I did my duty yesterday, I called in at B's for 90 minutes while she tried on holiday clothes for me, on which, I was to give my opinion. J had already given me fair warning to keep my overly expressive face in check. I didn't want to be on the receiving end of yet another; "you don't have to say anything, I can tell by the look on your face." Oh, how many times have I heard that? And honestly, can I help it?
So, I did what needed to be done with my; "yes's" and my; "no, you can't wear those." After that painful experience, I hit the supermarket then home to iron, then headed out in a hail storm, to get my eyebrows waxed. They were long overdue and it was only my long fringe that saved me from the shame of unkempt brows.
I slept well again last night and got up to jog for 25 minutes, it'll be Pilates later on, it really does work.
Well, I'm missing you. I'm wearing my Christmas earrings and my Pandora today, in honour of you. I'm thinking of you and wishing I could nip round for a coffee.
Saturday, 28 January 2012
27th January 2012
Short week for me this week, but it's been a pretty frustrating one on the work front, (there was actually nothing pretty about it.) There were changes afoot and a lot of uncertainty, which I, I would have embraced but just tell me, I hate the anticipation and dithering about, just make a decision, and tell me what the changes are to be. It's been going on few a few weeks but finally built to a crescendo this week with rumours circulating and morphing by the hour. The decision was finally made and announced at 3pm on Thursday. Thankfully, it's worked out pretty well for me and for my team, we've been hit by only minor changes and welcome ones at that, so for once, it all worked out.
I haven't slept well all week, I really need to figure this out and do something about it. No lbs lost this week either and I'm still harbouring those 3lbs of Christmas fat which refuse to budge. I have however committed to doing derriere exercises every night and they're working, who said you can't spot reduce eh?
I'm still enjoying, Eat, Pray, Love, not just because I enjoy Liz's story telling and adventures, but because she has sparked so many forgotten memories of my own. She's just described a time when she was between 9 and 10, and she was suddenly very aware of the passage of time, it seemed to be speeding up and she promptly assumed every one of her family and herself, would soon be dead. My version of this came when I was around 18.
I'd been ill, my body and brain couldn't cope. My doctor diagnosed mild M.E. but I just remember being very down and worried about everyone in my family, I thought they were all going to die prematurely of disease or kill themselves via chain smoking or alcohol. One of the chain smokers, a sister, only quit about 3 years ago but yes, she's alive and well.
Now, over 20 years later, some are here and some are gone. Received more bad news on a loved ones health this week. We'll know more after an MRI. I'm feeling positive and really think everything will be okay. (This is major coming form a born worrier,) I just don't have that gut retching feeling this time. Hope I'm right.
You reach a point in your life were older relatives have more health obstacles and the obstacles become more common place. The good thing is that you're also at a point were you are better able to deal with the news and you become the care giver offering support, we have better skills to cope by now. Thank heavens.
Liz also mentions a roaring fire and I was instantly back in my Nanna and Grandad's house, the house my Mum grew up in. Nanna and Grandad were long gone, it was no longer theirs but that of two of my Aunts, one a spinster, (God, I loathe that word,) the other, a widow, lived on in the house with the roaring fire in the sitting room, next to the kitchen. It was a real coal fire, and I remember a coal shed outside in the back yard. It all sounds so Victorian to me now. The fire was lovely, I remember the sparks floating up and the crackles, and the orange glow that dappled anyones face who dared to get close enough. It was lovely.
I haven't slept well all week, I really need to figure this out and do something about it. No lbs lost this week either and I'm still harbouring those 3lbs of Christmas fat which refuse to budge. I have however committed to doing derriere exercises every night and they're working, who said you can't spot reduce eh?
I'm still enjoying, Eat, Pray, Love, not just because I enjoy Liz's story telling and adventures, but because she has sparked so many forgotten memories of my own. She's just described a time when she was between 9 and 10, and she was suddenly very aware of the passage of time, it seemed to be speeding up and she promptly assumed every one of her family and herself, would soon be dead. My version of this came when I was around 18.
I'd been ill, my body and brain couldn't cope. My doctor diagnosed mild M.E. but I just remember being very down and worried about everyone in my family, I thought they were all going to die prematurely of disease or kill themselves via chain smoking or alcohol. One of the chain smokers, a sister, only quit about 3 years ago but yes, she's alive and well.
Now, over 20 years later, some are here and some are gone. Received more bad news on a loved ones health this week. We'll know more after an MRI. I'm feeling positive and really think everything will be okay. (This is major coming form a born worrier,) I just don't have that gut retching feeling this time. Hope I'm right.
You reach a point in your life were older relatives have more health obstacles and the obstacles become more common place. The good thing is that you're also at a point were you are better able to deal with the news and you become the care giver offering support, we have better skills to cope by now. Thank heavens.
Liz also mentions a roaring fire and I was instantly back in my Nanna and Grandad's house, the house my Mum grew up in. Nanna and Grandad were long gone, it was no longer theirs but that of two of my Aunts, one a spinster, (God, I loathe that word,) the other, a widow, lived on in the house with the roaring fire in the sitting room, next to the kitchen. It was a real coal fire, and I remember a coal shed outside in the back yard. It all sounds so Victorian to me now. The fire was lovely, I remember the sparks floating up and the crackles, and the orange glow that dappled anyones face who dared to get close enough. It was lovely.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
22nd Jan 2012
I slept really well, and late ...again. I woke to howling gales, really sounded wild and like the roof was going to be lifted off.
I'm decked out in my new coat and boots, toasty isn't the word. I jogged for just 15 minutes this morning but I'll do some pilates later on. I'm going to be here, in Starbucks for an hour probably then recycle and head home.
Mr Regular is here, he's just paid for his coffee via an app on his phone. I explained it's all too technical for me and he concurred that as I still hand write... by quill, (he's kidding,) that it would indeed be too technological for me. I can take the ridicule, I enjoy longhand.
On top of all the goodies I've received this week, B phoned on Wednesday to tell me she's picked up a bulb for my kitchen light. This doesn't sound like much, but it's a pricey bulb, which is why I've made do without it for a couple of years. I'm feeling really lucky and really thankful this week. I have gorgeous and heat trapping curtains up, warmth, a snug and stylish coat, new boots, light and unexpected catch ups with loved ones, it's been a good week, it really is the little things that count.
I'm decked out in my new coat and boots, toasty isn't the word. I jogged for just 15 minutes this morning but I'll do some pilates later on. I'm going to be here, in Starbucks for an hour probably then recycle and head home.
Mr Regular is here, he's just paid for his coffee via an app on his phone. I explained it's all too technical for me and he concurred that as I still hand write... by quill, (he's kidding,) that it would indeed be too technological for me. I can take the ridicule, I enjoy longhand.
On top of all the goodies I've received this week, B phoned on Wednesday to tell me she's picked up a bulb for my kitchen light. This doesn't sound like much, but it's a pricey bulb, which is why I've made do without it for a couple of years. I'm feeling really lucky and really thankful this week. I have gorgeous and heat trapping curtains up, warmth, a snug and stylish coat, new boots, light and unexpected catch ups with loved ones, it's been a good week, it really is the little things that count.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
21st Jan 2012
I overslept. Can you believe it? I blame a couple of things, I dropped my good alarm clock in the week, rendering it useless, and so I was relying on the dodgy one. (Yes... I do have two.) Due to hardly sleeping on Thursday night, I decided I didn't trust myself to get a good nights sleep last night, despite being really tired, so I took a sleeping tablet. I woke early, but thought it must be around 4am. My heating usually comes on around 4am and goes around 5am. I heard the click and thought it must be coming on, ages after that, I was still wondering what time it must be when I checked my alarm clock and it was 6am! The coming off click I thought I heard, must have been the heating switching off click, and my dodgy alarm clock hadn't gone off so I was running late, typical.
I swiftly made a coffee then jogged for just 20 minutes, better than nothing I suppose, I overdid the butt and thigh moves in the week so the backs of my thighs are killing me, I was glad it was only 20 minutes. I showered, had breakfast and another coffee and ran around to get out on time, which I did... just.
I got to J&G's one minute later than planned, so, not bad considering. G showed me his new phone which he is absolutely over the moon with, (app central and driving J mad with it,) then J appeared and got us all out of the door by 8.20am. So... G took my car to be MOT'd and J drove moi and herself to Warrington and a Starbucks... to begin with.
It was the first time I'd seen J since the New Year and we chatted over coffee. Our catch up was long overdue and she told me all she had on her mind, over coffee and fruit toast, it was lovely and a little sad, tissues were required. After that, we headed for any shop that had a sale sign in the window. It's probably the last weekend of the sales.
I told you J&G had got me a halogen oven for Christmas? And that the one time I used it to cook frozen fish and veg, I gave up after an hour and put it in a pan? Well, I told J that I really thought it was a fabulous idea, potentially, but that she should take it home and practice on it as I only have one hot meal a day and I didn't have the time to work it out. Anyway, she did take it home on Monday, put veg in it to cook on Tuesday, it still wasn't cooked on Wednesday. Neither of us know what we're doing wrong. I'm sure it will be fabulous when we figure it out, but in the meantime...
So, we hit the shops. Almost got a shirt in H&M for £5 but it was a tiny bit too small, one size out, could have got away with it but it was a teensy bit too snug for me. Then, we went into Zara and J made me try on a coat. It wasn't what I would have gone for practically, it's a light navy blue, (I usually think black or dark grey,) bubble, (think continental quilt), with a fixed belt and gold zip and trimmings. Anyway, I tried it on, it looked good, I was positively toasty as opposed to frozen as I usually am, and J decided that this, half priced coat in the sale, would be my Christmas present instead of the oven. Never in a million years, would I have thought one of these would have looked good on me, but J assures me that it does and does not make me look enormous. So, that's my Christmas present, J wanted me to use it for work but it's too nice for work and I think I may use it for my days off only.
I was really on the look out for boots for work. I'm desperate. I have some Sketchers that I've had for years, like... at least 12 years, which are a Godsend in the snow and ice and which I've been wearing as I didn't have anything else. Only trouble is, they're miles too big and seem to be getting bigger. As I lift up my foot, they seem to fall off a bit and I've tripped a few times this week alone. Anyway, I had a voucher for Debenhams so we hit their shoe sale. J had vouchers too and so I ended up with these, "distressed" look, mock lace up, (they have a zip at the side,) ankle boots which were £65, reduced to £19.50! They are so comfortable, and they're by Faith. I will take a pic and work out how to post, I promise. I also got some over the knee socks for £1 from Topshop too which I didn't even realise were reduced. I do realise that you're probably green by now my chick... so sorry.
As if all of that wasn't enough... I passed! Well, the car passed, I only had one illegal tyre, which was swiftly replaced and then I really passed. Can't believe it and by the time J and I got home, G had even washed it and then told me off for my windscreen being so dirty, consider myself told off.
I swiftly made a coffee then jogged for just 20 minutes, better than nothing I suppose, I overdid the butt and thigh moves in the week so the backs of my thighs are killing me, I was glad it was only 20 minutes. I showered, had breakfast and another coffee and ran around to get out on time, which I did... just.
I got to J&G's one minute later than planned, so, not bad considering. G showed me his new phone which he is absolutely over the moon with, (app central and driving J mad with it,) then J appeared and got us all out of the door by 8.20am. So... G took my car to be MOT'd and J drove moi and herself to Warrington and a Starbucks... to begin with.
It was the first time I'd seen J since the New Year and we chatted over coffee. Our catch up was long overdue and she told me all she had on her mind, over coffee and fruit toast, it was lovely and a little sad, tissues were required. After that, we headed for any shop that had a sale sign in the window. It's probably the last weekend of the sales.
I told you J&G had got me a halogen oven for Christmas? And that the one time I used it to cook frozen fish and veg, I gave up after an hour and put it in a pan? Well, I told J that I really thought it was a fabulous idea, potentially, but that she should take it home and practice on it as I only have one hot meal a day and I didn't have the time to work it out. Anyway, she did take it home on Monday, put veg in it to cook on Tuesday, it still wasn't cooked on Wednesday. Neither of us know what we're doing wrong. I'm sure it will be fabulous when we figure it out, but in the meantime...
So, we hit the shops. Almost got a shirt in H&M for £5 but it was a tiny bit too small, one size out, could have got away with it but it was a teensy bit too snug for me. Then, we went into Zara and J made me try on a coat. It wasn't what I would have gone for practically, it's a light navy blue, (I usually think black or dark grey,) bubble, (think continental quilt), with a fixed belt and gold zip and trimmings. Anyway, I tried it on, it looked good, I was positively toasty as opposed to frozen as I usually am, and J decided that this, half priced coat in the sale, would be my Christmas present instead of the oven. Never in a million years, would I have thought one of these would have looked good on me, but J assures me that it does and does not make me look enormous. So, that's my Christmas present, J wanted me to use it for work but it's too nice for work and I think I may use it for my days off only.
I was really on the look out for boots for work. I'm desperate. I have some Sketchers that I've had for years, like... at least 12 years, which are a Godsend in the snow and ice and which I've been wearing as I didn't have anything else. Only trouble is, they're miles too big and seem to be getting bigger. As I lift up my foot, they seem to fall off a bit and I've tripped a few times this week alone. Anyway, I had a voucher for Debenhams so we hit their shoe sale. J had vouchers too and so I ended up with these, "distressed" look, mock lace up, (they have a zip at the side,) ankle boots which were £65, reduced to £19.50! They are so comfortable, and they're by Faith. I will take a pic and work out how to post, I promise. I also got some over the knee socks for £1 from Topshop too which I didn't even realise were reduced. I do realise that you're probably green by now my chick... so sorry.
As if all of that wasn't enough... I passed! Well, the car passed, I only had one illegal tyre, which was swiftly replaced and then I really passed. Can't believe it and by the time J and I got home, G had even washed it and then told me off for my windscreen being so dirty, consider myself told off.
Friday, 20 January 2012
TGIF x1
Oh it's been a long week, it was so great to get to speak to you though on Sunday, good timing and sorry if I sounded a bit strange, I'd had a sleeping tablet over an hour before I spoke to you and it was beginning to kick in. So, as I texted you, I came home on Monday night to find a mini makeover had occurred at home. Little elves had been over while I was at work and had put up the curtains that you gave me 5.5 years ago, (yes, I've had them for that long, or at least J has,) and I had heating in my lounge. It was of course J&G, J had changed the eyelets for me, is that the right word or have I made that up? Anyway, you know what I mean... changed them to chrome from gold and G had lowered the curtain pole and fixed, (turned on, must just have needed elbow grease,) the stone cold radiator. Between those two little jobs, you would not believe the difference in warmth. I'm convinced that my gas bills will probably be reduced by at least a third, and the curtains look gorgeous, thank you again, they really look lovely.
Work was rubbish, the work itself changed direction on an hourly basis, (I'm not kidding,) and some people just took the biscuit with their attitude. Had a horrible day on Wednesday, everything was awful in work, didn't feel well, but the tablets I'm supposed to take, need to be taken with food and I didn't feel hungry, probably because of the work situation, so it was miserable.
Thursday I got soaked walking back to the car after work, as in... when I got home and got out of the car, I could feel that my underwear was soaked too, the rain had gone right through my winter coat, the wind also killed my new umbrella.
Friday morning, got wet again on the walk to work, but not as bad and I soon dried out. The day went pretty quickly and I finished early after almost two weeks of late finishes, it was so exciting to escape early.
Did a little shopping on the way home and was still back by 4pm, at which point, I got to open my new curtains for the first time! Since they were put up, it's been dark when I left and dark when I got home, tonight was the first time I made it home with about 30 minutes of light left in the day, gosh they're heavy, I'd forgotten.
No quiet time in my window for me tomorrow as the car needs to be MOT'd. I need to be at J's before 8am, G is taking it to the garage for me and J and I are going for coffee and chat, and possibly a skinny muffin.
Diet hasn't been great this week but I've done some exercise every night, going to give tonight a miss though I think as I'm pretty sore.
I've been awake since around 2am, so hopefully will sleep like a baby tonight. Oh, I submitted a job application form today. I'm not totally confident that I'll even make the sift, but I felt a sense of achievement just completing and submitting the form, it's got me into that mindset of applying again and I'm feeling confident that even if this doesn't pan out... something will.
Work was rubbish, the work itself changed direction on an hourly basis, (I'm not kidding,) and some people just took the biscuit with their attitude. Had a horrible day on Wednesday, everything was awful in work, didn't feel well, but the tablets I'm supposed to take, need to be taken with food and I didn't feel hungry, probably because of the work situation, so it was miserable.
Thursday I got soaked walking back to the car after work, as in... when I got home and got out of the car, I could feel that my underwear was soaked too, the rain had gone right through my winter coat, the wind also killed my new umbrella.
Friday morning, got wet again on the walk to work, but not as bad and I soon dried out. The day went pretty quickly and I finished early after almost two weeks of late finishes, it was so exciting to escape early.
Did a little shopping on the way home and was still back by 4pm, at which point, I got to open my new curtains for the first time! Since they were put up, it's been dark when I left and dark when I got home, tonight was the first time I made it home with about 30 minutes of light left in the day, gosh they're heavy, I'd forgotten.
No quiet time in my window for me tomorrow as the car needs to be MOT'd. I need to be at J's before 8am, G is taking it to the garage for me and J and I are going for coffee and chat, and possibly a skinny muffin.
Diet hasn't been great this week but I've done some exercise every night, going to give tonight a miss though I think as I'm pretty sore.
I've been awake since around 2am, so hopefully will sleep like a baby tonight. Oh, I submitted a job application form today. I'm not totally confident that I'll even make the sift, but I felt a sense of achievement just completing and submitting the form, it's got me into that mindset of applying again and I'm feeling confident that even if this doesn't pan out... something will.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
15th January 2012
It's Sunday, it's -1 degrees so at least it's warmer than yesterday where it only reached -1 by noon. We're covered in white frost again but it looks pretty. I had an early night last night and slept like a log. I feel a bit dozy this morning, almost like I've had too much sleep, surely that's not possible? Yesterday, I wore my Baker Boy cap, I froze. Today, it's my cream bobble hat, I don't care if people don't like the bobble, it's woollen, and it's warm, they'll have to deal with it.
I did another 10 minutes of pilates last night, and today, on the drive here, I concentrated on pulling in my tummy, it's amazing how we usually ignore this muscle and forget how it helps to support our backs don't we? I do anyway.
TV was dire last night, the only films on were "Casper", which I watched... reluctantly, and yes, okay, I admit it, I cried, but I blame the wine. Then came; "Bridget Jones, the Edge of Reason," which began as I went to bed and if I remember correctly... is rubbish. No offence to Ms Z, who is never rubbish.
Speaking of "A" List celebs, it's the Golden Globes tonight. I can't wait to see the frocks and to hear how outraged everyone is by Ricky Gervais, well, it's their own fault... they invited him back!
B has called in after church and among other things, told me that I'm as ugly as ever, I definitely see a theme here. I'm trying not to take it to heart.
So, I have 2 job application forms to complete this week, just have to motivate myself.
Home currently smells like burnt toast. That will be due to the burnt toast though. I wanted toast and mackerel pate, but in an effort to be "good" until I get rid of the Christmas pounds, I bought that flimsy bread, you know the kind that if you hold it up to the light, you can see through it? Well, the toaster didn't like it, it was pretty much cremated by the time it popped out and some of it got caught in the toaster anyway, hence the burnt toast aroma.
I did another 10 minutes of pilates last night, and today, on the drive here, I concentrated on pulling in my tummy, it's amazing how we usually ignore this muscle and forget how it helps to support our backs don't we? I do anyway.
TV was dire last night, the only films on were "Casper", which I watched... reluctantly, and yes, okay, I admit it, I cried, but I blame the wine. Then came; "Bridget Jones, the Edge of Reason," which began as I went to bed and if I remember correctly... is rubbish. No offence to Ms Z, who is never rubbish.
Speaking of "A" List celebs, it's the Golden Globes tonight. I can't wait to see the frocks and to hear how outraged everyone is by Ricky Gervais, well, it's their own fault... they invited him back!
B has called in after church and among other things, told me that I'm as ugly as ever, I definitely see a theme here. I'm trying not to take it to heart.
So, I have 2 job application forms to complete this week, just have to motivate myself.
Home currently smells like burnt toast. That will be due to the burnt toast though. I wanted toast and mackerel pate, but in an effort to be "good" until I get rid of the Christmas pounds, I bought that flimsy bread, you know the kind that if you hold it up to the light, you can see through it? Well, the toaster didn't like it, it was pretty much cremated by the time it popped out and some of it got caught in the toaster anyway, hence the burnt toast aroma.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Col :) Hope that you're having a really fabulous day and we'll catch up soon. The temperature here has plummeted, it was predicted but it's still a shock to the system. Everywhere is covered in white frost and I could see my breath when I stepped out the door this morning. My fingers are currently the colour of marble and I can't actually feel them, just waiting for Fay to bring over my coffee so that I can defrost.
It's our anniversary! Dear Colette... is one year old, can you believe it? One year of drivel.
Had a bit of a sore throat and sniffle all week, (it's all the bugs and germs in work.) Went to bed at 9pm on Friday night, promptly fell fast asleep and woke at 2.45am. The body felt tired but the brain was raring to go so I couldn't get back to sleep, hence the phone call and text not much after 3am. I ran for 35 minutes then did 10 minutes of pilates. It's now 9.20am and my eyes are burning.
Well, main news this week, brace yourself. B told me last Sunday that she is headed for Oz and NZ in three weeks time for her 2nd cousin's wedding. She'll be in Oz for a week and in NZ for three. I did my best, "I'm so excited for you!" performance and I am really happy for her but I'm sick as a parrot that it's not me headed in your direction. I know that having several jealous bones in my body is not healthy and tried to tell myself that it would give me wrinkles but still, I'm so envious.
The pilates exercises that I did last Sunday... well, it was Wednesday before I could sit down without serious discomfort. My work trousers felt looser this week but it can't work that quickly can it? I still have 2lbs of Christmas fat to go. I could have been better, diet wise this week... but I wasn't.
Spent around two hours this morning, (in the wee small,) messing around with my iPod. I told you it's been wonky for a couple of weeks? Well, I couldn't even google an answer so Miss Non-Technical here, set about trying to suss it out. Anyway, after restoring it to factory settings, re synchronising everything, (a lengthy affair and by the time I'd done all of that it had actually lost more of my playlists and was worse than before I started.) I eventually sussed that it was having a memory issue, (I know the feeling.) I've deleted some stuff and re-jigged and I still need to tweak, but most of my running playlists are back. Thank heavens, don't know what I'd do without them to motivate me. Wouldn't you think for such a simple problem, you would have a little message pop up on iTunes to say something like; "Hi J, you're nearing maximum capacity and this may effect your playlist display and access." That would have been so useful.
The tidying phase continues, can't actually believe it's lasted this long Col, still, I'm more than happy that it has.
Just read a really funny part of "Eat, Pray, Love." This woman... Liz... is me. She was just explaining how difficult she finds it to meditate as her mind wanders. I am exactly the same. There is no quiet time in my mind. If you've ever been to an exercise class which ends with a cool down and relaxation phase, well, I lie there and the worst thing the instructor can tell me is to; "clear your mind." This is the cue for a thousand thoughts to descend into my brain, I think I've pulled something, did I turn the iron off before I left? Gosh I'm starving, what will I have for tea? I think there is turkey in the fridge, but it may be off, I need to go shopping. I can't wait to shower. Or, if you've ever been for a beauty treatment like a facial. The therapist tells you to relax and she'll be back in 10 minutes, then you lie there becoming more and more impatient, you try counting to 60 several times in your head and after a while contemplate that 10 minutes must be up by now... she's late coming back, probably having a coffee and a natter. I really do need to learn how to relax.
It's our anniversary! Dear Colette... is one year old, can you believe it? One year of drivel.
Had a bit of a sore throat and sniffle all week, (it's all the bugs and germs in work.) Went to bed at 9pm on Friday night, promptly fell fast asleep and woke at 2.45am. The body felt tired but the brain was raring to go so I couldn't get back to sleep, hence the phone call and text not much after 3am. I ran for 35 minutes then did 10 minutes of pilates. It's now 9.20am and my eyes are burning.
Well, main news this week, brace yourself. B told me last Sunday that she is headed for Oz and NZ in three weeks time for her 2nd cousin's wedding. She'll be in Oz for a week and in NZ for three. I did my best, "I'm so excited for you!" performance and I am really happy for her but I'm sick as a parrot that it's not me headed in your direction. I know that having several jealous bones in my body is not healthy and tried to tell myself that it would give me wrinkles but still, I'm so envious.
The pilates exercises that I did last Sunday... well, it was Wednesday before I could sit down without serious discomfort. My work trousers felt looser this week but it can't work that quickly can it? I still have 2lbs of Christmas fat to go. I could have been better, diet wise this week... but I wasn't.
Spent around two hours this morning, (in the wee small,) messing around with my iPod. I told you it's been wonky for a couple of weeks? Well, I couldn't even google an answer so Miss Non-Technical here, set about trying to suss it out. Anyway, after restoring it to factory settings, re synchronising everything, (a lengthy affair and by the time I'd done all of that it had actually lost more of my playlists and was worse than before I started.) I eventually sussed that it was having a memory issue, (I know the feeling.) I've deleted some stuff and re-jigged and I still need to tweak, but most of my running playlists are back. Thank heavens, don't know what I'd do without them to motivate me. Wouldn't you think for such a simple problem, you would have a little message pop up on iTunes to say something like; "Hi J, you're nearing maximum capacity and this may effect your playlist display and access." That would have been so useful.
The tidying phase continues, can't actually believe it's lasted this long Col, still, I'm more than happy that it has.
Just read a really funny part of "Eat, Pray, Love." This woman... Liz... is me. She was just explaining how difficult she finds it to meditate as her mind wanders. I am exactly the same. There is no quiet time in my mind. If you've ever been to an exercise class which ends with a cool down and relaxation phase, well, I lie there and the worst thing the instructor can tell me is to; "clear your mind." This is the cue for a thousand thoughts to descend into my brain, I think I've pulled something, did I turn the iron off before I left? Gosh I'm starving, what will I have for tea? I think there is turkey in the fridge, but it may be off, I need to go shopping. I can't wait to shower. Or, if you've ever been for a beauty treatment like a facial. The therapist tells you to relax and she'll be back in 10 minutes, then you lie there becoming more and more impatient, you try counting to 60 several times in your head and after a while contemplate that 10 minutes must be up by now... she's late coming back, probably having a coffee and a natter. I really do need to learn how to relax.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Sunday 8th Jan
Forgot to tell you, taking down the decs, I knocked a blue shell off the fireplace that C had chosen for me from the beach. Made me sad but what can you do? It's broken but I do still have another.
My next door neighbour, teenage drummer in training is, well, training today, Saturday. Who am I to say; "keep it down." He may be the next Phil Collins, so I really shouldn't hinder either enthusiasm or practice should I? Besides, I'm sure my old neighbours didn't appreciate my Barbra Streisand impersonations many moons ago.
I really enjoyed our chat this morning, it was so great to catch up, sorry it was a bit late at your end, will be glad when we have 12 hours dead difference again, much more accommodating. Really enjoyed my five minute chat with our little Kiwi chatterbox too. I can totally understand the accent these days and no longer need an interpreter, however she did ask me to repeat myself a few times which I thought was very funny. C beautifully described her newly decorated bedroom, from the curtains to the wall colour to the ribboned message/photo board you'd made for her, to the plaque from Grandad detailing the meaning of her lovely name. I'm thinking C should maybe consider a career as a writer or a teacher, she is very animated.
Proud of you for embarking on the healthy regime and I think it's great that you're all doing it together, I can't wait to get over there and go for a run with C, I tried to explain to her that it's not how fast you can run, simply that you go the distance. I think it was a little lost in translation though and it's probably better if I show her myself.
One of the girls in Starbucks has just brought me over my filter coffee as it wasn't quite filtered when I arrived, she noticed my... your copy of, "Eat, Pray, Love" on the counter and she stood having a conversation with me on the book. Funnily enough, we're both at the same point, Liz has just arrived in India. The Barista's friend gave her the book with the promise that it would "change her life." She then told me that she hadn't enjoyed the film as much, (I haven't seen it,) then I told her how I didn't enjoy the film of "P.S. I Love You," as much as I did the book. Hilary Swank, although fabulous, just wasn't Holly for me and I told her how I used to sit in the old Borders/Starbucks, reading the book and crying... buckets. We then had a conversation about weight loss, she's just joined a slimming club, told me about a barista from my old Starbucks who has now lost half her body weight and I told her about my colleague from work who has lost 6 stone on the same regime that she's joined. I'm wondering why I keep having weight loss conversations with people?
Yesterday I got weighed and I was down 2 Christmas lbs and today, I'm down another 2. Just shows you that it's not just fat but fluid and heaven knows what else stored in our bodies after the Christmas excess. I'm hoping by next weekend, I'll be pretty close to my Christmas weight and then I have just a few more lbs to go before I reach my fighting weight ;)
Took me ages to get off to sleep last night but finally drifted off and slept through until almost 7am. I'd jogged for 30 minutes and showered before we spoke, I could feel the fat jiggling. I'm sticking out my tongue and pulling a face right now.
I was the first customer of the day here today and about 10 minutes later, a Mother and teenaged son arrived and that's it. Just the three of us for the past 30 minutes. It's very quiet, hardly anyone walking past my window either.
I watched yesterday for the 251st time.... "While You Were Sleeping." Oh I just love that film and I wonder what Ms Bullock thinks of it now. It was made in 1995 and I think it's aged pretty well. I never get tired of watching it, it's heart warming, hopeful, comforting and funny with the message that somehow, things all work out, as they should. It's just lovely.
I will be off shortly to recycle, get fuel and to buy the Mail on Sunday. The supplement this week contains a feature on Pilates guru Margot Campbell and a list of exercises on how to get Pippa Middleton's bottom, sorry... body. Guess what I'll be doing this afternoon?
My next door neighbour, teenage drummer in training is, well, training today, Saturday. Who am I to say; "keep it down." He may be the next Phil Collins, so I really shouldn't hinder either enthusiasm or practice should I? Besides, I'm sure my old neighbours didn't appreciate my Barbra Streisand impersonations many moons ago.
I really enjoyed our chat this morning, it was so great to catch up, sorry it was a bit late at your end, will be glad when we have 12 hours dead difference again, much more accommodating. Really enjoyed my five minute chat with our little Kiwi chatterbox too. I can totally understand the accent these days and no longer need an interpreter, however she did ask me to repeat myself a few times which I thought was very funny. C beautifully described her newly decorated bedroom, from the curtains to the wall colour to the ribboned message/photo board you'd made for her, to the plaque from Grandad detailing the meaning of her lovely name. I'm thinking C should maybe consider a career as a writer or a teacher, she is very animated.
Proud of you for embarking on the healthy regime and I think it's great that you're all doing it together, I can't wait to get over there and go for a run with C, I tried to explain to her that it's not how fast you can run, simply that you go the distance. I think it was a little lost in translation though and it's probably better if I show her myself.
One of the girls in Starbucks has just brought me over my filter coffee as it wasn't quite filtered when I arrived, she noticed my... your copy of, "Eat, Pray, Love" on the counter and she stood having a conversation with me on the book. Funnily enough, we're both at the same point, Liz has just arrived in India. The Barista's friend gave her the book with the promise that it would "change her life." She then told me that she hadn't enjoyed the film as much, (I haven't seen it,) then I told her how I didn't enjoy the film of "P.S. I Love You," as much as I did the book. Hilary Swank, although fabulous, just wasn't Holly for me and I told her how I used to sit in the old Borders/Starbucks, reading the book and crying... buckets. We then had a conversation about weight loss, she's just joined a slimming club, told me about a barista from my old Starbucks who has now lost half her body weight and I told her about my colleague from work who has lost 6 stone on the same regime that she's joined. I'm wondering why I keep having weight loss conversations with people?
Yesterday I got weighed and I was down 2 Christmas lbs and today, I'm down another 2. Just shows you that it's not just fat but fluid and heaven knows what else stored in our bodies after the Christmas excess. I'm hoping by next weekend, I'll be pretty close to my Christmas weight and then I have just a few more lbs to go before I reach my fighting weight ;)
Took me ages to get off to sleep last night but finally drifted off and slept through until almost 7am. I'd jogged for 30 minutes and showered before we spoke, I could feel the fat jiggling. I'm sticking out my tongue and pulling a face right now.
I was the first customer of the day here today and about 10 minutes later, a Mother and teenaged son arrived and that's it. Just the three of us for the past 30 minutes. It's very quiet, hardly anyone walking past my window either.
I watched yesterday for the 251st time.... "While You Were Sleeping." Oh I just love that film and I wonder what Ms Bullock thinks of it now. It was made in 1995 and I think it's aged pretty well. I never get tired of watching it, it's heart warming, hopeful, comforting and funny with the message that somehow, things all work out, as they should. It's just lovely.
I will be off shortly to recycle, get fuel and to buy the Mail on Sunday. The supplement this week contains a feature on Pilates guru Margot Campbell and a list of exercises on how to get Pippa Middleton's bottom, sorry... body. Guess what I'll be doing this afternoon?
Saturday, 7 January 2012
7th January 2012
Have you got used to it being 20...12 yet? Me neither.
I really enjoyed my coffee and my quiet time yesterday, a little reading, a little writing, just bliss.
A couple of days ago, I Googled tummy bloating and found an article on charcoal tablets. After coffee yesterday, I headed for Holland and Barrett and asked an assistant if they sold them and checked what they were for. After a lengthy conversation with a brilliant sales assistant, (she told me all about her Mum using them,) I purchased... with discount, which I wasn't supposed to have, (how nice, I will be returning there,) then tried them out yesterday. So far, so good, the real test will be Monday when I'm back at work.
I had lots of plans for Friday, but by 11ish, I decided I'd forget half of the plans I had as I was being a tad over ambitious perhaps? After coffee and a browse, I headed for the supermarket, aiming to spend £40.00 as I had a voucher for £5 off if I spent £40. £40, sounds like a lot but it does not go as far as you'd think. It was practically nothing.
While I wandered around the supermarket, I looked for "Batchelors Slim-a-Soup" to take to work in order to cut down on my Greggs, tomato soup lunches, only to find that the shelves were empty. It only struck me when I got home that there must have been a rush on the slimming soups for the new year as everyone tries their hardest to loose a few lbs. I've watched a rash of "loose-tons-of-weight-as-it's-a-New-Year," shows this week. I love them. One of them included a very yummy US trainer by the name of Jessie Pavelka, something tells me that if he was asking me to get out of bed early to go for a run, I'd some how find the strength.
So, I got home yesterday, caught up on a few emails, blogged, took down the decorations, chopped up the lovely tree... which still smells divine by the way, ironed bedding and the day was pretty much done by then. I phoned J, I haven't spoken to her all week, (highly irregular,) as I've worked late all week, so, caught up with her and she may call over this weekend, in person.
It's Saturday and I'm Pretty in Pink today, well, I'm in pink. I'm wearing a raspberry coloured, long sleeved t, with my "Nina" scarf, (pink, pale pink, plumb and a little brown... which I hadn't noticed before,) with jeans and of course, Pandora and a few sparkly bracelets.
I slept great last night but again, found it hard to get up. I managed 30 minutes of jogging, then had an iPod trauma when I thought it was a gonna as it was totally unresponsive for ages. I thought it had gone to iPod heaven but no, I eventually managed to resuscitate it.
The charcoal tablets have worked a miracle in just one day. I need to trial them on Monday though, (wondering if it's work that really makes my tum bad?) But, so far so good, I stuck my head into Holland and Barrett so that I could report back to the amazing sales lady but I couldn't see her.
I got weighed this morning and finally, after a week, the scales are down a couple of pounds, thought my body was going to hang onto the Christmas excesses perpetually, at least things are moving in the right direction.
It's icy cold here this morning and wet too, although I've managed to dodge the rain so far, but I did put a black baker boy cap in my bag just in case it was needed.
I heard on the radio on the way home about the terrible ballooning accident 50 miles outside of Wellington. So very sad but this has confirmed once and for all something I've pondered over the years, I will not be going on a hot air balloon ride.
I really enjoyed my coffee and my quiet time yesterday, a little reading, a little writing, just bliss.
A couple of days ago, I Googled tummy bloating and found an article on charcoal tablets. After coffee yesterday, I headed for Holland and Barrett and asked an assistant if they sold them and checked what they were for. After a lengthy conversation with a brilliant sales assistant, (she told me all about her Mum using them,) I purchased... with discount, which I wasn't supposed to have, (how nice, I will be returning there,) then tried them out yesterday. So far, so good, the real test will be Monday when I'm back at work.
I had lots of plans for Friday, but by 11ish, I decided I'd forget half of the plans I had as I was being a tad over ambitious perhaps? After coffee and a browse, I headed for the supermarket, aiming to spend £40.00 as I had a voucher for £5 off if I spent £40. £40, sounds like a lot but it does not go as far as you'd think. It was practically nothing.
While I wandered around the supermarket, I looked for "Batchelors Slim-a-Soup" to take to work in order to cut down on my Greggs, tomato soup lunches, only to find that the shelves were empty. It only struck me when I got home that there must have been a rush on the slimming soups for the new year as everyone tries their hardest to loose a few lbs. I've watched a rash of "loose-tons-of-weight-as-it's-a-New-Year," shows this week. I love them. One of them included a very yummy US trainer by the name of Jessie Pavelka, something tells me that if he was asking me to get out of bed early to go for a run, I'd some how find the strength.
So, I got home yesterday, caught up on a few emails, blogged, took down the decorations, chopped up the lovely tree... which still smells divine by the way, ironed bedding and the day was pretty much done by then. I phoned J, I haven't spoken to her all week, (highly irregular,) as I've worked late all week, so, caught up with her and she may call over this weekend, in person.
It's Saturday and I'm Pretty in Pink today, well, I'm in pink. I'm wearing a raspberry coloured, long sleeved t, with my "Nina" scarf, (pink, pale pink, plumb and a little brown... which I hadn't noticed before,) with jeans and of course, Pandora and a few sparkly bracelets.
I slept great last night but again, found it hard to get up. I managed 30 minutes of jogging, then had an iPod trauma when I thought it was a gonna as it was totally unresponsive for ages. I thought it had gone to iPod heaven but no, I eventually managed to resuscitate it.
The charcoal tablets have worked a miracle in just one day. I need to trial them on Monday though, (wondering if it's work that really makes my tum bad?) But, so far so good, I stuck my head into Holland and Barrett so that I could report back to the amazing sales lady but I couldn't see her.
I got weighed this morning and finally, after a week, the scales are down a couple of pounds, thought my body was going to hang onto the Christmas excesses perpetually, at least things are moving in the right direction.
It's icy cold here this morning and wet too, although I've managed to dodge the rain so far, but I did put a black baker boy cap in my bag just in case it was needed.
I heard on the radio on the way home about the terrible ballooning accident 50 miles outside of Wellington. So very sad but this has confirmed once and for all something I've pondered over the years, I will not be going on a hot air balloon ride.
Friday, 6 January 2012
6th Jan 2012
It's Friday hurrah! I'll tell you about the week in a second but I forgot to tell you, last Monday, I nipped into M&S and got a pack of three trainer socks for, wait for it... £1.00! Bargain of the day, I should, of course, have picked up two packs.
I watched the Downton Christmas Special, finally. I love Dame Maggie Smith anyway, but she has all the best lines in Downton. She is very funny and you should watch out for this hitting your shores. I can't remember if you told me you watched it but even if you don't, you can dip into the Christmas Special.
I read in a magazine that Radox have commissioned, "the most relaxing song ever." I confess I haven't listened to it all the way through yet. I went onto YouTube, found it, and the next prompt was for "thunderstorms and rain." I love the sound of rain and thought it might help with the sleeping. I clicked on the picture and it took me to... "relaxing kitchen noises." What? I've heard of babies nodding off in front of the tumble dryer but I'm a bit old for that, besides, I try to avoid the kitchen ;)
So, I survived the first few days back at work. It's been quite a week. The country has been battered by gales. Two people have died, some of the Scottish Isles have had to have hot food ferried over by the power company as they've been without power, and phones for days.
Tuesday was my first day back in work after the holidays and I barely slept. I think I got, maybe, two or three hours sleep. Most people I spoke to in work though were the same, well, maybe not quite as bad. The wind was terrible, I couldn't sleep thinking about work but laying there, with the wind howling, it sounded like the roof would lift right off and then you start thinking about property damage, or is that just me?
Didn't sleep great Tuesday night either, that was due to the wind. I've aimed to work extra hours this week, I did 9.5 on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 on Thursday. I was really pleased with myself for sticking it out and making up some time, although it was a really long day by the time I drove home, not to mention, driving to work in the dark and then home in the dark, I was exhausted and it's just no fun.
On Wednesday, driving along Riverside Drive towards work, I saw a fox as I often do, this one however, instead of racing across the road in front of me, he was waiting patiently on the pavement waiting for me to pass, so that he cold cross safely, it was pretty amazing to see.
Wednesday evening driving home, the traffic slowed at one point, more than it normally does, we eventually filed past a car pulled over, lady driver standing with hand outstretched onto a cyclists arm, cyclist was touching his leg and bending his knee back and forth. I don't know what had happened or how she'd clipped him, he was wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket, but there had been some kind of altercation betwixt car and bicycle and I don't know who looked more stressed, the driver or the cyclist.
By Thursday, the wind was down to 32mph here, less than it was but I can promise you, walking against it to get to and from the car for work, is a challenge. On the drive home, who did I pass but the cyclist from the night before. Both he and the bike are in good working order, I'm sure the driver will still be recovering though.
My stomach has been terrible this week, not upset but bloated like you wouldn't believe. I've returned to eating exactly what I ate before Christmas, but my stomach seems to be rebelling for some reason, my body hates it.
Had hoped to get up around 6ish this morning, run for an hour and possibly phone you. I took a sleeping tablet last night so it was all I could do to drag my carcass from the mattress before 8am. I only managed a 20 minutes jog because of the time, then I showered, had some cereal and hit the road, only to get to Starbucks 10 minutes late. I hate being late and even the manager asked where I'd been!
Exercise this week? Well, I was of course, full of good intentions but it hardly happened. I am however back to walking up 5 flights of stairs each morning, plus, there is the 10 minute walk to and from the car for work. I did a few Tracy Anderson bottom moves each night, but really not many, it was my way of not feeling quite as guilty though. That's all though, I can't get up before 4am, work extra and work out, it's just not going to happen.
Did I tell you that J and dear Brother in law brought me a Halogen oven for Christmas? It looks impressive and sounds like the answer to my prayers. Quick, hot food in half the time, cooked in a healthy way without using tons of costly energy. Only trouble is, it doesn't come with a manual so it's all trial and error.
My kitchen light hasn't worked for about 2 years, no need to replace now as the halogen bulb is so bright, it lights up the whole kitchen, in fact, I think I got a bit of a tan while I was watching and I'm sure aircraft were starting to circle overhead.
After 10 minutes, veg and fish were still frozen so I upped the heat and set it for another 10 minutes. 10 minutes later, I realised it was safe to go and sit while I set it for another 10 minutes. At 7pm, and after eating about 15 cherry liqueurs left over from Christmas, not only was I feeling a bit sick but I was really tired, too tired to eat a meal really. I threw in the towel and put both veg and fish in a pan for 6 minutes then ate some of it when it was done, finally. I didn't even enjoy it at this point.
So, it's Epiphany and the Christmas decorations need to come down today or stay up until Easter. I'll be sorry to see my lovely tree go but glad for all the rest.
I heard NZ as well as Oz has fires but I can't seem to find where they are in NZ. Hope not near to you and hope no one was hurt. Back tomorrow x
http://youtu.be/-NB7kJ_Endw Relax... if you have time ;)
I watched the Downton Christmas Special, finally. I love Dame Maggie Smith anyway, but she has all the best lines in Downton. She is very funny and you should watch out for this hitting your shores. I can't remember if you told me you watched it but even if you don't, you can dip into the Christmas Special.
I read in a magazine that Radox have commissioned, "the most relaxing song ever." I confess I haven't listened to it all the way through yet. I went onto YouTube, found it, and the next prompt was for "thunderstorms and rain." I love the sound of rain and thought it might help with the sleeping. I clicked on the picture and it took me to... "relaxing kitchen noises." What? I've heard of babies nodding off in front of the tumble dryer but I'm a bit old for that, besides, I try to avoid the kitchen ;)
So, I survived the first few days back at work. It's been quite a week. The country has been battered by gales. Two people have died, some of the Scottish Isles have had to have hot food ferried over by the power company as they've been without power, and phones for days.
Tuesday was my first day back in work after the holidays and I barely slept. I think I got, maybe, two or three hours sleep. Most people I spoke to in work though were the same, well, maybe not quite as bad. The wind was terrible, I couldn't sleep thinking about work but laying there, with the wind howling, it sounded like the roof would lift right off and then you start thinking about property damage, or is that just me?
Didn't sleep great Tuesday night either, that was due to the wind. I've aimed to work extra hours this week, I did 9.5 on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 on Thursday. I was really pleased with myself for sticking it out and making up some time, although it was a really long day by the time I drove home, not to mention, driving to work in the dark and then home in the dark, I was exhausted and it's just no fun.
On Wednesday, driving along Riverside Drive towards work, I saw a fox as I often do, this one however, instead of racing across the road in front of me, he was waiting patiently on the pavement waiting for me to pass, so that he cold cross safely, it was pretty amazing to see.
Wednesday evening driving home, the traffic slowed at one point, more than it normally does, we eventually filed past a car pulled over, lady driver standing with hand outstretched onto a cyclists arm, cyclist was touching his leg and bending his knee back and forth. I don't know what had happened or how she'd clipped him, he was wearing a fluorescent yellow jacket, but there had been some kind of altercation betwixt car and bicycle and I don't know who looked more stressed, the driver or the cyclist.
By Thursday, the wind was down to 32mph here, less than it was but I can promise you, walking against it to get to and from the car for work, is a challenge. On the drive home, who did I pass but the cyclist from the night before. Both he and the bike are in good working order, I'm sure the driver will still be recovering though.
My stomach has been terrible this week, not upset but bloated like you wouldn't believe. I've returned to eating exactly what I ate before Christmas, but my stomach seems to be rebelling for some reason, my body hates it.
Had hoped to get up around 6ish this morning, run for an hour and possibly phone you. I took a sleeping tablet last night so it was all I could do to drag my carcass from the mattress before 8am. I only managed a 20 minutes jog because of the time, then I showered, had some cereal and hit the road, only to get to Starbucks 10 minutes late. I hate being late and even the manager asked where I'd been!
Exercise this week? Well, I was of course, full of good intentions but it hardly happened. I am however back to walking up 5 flights of stairs each morning, plus, there is the 10 minute walk to and from the car for work. I did a few Tracy Anderson bottom moves each night, but really not many, it was my way of not feeling quite as guilty though. That's all though, I can't get up before 4am, work extra and work out, it's just not going to happen.
Did I tell you that J and dear Brother in law brought me a Halogen oven for Christmas? It looks impressive and sounds like the answer to my prayers. Quick, hot food in half the time, cooked in a healthy way without using tons of costly energy. Only trouble is, it doesn't come with a manual so it's all trial and error.
My kitchen light hasn't worked for about 2 years, no need to replace now as the halogen bulb is so bright, it lights up the whole kitchen, in fact, I think I got a bit of a tan while I was watching and I'm sure aircraft were starting to circle overhead.
After 10 minutes, veg and fish were still frozen so I upped the heat and set it for another 10 minutes. 10 minutes later, I realised it was safe to go and sit while I set it for another 10 minutes. At 7pm, and after eating about 15 cherry liqueurs left over from Christmas, not only was I feeling a bit sick but I was really tired, too tired to eat a meal really. I threw in the towel and put both veg and fish in a pan for 6 minutes then ate some of it when it was done, finally. I didn't even enjoy it at this point.
So, it's Epiphany and the Christmas decorations need to come down today or stay up until Easter. I'll be sorry to see my lovely tree go but glad for all the rest.
I heard NZ as well as Oz has fires but I can't seem to find where they are in NZ. Hope not near to you and hope no one was hurt. Back tomorrow x
http://youtu.be/-NB7kJ_Endw Relax... if you have time ;)
Monday, 2 January 2012
Blue Skies
I'm enjoying my last day freedom, I mean... of the holidays, before life returns to normal for another year. While I don't feel like I've achieved half of what I needed to with my time off, I really feel like my body, and my brain were due, overdue in fact, for a temporary shutdown.
I didn't sleep too badly but still had to haul myself out of bed this morning around 8ish, I did however manage my 15 minutes of jogging, and I'll do arms, bum and tum later, I will... really.
It's a gorgeous morning here, a lot colder than yesterday, colder than the past few days, but we do have a beautiful blue sky which has replaced yesterday's gloomy and rain soaked day.
I'm a little more organised at home, only in the last few days... since Christmas, but my brain actually feels clearer for being tidier, go figure.
So I'm going to have a wander around here, will poke my nose into a few sales racks and walk in the sunshine for a little, breathing in the daylight and sunshine, before I head home for a last little sort out and to get everything I need for tomorrow, to hand, because if I don't, you know I won't be able to find anything at 5am, or I'll leave without something essential... like coffee.
Forgot to tell you, yesterday I planted, (dropped on the ground,) some poppy seeds that I rescued, (pilfered,) a few months ago, would be lovely to see them in the summer, not sure how they'll turn out. Mum was a very... instinctive gardener, and while I do enjoy gardening, I know nothing. I'm a, "fly by the seat of your pants," gardener. Drop it on the ground, if it comes up, it comes up. What will be, will be.
I recycled today and passed the time of day with a lady who was also stuffing card into the huge bin, her husband then asked if I had much more to do because he was going to give me a hand. How nice. I explained to him that I was all but done and thanked him, made my day though, aren't people lovely?
I'm currently a bit addicted to Heinz tomato soup. This is somewhat of a phenomenon as I strongly disliked even the idea of this national treasure for so long. Love tomatoes but hated the very idea of tomato soup, tomato juice, all my life, until about a month ago. When I worked at the hotel, behind the bar, if anyone wanted a Bloody Mary or a simple tomato juice, I'd have to take the top off the bottle for them and then, at arms length, nudge the bottle and a glass towards the customer over the bar, (as if the bottle were contaminated by some deathly infection,) as the mere smell made me want to keel over. Funny huh? Gosh, I was such a good bar person.
Okay, I'm at home and watching "You've Got Mail," while I blog and tidy simultaneously, who says women can't multi-task eh? What do we think about Meg Ryan's hair in this? I need a change, and I ask because the last time I thought I'd found a hairstyle... for when I reached 60, a friend told me in no uncertain terms that I could not have said hairstyle, (it was Lulu's now, and I thought it was quite nice but apparently not.) I need a change though, I need to be blond or short or straight, without kinks or frizz, just need a change. Film is good, it's funny, it's dated, it has dial up and computers the size of a double decker bus.
As promised;
http://youtu.be/iYXBJmrsxZU Watch out for the baby polar bears
http://youtu.be/ZlR1ll0exBg and the Great Expectations trailer, one to watch out for.
And lastly... this is a little late but forgivable, as it's so cute;
http://youtu.be/aSq1cez_flQ
I didn't sleep too badly but still had to haul myself out of bed this morning around 8ish, I did however manage my 15 minutes of jogging, and I'll do arms, bum and tum later, I will... really.
It's a gorgeous morning here, a lot colder than yesterday, colder than the past few days, but we do have a beautiful blue sky which has replaced yesterday's gloomy and rain soaked day.
I'm a little more organised at home, only in the last few days... since Christmas, but my brain actually feels clearer for being tidier, go figure.
So I'm going to have a wander around here, will poke my nose into a few sales racks and walk in the sunshine for a little, breathing in the daylight and sunshine, before I head home for a last little sort out and to get everything I need for tomorrow, to hand, because if I don't, you know I won't be able to find anything at 5am, or I'll leave without something essential... like coffee.
Forgot to tell you, yesterday I planted, (dropped on the ground,) some poppy seeds that I rescued, (pilfered,) a few months ago, would be lovely to see them in the summer, not sure how they'll turn out. Mum was a very... instinctive gardener, and while I do enjoy gardening, I know nothing. I'm a, "fly by the seat of your pants," gardener. Drop it on the ground, if it comes up, it comes up. What will be, will be.
I recycled today and passed the time of day with a lady who was also stuffing card into the huge bin, her husband then asked if I had much more to do because he was going to give me a hand. How nice. I explained to him that I was all but done and thanked him, made my day though, aren't people lovely?
I'm currently a bit addicted to Heinz tomato soup. This is somewhat of a phenomenon as I strongly disliked even the idea of this national treasure for so long. Love tomatoes but hated the very idea of tomato soup, tomato juice, all my life, until about a month ago. When I worked at the hotel, behind the bar, if anyone wanted a Bloody Mary or a simple tomato juice, I'd have to take the top off the bottle for them and then, at arms length, nudge the bottle and a glass towards the customer over the bar, (as if the bottle were contaminated by some deathly infection,) as the mere smell made me want to keel over. Funny huh? Gosh, I was such a good bar person.
Okay, I'm at home and watching "You've Got Mail," while I blog and tidy simultaneously, who says women can't multi-task eh? What do we think about Meg Ryan's hair in this? I need a change, and I ask because the last time I thought I'd found a hairstyle... for when I reached 60, a friend told me in no uncertain terms that I could not have said hairstyle, (it was Lulu's now, and I thought it was quite nice but apparently not.) I need a change though, I need to be blond or short or straight, without kinks or frizz, just need a change. Film is good, it's funny, it's dated, it has dial up and computers the size of a double decker bus.
As promised;
http://youtu.be/iYXBJmrsxZU Watch out for the baby polar bears
http://youtu.be/ZlR1ll0exBg and the Great Expectations trailer, one to watch out for.
And lastly... this is a little late but forgivable, as it's so cute;
http://youtu.be/aSq1cez_flQ
Sunday, 1 January 2012
01.01.2012
Happy New Year! Last night was weird, I was never a huge fan and I'm going to sound so boring, but I really struggled to stay up last night. I'm wondering when it will be okay to let a family tradition fall by the wayside? I swear I'm the only one of us who still treks out with the coal, bread, silver and salt, to let the New Year in with. I did take with me this year a coin from 1960 which I got in NYC, I think it's a quarter, and I just decided it was lucky, H said I should give it to her as it's her birth year and I will, but I'm just going to hang on to it for a little while... just in case. I'm wondering if I could modify the ritual and make up my own, make up a new tradition? Maybe I could carry it all with me on my last journey of the old year and my first one of the New Year? Anyway, it was a bit depressing too, all of the houses in view were in darkness, absolutely no one in sight, but I could hear voices not far away and then I heard the countdown and cheering. Your text arrived bang on time, thank you :D I managed to reply to you but couldn't send or receive another text all night. Funny how I can get a text to NZ but can't get one to the end of the road.
Anyway, enough of that, I'm really excited for the New Year. I think 2012 is going to be a good 'un, and I can't wait to make plans.
As usual, my brain has immediately turned to healthy eating and exercise. I'm not going to go too hard on myself today. I did intend to start the New Year off with a jog but the fireworks went on through the night so I started the New Year with a lie in instead.
I know what will happen when I get back to work, I'll get home shattered and will feel too tired to do anything, so, thinking along the lines of, something is better than nothing, I'm going to aim for a minuscule amount every night. I'm thinking, 15 minutes of jogging, (that's about 4 songs so hopefully I can do that,) 1 minute of the plank, 3 mins arms, 10 leg lifts each leg, (x2 moves,) and 50 plies, all of which, other than the jogging, I can do while I watch TV. It takes 30 days for something to become habit remember, so by February, I should be able to do the above, in my sleep... practically.
I'm going to curb my weekend foodie "treats" until I get rid of holiday weight gain. I also need to find a new job this year, something to give me a purpose in life, and to look after myself a bit better, I wasn't terrible but report card would say; "could do better."
H, as in H&M is having a lazy morning after a very late night, think H said they got to bed at 3am, M is watching an "ancient" James Bond, and H is reading a book she got for her birthday on Boxing Day, about a man and his miniature Schnauzer, I texted her back because I thought she was talking in code for a second.
It's a very dark, grey day here today but very mild. I really need to move myself and do a little tidying before I totally give up for the day.
I've just seen the most wonderful advert for the BBC by David Attenborough, I'll keep a look out on Youtube for it, you have to see it.
Hope the 1st has been good to you, as I write, I think that technically you're actually in the 2nd, hope that's good too chick. Wishing you the most wonderful of years x
Anyway, enough of that, I'm really excited for the New Year. I think 2012 is going to be a good 'un, and I can't wait to make plans.
As usual, my brain has immediately turned to healthy eating and exercise. I'm not going to go too hard on myself today. I did intend to start the New Year off with a jog but the fireworks went on through the night so I started the New Year with a lie in instead.
I know what will happen when I get back to work, I'll get home shattered and will feel too tired to do anything, so, thinking along the lines of, something is better than nothing, I'm going to aim for a minuscule amount every night. I'm thinking, 15 minutes of jogging, (that's about 4 songs so hopefully I can do that,) 1 minute of the plank, 3 mins arms, 10 leg lifts each leg, (x2 moves,) and 50 plies, all of which, other than the jogging, I can do while I watch TV. It takes 30 days for something to become habit remember, so by February, I should be able to do the above, in my sleep... practically.
I'm going to curb my weekend foodie "treats" until I get rid of holiday weight gain. I also need to find a new job this year, something to give me a purpose in life, and to look after myself a bit better, I wasn't terrible but report card would say; "could do better."
H, as in H&M is having a lazy morning after a very late night, think H said they got to bed at 3am, M is watching an "ancient" James Bond, and H is reading a book she got for her birthday on Boxing Day, about a man and his miniature Schnauzer, I texted her back because I thought she was talking in code for a second.
It's a very dark, grey day here today but very mild. I really need to move myself and do a little tidying before I totally give up for the day.
I've just seen the most wonderful advert for the BBC by David Attenborough, I'll keep a look out on Youtube for it, you have to see it.
Hope the 1st has been good to you, as I write, I think that technically you're actually in the 2nd, hope that's good too chick. Wishing you the most wonderful of years x
Goodbye 2011
I watched "The Queen" this afternoon, I know... I've done nothing have I? I've seen bits of it before but never all the way through. Absolutely brilliant. Helen Mirren is stunning as Queen Elizabeth, you forget you're actually watching Helen Mirren. Michael Sheen is amazing as Tony Blair, not only is he a brilliant actor, but he has one of those faces which can morph into anyone he chooses, (he did it when he played David Frost too,) anyway, he is treated with utter contempt by Her Majesty. I never liked Blair while he was Prime Minister, he never seemed sincere, however he was at least portrayed with a heart and, at one point, he was noble in how he apparently defended the Queen. We do not of course, know just how much artistic licence has been applied and how much is true. Still, food for thought, and which ever road you take, you cannot help but admire the Queen, the real Queen, for all her short comings, none of which are her fault.
The Queen while stoic and hardened of hard at the beginning, did eventually show some sign of humanity. I adore the scene with the Queen and the stag. Prince Charles was portrayed as a rather weak figure.
As little as is thought of Blair, it is he who is credited with changing how events around Diana's funeral unfurled, he changed history, at least as we remember it... according to the film makers. I loved how they mixed actual footage of the time with the film too. The last part is really moving and you end up totally on the side of Her Majesty once again.
I'm awash with Westlife now, just watched "Westlife, For the Last Time" and now watching them recorded live from the O2 and yep, they're doing all my favourites. You know they're splitting up right? J and I actually saw this tour last year, quite near the start of 2010, seems so long ago now, I know we couldn't get tickets this year. Hard to believe those voices will not be around in the future, still, fourteen years is a long time out of someones life. Just read that Mark (my favourite,) has split with his partner of 7 years, what is going on? The end of 2011 is totally splitzville.
A few more hours to go and I'm pretty tired, think I'll lay down for a while, nothing on TV to keep me up x
The Queen while stoic and hardened of hard at the beginning, did eventually show some sign of humanity. I adore the scene with the Queen and the stag. Prince Charles was portrayed as a rather weak figure.
As little as is thought of Blair, it is he who is credited with changing how events around Diana's funeral unfurled, he changed history, at least as we remember it... according to the film makers. I loved how they mixed actual footage of the time with the film too. The last part is really moving and you end up totally on the side of Her Majesty once again.
I'm awash with Westlife now, just watched "Westlife, For the Last Time" and now watching them recorded live from the O2 and yep, they're doing all my favourites. You know they're splitting up right? J and I actually saw this tour last year, quite near the start of 2010, seems so long ago now, I know we couldn't get tickets this year. Hard to believe those voices will not be around in the future, still, fourteen years is a long time out of someones life. Just read that Mark (my favourite,) has split with his partner of 7 years, what is going on? The end of 2011 is totally splitzville.
A few more hours to go and I'm pretty tired, think I'll lay down for a while, nothing on TV to keep me up x
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