First- let's get the negative out of the way. The job centre.
I went on Thursday to sign on. Because I work 10 hours a week, I was told by the crappy advisor I had (his name was Andy- if you're under 25 and go to the Wallasey job centre and get him, you might as well give up now!) that because I worked under 16 hours, even though I was earning more than the £53 or something that I would have got if I wasn't working, I would get some help from the dole.
I go to the appointment and I was told that it is only the case if you are earning £5 more a week than the weekly JSA payment, or less. I was earning about £1 over the threshold so I was basically screwed. But, if I was 15 months older, at 25, I would have been able to sign on and get the help I needed.
That meant that I still can't get financial help with the gym pass that I actually need, for more reasons than just losing weight and toning up.
I was devastated. So devastated in fact that I cried in front of my mum- not something I do often- once every...5 years maybe? I cannot believe that the only way I can afford to go the gym and go swimming is to quit my job and go on unemployment benefits. Considering the government are desperate to get people into work, especially us young people, you'd think they'd bend over backwards to help someone in my position. But yeah, as usual- I'm in the "lost generation".
I have tried one last thing- as an attempt to get help. I have written to my MP. To be honest, I've found her nothing but useless, but at least I can say, short of going to the papers (not that they would care) I have tried everything.
Now, apart from that, I have had a good week- let's focus on the good stuff now, shall we?
Wednesday I met up with my old uni friend, Rachael, for lunch. We went to Skinni Malinx for lunch. I can't remember if I've mentioned that place before, but it's a cafe in Liverpool that specialises in "diet" meals. Everything they make has the nutritional info, Slimming World syns and Weight Watchers points written either on the packaging or on their menu. They make a lot of syn free meals. The food is GREAT too, definitely recommend it!
Afterwards I met up with another friend of mine, Debbie. After a couple of mugs of green tea in Brew (a lovely little tea shop) we went to an "alternative" clothes shop not far up the road. I tried on a couple of dresses- one was a bit tight but another was a really nice fit, I thought. It was a size 16 and a lovely purple "tartan" design. It's really short but would be nice with a pair of leggings. I have decided that this could possibly be my "target" dress- when I get down to my target weight. I've always wanted to wear a dress like that but always been too big- so when I get down to my target weight, I will buy it in whatever size I fit into- hopefully a 12-14. Debbie took a picture for me, I have put it next to a "before" picture to see the comparison:
The picture is bad quality but I hope that the difference is pretty obvious!
Anyway- so what else has gone on this week?
Today I met up with a friend who, except for a quick "hello" at an event in December, I haven't seen in over a year. We went for lunch and had a great catch up. It's weird to think it's been so long since we last had a proper catch up. Sometimes time just flies away with you.
I have been pretty focused all week- apart from a slight lapse today (Niall- the little turd- made the most gorgeous smelling brownies, so I had to have a little taste...of course!) But I am still within my syns for the day which is good.
I'm sporting a bit of an injury at the moment- my foot is really sore and my knee keeps twinging, so not as much exercise as planned. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow for a bit of dancing, same with monday. Unreal- tomorrow is Sunday- so close to weigh in day! Where has this week gone???
Ok it is time for me to get a cup of tea and head to bed. I wanted to go to bed earlier but I seem to be really awake and "full of beans" at the moment!
I have to be up at a decent hour to beautify myself to go out with some friends for the day. Looking forward to letting my hair down for a few hours!
Hopefully you are all having a great weekend!!
Much Love,
Tanya x
My goodness girl, you have melted away. I am really struggling. Need to have a chat with my doctor, because I can't seem to lose, and with what I eat, I am still gaining. Something not right. But you , my dear....look awesome.
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