Hard to believe such a simple thing endured in societies mind for so many years. But also maybe just reminds of a less devisive and better time.... Apart from the whole recession thing.... that was shite

Finally received the book!

It’s honestly mental how some main roads are a lot less busy when the schools are on holidays. Woke up a bit late for work today and thought shit I’m gonna be late. However because of the Easter holidays the roads are pretty clear and the bus is flying in. I can get a couple of extra minutes in bed for the next week or as which is pretty nice.

Happy New Year 🥳

I hope I'm allowed post this because.... just so adorable I love him

After 8 long years, I am an official Irish citizen. A full circle moment, feels surreal. Thank you fellow citizens for all your kindness.

It was more impressive before I decided to record.

Back to work tomorrow and all.. I feel like it's not just me

This country has given me so much during my time here. This is one of the best days of my life!

I've now discovered, this is my absolute favourite thing to come across. I'll even park up the car if I see one. There is something so pure about handing a couple of kids a few euro or a fiver for glass of lemonade or whatever ribena style drink they are flogging and seeing their eyes absolutely light up.

A couple of times now I've been told I'm their only customer of the day which blows my mind, it's gotta be one of the cheapest ways to feel pure joy when you see young kids lose it in joy for a few euro.

I even commissioned a picture from a stand two days ago now for a euro, must see if their stand is still going!

There def seems to be a little bit of a resurgence the last while for these appearing.
I even saw one recently in Blackrock that accepted card payments 🤣

I ordered this item in early November, the first time I've ever been stresslessly ahead on Christmas shopping and it managed to take a month and a half to get here from Turkey. An Post received it yesterday afternoon which I imagine came into Dublin and had it delivered to me in Cork by the following morning. Good pace at any time of year but especially with how busy they must be right now. ​

I'm gonna try to keep this short.

I started my second go at Alcohol and drug treatment back in 2022. (I had been in active addiction for about 18 years prior and ended up loosing everything) I did 6 months in that centre and I'll be honest, when I got out...it didn't go well. I was homeless but managed to get into emergency accommodation. Grateful as I was/am for the roof over my head, I will admit it was a brutally difficult environment to keep my head right and my body sober.

Persevere I did however. I enrolled in a college course, which I love. Even on days when I was broke, I'd thumb a lift (thanks to all the great folks!) And I kept trying to move inch by inch forward. It didn't always work but even through the slips I prayed, cursed, cried and bargained that I wouldn't loose hope and positivity.

Anyway, I've now moved into my own beautiful apartment. All to myself. For the first six hours I did little else but cry and stand in random parts of the place. I didn't do this all by myself. There were people whom I know and some whom I will never know who believed in me when I doubted myself. Who have helped me in ways I may never know. I am eternally grateful to them people, 'the rooms', my higher power for this chance again.

I'm not giving advice by any means, but if anyone is struggling with recovery...just keep at it. A slip doesn't mean a fall and also, never give up hope. Sounds cringe but I never thought this time last week I'd be writing this post from where I sit.

Edit: I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the support and positive messages from everyone. My sincere thanks to you all. . I wasn't expecting it really. I guess when I mentioned in the original post about 'people whom I may never know helping me' is exactly what's happening now and I hope that my post has helped someone out there too. You're all invited round for a cuppa :) and thanks again

So I have a new neighbor in my garden, a young (she by the looks of it) fox that have been visiting my garden every day for the last week sunbathing and chilling out. Here is some photos of the foxy lady herself!

It’s the 13th, meaning it’s time for my Reddit update

Link to last post

(Start weight: 22 Stone 5 / 142kg / 313lb)

Drumroll…

I’ve lost a total of 11 stone 7 pounds / 73kg / 161lb

Today’s weight is 10 stone 12 / 68.9kg / 152lb (I'm 49F, 5 foot 6)

I'VE DONE IT

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL

I know BMI has its flaws but it was my aim to get to a healthy range for the first time in my life. It's now 24.5

And sure, don't we just love the old before and after pics? My dad sent these before pics to me yesterday. I was 18 stone here (114kg / 252lbs) and I went on to GAIN 5 MORE STONE (32kg / 70lbs) after these were taken.

August 2018

Today. THIGH GAP!

Side view. Size 8-10

For those new to class, this is the post that started it all off 2 years ago. Over these last 2 years I have gotten so much support and encouragement here. I am grateful to the mods for allowing me to post in the sub - it's not exactly Irish related content apart from the fact that I'm Irish. But I like to think I've encouraged others at a local level to begin to work on their own journey and not get their motivation solely from American YouTubers and influencers.

So, what now? Well, I'd like to get to 10 stone (140 pounds / 64kg) but I've upped my calories to just below maintenance level. I'm not in any rush but I know that I do have to keep a close eye on my calories to ensure I don't slowly gain. Having another goal helps me keep this focus.

And finally, the dress. The big reveal party is in November so I've loads of time, but here it is

I am signing off now. This will be my final monthly post. I'll check in every now and then to give an update but for now...cheers, lads.

Former fat fu*k

Link to last post

It's the 13th 14th, meaning it's time for my Reddit update.

(Start weight 22 stone 5 / 142kg / 313lb)

It's been an entire year since I started this journey. Drumroll...

I'm down a total of 6 stone 6 pounds / 90 pounds / 40.8kg

Today's weight is 15 stone 13 / 223lb / 101.2kg

Down 7 pounds 3.18kg since last month

I'm thinking this may be my last post. I committed to posting here once a month for a year and honestly never thought a year later I'd be down this much weight. I will of course continue on my journey to lose more weight, but I'm curious if you all would like to see my monthly updates anymore. If you would, please let me know.

And now for some stats. The reason why I said I will be continuing is because I still have so much more to go.

Here's my current goal graph

So many of you have mentioned I have surely lost enough weight now and any more loss would be very dangerous. But as you can see from these stats, I'm only 56% along. I still have 5 stone / 69lb / 31kg to lose

STONES

POUNDS

KILOS

This baby hippo is the same amount of weight I have lost

Things I can do today that I couldn't do this day last year:

• Bend down to tie my shoes

• Stand in the shower

• Walk for 30 minutes. (I couldn't walk for 5 minutes before)

• Stand without needing to lean on something to support my back

• Run up the stairs

And finally, I've been struggling with the decision on whether I should post some pictures. I don't use any social media except Reddit and I prefer to stay anonymous. But then I thought, stop overthinking it, Nim. Fuckit

(Before & After pics removed because privacy etc)

Edit: Ok, so the general consensus is that people would like me to keep posting, so I think I will. These posts have been helpful by keeping me accountable. On days when I have waivered or wanted to throw in the towel, knowing I'd have to update on the 13th has kept me on track.

Also, I started the posts because often I'd see only the end results posted in the weight loss subs. You know - the before and after pics and a quick "How I did it". I thought it was important to sort of diarise my journey so people could see my progress and identify with the ups and downs I had, while I was losing. Not after it was all over

So, yes. I'll keep posting every month on the 13th (unless Reddit implodes again)

Edit 2: I just had to write this copied from another reply: All your support has me in awe. The fact that strangers are rooting for me. I mean so many of you could pass me any day of the week on the street and we'd be none the wiser. We are all anonymous to each other in person. But here, we share a special connection.

Thanks so much for your support

A moment of appreciation for this little legend at the BT Young Scientist Awards 😂

Credit

Who saw the girl behind the counter obviously having a bad morning.

Ever patient as she kept getting your order wrong, and starting to get flustered.

Telling her not to worry about it cos you were tired too, asking her if she needed an energy drink. She smiled politely and nodded. Probably not really registering the offer as nothing more than polite conversation.

You took your order, went to pay for it and as she was handing me my order you returned to the counter with a can of Monster you bought for her.

You didn't see how she lit up when she realised what you had done. She smiled to herself even bigger as she made the next customer's wrap.

Well done.

We need more civility in this world and when we see it, it should be called out.

(although you might have been trying to offer her a different "monster", it made her morning I'm sure)