I did things! I made things! COOL!

by Mary on January 21, 2010

in New Zealand

Rawr.

Not sure what to blog about.

I could tell you about the cool things I’ve done.  Like how I went to the Auckland War Memorial Museum today and watched a Maori cultural performance thing.

Or I could blog about how we went to yet another beachy place on the water of the bay and I saw where the infamous Round The Bays is run.

Or, for a different direction, I could tell you about the things I made.

Like the guacamole that was excellent and probably the best I’ve made since I started making it a few months ago.

This time I actually used cilantro, which I normally don’t because I never buy it.  But it was 2 avocados, 1/2 onion, 3/4 tomato, cilantro, a few jalepeno slices, bit of lime juice (because we couldn’t find fresh limes anywhere!), salt, and pepper.  I love guac.

Or I could tell you about the pizza Kepa made (I helped) that was probably the best original pizza I’ve had.

If you are curious, it has red onion, bell pepper and balsamic thing, with cashews, stilton blue and prosciutto; and it was freaking delicious.

But I don’t know if you want to read about.

I definitely couldn’t tell you about exercise.  Because apart from walking slowly around and random dancing every now and again, there is none happening.  Bah, exercise is overrated anyway? I don’t really believe that, but I find it has been hard to convince myself that I want to take the time to exercise.  It’s much easier to convince myself I want to do something like blog than it is to convince myself I want to lift weights or go run.

To be honest I don’t know what you want to read about.

Or maybe I just don’t know what to write about and I’m pawning off the mental block on you.

Or maybe this was the best blog post every because I just talked about the things I did and the things I made.  Which were all very cool.  Maybe there is no big lesson of the day or epiphany to be shared.  For some reason it feels almost wrong to blog without one.  Shouldn’t I be learning lessons every day?  Don’t you come to read that?  Or are the ins and outs of a typical trying-to-live-healthy-and-happy day, well ok not totally typical as I’m in New Zealand, what you come to hear about?

My questions of the day are this: Why do you read my blog?  Or, why do you read weight loss or healthy living blogs in general?

Related posts:

  1. 13 Things I’m Thankful For
  2. Falling Into The Routine Of Things

{ 47 comments }

1 Trish @IamSucceeding January 21, 2010 at 6:14 am

To be inspired!!

2 SuburbHouseWife January 21, 2010 at 6:26 am

Love the pics, your food looks so yummy! Yes, I am an amatuer as well about blogging. Most blogs look business related and then there are actually those that are about their lives. I wish I could give you advise on it but I am just keeping mine simple and observe the blogs that are out there to learn. I have googled about “blogging” and the stuff I read is like ugh…Just be yourself.

3 FitMomNow January 21, 2010 at 6:28 am

I read to follow your progress, see what you have learned, and I love the pictures you take (subjects, colors, lighting, etc). Some day I will get a camera that doesn’t have baby teething marks on it and get serious about taking pictures too!

4 Anne January 21, 2010 at 6:37 am

Hi…

I read to keep in touch, silently offer support and encouragement. I think to also read about “real” people dealing with their weight loss in their own unique ways.. helps gives me hope and ideas :)

5 Early January 21, 2010 at 6:56 am

Interesting questions! I read your blog because you’re interesting. You’re on this journey and yet you live for now. Plus, who doesn’t absolutely love the Mary/Kepa story :)

Generally, I read weight-loss blogs for inspiration. Just to cement the fact that it’s possible and everyday normal people do it, and so can I. I don’t mind *grand life lessons* but really mostly I just want to know what everyone’s doing that works or doesn’t.

I love pictures too, especially food pictures!

6 South Beach Steve January 21, 2010 at 7:32 am

Okay, that pizza looked outstanding! And you think I might need another reason to read? :-)

7 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:28 pm

Haha. But that was all Kepa! All I did was roll the dough. ;)

8 Buttercup January 21, 2010 at 7:44 am

I read your blog because I can relate to you and I am interested on seeing where you go on your journey. Plus the added love story is fun too;o)

I read some weight loss blogs because I am looking to be inspired, to gain tips, to see how others are getting to their goals of being healthier, and also to commiserate if needed when life throws a curve ball. We are people trying to get to the same place and we are regular folks too.

BTW – good looking guac and pizza! Glad you and Kepa are having so much fun out there:o)

9 Anele January 21, 2010 at 7:57 am

Because you’re real and don’t claim to have a ‘perfect’ journey. (Whatever that is!) I only read yours and Kepa’s weight loss blogs. All of the others are encompassed in Sparkpeople. Who wouldn’t want to follow your personal journey to fitness and love??

10 Lauren @ Eater not a runner January 21, 2010 at 8:17 am

That pizza looks awesome, so glad you are doing so many fun things :-)

11 Andrea@WellnessNotes January 21, 2010 at 8:17 am

I love to see what’s going on in your life. I love the lessons and inspirations. And I love this post. It’s you. And I don’t think there needs to be a big lesson in every day. Just being is good enough. Enjoy your time!!!! But I think you are! ;)

12 Carlos January 21, 2010 at 8:46 am

try red onion in the guac

13 Lynn January 21, 2010 at 8:55 am

I just was reading a book & someone mentioned something about cashews on pizza. I was like “what??” & here you are with them on your pizza…and it looks divine.

Why do I read them?
To see how my bloggy friends are doing. To see what other people “like me” who are dealing with the same issues I am dealing with are doing. Are they sitting on the couch or are they getting up & about.
It might be a day they encourage me or a day I encourage them. All good either way.

Best wishes,
Lynn
.-= Lynn´s last blog ..Weekly Check In =-.

14 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:32 pm

Cashews on pizza was such a good idea. I didn’t think it would be all that great but they were an awesome addition.

15 Steve January 21, 2010 at 9:00 am

I read weight loss/healthy living blogs because I love hearing (well, reading) people stories, the ups, the downs, the advice, whatever. It reinforces in my mind that I really can do this (because all of these other people can) and that I’m not alone (because all of these other people are out there too).

I read YOUR blog cuz it’s awesome. ’nuff said.

Was that a homemade crust or store bought, cuz that pizza looks awesome, as does the guac.
.-= Steve´s last blog ..Strength training sucks. =-.

16 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:33 pm

Haha. Thanks. I’m glad my blog is awesome!

The crust was homemade. Kepa made it from a recipe he found: http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/09/pizza-even-sweeter

17 Erin January 21, 2010 at 9:13 am

You’re real! You inspire me with your progress and abilities!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Turkey! =-.

18 zoe January 21, 2010 at 9:21 am

To hear how someone else day although not the same as mine has the same quirks that can make you smile, be inspired to achieve something, and if I blogged about my life each day I wonder if it would be interesting for anyone else to read.

19 Leah January 21, 2010 at 9:30 am

I read you because you’re sweet and fun. You’re easy to relate to, incredibly normal but far from average. Asking why we read you is like asking someone why they have friends! I don’t know, it’s just fun.

20 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:34 pm

That’s totally the best answer ever. It made me smile and so happy. I don’t know, sometimes when you blog it’s hard to know what people think about what you write. I’m glad it’s fun. YAY!

21 TB-Milwaukee January 21, 2010 at 9:56 am

I initially read blogs for motivation. Now I feel invested in everyone’s success. Now get out there and exercise ;)
.-= TB-Milwaukee´s last blog ..Healthy Snacking =-.

22 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:34 pm

Yes sir! Will exercise today sir!

23 Chrissie January 21, 2010 at 9:57 am

I read healthy lifestyle / weight loss blogs for inspiration – not just about weight loss and weight control, but healthy attitudes towards life, food and exercise. You’re on holiday with the man you love – what could be healthier than enjoying your time together??? If you were crawling out of bed at 5 am to run 10 miles and counting calories every meal it might make you fitter or thinner but I’m not sure if it would be as all-round healthy as living and enjoying your life right now. It’s not like you’re going crazy, right? Just relaxing and making the most of your time – very inspiring to me!

24 Pink Panda January 21, 2010 at 10:17 am

wow, kepa is an amazing cook :D.

25 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:35 pm

He totally is.

26 Alison January 21, 2010 at 10:18 am

Daily living is inspirational too, the smile that is permeating all your writing about random things at the moment is truly inspirational. There doesn’t have to be a big aha moment every day, sometimes just taking time with someone you love is the best aha there is :) keep having fun

27 Hope @ Hope's Journey January 21, 2010 at 10:56 am

I just started reading your blog, because which I saw on other blogger sites. But I like to read blogs like these because they inspire me to keep going in my journey, give me someone/something to relate to, and show me that I’m not alone in my struggles/triumphs. I also enjoy being a part of the “community.” That’s why I read. :)

Hope

28 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:36 pm

Yeah, the community aspect is really nice. That’s the supportive element I wrote about yesterday. It’s helped me out many times when I’ve hit roadblocks and struggled with things.

29 josie January 21, 2010 at 11:03 am

Well, you’re funny, inspiring, and witty. That’s why!

I have loved reading about the time you are having there with Kepa. I think it’s just amazing, you are living the dream right now! :)
.-= josie´s last blog ..Good Intentions =-.

30 Ryan Sullivan January 21, 2010 at 3:30 pm

You have a unique ability to make words sounds like your talking. Does that make sense? I have a hard time doing that. Every once in a while I realize that I’ve done it, but it doesn’t come naturally to me. I read weight loss blogs and comment to drive traffic to my own. Not the only reason, but 1 reason. More importantly I realize that there are a lot of people who are smarter than I am (or more experienced) that I can learn from. I’m starting to figure out the science behind weight loss but there’s a human mental/emotional/hormonal element that I am fascinated by. Those are a couple reasons I read da’ blogs.

Oh yeah, and I think guacamole is my favorite food in the whole world. I would drink it with a straw if I could.
.-= Ryan Sullivan´s last blog ..Day 189: Reflections, Review, and a Look Forward =-.

31 Mary January 21, 2010 at 3:40 pm

Haha. That’s a total blogger answer right there. No one ever admits they read blogs just to get traffic, but many do. It’s all good though, if you’re blog is good, which it is!

32 Ryan Sullivan January 21, 2010 at 4:34 pm

Well I just admitted it…BAM! Seriously though, thanks for a good read.

33 Losing Weight Daily January 21, 2010 at 3:37 pm

To learn from others, to know I’m not the only one on this whole journey of weight loss, to try and foster and find community amongst others who are also trying to lose weight especially when in real life it’s a process I keep very private from the people who know me. Plus there’s much to be learned from each other.
.-= Losing Weight Daily´s last blog ..The Outside Is a Sign of What’s Inside =-.

34 'Drea January 21, 2010 at 3:53 pm

Your blog post,à la Seinfeld, about nothing is refreshing. I also like the concept of pawning off a mental block. I’m going to try that soon… Maybe someone else can inherit my restless state for awhile.

I read weight loss blogs to know that I’m not alone in *the struggle*.
.-= ‘Drea´s last blog ..And You’re Ready Now? =-.

35 Amy January 21, 2010 at 3:54 pm

I read your blog because I have a weight loss blog that I just started and a journey to being healthy that I just started and I did a search for other weight loss blogs and found yours and here I am! :o)
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Oh my God it’s here. =-.

36 Jody - Fit at 52 January 21, 2010 at 5:04 pm

I like just following your journey!!! I like reading how people change their lives for the better & make themselves healthier. I learn from every little thing something writes like how you are enjoying life & having amazing new experiences. So important too!

On the exercise which is good for your health too, can’t you & Kepa do something together? Food is a huge part of the weight loss equation but exercise is important too & it is for your bone/heart health too…. What does Kepa do for exercise?
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Body Learning; New Picture; Book Giveaway Winner =-.

37 merri January 21, 2010 at 7:29 pm

That pizza looks SO GOOD (except the cashews, im allergic)! And I love guacamole! I read your blog because you’re interesting, and very upbeat, and not like any people I know in real life. Specifically at the moment, I read your blog so I can learn about NZ because I know nothing about it. I don’t really read weight loss blogs, I just happened upon yours. In general, I read blogs because it’s interesting to see how people are, and what they think about, and write about. I was an anthropology major in school and though I decided against being one, I still have the curiosity about how other people live. Plus, I love to write blogs and love it when people read and comment mine, so I like to do that for others. :)
.-= merri´s last blog ..SF Museum of Modern Art =-.

38 Anonymous Fat Girl January 21, 2010 at 7:35 pm

I love the support the weight loss blogging community has. I read your blog because I enjoy watching you on your journey and I like your sense of humor. :)
.-= Anonymous Fat Girl´s last blog ..So, YEAH, I got my reward tattoo today. Wanna watch? =-.

39 Nicole, RD January 21, 2010 at 8:56 pm

LOVE guac! Mmm mmm!

This is my first time reading your blog (love it by the way!). But, I read a lot of nutrition blogs and I find them fascinating. As a dietitian, I want to know what the public finds healthy, interesting, and attention-worthy. It really helps me both professionally and personally. I guess you could say my LIFE revolves around food and nutrition, and that’s no exaggeration!

40 AndrewENZ January 21, 2010 at 9:54 pm

I read blogs and write my blog mainly for support and to support others. It’s great to see that we’re not alone and that there are folks out there who are in the same position as me.
.-= AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Wednesday roundup: Running, Squats & Push-ups =-.

41 chris January 21, 2010 at 10:07 pm

I read for the person.
I have to like the person. Something about them has to appeal to me.
I like your sense of adventure and good attitude, and good humor.
You are always doing something new…which is cool to me.
.-= chris´s last blog ..The dreadmill…..or call me gimpy. =-.

42 Blake January 21, 2010 at 10:08 pm

Homemade guac is the best thing in the world! No doubt about it. I read your blog and other’s because it’s nice to see people trying to take better care of themselves. A change has to start somewhere and watching people document what they’re doing to make changes in their lives is interesting. Sounds like you’re having a great time in NZ. :)
.-= Blake´s last blog ..Photo Food Journal Recap =-.

43 DM January 22, 2010 at 4:16 am

hii,
I am reader that usually read more than comments, but I am one of you blogs fans. I’ve been reading you blog for a few months now and I gotta say that you have been a great blogging about many great things that have been making my weight loss experiences seem more sane. The healthy living blogging community in general makes getting healthier a lot easier and a lot more fun. I think that reading blogs of people going through the same things that you are going through makes the experience less painful. Plus the blogging community promotes more awareness towards healthy living and healthy eating which would make the individual person not feel so alone during in the process. Your blog has inspired me, and it has made me aware of many aspects of healthy living that I was not aware of before. Keep it up :D!!

44 janet January 22, 2010 at 4:27 am

Hi Mary – I read your blog because I met you at GM and I liked you so it is great to keep up with how you are doing. I love the honesty in your writing as it gives a much truer reflection of what it is like to lose weight, the ups and downs (both mentally and on the scales)! I am new to reading weight loss blogs and only really started when I was reading your blogs from Green Mountain and it was great that you were able get me to virtual Vermont months before I actually got there. I now read blogs to get ideas about healthy eating but more to read about other people’s stories. It’s difficult when you feel you have a mountain to climb and although your friends and family are supporting you they don’t have to get up there with you so I love reading about my fellow mountaineers. I am about half way up my own mountain and the view from here is getting better and better. Have a great day with your fellow bloggers tomorrow – so jealous.

45 Sagan January 22, 2010 at 4:02 pm

Now I want pizza.

I read blogs because I’m fascinated by learning about people, how they live their lives, and the way that we all seem to share the same kinds of struggles. I’m interested in people in general, and once I start reading a blog regularly, I get interested in them specifically. I’m kinda curious all around and always hungry for knowledge :) Your blog, I love to read because you always have wonderful insights into health and getting in touch with ourselves, and I can relate to the things that you write about, and it’s fun to read about your adventures!
.-= Sagan´s last blog ..A Crash Course in B Vitamins: Part One =-.

46 Adrienne January 22, 2010 at 6:30 pm

i read your blog because you’re so fun! you’re the kinda girl i think i’d hang out with if you lived by me! and, like i’ve said before – i love how you’re always trying something new exercise wise – it’s so motivational! even when you were back home and just walking like 5 miles a day. it’s so obvious, but i never do things like that when i’m home.
.-= Adrienne´s last blog ..Morning Peace =-.

47 Michelle @ Eatingjourney January 23, 2010 at 3:08 am

I started reading blogs because it helped me see where I wanted to be, to inspire me in different directions etc.

When I started blogging I got into it simply to share my weight loss journey. Now I see is as a community where outreach and inreach happens. I ask, people comment, I think..and change/expand upon my life.

I think that the food in NZ/OZ is better than the US–produce wise..thoughts?

Hope you’re having fun.
.-= Michelle @ Eatingjourney´s last blog ..Dinosaurs =-.

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