

So a fellow nerd/warrior posted an idea in a Facebook group of reflecting on three positive things that happen each day. After commenting on the post with my positives yesterday, I thought I would tack a few onto this post as a way of concluding.

  1. I connected with someone (stranger) in a Facebook Group Forum and we bonded.
  2. An irritable thing happened at work, and I was able to breathe and let it go (these situations have been difficult these last few months)
  3. I got to see the sunset over the Docklands.

23Apr2019

| Charlie Alford
Shakespeare quote in honour of the Bards Birthday / Death anniversary.

Active Journal

In addition to my inspiration quotes I’ll endeavour to track the progress of my health and fitness journey (as challenged by Nerd Fitness).

I woke up at 5am this morning and did 2/3 reps of Body Weight 1B which includes Good Morning, Standing Wall Walk, One Leg Balance, Wall Slide, and Front Plank. I didn’t make the 3rd rep due to the fire in my arms and that pesky thing called time. Tomorrow I’ll set the alarm for 4:45am. Which means adjusting my sleep time. Which also gives me less time to work on other projects in the evening. I’m a girl that needs at least five hours. But short term sacrifices and all that.

I got in half my morning walk before work, and the full afternoon walk after work thus achieving 7,209 steps. Fitbit says I’ve clocked 88 minutes active time so I’m happy with that.

#activegoalsmet

Food Journal

Breakfast was lightyears ago. It didn’t really happen. Whilst walking to work I had a few swigs of my V8 veggie juice which apparently today I detested so it landed with a thud in the bin by the time I was half way down the highway.

Once I got to work I joined the queue for my skinny latte and that became breakfast. About 30 minutes later a fruit and nut bar ascended from the locker to my desk and into my stomach. Estimated 315 calories.

I was so busy at work I didn’t see lunch time arrive, and when prompted bolted out the door and to the station in lightening speed. Today was a Weekend Warrior from Boost Juice. Estimated 278 calories.

Dinner was a cheeky Nandos. My excuse: I was away for the long weekend and didn’t have food. Real reason: I wanted to walk home along the creek, so going to the grocery store would be going out of my way and I didn’t want eggs. Estimated 500 calories.

I’m not really counting calories at this stage. But to have the day’s total between 1,000 – 1,500 is a good place especially since my active minutes will compensate.

#foodgoalsmet

In sad news, my FitBit strap broke over the weekend and while another is ordered, it remains at the bottom of my bag. My wrist, in the meantime, feels naked (except for my Just Strong bracelet).

Thanks for reading.

22Apr2019

| Charlie Alford

The world is weeping this Easter. It is more important than ever to take each others hands, pull our friends into a warm embrace and remind each other that light and love is the most powerful weapon we possess.

My thoughts and prayers are with Sri Lanka, and the countless others who face the darkness everyday.

21Apr2019

| Charlie Alford

I can’t remember who said this, but it certainly gives perspective. So much has happened over so many years, and we have the opportunity to exist in a time of so much change and innovation. It’s hard not to be grateful.

19Apr2019

| Charlie Alford

Looking out over rolling hills and mountains into the deepest blue sky is my sanctuary. Life is put into perspective and the world begins to make sense, especially when you remember and feel pure happiness that might have been forgotten along the way.

To reach a state of clarity and peacefulness, one must face their adversities. But step by step, breathe by breath, we reach closer to our goals and to our dreams.

Photos taken at Mount Donna Buang in the Yarra Valley Ranges, Victoria, Australia.