“IT IS A
SHAME FOR A MAN TO GROW OLD WITHOUT SEEING THE BEAUTY AND STRENGTH OF WHICH HIS
BODY IS CAPABLE.” –SOCRATES
Monday 24 February 2014
Monday motivation
Todays motivation is particularly in keeping with my current feeling of being older than I am, time to heed my own advice (well Socrates!)
Saturday 22 February 2014
Kombucha?.....you betcha
So i've written here before about my eagerness to reduce my alcohol intake and although i've been successfully having two days a week off the drink I am struggling a little with what to drink when I get home from work and eat my dinner, a beer or glass of wine just seems to go perfectly.
When my sister in law mentioned she started making kombucha and would often drink it in a wine glass as a wine replacement that sounded like a great idea.
Kombucha is a drink made from sweet tea that is fermented using a "scoby" to make a slightly vinegary, slightly fizzy probiotic drink.
In doing some research i've seen varying opinions of kombucha, some people thinks its amazing and super good for your stomach and intestines, others think it has no health benefits and can cause certain irritations. I've not read anybody having any serious effects from it but I suggest you do a little research for yourself if your thinking about starting to make it, especially if you are on any medication or hormone replacement therapy.
I let my sister in law do a few batches first to get the hang of it and then asked for some help.
Let me say that I haven't been to strict with my measurements, its a bit of a trial and error process but luckily I haven't had too many errors so far.
What you need:
A bowl for preparation
8 tea bags (black, white, green or rooibos - so far i've only tried black but i've read about some good results with the others)
3 litres of boiled filtered water
2 cups of muscovado sugar (so far i've used light, my current batch i'm experimenting with dark)(also i've read you can use other types of sugar but i've not tried it yet)
A large jar to ferment your kombucha in (see pic below, i like the ones with a tap at the bottom but I don't think thats essential), make sure it has no metal attachments that will touch the liquid.
A couple of bottles decant your kombucha into for the second fermenting stage
A nice scoby - donated by a friend, bought online, or it is possible to grow them from bottles of kombucha but I haven't tried that.
Instructions:
Day 1 - Put the tea bags and sugar into the bowl, poor in the boiling water and stir to dissolve the sugar.
You need to then leave the water to cool down, I often get inpatient at this stage and throw in a few ice cubes to help it along.
While it is cooling give your jar a good clean, make sure theres no soap left in it.
When the tea is cool, remove the tea bags and pour it into the jar.
With clean hands pick up the scoby and place it into the jar, you should have a little liquid that its been living in, pour that in too. They look really weird, they are meant to look like that! Lumps and bits hanging off are fine, if they are mouldy or have a strange smell thats bad, you should throw it away or you can just put them in your compost! I call mine Susie!
I like to cover the lid with a tea towel (not the lid that comes with the jar, your mixture needs to breath) and place it somewhere that it won't get bumped or moved. I believe it should be in a clean environment too so not near your rubbish bin or compost.
Day 8 - Most instructions say to leave your kombucha fermenting between 7 and 10 days. I usually get inpatient by day 8 but so far that seems to have given a good result.
A new scoby should have formed on the top, mine are always much bigger than the original and thinner. I think this is ok although I haven't used any of the new ones to make kombucha yet.
You can keep the new scobys in a jar in the fridge, when there is a few together its called a scoby hotel!!
I add a little liquid from the batch to the scoby hotel.
Then decant the liquid from your jar into the sealable bottles. You can flavour your kombucha at this stage, I like small pieces of chopped up ginger, i'm also keen to try some bluesberries and cinamon and my sister-in-law just used frozen raspberries with good results.
Put the lid on the bottle and store it for a few days to ferments. I think about three is best, I usually open one bottle after about a day. The longer you leave it the fizzier it gets, some people suggest using plastic bottles so you can feel when the bottle gets hard and you know the pressures built up. I'm not keen to use plastic as i'm worried about the carcinogens.
So far i'm really happy with the results, I usually manage to have one batch on the first fermenting stage, one on the second and a third that can be drunk. Is it making me reduce my alcohol intake? Not really! But I hopefully I am at least getting some health benefits.
Let me say that I haven't been to strict with my measurements, its a bit of a trial and error process but luckily I haven't had too many errors so far.
What you need:
A bowl for preparation
8 tea bags (black, white, green or rooibos - so far i've only tried black but i've read about some good results with the others)
3 litres of boiled filtered water
2 cups of muscovado sugar (so far i've used light, my current batch i'm experimenting with dark)(also i've read you can use other types of sugar but i've not tried it yet)A large jar to ferment your kombucha in (see pic below, i like the ones with a tap at the bottom but I don't think thats essential), make sure it has no metal attachments that will touch the liquid.
A couple of bottles decant your kombucha into for the second fermenting stage
A nice scoby - donated by a friend, bought online, or it is possible to grow them from bottles of kombucha but I haven't tried that.
Instructions:
Day 1 - Put the tea bags and sugar into the bowl, poor in the boiling water and stir to dissolve the sugar.You need to then leave the water to cool down, I often get inpatient at this stage and throw in a few ice cubes to help it along.
While it is cooling give your jar a good clean, make sure theres no soap left in it.
When the tea is cool, remove the tea bags and pour it into the jar.
With clean hands pick up the scoby and place it into the jar, you should have a little liquid that its been living in, pour that in too. They look really weird, they are meant to look like that! Lumps and bits hanging off are fine, if they are mouldy or have a strange smell thats bad, you should throw it away or you can just put them in your compost! I call mine Susie!
I like to cover the lid with a tea towel (not the lid that comes with the jar, your mixture needs to breath) and place it somewhere that it won't get bumped or moved. I believe it should be in a clean environment too so not near your rubbish bin or compost.
Day 8 - Most instructions say to leave your kombucha fermenting between 7 and 10 days. I usually get inpatient by day 8 but so far that seems to have given a good result.
A new scoby should have formed on the top, mine are always much bigger than the original and thinner. I think this is ok although I haven't used any of the new ones to make kombucha yet.You can keep the new scobys in a jar in the fridge, when there is a few together its called a scoby hotel!!I add a little liquid from the batch to the scoby hotel.
Then decant the liquid from your jar into the sealable bottles. You can flavour your kombucha at this stage, I like small pieces of chopped up ginger, i'm also keen to try some bluesberries and cinamon and my sister-in-law just used frozen raspberries with good results.
Put the lid on the bottle and store it for a few days to ferments. I think about three is best, I usually open one bottle after about a day. The longer you leave it the fizzier it gets, some people suggest using plastic bottles so you can feel when the bottle gets hard and you know the pressures built up. I'm not keen to use plastic as i'm worried about the carcinogens.
So far i'm really happy with the results, I usually manage to have one batch on the first fermenting stage, one on the second and a third that can be drunk. Is it making me reduce my alcohol intake? Not really! But I hopefully I am at least getting some health benefits.
Thursday 20 February 2014
Feeling too old
Recently i've been feeling really old, especially first thing in the morning. I kinda hobble to the bathroom for my shower, I feel tired and I have to support myself to sit down.
I know i'm not getting any younger but i'm worried if I feel like this at 31 i'm going to be struggling to walk to the corner shop by the time i'm 51!
I'd always envisioned myself being one of those 80 year old marathon runners, with more time on my hands after retiring i'd be running and swimming and going to yoga.
So i've decided to try and address it. I figure there are five things that are causing this feeling:
I know i'm not getting any younger but i'm worried if I feel like this at 31 i'm going to be struggling to walk to the corner shop by the time i'm 51!
I'd always envisioned myself being one of those 80 year old marathon runners, with more time on my hands after retiring i'd be running and swimming and going to yoga.
So i've decided to try and address it. I figure there are five things that are causing this feeling:
- Poor diet - you probably realise that my diet is not particularly bad but there are definitely areas I could improve. For example I have a large coffee every morning when I get to work, I wonder if I didn't rely on coffee whether I would wake up more lively. I could also do with eating a little more green veggies and salad and less chocolate.
- Exercise - Its a common idea that the more exercise you do the more energy you have.
- Stiffness - I've dabbled in yoga before but never down it properly. While I can't currently afford to pay for lessons a few times a week I'm going to try and do it at home on youtube at least twice a week. I'd like to feel looser and more supple, i'm hoping this will help.
- Stress - I like to think of myself as a fairly chilled out person but I think in reality I tend to stress a fair bit but not show it. This is no doubt a factor in my issue. Of course upping my exercise should help this and also doing yoga. I think it would be helpful to incorporate some sort of meditation in with the yoga. Plus I have a number of things in my life, my career being one of them, that I need to sort out but of course its easier said than done
- Health issue - there could be a under lying problem that I don't know about. Once I've implemented the others I should have a better idea of whether its something I should see a doctor about.
Wow I have lots of work to be doing!! Step one I think is going to have to be limiting my beloved coffee. Of course it could all just be a sign of getting older and something i'll have to deal with.
CK.x
Wednesday 19 February 2014
Belated motivation
Can you believe I didn't have the motivation to do my Monday motivation post this week! Oh boy times are tough.... well not really, i'm just being lazy and feeling like an old lady.
I need to work on the feeling like an old lady part, maybe more stretching and yoga (more than none!!) and being stricter with my diet but in the mean time here is this weeks motivation.
I'm not going to lie, I think it was the colours that attracted me to this.
They say it takes roughly 21 days to form a habit and thats what I need to concentrate on. I need to get up at the same time every day, if its a rest day I can get up and meditate or relax with a green tea. I need to have my exercise gear ready the night before and I just need to leave the house.
Of course this is much easier to talk about at 3pm at my desk than 5:30am when i'm tucked up in bed.
I need to work on the feeling like an old lady part, maybe more stretching and yoga (more than none!!) and being stricter with my diet but in the mean time here is this weeks motivation.
I'm not going to lie, I think it was the colours that attracted me to this.
They say it takes roughly 21 days to form a habit and thats what I need to concentrate on. I need to get up at the same time every day, if its a rest day I can get up and meditate or relax with a green tea. I need to have my exercise gear ready the night before and I just need to leave the house.
Of course this is much easier to talk about at 3pm at my desk than 5:30am when i'm tucked up in bed.
 |
| http://motiveweight.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/get-dressed-for-your-workout-as-soon-as.html#.UwQqcEKSzKc |
Friday 14 February 2014
Oh so off topic
Ok this post has nothing to do with triathlon or healthy living but hell i'm gonna share it anyway.
Living in Sydney we are blessed with beautiful weather a large portion of the time but it was given me an appreciation of a stormy, grey, wild environment that I under appreciated when I was in England.
It has also given me romanticised idea of snow when before it just meant messing around and if I was lucky a day off school (rarely off work!).
I also now have a strange fondness off dressing up warm and wearing hats, gloves and scarves especially while exercising in the cold (see I wrangled triathlon in!)
I came across this picture when I was browsing my other love of diy and crafts. I love the idea of snow falling on a beach, maybe its the juxtaposition of my life in Sydney with my life in England? Or maybe its just wild and romantic!!
Living in Sydney we are blessed with beautiful weather a large portion of the time but it was given me an appreciation of a stormy, grey, wild environment that I under appreciated when I was in England.
It has also given me romanticised idea of snow when before it just meant messing around and if I was lucky a day off school (rarely off work!).
I also now have a strange fondness off dressing up warm and wearing hats, gloves and scarves especially while exercising in the cold (see I wrangled triathlon in!)
I came across this picture when I was browsing my other love of diy and crafts. I love the idea of snow falling on a beach, maybe its the juxtaposition of my life in Sydney with my life in England? Or maybe its just wild and romantic!!
 |
| http://alisaburke.blogspot.com.au/ |
Wednesday 12 February 2014
Volos
There are a few reasons to volunteer at events I think. The first being if you haven't done the race before its a good chance to suss everything out, get an idea of the course, the other competitors and the general vibe.
Last Sunday I volunteered at the Triathlon NSW Sprint series in Kurnell for this very reason. I've mentioned before that its a race I'm tempted to do but was nervous about the calibre of other athletes and whether my gear would be a laughing stock.
I'm pleased to say it was a good day despite having to get up at 4:45am!! I was due to be at the volunteers tent at 5:20am but luckily it was just a short drive from my house.
My role was registration and also finishing chute, I kind of knew what to expect with registration but had no idea about finishing shoot.
At around 5:45am we giving our instruction and each picked a box which had the different wave start rego packs in. I was Male aged 45-49. It was a simple and quite fun job, the guys would come up to me and tell me their name, I searched through till I found their pack, handed it over along with a free water bottle and a running wrist pouch a bit like this (only it was a little smaller and couldn't hold cards), and wish them luck.
Most the guys were friendly and it all went very smoothly. I think I got off quite lightly, some of the other waves such as Males 25-30 were much larger and their volunteer had a bit more work to do!
I then had some spare time so I went and got my free coffee and muffin and listened to the race briefing. This helped with my understanding of the vibe and competitive nation of the race and i'm pleased to say although there were some really great athletes there was also a large emphasis on first timers and supporting them.
After the briefing I headed over to the swim start with every one else and watched that. I must say the 750m swim looked verrrrrry long!
As I had to wear a hi vis jacket I had a few people coming up to me asking the time and wanting help with their wetsuits, nothing more complicated though.
Last Sunday I volunteered at the Triathlon NSW Sprint series in Kurnell for this very reason. I've mentioned before that its a race I'm tempted to do but was nervous about the calibre of other athletes and whether my gear would be a laughing stock.
I'm pleased to say it was a good day despite having to get up at 4:45am!! I was due to be at the volunteers tent at 5:20am but luckily it was just a short drive from my house.
My role was registration and also finishing chute, I kind of knew what to expect with registration but had no idea about finishing shoot.
At around 5:45am we giving our instruction and each picked a box which had the different wave start rego packs in. I was Male aged 45-49. It was a simple and quite fun job, the guys would come up to me and tell me their name, I searched through till I found their pack, handed it over along with a free water bottle and a running wrist pouch a bit like this (only it was a little smaller and couldn't hold cards), and wish them luck.
Most the guys were friendly and it all went very smoothly. I think I got off quite lightly, some of the other waves such as Males 25-30 were much larger and their volunteer had a bit more work to do!
I then had some spare time so I went and got my free coffee and muffin and listened to the race briefing. This helped with my understanding of the vibe and competitive nation of the race and i'm pleased to say although there were some really great athletes there was also a large emphasis on first timers and supporting them.
After the briefing I headed over to the swim start with every one else and watched that. I must say the 750m swim looked verrrrrry long!
 |
| Competitors waiting for the swim start |
As I had to wear a hi vis jacket I had a few people coming up to me asking the time and wanting help with their wetsuits, nothing more complicated though.
I watched a few wave starts and then it was time to head to the finish chute. When I got their I understood what my role would be, filling up hundreds, if not thousands of plastic cups with water and sports drink.
This role wasn't as interesting as the rego but obviously a very important one, the people crossing the line are really tired and desperate for a drink, plus it was beginning to heat up. We started with three tables full of cups which was fine at the beginning but as people started crossing the line thicker and faster to got a bit hectic! and we struggled to keep up with demand.
This brings me to the second reason that I think volunteer is worth doing. It makes you realise that these volunteers have given up their Sunday morning to help out, its likely they haven't done it before and might not know the answer to your question. They won't have the fore knowledge of knowing how quickly the drinks go at aid stations or why more toilets were not organised or why someones rego pack has ended up in the males instead of females.
I did come across a couple of people who were a little grumpy but I am pleased to say that in all most people were really friendly and a number came up and thanked us for helping out.
The third reason that volunteering is great is that events like these couldn't happen without volunteers, or if they did the entry fee would be a lot more. So if you compete in lots of events I say its good to volunteer at a couple and you'd probably have a better race experience next time because of it.
And I'm sure you are busting to know.......I do plan on entering the next event! I have 6 weeks to train.
Chubby Katie.x
This brings me to the second reason that I think volunteer is worth doing. It makes you realise that these volunteers have given up their Sunday morning to help out, its likely they haven't done it before and might not know the answer to your question. They won't have the fore knowledge of knowing how quickly the drinks go at aid stations or why more toilets were not organised or why someones rego pack has ended up in the males instead of females.
I did come across a couple of people who were a little grumpy but I am pleased to say that in all most people were really friendly and a number came up and thanked us for helping out.
The third reason that volunteering is great is that events like these couldn't happen without volunteers, or if they did the entry fee would be a lot more. So if you compete in lots of events I say its good to volunteer at a couple and you'd probably have a better race experience next time because of it.
And I'm sure you are busting to know.......I do plan on entering the next event! I have 6 weeks to train.
Chubby Katie.x
Tuesday 11 February 2014
Monday motivation....a little late
I actually managed to get up and exercise this morning. I am quite proud of myself :) I got an early night and in the morning had a little mental battle and ended up having to tell my body to ignore my stupid brain.
I spotted this today and it summed up how I felt when i'd finished.
I spotted this today and it summed up how I felt when i'd finished.
 |
| http://drjanet.tv/mind/rise-up/ |
Monday 3 February 2014
Motivation Monday
I was searching around for a motivation Monday image and happened upon this one. Given my last post was about the troubles in my career and the struggle I am currently facing with it I thought this was perfect (oh and I do love a moving gif):
 |
| http://motiveweight.blogspot.com.au/ |
A crossroads
I feel like i've come to a bit of a crossroads in my life. I found out the other day I am being made redundant. Its no secret (probably even to my boss) that I haven't been happy in my job for a while but this redundancy makes me feel like i've had the rug pulled out from under my feet.
If I wanted to stay in the industry I am in I don't think I would feel so panicked, I would just ask around, let people know I was looking and I think something would turn up.
But I want a complete change and the problem is I don't know what to!!
I'd love a job that gives Michael Clease and I more work life balance. At the moment we both leave the house at 7:45am don't get home much before 7:45pm. If I could get a job where I can be home a little more it would be less pressure on Michael Clease, he wouldn't have to do some many chores when he got home and we could enjoy our evenings together a little more. Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying I want to become a house wife but if one of us is going to be doing 12hr days I think the other one needs to not do them.
Of course there is my triathlon "career" to think of! I'd love to be able to dedicate a little more time to training and not feel like its such a struggle. And i'd love to have time for other extra curricular activities.
But hey I guess thats what most people want, a job were they don't have to work so much!
If I wanted to stay in the industry I am in I don't think I would feel so panicked, I would just ask around, let people know I was looking and I think something would turn up.
But I want a complete change and the problem is I don't know what to!!
I'd love a job that gives Michael Clease and I more work life balance. At the moment we both leave the house at 7:45am don't get home much before 7:45pm. If I could get a job where I can be home a little more it would be less pressure on Michael Clease, he wouldn't have to do some many chores when he got home and we could enjoy our evenings together a little more. Don't get me wrong, i'm not saying I want to become a house wife but if one of us is going to be doing 12hr days I think the other one needs to not do them.
Of course there is my triathlon "career" to think of! I'd love to be able to dedicate a little more time to training and not feel like its such a struggle. And i'd love to have time for other extra curricular activities.
But hey I guess thats what most people want, a job were they don't have to work so much!
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