Whole9 30 Day Challenge Day 10

My last full day in Dunedin with the family before I return to Wellington to my other family :)  The visit seems to have gone quickly but I also miss my husband and fur-babies, and my so called 'normal' life.  

Today involved a lot of socialising and eating out.  It's tough, but someone has to do it.

I always look forward to catching up with my friend Julie and her girls - Charlotte and Madeline with Frances.  Today another school friend Rachael also joined- so was good times.  I first met Julie when I was at Uni doing my Anthropology degree and her, Frances and I did a couple of papers together, then also graduated with out BA's together as well :)  I have seen her daughters grow up.  Madeline now 14 was only a baby when I first met her, and Charlotte now 16 was only 2!  While that is very cool - I'm starting to feel old! :)

Anyway - met for Brunch at Starfish in St Clair right beside the Esplanade - on a truly beautiful Summers morning - absolutely stunning!

I started today's food with a Thai Beef Salad - nothing on the breakfast menu appealed - either too much bread, too bigger meals or things I can't digest like pancakes.  It - along with the now common long black were delicious!

A lot of catch ups and comments on how much I have changed since I last saw Julie and the girls 9 months ago.  I suppose it is true - I just am with myself everyday so don't see it much.  It was lovely and slowly Im learning to take compliments.  Amusing compliments included:  

Your boobs look bigger and more pointy (he he he).  

You sit more flatter than you used to - you used to be rounder.  

Your eyes have opened up a lot more - those eyelashes need some mascara now :)

You have collar bones now (I think I always have just quietly - just more hidden)

Look at your feet - they have shrunk too!

Your face is way more narrow than it used to be.

I found some older photos of me and Frances with the girls - just for comparison (and I know Julie you read the blog so just to see how we have all changed through the last few years)

 2006

 2006

 2007

 2007

2007

 Mid 2010 

April 2011 - Post-op

 January 2012 - Post Op

And a few other photos.....

 Me and Rachael 

 Otis enjoying his fluffy!

Also caught up with little bro and his girlfriend again - and had lunch consisting of smoked salmon on a salad with a kumara cake - quite nice, but kumara cake a little dry so took that one slowly with a sauce they had on it (not creamy) - didn't get a pic - would have explained it better - plus water and a long black (of course) - pretty good.

From there a little shopping then home to spend time with the parents.  A lovely salmon dinner was had (salmon - twice in one day - score!)  The salmon was grilled with lemon and lime on it and serve with salad - soooo good!

Had a few walnuts for a snack but that was my food - lots of yummy things - can tell Im still on holiday!

Exercise - none - too much else to do today.

NSV time and How do you know when you are in the green zone?

Well holidays have finally arrived, and I decided to go down home to Dunedin for a bit of R and R, along with catching with friends and family.  So far, the weather has been above expectations, which has been just lovely!

Again, not much of a post, a bit time restrained.  But a couple of NSV's I thought I would share!

First off on the plane - NO extension belt needed!  I just clipped in nicely (not even straining to clip in) to the regular seat belt!   Totally stoked - I was by myself on the plane, but really just wanted to jump up and tell everyone!  YES!!!  I did however refrain from making a tool out of myself :)

Secondly - Since it is coming into Winter here in NZ and going to Dunedin prompted me to pull out the ol' PJ's - I need new PJ's - the bottoms no longer stay up!  Oh dear, more shopping...such is life ;)

The last one I noticed today - I was brushing my hair in the mirror, and saw what I thought were shadow outlines at the bottom of my neck - Ummm when I touched them - they were my collar bones!  Ha ha ha.  I could actually see some of them...Woo hoo!

Next thing I was wondering - for all you experienced bandits out there, how do you know when you are in the green zone.  I have had a few fills now, and feel I might have made it, but just not quite sure if I don't just need a little extra.  I know everyone is different but are there some other guidelines that the clinic doesn't tell you?

Saying that, I'm also still learning eating patterns - I have learnt pumpkin skin is a definite no no for me and causes the most uncomfortable blockage.  Watch how much I put into my mouth and how often, and also making sure meat is not too dry!