savebabe

My pics will be sent (when I remember to bring my camera into work ). I'm starting my on-line training journal today, and will post my pre-comp measurements tomm (regardless if I remember to post pics or not ). Luckily the prizes are not my motivational focus!

I read "The Umpteenth Dalmation" and it was a fantastic book! The illustrations were fab! I've finished writing my first book (of a series) I called it "Felina the funky chook!". My daughter loved it, now all I have to do is work on the illustrations (and wouldn't you know it I left my book on chickens at home ). My writing style is prose, so I suppose its an easier style to allow me to churn out the books. Now, all I have to do is GET THEM PUBLISHED!!!!!! Cheers all!!! P.S> Jeeze Rob, it must be hard work being in your shoes

Thanks so much guys!!!! Very much appreciated! I have already started working on the books.....I will be self illustrating, and Animals Australia are sending me off loads of info. I hope to get things out in around 12mnths (am working on a couple of books re: self esteem in kiddy's as well, as well as getting my head around recycling clothes with VEGAN/ANIMAL rights themes!). I am really amazed that you are on such a similar wave length Rob! If only I was 10yrs younger< I wasn't married and we were on the same continent! SIGH

Hello everybody! I am beggining to research, and write series of children's books. The titles I am looking at rpesently are "Excuse me, but there's a chicken in my soup!", or "Tofu stew". Now, I am looking at a target audience of between 5-12yrs, picture book series, and I am going to gte my daughter to help me with the illustrations. The main input I need at this stage is other vegans who have children (neices, nephews etc) around this age group who are vegans/vegetarians, and the experiences they have had with other children. the main reason behind my idea is to get some childrens books in the mainstream market relating to vegan/vegetarian children. I know a guy who's going to help me with the initial publishing (I will more than likely have to self publish), as I am also working on (ideas) around a series of animal rescue books written about animals rescued by children. Another idea is regarding a young child, who after seeing her father kill the family pet (for dinner) refuses to eat meat of any sort dished on her plate, and how her family come to respect her decision. I am looking to donate 50% of the "profits" to animal rights. Does anyone know of any such children's books already on the market? Cheers Any, and all input much welcomed. P.S. I have only had one day to come up with these ideas, so my market reseach is in the baby stages, and I hav emany teething problems to get through yet.

I must say, I tend to agree with Kollison now. I actually tried one of her yoga DVD's, and I am very, very impressed. She is fit, toned, she looks fantastic, but its not fake-not a plastic surgeon junkie. I stand converted!

We've got a few bikers out here who have their dogs-usually Kelpies-who ride up front. Even seen a dog that like to surf. Gets right on the board with his owner! Now thats what I call wicked!

I am an advocate for passionate causes without aggression. The most provocative stand against fur I have wintessed in Australia wsa a group of models posing nude covered in fake blood, placarding outside a well known fashion house, who had started using fur in their lines again. I am contemplating starting my own line of clothing with "eye-catching" phrases relating to my causes. A constant placard for my beliefs. " Do not be afraid to work in your garden. let your innate intelligence direct you out from under the compost heaped upon you. Your tears will provide the water that softens the soil and leads you to the light. You will then grow straight, tall and free from scars. Now is the right season for growth; be inspired and start toward the light. It is not as far away as it seems. Remember that a seed sees no light, but knows the right direction to grow in. The knowledge and wisdom is in you too." -Bernie Siegel, "Prescriptions for Living"

I think thats determined by each individuals particular life experience. What I may classify as "pushy" the next may classify as "in your face", or more like"get the hell out of mine!". I'm the sort of person that may be classified as "pushy", and very much "in your face". I like to persuade people to my way of thinking, in the nice kind of way (of course). I generally tell people things that I think "they" need to know (even if they haven't asked). Ask my friends and family! Sometimes its good to be "out there!"

My hubby English (a Londoner). I think he has a load of mates that live near in the same vicinity.He's only been in Australia for 5yrs. The male Staffy we have was brought with my husband from England (he cost a fortune through customs $5k English pounds!) I love th English Staffy's, the Australian one's are short (fat), and all have really short muzzles. Plus they put the pups down that throw red noses! Can't stand pedigree breeders (mind you Jed has his pedigree). Staffy's are THE GREATEST DOG....real people persons! And he loves vegan cooking! Mind you, Jed would eat anything. he's notorious of ripping the "sarnie" right off your plate!

I'm sorry if you feel so strongly, but I've been a single mother on a pension (with NO support from my ex) and I saved loads of cash, and my daughter always had more than people on really high incomes. She also had a really blissful babyhood. Money doesn't make the world go around, it just makes the ride fun! I also managed to get a college education (mind you I was 27 at the time so I suppose I had a lot more experience than a younger person), and I had private insurance, paid my rent, and always had healthy food available. You are talking about someone who spent around $500 a w/end, down to having a budget of only $500 a month (or less I think). I can see both sides of the arguement (regarding money-I find the abortion debate really challenging and cannot get my head around the seeming, insignificance of life). I'm not some "amazing" out of the ordinary person who was able to take a challenging situation and turn it into an extrordinary experience. You either do, or do not.

I love to jog in the "outdoors". Trail runs are about all I can do where I live as we are in a very rural part of Australia. I used to get burnt lungs from jogging (even at 4am) in the city (Melbourne). My plan of attack so far is this: (my husband thinks I'm batty as I told him he had to take photo's of me once again-I do a 12 week challenge at least 2 x a year). 5:30-6:00 am get up and do 1/2-1hr qigong weight training 2 x a week (one day legs, one day upper body) either (Tues, Thurs), or (Mon, Wed) 4:30pm 1 1/2 hrs walking/jogging 8:30pm + 1/2-1 1/2 hrs Power Yoga MAJOR OVERHAUL ON DIET (liquorice for lunch on a Sunday deosn't cut the mustard!) The only extras on my daily exercise regime are the qigong and yoga (I'm am so not flexible )

I believe that if a guy refuses to support his child finally, then that should be his issue. It shouldn't make a lick of difference to the mother/child. If you love your child, then money should never become an issue. A child needs love before money, and if you live with anger/hatred towards your ex thats all you'll bring into your life. I am also a great beleiver in the phylosopies of Bhuddism. A challenging life, they beleive chosen. People with higher needs are beautiful people too.

Good idea! I'll think I'll do the same! I plan to acheive a fitter physique. I am implementing a jogging regime (not so concerned about dropping body fat as I suffer from extreme burn out-I think its called choas stress). But, I will post my body measurements every month, and my daily diet/exercise. I've never been concerned if people think I'm too thin, or fat. I've got a high enough opinion of myself not to be concerned. Hopefully it will help other people as well.

I'm a right for lifer, and I do not believe that it is right to "kill" any form of life, for any reason. Whether they be human, or one of our animal friends. Its all about taking responsibilty for our actions. No one forces anyone to have sex (not including rape here of course). I have been in this situation, and refused to have an abortion, but I made everyone I dated aware of my convictions regarding abortion (but that shouldn't make a lick of difference). So I have a beautiful 9yr old daughter,(I won't bad mouth my ex as no good ever comes from putting another down) to be thankful for. A girl I used to work with was always getting herself pregnant, and had at least one abortion every year. She didn't want the abortion, but went ahead and had one anyway to please the guy, who ended up leaving her anyway!!! The emotional impact of having a child on your own as a single mother can be quite an emotional one(but an experience that helps you grow). At the same token, I can say, the emotional burden of having an abortion is mentally, and physically crippling. More so than the stigma of being a "single mother". It takes amazing strength to go against your partner/boyfriend/husband and have a baby when their is no support forthcoming. Not to mention that most of the medical proffession looks down (and treats you as a second class citizen)as a single mother. Lets not forget the "male" element (not fogetting women who you'd think would be sympathtic-). Once you are a single mother you have "loose morals" tattooed to your forehead. I applaud any female who has the strength to stand up and have her child. In Australia you have to apply for child support as you may not get benefits of any sort (child care etc) if you don't lodge a claim. Life is a gift. One that we have no right to tamper with. If a child was not meant to be born then it would be so. I won't get into the man said, the women said arguement, as word of mouth is sooooo unreliable. I find many, many people love to put others down, have a good gossip as they are so unhappy themselves, and hearing of others misery entertains them. Unless you are present, then you can never, ever really know the full story. I'd hate to know what my daughters father told/tells everyone he knew. But I don't really care. Apparently he's a good father with his step-son, so he can't be all that bad. My daughter is an amazingly compassionate human being, and I believe she will have an important impact on this Earth. I'm glad I went against everyone's wishes (parents included).

I think she is gorgeous, and I do believe that you can have a fantastic physique at any age. I won't say anything cynical regarding how "youthful" her appearance is. She looks younger than most 20yr olds. Most celebs in any industry hawk so-called "miracle" products. It appeals to people who like "easy street". Can't say I'd ever try any of her products, but if she is helping people towards a healthier lifestyle, I'd say good on her. We all have to make money some how (although personally, taking peoples money for a product that is dubious is a little beyond me.)

Is anyone going to be doing an on-line training journal???? I'd love to see how everyone is going, or what they are doing during the 12 weeks. Its going to be smack bang in the middle of wnter for me....no comfort foods What about listing body measurements, height, weight, bodyfat etc, and goals. What you intend to get out of the 12 weeks (apart from a chill in my tush) I'm going to do this myself, and it would be nice to see others progress as well.

I had 2 pit bull terriers, before they were made illegal, and as our next door neighbour is an ex-cop (and hates animals), we had to re-house them (not put them down, but sent via an animal rescue centre to a state where it was is still legal to own a "dangerous breed.") We have two English Staffies (the brindles), one is a pup, the other is 8yrs old. We've had to place a few of our animals with rescue centres due to our neighbour. We recently had to get rid of our greyhound, the animal control came to see us due to a complaint from an un-named source, we had a couple of days to get rid of her, or we had to put her down! WE live on 10acres, and the sheep next door make more noise than our dogs. I spend 1 1/2 hours exercising 3 dogs, and my daughter the same for the other 3. Plus, all 6 of our dogs are in runs (cost us a fortune not to mention vet bills), and they are also exercised in addition to their walks.(all six in the mornings) The pitbulls were called Bonnie & Clyde! The staghounds (Lurchers) are called Jessie & James. Missy is the beagle (we rescued her from a guy who had to put all but a couple of his beagles down-a whinging neighbour). Odie is the bush whippet. We had two Patterdale terriers Ned & Kelly, but same deal, the whinger next door complained, so we had to re-home both of these dogs. The brindle staffies are called Jed, and the bitch is called Brea (my husband named her after a girl who works at the health store in the gym I attend )

I had no choice, mind you I was only 23 then, and was used to getting up early to work on the farm (packing, picking fruit ), as I was working in child care, the pay was really poor. Had rent to pay, gym memberships, and my biggest crutch (my food, alcohol-back then, and clothes ). Whats your occupation? Just curious.

Hey thats a fantastic idea!!!! I forgot about childcare and cleaning!!! I used to make loads of cash getting up at the crack of dawn, cleaning before starting my day job (and straight after work), and w/ends babysitting. Only thing is, you may find people take advantage of you IF you allow them to. I used to charge $10 an hour (cleaning or childcare), and would make around $50-$80 a night. Just need loads of energy, and it helps if you can get in with doctors/corporate clients. Don't recommend agencies as they take a fair percentage from your pay, can treat you poorly, and can be slow payers. Must advise, always ask for cash, no cheques. You must have the patience of a saint Shelby, there is no way in hell I would have been taking a cheque from anyone who bounced one cheque. In addition, I would have made her pay ALL my bank fees as well. She sounded like a pig, but thats an insult to a very intelligent animal!

Anything, and everything I can get my hands on. Old mags....calipers...we run a second hand store, so items we feel are worth more money, (easy to post) we will list. Also, presents people send us. We just sold one of those new portable hands free game console/ MP3 player, (Sanjo brand). Its not our thing. I won't let my daughter play video games, so we sold it online. A lot of people have made lucrative careers online selling home made items. One of our English friends she sells paintings online (and she's average as a painter) she makes a fortune. Another lady I know makes up bread boxes, paints some country folk art and sells them online. She makes a small fortune. You can set up a shop and sell end of line items, health products, second hand clothes. Anything really. its only limited by your resources. I'm going to be making up candle holders from scrap metal we have laying around the house. (when I get time that is). Seond hand books tend to do well. So long as they are in good condition. if you can make it to sme clearance sales, where they bid on itmes, you can usually pick up boxes of pre-loved books at bargain prices. Then re-sell them generally at a profit margain of around 1000%.(prices marked up indivually). The bonus of Ebay is you have no rent to pay! Digital cameras are a must. A clear photo of the items listed is very important. Cheers

We've had loads of experience with Ebay, and it can be very, very lucrative. At the same time, we have had some trouble (only recently) getting the cash out of some of the bidders. Mostly though people are very upfront with their payments. Its a good idea to make sure they have access to PayPal, as it makes the transaction smoother. You can also set up your own shop online. I buy (mainly buy I must admit -just don't tell my husband) and sell online. I like to set the bid at a certain amount (my husband doesn't agree to this method though). Sometimes the winning bid is so low that the only thing it covers is the postage. Other times the amount it closes at is almost beyond comprehension.

I still have hair here.......even though it is short compared to how long it was..... http://au.360.yahoo.com/profile-6rLY.64ncrQktu6oLNhJt5ZRgH8fBXZr

Its probably a little bit late, but an on-line raffle. You know, around $2 a ticket (people can use PayPal) with a vegan pack for the drawn winner. Most people can afford to part with $2, it doesn't really hurt the hip pocket that much. Also, they get something out of it. If you had longer, an on-line auction with items that have been donated (you could have these itmes listed on Ebay). I'd be quite happy to donate items, if this is something you may look at in the future...nothing would get to you in time now though....... Another idea that works wonders (over here) is garage sales (or weekend markets). Buying cheap items from garage sales (or opportunity shops) and then reselling them. You'd be surprised what people throw away. You are also doing the environment a favour by recycling used goods. You do your mark-ups 200% and people (with money) love buying "retro" items. Most people are either making room for new goods, getting rid of items no longer wanted, and its all cold hard cash. If all else fails....you may have to go with Tarz.....I'm sure you would have many takers!

Hmmmm. They say you should change your routine around every 3mnths, but I really think that depends on the individual. Truth being, you will read one article with one school of thought, and then another article that states the opposite. This is because we ALL build muscles differently My opinion is change your routine,either, when you stop noticing any gains, or when you are bored. I'm a hard gainer, with long limbs, and have more slow twitch muscle fibres as opposed to fast, so I will never get exceptionally muscular. What may work for me in the gym may not work for you. I do however reccomend that women do very high reps on their legs-around 30 reps(as well as keeping the weights as high as possible). If I can walk (properly) the 2nd day after my leg workout then I haven't trained hard enough On my upperbody I never go over 15 reps (and that is just for a warm up for whatever muscle group I am training). As low as 6 reps with very heavy weights (don't try and sacrifice form if you haven't been training for so many years that you can afford to get a few cheat reps in).

That is exceptionall thin.......she's probably sporting a whole 13% body fat (if she's lucky). My sis used to catwalk model, and believe me, the thing those girls do to keep themselves thin. MY sister was around the same build (179cm and weighed less than 50kgs and she was way into exercising)....she was severely underweight....and told by her manager not to gain any weight. The most thrilling topic in the change rooms was who had the most concave stomach. I can tell you exactly how to get that thin.....don't eat!!!! Oh, yeah throw in some really hard core gym sessions, followed by dizzy spells, emotional discord, depression, a suppressed immune system. Check out this link. I know its Aussie and all, but at least they are real people, who look fit and healthy, not emanciated fashion slaves. http://www.sportzblitz.net/body-blitz-challenge/vote-for-the-winner-2004.php I'm not belittling your choices, and I marvel at your dedication to improve your physique, but I also believe that you should appreciate your uniqueness. I suppose you will be entering the 12 week shape up challenge that Rob has posted? Cheers