Bits and pieces...

Okay, so being back on Weight Watchers is going well so far. I'm on No Count and it's Day 3 and I've only had one little treat (a plain Freddo for 1 1/2 points). I haven't really found it too difficult even though I've been working from home. I find that I'm more likely to snack on junk when I'm working from home, perhaps because the food is readily available. I'm trying to save most of my 21 points for the weekend so that I can treat myself a little when I'm out.

I've also managed to drink 1.2 litres of water each day, mixed with the 4.3.2.1 herbal supplement. This is a lot for me as I generally don't drink even one glass! I figure it makes sense to aim for two 600ml bottles each day rather than set myself up for failure by expecting to go from nothing to 2 litres immediately. I can already see a change in my skin...it looks clearer and brighter than it has for some time, so that's an added benefit.

On a completely different topic, the information pack and photo arrived today for the little girl that I have sponsored through World Vision. I am so excited about sending her a letter and adding a little extra hope into her life. Looking at her photo today reinforced to me yet again that I am very fortunate and that sharing that fortune with someone who knows only poverty and hunger is the least that I can do to show my gratitude.

I have been listening to Dr Wayne Dyer's CD's and Podcasts any chance that I can get. He really is very inspirational and so positive about life and our inherent ability to determine our own future and happiness. Great listening if you get a chance!

That's probably it for me today. Keep smiling and don't forget to take the time to think of 5 things that you are grateful for today! Share them in my comments section...I'd love to know what others are grateful for.

Let's try again...

I joined Weight Watchers again this morning and this time I'm starting at 73.7kg. Not as bad as I thought but still disappointing that I let all my hard work unravel. Not to worry...we can only live in the moment.

I was very disappointed when I joined my new meeting this morning. I knew that I needed to sign up as a new member again due to the time lapse and I had a free registration coupon so that wasn't a problem. But here's the sting!

Despite having 8 pre-paid coupons left (which are valid for 12 months from date of purchase), I had to pay cash for a meeting fee and give up a pre-paid coupon as well! I basically paid twice for the one meeting!

The leader argued black and blue that she was right, even when I pointed out that nowhere in the terms and conditions does it say that a rejoining member must pay twice for the first meeting simply because they have pre-paid coupons remaining. Sure, if I was an active member and I missed some weeks I would have to forfeit a coupon as "back pay" to keep my membership active, but not when I am rejoining all over again after a lapse. In other words, if it weren't for the free registration coupon, I would have paid the registration fee of $33.00 plus $17.95 cash for a meeting fee plus a pre-paid coupon worth $17.95!

I was seething through the whole meeting and was so close to demanding my money back and walking out. I decided though that my health was more important than some unfriendly leader and I tried to get as much from the meeting as I could.

After the meeting I rang WW and they were so lovely. I was put through to someone who could actually address the problem and she took the time to fully understand what had happened. As I had expected, it was the leader's error and the lovely person at the State office is sending me a free meeting coupon to replace the one that I incorrectly had to pay today.

Now that is what I call the best and worst of customer service in action! Big thumbs up to the Call Centre and State office team. WW have retained a happy member due to their empathy and willingness to address an issue.

I must say that until now I have been very lucky with meetings and with leaders, so if you are thinking about joining WW, it's definitely worth it!

A rose by any other name...

For any regular visitors, you may have noticed the name change for my blog?

I have decided that I am so much more than my weight loss journey (which by the way will re-commence with rejoining Weight Watchers on Tuesday morning). Rather than define or limit myself by this journey, I will open up my blog to "a little bit of this and a whole lot of that"!

A water cooler in cyber space if you will...somewhere to catch up on the latest gossip and trade stories, hints and tips on just about any topic we can think of. Of course, there will be a whole lot about me (what can I say...I can't escape myself) but let's just leave it open and see where the Talking Point takes us!

Time to think about someone other than myself.

I've thought about sponsoring a child at various times over the last few years but I never put those thoughts into action. I guess I was too caught up in my own life and it was something that I would get around to "one day".

Being so happy in my new career has made me realise once again just how fortunate I am to have choices..choices to work where I want to, eat and drink what I want to and pursue the dreams that I want to.

Now I am choosing to give something back by sponsoring a little girl in Ethiopia. At only eight years old, I'm sure that she has endured more hardship than I can even imagine. Hopefully my small contribution will help this little girl and her community in some small way.

If you would like to sponsor a child, visit www.worldvision.com.au . It only takes a minute but it will change the life of a child as well as their family and community potentially for a lifetime. You may even save a life.

Things I'm grateful for today!

1. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help others find happiness in their careers, just as I have done in changing career myself.

2. The two appointments that didn't arrive today, thereby giving me some unexpected time to listen to the CD version of Manifest Your Destiny by Dr. Wayne Dyer as I worked today.

3. The ability to take at least one small step each day towards achieving my dreams.

4. The incredible service and friendliness offered by ebay seller memo470 (books and audio cd's). This guy always adds a personal touch to every transaction and it is a pleasure to buy from him.

5. McDonald's Coffee...mmmmmm....

5 things I'm grateful for today!

1. The opportunity to meet so many wonderful and interesting people each day when they visit my office for interviews.

2. The gorgeous kitty cat that lives outside the local La Porchetta and is always there to greet us when we arrive.

3. My new Senseo coffee machine...and yes, I'm already addicted... mmmm.... coofffeeeee...

4. My own beautiful Karma cat who waits for me inside the window sill each night until I get home...no matter how late it is.

5. The oportunity to learn something new every day and to grow not just a little older, but a little wiser too.

For all these things and more, I am grateful today!