May seems so long ago, but also just a blink.
This career break has been busy but very satisfying.
Biggest achievement since mid-May, I've lost over 10 kilos and am fitter than I have been for 20 years. My knee took about two 2 1/2 months to repair, so I focused on exercise I could manage and following an eating plan. My gym Contours Dulwich Hill have been so supportive and helpful and now I am:
- Going to the gym 6 days per week
- Half way through a six week challenge at the gym
- Running 3-4 times per week. I have last week started the run 10 km app (next step up from my 0-5 k app) and given my break from running began at the 3 km mark and am slowly building up. It was delightful to find this has been quite easy and the knee is holding up beautifully.
I am only part way to my weight and fitness goals but feel very positive and motivated. It's also been nearly 4 months so importantly feels sustainable. I saw an old colleague yesterday who I hadn't seen since about the date of the last post to this blog. She was startled by the change in me (in a good way). The last few kilos has really made a noticeable difference in particular. Mitch has been beautifully supportive and happily eats what I eat, and stays dry on my alcohol free days, when we are together.
Job market has been quiet, I am hoping it may pick up now we are finally past the election (not with the Fed's of course). I had one interview in June but think I interviewed myself out of the position (for good reason) but still found a lot positive and constructive out of the experience. E.g. expect the unexpected with the non-government sector. They can ask you anything! My presentation was fun to deliver, stimulating to prepare and very well received. Phew I haven't lost my skills or enthusiasm during this break. I've put another couple of applications in recently but heard nothing. I've turned this into a positive - planning my holiday with Mitch in late October. My CV is being revisited and refreshed to take with me to a few Agencies post holiday.
Last week I started a new six week course and my first MOOC "how to teach online" coming from a community college in Hawaii. It's going to keep me constructively busy (and has also resulted in me revisiting this blog - yep I had to start a new one for this new course - http://onlinemooc.blogspot.com.au). Other than that I've been doing bits of volunteering within the cat community and also at a family and day care centre in Mt Druitt (note to self, when agreeing to volunteer, do check location) and have been exploring further volunteering options on SEEK volunteer.
Carly's Facebook page and YouTube channel (Carly Calici) also keeps me connected. She has fans ready and waiting for her daily posts and do I know it if we're late.
Next challenge, to pop into this blog more regularly!
