Thankful Thursday - Bootcamp and Group Support Make Exercising Enjoyable

My daughter and I have been attending a weekly Boot camp. It is something we both need to do for various reasons and it has become "our thing". The exercise is the main drawcard, the group is local and the personal trainer encourages you to reach and even push through your current fitness level which is a must for both of us. We both have a tendency to back off before we reach our true potential.

At first I was happy to attend, do my session through gritted teeth and head home, ticking it off my list as something I had to do for both of our well being, both physical and mental. It was on my weekly to-do list, like a chore or weekly meeting with compulsory attendance.

Somehow, and quite magically I have realised that I no longer see it as just another thing on my list. I now look forward to the hourly session, which is different each week. It is always a good workout which keeps it interesting and challenging.

I realise though that each week I am needing Boot Camp for the many benefits it now brings, whether it is the relief it brings to my Anxiety Symptoms, the social interaction of the group, or the hour dedicated to self healing.

The bonus of Boot Camp has turned out to be the group itself. 

Initiated and run by a person who walks the talk by continuing to improve her health after losing close to 50 kilos, the personal trainer wants others to feel the same satisfaction and pride in taking control of their fitness and getting the best out of life. The people that make up the group are quite a mixture in fitness, experience, age and personality. We have felt welcomed from the start and the group is strong in its belief of encouragement and is displayed each and every week, which also spills over to encouragement on social media in daily achievements. We both enjoy the group experience rather than exercising solo or one on one. Everyone has different skills and assets, and I have been continually inspired by many members in their achievements and commitment to their individual goals.

I am thankful that we have joined this group, and thankful that we feel so supported.

Miss 11 and I sporting a bit of colourful positivity

Embracing Life And The Journey

A lovely friend reminded me yesterday that getting something you have wished for does not always make for a grand life. We were discussing parenting and relationships, as mothers do, and the ups and downs that go with the territory.

I walked away from the conversation thinking over the many times I had reminisced of my younger days when time was in abundance, and there was such a thing as "being bored". It is quite common in my thought process, and for many others I suspect, to wish you had more time to yourself, or to wish the kids weren't jumping all over you all of the time. Instead we should be turning our mindset around and looking at all the great positives in our lives. The humps and bumps along the way are what make the journey interesting and allow us and those around us to learn.

Along with the conversation with my friend, recent events around me that have reminded me that although there are what seems to be little inconveniences and nuisances in our lives, a tragic turn of events can change life so quickly.

This week saw the tragic loss of a toddler to drowning within my township which has the whole community mourning and feeling saddened for that families' unfortunate loss.  Another family's future has been revealed this week after a long court proceeding, in which the father was involved in vehicular manslaughter of a teen. A friend is trying to cope with the sudden departure of her husband from the home, with uncertainty of his return. Two lovely people have recently been diagnosed with cancer, with one having recent surgery and both needing treatment in hope of a good outcome.......

So really, I am thankful for my busy, hectic life full of events and endless demands and questions. Things can change so quickly, leaving us reeling and unsettled with the changes. What was once a hassle in life can be the thing you wish to return, like having to get up each morning to go to work, when you have been laid off and are now unemployed.

I need to embrace the complexity of life and look at the whole scenario as a huge positive.

The alternatives are much less desirable.

How are you visualising your life right now???

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Thanks For The Valuable Lessons

Last year, as our son started his new adventures in Prep at "The Big School", hubby and I voiced our opinion to the school which teacher was "our" choice. The teacher we had chosen was known to us, having taught our daughter at the same age. More important, to us, than knowing the teacher, was knowing her technique and structure in the classroom.


We feel that this decision served our son well, as he integrated into full time school life. Perhaps if we had any choice of teacher in Kindergarten, he would have struggled less?

This year, whilst being assigned the same teacher, it was to be for only the first two weeks of the 1st term, as she had made plans at the end of last year to move interstate.

While we are saddened to see our school lose a good teacher, we feel that our son has benefited greatly from learning from her in his first year.

The areas of growth and learning he experienced were less to do with reading and mathematics, but more along on the lines of behaviour and maturity whilst in the school setting and amongst his peers.

I think that, at such a young age, that this is an important starting platform.

His teacher placed great importance on listening, following instruction, showing respect to your peers, speaking with confidence, being rewarded for outstanding behaviour, encouraging family communication, representing the school ideals, and trying your best.

With these lessons fresh in his mind, he can build on his education and we look forward to a fresh face, and new learning opportunities with his new teacher.

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The Real Reason For Not Doing It Is You

There comes a time in life when you have to admit the truth. There is only so long that you can blame others, or reel off excuses. Life has a way of yelling STOP!!!

So many people, including me, think there is an easier or quicker way to achieving something.

When you break it down, some things just take hard work and a commitment.

This was definitely the case for me and weight loss.

I found a million excuses.

There were so many other things I would rather do.

I have no time.

I'm not prepared.

In the end, you either get it, or you don't.

Luckily, for me, I admitted the truth before everything crumbled or came to an end.

Ask yourself ....

How badly do you want something?

What will happen if you keep waiting for a quick fix solution?

What will happen if you DO knuckle down and succeed?

What is your reason for self-sabotage?

It is so much easier to go on doing the same old routine.

Following our dreams is hard.

Change is hard.

Nothing worth doing is easy!!

That's why the feeling of achievement is so good.

That's why the rewards pay so well.

The Weight Loss Debate - STOP JUDGING

I get a little frustrated with the negative attitude and comments aimed at some people's efforts towards weight loss. Amazingly, it is sometimes coming from people who have been down the weight loss road and know firsthand the battle people face.

I say, to anyone trying to lose weight to put them into a healthier state, I don't care which method you choose, because half of the work is making that decision to lose the weight, commit to it and maintain the loss.

Yet, I hear time and time again people saying things like, "Oh yeah, she has lost heaps, but she had Lap Band Surgery." or "He looks much healthier now, but he has a personal trainer."

There is no easy way to lose weight in my mind.

Every single method, whether it be Diet Shakes, Exercise, Lap Band Surgery, using a Personal Trainer, or the many other options and tools at your disposal, involve a commitment of time, sacrifice, effort, and ups and downs, and I see none of them as cheating.

Weight Loss can be one of the biggest mental and physical battles you may have to face in life. To make the decision and effort to turn around bad eating and exercise habits, which may even have been present your whole life, is such a commendable position to take.

To hear opinions that the weight loss can be bought, or that the help from surgery, medicine or trainer is the simple, easier option is honestly disappointing.

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Are You Centred and Balanced?

Isn't it funny how we go about our lives, never really examining how we go about things unless something goes wrong. I know the saying "why fix it if it's not broken", which is often true. I also like the saying "if you do something, then do it well" which is why my trainer introduced a new app. recently to measure posture.

My awesome trainer, Sherri loves to look at things from every angle. Her business, Energy Health Concepts, has earned itself a great reputation because of this approach.

Sherri has been excitedly trying this posture app. PostureScreen Mobile (available through itunes and Google Play) with clients which requires two photos, a front view and side view (neither of my photos will appear on the blog to save the mental health of my readers).

From here, some key points are marked over the body which allows the app. to measure your posture. It also goes on to recommend exercise and techniques based on the findings.

Apparently I am a typical office worker/computer user. I hold my head and shoulders too far forward. This may not be causing problems yet, but with knowledge and some techniques to correct this, hopefully it never will.

My front view showed that I naturally shift to the left, from my pelvis up to my head, although my stance doesn't tilt either way.

Now that I am aware of this I have made some changes at my desk, and set a timer to remind me to do a few office friendly exercises every hour. The timer means that I am constantly reminded to check how I am sitting as well.

Retraining yourself is hard!

Are you conscious of your posture? Has any bad habits with your posture caused you grief?

Defending the Biggest Loser Approach

There has been a lot of flack across the social media with the latest season of The Biggest Loser-Australia.

Tweets and posts on Facebook about torturing kids for ratings. People saying that the contestants must sign a clause to be dehumanised on TV. Comments about The Biggest Loser becoming a freak show when they bring out the bigger contestants, and that watching fat people on TV is not entertaining. I'm sure with every season comes a new barrage of haters.

The Biggest Loser is currently being show by Channel Ten in Australia, and you should check this preview out here if you are not sure what I am talking about.

I am standing up for their approach,

While watching this season, as well as previous ones, I have seen the trainers push the contestants to reach their potential. They are not degrading the contestants and name-calling. They are truthful in what it takes to get results. They are truthful and honest about how the contestants came to be in their current situation. They know all of the excuses and whinges to slow down or give up, and hear it all of the time. They are not there to pretend, or give these people a break; that is not their job. They are not there to make friends. 

They are there to share their expertise, get results and be professional in their role as a trainer.

These contestants put their hand up for the show because they knew they needed help.

The selectors chose these particular contestants because they were prime candidates to improve their lives.

Just as putting on weight does not happen overnight, the process of losing yourself, your self-worth and confidence is a gradual process.

The facade that a person will put up to say they are happy with life or that they accept that this is the way life is for them, is never their ideal situation or their lifetime dream.

The family and friends of these people may tell them from time to time that they need to get off their bum, that they need to eat better or look after themselves, but mostly, they bite their tongue, or the arguments turn into disapproving looks over time. 

When people approach a personal trainer or go to the extreme of applying for a national TV weight loss show, they are asking for help. 

They need help with their eating schedule and choices. 

They need help with food portions and selection.

They need help keeping motivated. 

They need help with their mindset, confidence and self-worth. 

They need help with exercise routines, techniques and equipment use.

They need help to see that their decisions and the way they choose to live affects a wide range of people.

They need help seeing the truth behind the consequences of poor eating habits, loss self esteem and inactivity. 

They need to know there are options.

They need to know they are capable, to do more than they think, to achieve their dreams.

They need to be told what to do, a push to keep going, and the encouraging words.

They need goals to aim for and rewards.

Many are asking for help in one of these areas; but many need help in all of these areas.

2013 The Biggest Loser, Australia Trainers Shannon, Michelle and The Commando

If the task was easy, there would be no contestants, no trainers, and certainly no show.

This year, there is the added challenge of dealing with family issues between the contestants being the child and their parent.

The fact is, obesity is an epidemic. Obesity causes multitudes of health problems. Obesity has detrimental effects on the person and those around them.

There is no doubt that the creators of The Biggest Loser are making money and getting ratings over this show. Whether that is the driving factor behind the show, or why it has survived many seasons; I really, truly don't care.

I do care that this program gives opportunity to people who need it, whether it be the contestants who appear on the screen, or whether it is the people at home who are being inspired by the efforts, motivated by the words, and grossed out by the hard truths.

I Live With Vampires

I am a fan of Vampire movies. This all started way back with the introduction of The Lost Boys, and has continued through to the current Twilight series. It is an interesting topic, I think.

What I am not a fan of is living like a vampire within my own home.

I am the person who gets up in the morning and throws open the curtains wide so the sunlight can stream in. I don't like to close said curtains until that light has waned so much as to need to turn the light on (unless they are closed to keep the heat out).

The people I live with are quite the opposite.

Those three people, also known as my hubby and children, are the ones who come behind me to quickly close the curtains again, blocking the light which they claim is "too bright".

I sometimes wonder whether others in the neighbourhood think we are sending some sort of SOS signals with the constant flashing of material across the windows, as they are opened, closed, then opened again.

If there is sunshine, I like to feel it's warmth and the welcome glow that it casts in a room.

For me, dark is gloomy and depressing.

Does anybody else feel their spirits lifted by a little sunlight? 
Are you a curtains open or shut kind of person?

Starting The new Year With A Bang

I feel like I start every New Year on the back foot. I always have a list as long as my arm of things I want to do and achieve. On that list, you will always find 1. Lose weight, 2. Improve Fitness and 3. Eat Healthier. 2013 is different my friends. This year, I have a head-start.

2012 saw the introduction to a healthier me, with more exercise, a dramatic decrease in Sugar in my diet, and as a result, I lost 6.2 kilograms, 6 centremetres from my waist, and 5 centimetres from my hips. I am happier, more energetic and so much fitter, not to mention more comfortable.

How I shocked the hubby, and myself

It's not very often that I get to shock my Hubby with my capabilities. We have been together for 18 years, so he has seen, heard and experienced my skills, talents and abilities. Needless to say, he also has a grip on what I am not so good at.

Under his guidance, I decided it was about time to learn something that he is good at. I love learning new things. Anyone who knows me or has been reading Bright Side Up for a while will have heard my motto - Have a go! I love learning new skills and tackling a challenge.

My 2012 TO DO LIST  has been great to add things that I want to try. Being the wife of an avid Fisherman, I have observed and watched as my husband has backed the boat trailer time, and time again. I also have watched others do it while he has observed. I have learned from watching others and from the frustration that Hubby shows from seeing them have trouble that this is a skill to master, not just a menial task to be done without thought and concentration.

With the boat trailer hitched behind the Ute we set off to the local boat ramp. I listened to Hubby's instructions and practised approaching from different angles, and learning the effect that steering and speed can have on the position of the trailer.

I was quite happy with myself that I was taking it all in, but it was the look on my Hubby's face that said just how well I was picking it up. His expression was full of amusement, disbelief and pride that I was able to do this task on my first lesson to an acceptable standard.

I knew this was a valuable asset to have. It meant that I could back the trailer so Hubby could launch the boat into the water. This would save Hubby a lot of work of going from Ute to boat to Ute. I would now be contributing to the trip, not just be the passenger.

With my first lesson done, I was feeling confident with my new skill. We headed home to unhitch the trailer. Hubby asked if we should swap seats so that he could reverse the trailer up our driveway, which has a steady incline and a little bend in it, with gateposts on either side. I wanted to at least give it a go, so Hubby accommodated me.

I did it ....much to his shock, as well as mine.

I know that this sort of skill needs to be practised and am in no means cocky enough to think I will get it right each and every time. Having a good first experience though, has assured me that I can do it, and given Hubby the knowledge that I am able to do this.

Have you shocked someone, or yourself lately with an achievement? I encourage you to Have A Go!

Anxiety: The power of the positive

I really thought that my mind was my own to control. I'm sure there have been many before me that have thought the same. The thoughts swirling around my mind are mine and I can turn them on and off when I want to .....or at least, this is what I wanted to believe.

This all came crumbling down the day that Anxiety took over my mind and my life. I then had to reassess exactly what controlled my thoughts and the process from which they stemmed from. I had never given much thought to good thoughts and bad thoughts before. Not in the way that a thought can be constructive or destructive.

My son was ready to sleep at school....

Master 4 started his school holidays, saying he hated school. Today was his first day back after 2 weeks, and he told the teacher he was going to sleep at school overnight, and it didn't matter that there was no TV.

Has he had a dramatic change of heart? Did he have such a good day that he never wants to come home again?

Well, the teacher's report was very positive. She said he had a good day.... it is very rare to hear this. Then, out of his own mouth, Master 4 declared he really did have a good day. Should I be over-joyed or suspicious? I mean, hubby and I were having chats with the teacher every week regarding behaviour, sometimes twice a week, and he only attends Kindergarten 3 days a week!

I walked Master 4 into school this morning with hesitation as to what today might bring, or what his teacher would say today. I need not have worried.

So, back to why Master 4 was going to sleep at school.
It may have something to do with the fact that I arrived late to collect him. The poor mite was the last left in class, and the only cars in the car park belonged to the teachers. So I slinked into the class to reassure Master 4 that we really do love him, and wouldn't really leave him at school forever. By this time, Master 4 had it all figured out where he was going to sleep and what he would play with.

Hubby thought this was a little funny. Not that Master 4 was late being collected from school, but that it was me who had committed the sin of losing track of time, and potentially forgetting our own child.
He played it for all it was worth too, giving Master 4 cuddles and words of comfort when he arrived home.

Hmmmph! As if ....  My halo is a little crooked but still in tact.


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Just Do It! Monthly Health Assessment

I met with the Company personal trainer today. Remember? The great Australian company that cares so much for it's employees that it is paying to look after us? I know - still hard to believe! It's a month on from my Grateful .. for being accountable post and I am still pinching myself.

So my weight had been measured, my measurements noted down, my blood pressure recorded and my glucose and cholesterol levels checked. We talked about goals and a strategy.

A month has passed and I have been a little casual in my efforts, but still very conscious of my goal and pushing myself when needed.

The first week was great. I was motivated. I wrote religiously in my food diary. I joined other employees to make a lunch walking group. I tried to be better with my food choices. I pushed myself to fit more exercise into my week and did it solo.

The following weeks were not so good. I got slack writing in my food diary. I ate a few things that I knew were not ideal, but I didn't go overboard. I continued to walk with the group and exercise solo. The last week the Winter Netball Roster started, which is something I enjoy, so I got the most out of the first game.

My trainer had suggested that I don't check my weight or measurements at home. "Let it be a surprise"she said. Overall, I had been eating better and moving more, so I was confident that I should be heading in the right direction. I could not tell a great difference with my clothes ... maybe a little more comfortable instead of tight?

I went into my monthly assessment positive but not overly confident. My trainer put me through a Strength & Conditioning Circuit which really got the blood pumping and the sweat dripping. It was great but I was thankful it only lasted half an hour. With a cool down and stretch done, it was time for the nitty gritty.

I stood on the scales and waited for them to display my current weight. I stared at the little screen, not really registering the numbers. My trainer had to say it several times before it sunk in. "You've lost 4 kilos!" She could see that it wasn't sinking in at first, because I certainly wasn't mirroring the excitement she was showing.

4 kilos was a much better result than I had been expecting.

Given that I am a person who can find an excuse not to do things or procrastinate until the opportunity has passed, I am glad for those little pushes I gave myself to get out there and JUST DO IT.

motiveweight.blogspot.com.au

Some positive thoughts to start your week

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Love the Quotes

I have been finding some great quotes lately so I thought it only fair to share some with you. Hopefully you will like them too. 

This weeks theme is LOVE.

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The secret I discovered about hoarding

I am a hoarder! I am hesitant to toss anything for which I may later find a use for.
Even worse, there are things with a clear use, like skin products, beauty products and hair products that I accumulate like there is no tomorrow. I didn't know the hidden truth about the products I was hoarding.

That time is fast approaching for me. I think I have finally come to a stage of my life where I realise how ridiculous it is to accumulate and keep things en mass. The thing is .... I do not wear make-up all the time. I know, it's crazy that I have an abundance of it when I only use it occasionally.

I do believe that my collection/habit started whilst working in a pharmacy where I could get a discount on all these great bathroom items. From then on, I have continually been sucked in by pretty catalog pictures and claims of what the products can do. My husband will also tell you that he has had to drag me away from a Sale sign on more than one occasion.

I have never thought beyond the fact that these things are taking up(and over-flowing) valuable room and creating frustration when looking for an item.

That is, until I recently read how products change over time. I learned how liquid ingredients separate, colours change and bottles and jars breed bacteria after being contaminated by air and your fingers. Ewww!

With this in my mind I have a clear plan for sorting through these things to keep the products that are suitable for me NOW, tossing anything that is aging, changed colour, texture or smell. I also hear that the trick to decluttering is to discard as quickly as possible. You won't see me for dust!

Does your child worry?

My first born is a worrier. It is quite constant. It affects her physically and her confidence. As an adult diagnosed with Anxiety disorder I know the effects anxiety can have. Taking more control and responsibility of your thoughts and fears can be a huge help.

Worry is a part of life - and even described as normal and necessary. To fear new and unfamiliar circumstances is part of our survival tactics. There are so many things you will encounter in life that you might stress or worry about, or which will cause you anxiety. But, to not push past the worry will rob you of so many experiences and opportunities in life. It's all about managing your fears and putting them aside. Sometimes, easier said than done.

2012 To Do List

 You guessed it! These are the things I would like to experience/achieve this year. 100 is a lovely round number, and the things I have listed are certainly all achievable in the 12 month period. As a matter of fact, in the weeks of January that have already passed I have completed a couple of tasks already. Impressive huh? Stay tuned as I tick off my list and keep you up to date with my year of achievements

1. See 1 movie at Gold Class
2. See 20 movies on DVD not seen before
3. See a live circus act.
4. Celebrate 10th Wedding Anniversary
5. Finish the kids scrapbooks
6. Plant a winter garden
7. Read 10 books
8. Go out more with friends.
9. Harvest plants from summer garden and enjoy
10. Have a cleanout of all the stuff that I don’t use/need.
11. Go to the Mona.
12. Have photos of kids done.
13. Have photos of us done
14. Print said photos.
15. Fly somewhere.
16. Start an exercise routine.
17. Stick to the exercise routine.
18. Raise money for charity
19. Wear a dress/skirt.
20. Play one or more team sports
21. Go to the dentist
22. Have a full weekend to myself
23. Donate blood
24. Lower Wii Fit age from 55!
25. Buy a matching bra/underwear set
26. Have a professional massage 6 times
27. Take the family to mini golf
28. Get skin cancer check
29. Go a whole weekend at home without Internet
30. Walk more.
31. Participate in Clean Up Australia Day
32. Enter an online photography contest.
33. Eat Vegetarian for a week
34. Laugh more.
35. See a sunrise and sunset in the same day
36. Visit a new place.
37. Write a letter to my future old self
38. Go to a concert.
39. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
40. Learn a random skill.
41. Climb a tree.
42. Have a photo with me up in a tree.
43. Design tattoo and book appointment
44. Buy flowers for myself.
45. Make my own snow angel
46. Write a letter to my 16 year old self
47. Start a swear jar at our house
48. Use funds from swear jar for a family trip
49. Visit the Farmers Market
50. Kayak the entire length of White Beach
51. Ride my bicycle four (4) Sundays in a row without death occurring (to myself and/or others)
52. Learn how to cook four (4) new dishes
53. Send flowers
54. Celebrate Valentines Day
55. Make a home movie
56. Make a mix CD every month
57. Lose 10-15kg and be at that weight next Christmas
58. Purchase a Juicer
59. Make some great juice with new juicer
60. Get the electricity bill under $250!
61. Design and put up photo displays in our home
62. Win angry birds
63. Don’t eat take out for one month (!!)
64. Incorporate 1/2 hour Yoga into my daily schedule
65. Swim in the river
66. Paint bedroom
67. Sleep under the stars
68. Fly a kite
69. Do a course at Bunnings - Tiling
70. Tile bathroom
71. No chocolate for a whole month
72. Go on a Ghost Tour
73. Get our modular lounge cleaned
74. Photograph a day in my life
75. Sell, give away or dispose of ALL items in Mt No Longer Needed
76. Re-decorate Master's bedroom
77. Do a complete household budget
78. Get a pedicure
79. Carve a pumpkin
80. Make memory signs for fruit trees
81. Volunteer for parent help for both children
82. Make 2 birthday cakes
83. Reward a busker with money
84. Try snorkeling
85. Host a party/get together
86. Have a picnic in Botanical Gardens
87. Have 200 views in one day on my blog
88. 100 suduko puzzles
89. Be able to jog entire length of walking track
90. Write 2 hand-writter letters to friends and post
91. Win something (contest, prize, the lottery)
92. Learn how to eat when I am hungry only!
93. Watch every episode of a favourite TV show
94. Do a nature walk/hike
95. Learn how to back a trailer
96. Go to a restaurant and have a 3 course meal
97. Go a river/jetboat cruise
98. Meditate - need to improve technique and make it regular
99. See a musical/theatrical play
100. Survive the end of the world on Dec 21

Things I know - bug off

Imagine spending more than half an hour with something around you that you detest. Something dirty and vulgar. Imagine that thing touching all of your personal things uninvited. Imagine that thing avoiding your waving arms and dodging the objects flung in it's direction. Imagine there being more than one of these things in your personal space.

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This is how I feel about flies. Any sort. Little house flies, big blowies, March flies (don't even get me started on those).

Today I got in my car for my leisurely drive to work. I set off in a calm, positive mood. Little did I know that I had a couple of hitch-hikers.

I caught sight of one out of the corner of my eye. I casually wound down the passenger window and waved my arms around. The fly dodged me and went into the farthest corner of the windscreen. I breathed deeply.

Pulling up at the traffic lights, I looked around for something to wave at the free-loading traveller. You know you must be pretty desperate when your waving a $50 note at a fly!(I hung onto it tightly Mother).
Relief and joy set in as the fly took off out the window in disgust.

The feeling of victory put a smile on my face.
What was that? I felt something tickle my arm. Horror - another fly invading my personal space.

I wonder if the people sitting behind my at the traffic lights could figure out why I was waving my arms all around the car?
So much for my leisurely drive to work. On the other hand, I wonder how many calories I used?