It's the most beautiful day here today Col, I wish you could see it. -1, sunshine, a light fog. As I entered the place where I get my weekend coffee, the trees are decked in wrap around lights at this time of year and it all looks so very pretty amidst the mist and the fog.
Just going to give you a quick run down of the week. I loved getting your update complete with pics, thank you, looks like you had an amazing time and yes, Hawaii is still, most definitely on my bucket list.
I've been full of a cold all week, ear ache, runny nose, headache, unable to sleep due to the runniness etc. Freezing cold one minute, sweaty the next. Yep, I've been consumed by your common or garden usual winter cold this week. Went to bed at 8pm on Wednesday. I've powered through but it's been hard going, it was a busy week in work, some days working through lunch and the rest of it cross checking answers and scores and it was all, how shall I put this? "Brain scrambling" will do.
Anyway, I made it to Friday, every day has been a twelve hour day and it's been hard going with the cold, the twelve hours I'm used to, the cold is an anchor around my neck, especially on the 90 minute drive home.
Saturday, I pretty much finished my Christmas shopping, I know, way ahead of schedule but better this way. Next weekend I'm aiming to get my tree, then, there is no applying of the brakes, Christmas will be here in a blink of an eye.
Hope all OK at that end, hope Internet is sorted soon. Love you. Back soon x
Saturday, 26 November 2016
Hygge
It's raining Hygge here, (pronounced HUG-gah) It's a Danish thing that is everywhere this year, it's probably been a Danish thing for hundred's of years but it only made it to the UK this year.
It's all about a lifestyle and being cosy in the winter from what I can gather and I do feel slightly brainwashed by this Danish phenomenon; super soft 'loungewear', check, enough tea lights to melt an igloo, check and just this week, I've been eyeing up a fur throw to get me through the next six months... just in case.
I do feel like I'm on the brink of some reality TV, extreme cold weather challenge show, and I do have to keep reminding myself that I will indeed survive the next six months whether I take heed of something I can't pronounce and hibernate in fur lined rooms, or not. It's true, there is probably minimal chance of a prolonged power outage, unexpected frostbite or sub-sub zero temperatures and I do not in fact have to go all Rocky Mountaineer to survive it.
That said, despite gaining an hour when the clocks went back, I'm feeling substantially jet lagged for some reason, and presently, I'm quite happy to 'hunker down'. It would be a shame to return the super soft loungewear, (really is super soft,) and I do love candle light, but, I will continue to workout as per pre-Hygge, my legs and such will remain fuzz free for the duration of this Winter and my toenails will be some smoking hot colour, albeit that they may be hidden beneath my newly acquired thermal socks.
As much as I love being cosy, let's just get through Winter and look forward to Spring shall we? x
It's all about a lifestyle and being cosy in the winter from what I can gather and I do feel slightly brainwashed by this Danish phenomenon; super soft 'loungewear', check, enough tea lights to melt an igloo, check and just this week, I've been eyeing up a fur throw to get me through the next six months... just in case.
I do feel like I'm on the brink of some reality TV, extreme cold weather challenge show, and I do have to keep reminding myself that I will indeed survive the next six months whether I take heed of something I can't pronounce and hibernate in fur lined rooms, or not. It's true, there is probably minimal chance of a prolonged power outage, unexpected frostbite or sub-sub zero temperatures and I do not in fact have to go all Rocky Mountaineer to survive it.
That said, despite gaining an hour when the clocks went back, I'm feeling substantially jet lagged for some reason, and presently, I'm quite happy to 'hunker down'. It would be a shame to return the super soft loungewear, (really is super soft,) and I do love candle light, but, I will continue to workout as per pre-Hygge, my legs and such will remain fuzz free for the duration of this Winter and my toenails will be some smoking hot colour, albeit that they may be hidden beneath my newly acquired thermal socks.
As much as I love being cosy, let's just get through Winter and look forward to Spring shall we? x
Glen Campbell
My friend excitedly messaged me this week... 'Neil Diamond!' Erm yeah, great artist.'Holy Holy!' Ahhhh yes. 'Glen Campbell!' Yeeess!
My friend and I, as close as we are, and despite being born only 9 months apart, we had totally different childhoods. I won't go into the personal differences but culturally or at least musically, we are worlds apart. My Mum didn't have a car but my eldest sister and her husband did and that was the car we travelled in for holiday's. Must ask sister but from what I can recall, it was mostly Glen Campbell and Neil Diamond on the car radio to accompany our travels.
I'm trying to fill in the gaps of my friend's musical abyss, to make sure that he gets to enjoy the full spectrum that I got to enjoy as a kid. We had a conversation yesterday about when we were young and if you liked so-and-so, then you couldn't like the other. Me? Well, I was never cool. I grew up with Diamond, Campbell and Parton. Abba sucked me in all on their own, Elton John, Take That, (for those of you who don't know then don't judge, you know how people say that Elton John wrote the songs to accompany their life? Well, I think that Gary Barlow has written the songs of my life so far, I have no doubt he will continue to do so.)
Back to Mr Campbell and the day after I get the message, Sky Arts has a documentary on him called 'I'll Be Me'. So I had to record it and to relive. I wasn't expecting what I saw, I hadn't heard that Mr C had Alzheimer's and what a brave story it was to tell.
I've had my brushes with dementia and all that I knew in the face of it, was to pour out love, but as far as know, I'm yet to meet Alzheimer's. Losing someone in the traditional sense, is hard enough, losing them when they are still physically with you, well, it's hard to imagine.
I applaud the family for giving the release to the documentary, I don't think I would have been so brave. I felt that the documentary was geared towards the Alzheimer's, I'm sure to bring awareness, but my heart was geared towards Mr C, that face, that voice, those songs. Many, many, happy memories.
My friend and I, as close as we are, and despite being born only 9 months apart, we had totally different childhoods. I won't go into the personal differences but culturally or at least musically, we are worlds apart. My Mum didn't have a car but my eldest sister and her husband did and that was the car we travelled in for holiday's. Must ask sister but from what I can recall, it was mostly Glen Campbell and Neil Diamond on the car radio to accompany our travels.
I'm trying to fill in the gaps of my friend's musical abyss, to make sure that he gets to enjoy the full spectrum that I got to enjoy as a kid. We had a conversation yesterday about when we were young and if you liked so-and-so, then you couldn't like the other. Me? Well, I was never cool. I grew up with Diamond, Campbell and Parton. Abba sucked me in all on their own, Elton John, Take That, (for those of you who don't know then don't judge, you know how people say that Elton John wrote the songs to accompany their life? Well, I think that Gary Barlow has written the songs of my life so far, I have no doubt he will continue to do so.)
Back to Mr Campbell and the day after I get the message, Sky Arts has a documentary on him called 'I'll Be Me'. So I had to record it and to relive. I wasn't expecting what I saw, I hadn't heard that Mr C had Alzheimer's and what a brave story it was to tell.
I've had my brushes with dementia and all that I knew in the face of it, was to pour out love, but as far as know, I'm yet to meet Alzheimer's. Losing someone in the traditional sense, is hard enough, losing them when they are still physically with you, well, it's hard to imagine.
I applaud the family for giving the release to the documentary, I don't think I would have been so brave. I felt that the documentary was geared towards the Alzheimer's, I'm sure to bring awareness, but my heart was geared towards Mr C, that face, that voice, those songs. Many, many, happy memories.
5th
It's November 5th and it's my Mum's anniversary again. It's already been so many years but I think that if I lived for another fifty years, it would still be a sad and thought provoking day.
I know that she is fine, I know that I'll see her again one day, I know that I can talk to her any time I want to and that she will hear me, but I miss her presence. I miss looking into those7/8ths brown and 1/8th hazel eyes. I miss that dazzling smile. I miss the laughter and seeing her screwed up eyes through my screwed up eyes.
This day is always rubbish, it's a reminder of having to let go of something and someone so precious. Nothing can make this day OK ever again. All you can do is get through it the best that you can and if your best happens to suck, then so be it.
On the plus side, it's cold, just 6 degrees but we have beautiful sunshine. It's a bright and a little breezy day and I'm grateful for it, much better than a dark, rain soaked and dismal day.
Tonight will be strewn with the fervent whizzes and bangs of fireworks exploding in my sky. If I had been given the choice, I would not have chosen the 5th for this to be her anniversary but, even on that first day, that evening when the explosions began, I did see it as a celebration, a thank you, a launching towards something beautiful, towards her next chapter.
I'll miss her until I see her again.
I know that she is fine, I know that I'll see her again one day, I know that I can talk to her any time I want to and that she will hear me, but I miss her presence. I miss looking into those7/8ths brown and 1/8th hazel eyes. I miss that dazzling smile. I miss the laughter and seeing her screwed up eyes through my screwed up eyes.
This day is always rubbish, it's a reminder of having to let go of something and someone so precious. Nothing can make this day OK ever again. All you can do is get through it the best that you can and if your best happens to suck, then so be it.
On the plus side, it's cold, just 6 degrees but we have beautiful sunshine. It's a bright and a little breezy day and I'm grateful for it, much better than a dark, rain soaked and dismal day.
Tonight will be strewn with the fervent whizzes and bangs of fireworks exploding in my sky. If I had been given the choice, I would not have chosen the 5th for this to be her anniversary but, even on that first day, that evening when the explosions began, I did see it as a celebration, a thank you, a launching towards something beautiful, towards her next chapter.
I'll miss her until I see her again.
Friday, 4 November 2016
Jet Lag?
Well, the clocks fell back one hour last weekend and I have felt totally jet lagged since. I'm not sure if it's the dark nights, from 5pm or the drop in temperature or a combination or something else?
Wednesday was a long day, I knew it would be long and reversed my meals, double breakfast, extra lunch and a light dinner. I left home at 5.15am, was in meetings for most of the day, got home at 18.25, had a shower, scrambled egg and watched an hour of TV... and I was a gonna. I was so cold, tired and hungry, I just took myself off to bed at 20.00 with several hot water bottles and went out like a light.
Thursday wasn't much different but thankfully I had booked Friday off. Began to watch and then continued to watch, 'Sixth Sense', part of the Halloween film fest that was on offer this year. It's years since I've watched this and although nothing can beat the experience of watching it for the first time, even when you know the twist, it's still a great film, stellar performances from Hayley Joel Osment, Bruce Willis and Toni Collette, a true corker.
I still have, on a lighter note, "Young Frankenstein" to watch again, and of course, the obligatory, "Hocus Pocus"; Midler, Parker and Najimy.
Nuff said x
Wednesday was a long day, I knew it would be long and reversed my meals, double breakfast, extra lunch and a light dinner. I left home at 5.15am, was in meetings for most of the day, got home at 18.25, had a shower, scrambled egg and watched an hour of TV... and I was a gonna. I was so cold, tired and hungry, I just took myself off to bed at 20.00 with several hot water bottles and went out like a light.
Thursday wasn't much different but thankfully I had booked Friday off. Began to watch and then continued to watch, 'Sixth Sense', part of the Halloween film fest that was on offer this year. It's years since I've watched this and although nothing can beat the experience of watching it for the first time, even when you know the twist, it's still a great film, stellar performances from Hayley Joel Osment, Bruce Willis and Toni Collette, a true corker.
I still have, on a lighter note, "Young Frankenstein" to watch again, and of course, the obligatory, "Hocus Pocus"; Midler, Parker and Najimy.
Nuff said x
Charlotte Tilbury
We're a few days past payday and I've been longing to spoil myself with something frivolous for months now. After reading my Elle magazine horoscope as usual on the website, a link at the bottom took me to the Charlotte Tilbury website. I've been eyeing up CT since it launched and I happened to click on best sellers and then Full Fat Lashes, review after review, full to the brim of praises.
My current mascara is pretty much dust so I thought, OK, this will be my splurge. So on my lunch break, I hot footed it to one of the big department stores near work. When I just want to browse, I can't do so in peace due to the questioning on if I need any help. When I need help, well, two assistants are discussing paperwork, (binder is open,) two assistants are taking the photo of one of the assistants in front of the display.
At this point, I would usually turn and walk away, leaving behind me an invisible cloud of huff. But, I usually do so and end up without anything I have given great thought to. Anyway, I approached one member of staff and she was great. Where I thought there was only one mascara available, she began to explain that there are two. I was just about to go with the one I'd read the review on when the assistant explained that the other option is relatively new, and then I hear...
'It's the best mascara, I'll be back to buy another and I'll never wear anything else again.' This is the voice of the beautiful woman standing behind me, big blue eyes, I'm guessing in her sixties, long, doll like, perfectly painted eyelashes. 'Ahhh, but did you have long eyelashes like that anyway?' 'I've had chemo, I had nothing left.'
Well you can't really argue with that can you? The beautiful shopper is gone and I have purchased via her recommendation.
Next day, my lashes do indeed look blacker, longer and glossier. The formula is supposed to contain a serum to help them grow, on that, I will let you know.
My current mascara is pretty much dust so I thought, OK, this will be my splurge. So on my lunch break, I hot footed it to one of the big department stores near work. When I just want to browse, I can't do so in peace due to the questioning on if I need any help. When I need help, well, two assistants are discussing paperwork, (binder is open,) two assistants are taking the photo of one of the assistants in front of the display.
At this point, I would usually turn and walk away, leaving behind me an invisible cloud of huff. But, I usually do so and end up without anything I have given great thought to. Anyway, I approached one member of staff and she was great. Where I thought there was only one mascara available, she began to explain that there are two. I was just about to go with the one I'd read the review on when the assistant explained that the other option is relatively new, and then I hear...
'It's the best mascara, I'll be back to buy another and I'll never wear anything else again.' This is the voice of the beautiful woman standing behind me, big blue eyes, I'm guessing in her sixties, long, doll like, perfectly painted eyelashes. 'Ahhh, but did you have long eyelashes like that anyway?' 'I've had chemo, I had nothing left.'
Well you can't really argue with that can you? The beautiful shopper is gone and I have purchased via her recommendation.
Next day, my lashes do indeed look blacker, longer and glossier. The formula is supposed to contain a serum to help them grow, on that, I will let you know.
Sunday, 23 October 2016
Fly Away Home
I came home this Friday evening and began to strip in front of... the washing machine in order to complete my 'work wear' load and set off the washer on it's merry way, as is my usual Friday evening routine. First off was my top and as I pulled it up and over my head, I saw a black soft blodge between my cleavage. I thought...'what the hell is that?' In the midst of panic and a state of horror. While all of this is going on, I'm telling myself; 'it's black fluff, it's black fluff.'
With top in my hands, I brushed at my cleavage and the blodge fell to the kitchen floor. I stared at the blackness hoping and wishing for fluff, but then it's wings unfurled, flapped and then retreated. Horrified at first, I then caught a glimpse of colour. Is that a? Oh thank God, it's only a Ladybird and I can cope with the thought of a Ladybird nestling between my cleavage...just.
I know that technically, it's probably an insect but come on... it's a Ladybird. It flapped a couple of times on the kitchen floor as I spoke soothing words to it and scooped it up in a tissue before relocating it to the patio.
I'm guessing it was suffering from heat exhaustion, not so much from being between my cleavage, but from being under my blouse and under my winter Northface super insulated coat, even though it's still not that cold really. Plus it had to endure an hour's car journey and a brief trip around the Supermarket. Plus, plus, when did it land there? Lunchtime or on the way to the car? I suspect lunchtime when I wasn't wearing my scarf along with said coat.
Poor thing. I really hope it survived to make it to someone else's cleavage.
With top in my hands, I brushed at my cleavage and the blodge fell to the kitchen floor. I stared at the blackness hoping and wishing for fluff, but then it's wings unfurled, flapped and then retreated. Horrified at first, I then caught a glimpse of colour. Is that a? Oh thank God, it's only a Ladybird and I can cope with the thought of a Ladybird nestling between my cleavage...just.
I know that technically, it's probably an insect but come on... it's a Ladybird. It flapped a couple of times on the kitchen floor as I spoke soothing words to it and scooped it up in a tissue before relocating it to the patio.
I'm guessing it was suffering from heat exhaustion, not so much from being between my cleavage, but from being under my blouse and under my winter Northface super insulated coat, even though it's still not that cold really. Plus it had to endure an hour's car journey and a brief trip around the Supermarket. Plus, plus, when did it land there? Lunchtime or on the way to the car? I suspect lunchtime when I wasn't wearing my scarf along with said coat.
Poor thing. I really hope it survived to make it to someone else's cleavage.
Saturday, 15 October 2016
Happy Anniversary
It's early October and the leaves are beginning to get that tinge of gold in them that I love and I'm at the airport awaiting my return flight home after visiting my lovely 'dancing' friends.
It turns out that this is our tenth anniversary. We get on so well, (you know those friendships that you can't remember life before?) Well, luckily for the majority of us, we met a week before JR went in for her hip op and so it's time stamped on the memory of JR and she just has to remind the rest of us.
So, a decade ago, we all happened to book onto a ballroom dancing weekend in the Cotswold's. Two long married couples, one engaged couple and me. I still don't know what possessed me, (gave me the courage,) to book as a singleton and to drive further than I ever had done at the time, (this was even before Satnav,) and to roll up alone and to attempt to 'socialise' for an entire weekend. You know that I do not do 'social'. I like my friends, I love my friends, I can talk to them, I am incapable of small talk to people that I don't know.
But, fate lent a hand and we all wound up on the same round table at dinner on that first night. We all miraculously gelled and somewhere between the parquet flooring and the sequins, a new circle of friends was born.
Ten years, one wedding, one funeral, two baby boys, one baby girl, a miniature schnauzer puppy, two house moves a serious back operation and a renovation later, and we're still in touch.
For the last ten years, I've travelled down to my friends, two or three times a year. I used to drive but then, it became actually cheaper to fly, so now I fly. We even had a trip to NY.
I've learned that you're never too old to make new friends, never too old.
It turns out that this is our tenth anniversary. We get on so well, (you know those friendships that you can't remember life before?) Well, luckily for the majority of us, we met a week before JR went in for her hip op and so it's time stamped on the memory of JR and she just has to remind the rest of us.
So, a decade ago, we all happened to book onto a ballroom dancing weekend in the Cotswold's. Two long married couples, one engaged couple and me. I still don't know what possessed me, (gave me the courage,) to book as a singleton and to drive further than I ever had done at the time, (this was even before Satnav,) and to roll up alone and to attempt to 'socialise' for an entire weekend. You know that I do not do 'social'. I like my friends, I love my friends, I can talk to them, I am incapable of small talk to people that I don't know.
But, fate lent a hand and we all wound up on the same round table at dinner on that first night. We all miraculously gelled and somewhere between the parquet flooring and the sequins, a new circle of friends was born.
Ten years, one wedding, one funeral, two baby boys, one baby girl, a miniature schnauzer puppy, two house moves a serious back operation and a renovation later, and we're still in touch.
For the last ten years, I've travelled down to my friends, two or three times a year. I used to drive but then, it became actually cheaper to fly, so now I fly. We even had a trip to NY.
I've learned that you're never too old to make new friends, never too old.
Friday, 14 October 2016
Blackout
Tuesday evening and I go through my usual ritual; arrive back at home after a stressed out drive through rush hour, chop vegetables, throw said veggies into 'soup maker' along with a little oil and some chicken, throw self in shower, emerge from shower minus the day's layer of grime, put on PJ's and fleecy robe, (the one that you bought for me,) blast head dry in no particular style and throw up in one of those bungee, no snag thingies, by which time I have about 9 minutes to try to catch Jan on the phone before soup will be done and then all I need to do is add broccoli, ground flaxseed and let cool a little.
I eat soup, watch, probably a couple of hours TV and then it's almost time for bed. I was mid way through an episode of Ripper Street when I lost all power. I always have at least a couple of tea lights burning so I could easily find my way to the kitchen, (I probably could have managed in total darkness, but you know, I'm trying to build some drama.)
So, I retrieve my trusty wind up torch which I know exactly where it lives... in the kitchen, and make my way to the garage to follow the instructions which have been stuck to the wall for probably the last thirty years. 'Switch RED mains off, press re-set on new box, turn RED mains on'. After a few attempts at this, the garage light came on. I felt a tad capable/smug.
Forty-five minutes later and a bit further into Ripper Street and I'm once again, plunged into darkness, (apart from the almost dead tea lights.) I grab the wind up torch again and head out to the now blackness of 8.45pm. Next door facing out to my left is on, to my right is off, next door but one to the right is on. After several attempts, I conclude that probably it was a fluke when it came back on last time and this time, it's most definitely dead as the proverbial.
I feel miserable, unsettled but mostly cold. Even though the heat had already gone off before the power outage, this place now feels lifeless, cold, even a little hostile. It's unbelievably dark.
Because I always leave a light on through the night, I know that I won't be able to sleep in total darkness. I carefully place two new tea lights into thick glass tumblers and place them on to slate coasters, there is nothing near by to accidentally heat up. I'm holding the wind up torch in one hand, which is becoming dimmer by the second, and in the same hand, hold a box of matches. I take out a match to strike and immediately drop it into the darkness. I realise this is just how it would happen in a horror movie.
I brush off the horror movie scenario and strike another match, then take myself off to my cold bed. I lay there thinking. It's so quiet but then I can hear motorcycles racing against each other, where are they? How far away? I usually have a fan on through the night in my bedroom, partly for the air circulation and partly for the white noise it generates. There is non of that tonight. Next door's dog, who hardly ever barks, seems to bark every few minutes. I don't think she likes the dark either. I'm lightless and alarmless, I know that I won't be able to settle. Once I've processed how sound seems to travel with a lack of electricity (?) my thoughts turn to; 'what the hell am I going to do with my hair in the morning?'
Literally, what can I do? I realise this should have been the last of my worries and is probably, particularly vain but you haven't seen my head in that state. I may have frightened small children on the way to work, should they be up at that ungodly time. I resolved to take my straighteners with me to work, possibly even leave extra early. I would have to somehow, straighten the side bits and put it up in the bungee thingy.
I was still awake at 11pm, when my fan stuttered into motion. I got up, checked my security light had come on, made sure my porch light was on, and finally was able to set the house alarm. Finally, finally, I can go to sleep.
I rack up a whole five hours sleep and wake to rediscover the wonder of electricity. I rise and turn on a light, switch on the kettle, wet my hair with the electric shower, throw my pita bread into the toaster, dry my hair with my hairdryer then straighten the front with my GHD's, all of this, under sufficient light. I don't think I'd survive without electricity. How easily we take it for granted.
I eat soup, watch, probably a couple of hours TV and then it's almost time for bed. I was mid way through an episode of Ripper Street when I lost all power. I always have at least a couple of tea lights burning so I could easily find my way to the kitchen, (I probably could have managed in total darkness, but you know, I'm trying to build some drama.)
So, I retrieve my trusty wind up torch which I know exactly where it lives... in the kitchen, and make my way to the garage to follow the instructions which have been stuck to the wall for probably the last thirty years. 'Switch RED mains off, press re-set on new box, turn RED mains on'. After a few attempts at this, the garage light came on. I felt a tad capable/smug.
Forty-five minutes later and a bit further into Ripper Street and I'm once again, plunged into darkness, (apart from the almost dead tea lights.) I grab the wind up torch again and head out to the now blackness of 8.45pm. Next door facing out to my left is on, to my right is off, next door but one to the right is on. After several attempts, I conclude that probably it was a fluke when it came back on last time and this time, it's most definitely dead as the proverbial.
I feel miserable, unsettled but mostly cold. Even though the heat had already gone off before the power outage, this place now feels lifeless, cold, even a little hostile. It's unbelievably dark.
Because I always leave a light on through the night, I know that I won't be able to sleep in total darkness. I carefully place two new tea lights into thick glass tumblers and place them on to slate coasters, there is nothing near by to accidentally heat up. I'm holding the wind up torch in one hand, which is becoming dimmer by the second, and in the same hand, hold a box of matches. I take out a match to strike and immediately drop it into the darkness. I realise this is just how it would happen in a horror movie.
I brush off the horror movie scenario and strike another match, then take myself off to my cold bed. I lay there thinking. It's so quiet but then I can hear motorcycles racing against each other, where are they? How far away? I usually have a fan on through the night in my bedroom, partly for the air circulation and partly for the white noise it generates. There is non of that tonight. Next door's dog, who hardly ever barks, seems to bark every few minutes. I don't think she likes the dark either. I'm lightless and alarmless, I know that I won't be able to settle. Once I've processed how sound seems to travel with a lack of electricity (?) my thoughts turn to; 'what the hell am I going to do with my hair in the morning?'
Literally, what can I do? I realise this should have been the last of my worries and is probably, particularly vain but you haven't seen my head in that state. I may have frightened small children on the way to work, should they be up at that ungodly time. I resolved to take my straighteners with me to work, possibly even leave extra early. I would have to somehow, straighten the side bits and put it up in the bungee thingy.
I was still awake at 11pm, when my fan stuttered into motion. I got up, checked my security light had come on, made sure my porch light was on, and finally was able to set the house alarm. Finally, finally, I can go to sleep.
I rack up a whole five hours sleep and wake to rediscover the wonder of electricity. I rise and turn on a light, switch on the kettle, wet my hair with the electric shower, throw my pita bread into the toaster, dry my hair with my hairdryer then straighten the front with my GHD's, all of this, under sufficient light. I don't think I'd survive without electricity. How easily we take it for granted.
Saturday, 24 September 2016
Miss Jones
We're in the last quarter of September and it's that uncomfortable time when you begin to detect a chill in the air, yet it's not quite cold enough for the heating to come on. I'm leaving for work in the pitch dark at 5.30am and it's pitch dark again by 8pm, in just a few short weeks, it will be lights out by 5pm.
Pretty tired this week but on Thursday, it was time to donate blood again. My pin prick test to check iron levels, (were they prick your finger, squeeze out some blood, suck up a droplet and launch it into a solution to see how fast it sinks.) was interesting, I think it has 15 seconds to sink, light weight droplets float casually at the top of the solution, devoid of iron, just where they dived in. Well, my droplet sat there for an age, just as I was timed out, apparently, (I didn't see,) but the droplet started to fall right on the bell, according to the nurse. Either it did or they're desperate for blood. Anyway, I donated all 470mls then slept like a log, despite the sore arm.
I've just discovered Richard Ayoade in "Travel Man: 48 Hours in New York". I know he's been around on TV for a while but I've never actually watched anything he was in before, he's very funny, has that really dry sense of humour that I love. It would be a hoot to travel with him.
I had a lovely day off on Friday, quiet coffee and read first thing, managed to find myself the Holy Grail of jeans in Gap, with 60% off. How long have I been looking for jeans with absolutely no, or just the faintest hint of stretch? True, blue, old school jeans that give the tiniest bit to your body. Jeans that don't cling on like Spanx. Anyway, rather that schlep around the mountains of denim tugging at each jean leg I passed to measure stretchability, I asked an assistant who right away took me to 'Sexy Boyfriend Fit'. Has the barest of stretch but when they're on, you can't feel it. For the first time in years, I don't have jeans clinging to my legs. They feel great on and I feel great in them.
After the Gap triumph, I headed to a different Starbucks to meet up with Tracy. We talked for 2 hours, had a great catch up. There is a saying which I can't remember just now, but I think it ends with 'old friends are gold.' And it's true, I'm amazed when I find 'new' friends but old friends are something else, by the time you add up all of the matches, hatches and dispatches, laughing, dancing, crying, it all equals pure gold.
So after the catch up, I headed to Jan who had 10 month old Everly for the day. I was only calling in for half an hour but was probably there for an hour after cuddles, walks around the garden, butterfly spotting and feeding Everly her bottle. I am completely in love with her. I think she likes me but she seems to like everyone :)
After a quick grocery shop, I headed home and Bee arrived 10 minutes later, then, off we headed to watch "Bridget Jones's' Baby". After being deafened by the adverts and trailers, the film finally started thank God. I have to begin by saying that I adore Renee. Initially, I didn't think it was as good as the original, I thought there was a lot of coasting off the things we loved about the original and I thought it was just going to be passable, as was the second edition, however, the final third of the film won me over, absolutely hilarious. You have to go and see it.
Love you. Miss you x
Pretty tired this week but on Thursday, it was time to donate blood again. My pin prick test to check iron levels, (were they prick your finger, squeeze out some blood, suck up a droplet and launch it into a solution to see how fast it sinks.) was interesting, I think it has 15 seconds to sink, light weight droplets float casually at the top of the solution, devoid of iron, just where they dived in. Well, my droplet sat there for an age, just as I was timed out, apparently, (I didn't see,) but the droplet started to fall right on the bell, according to the nurse. Either it did or they're desperate for blood. Anyway, I donated all 470mls then slept like a log, despite the sore arm.
I've just discovered Richard Ayoade in "Travel Man: 48 Hours in New York". I know he's been around on TV for a while but I've never actually watched anything he was in before, he's very funny, has that really dry sense of humour that I love. It would be a hoot to travel with him.
I had a lovely day off on Friday, quiet coffee and read first thing, managed to find myself the Holy Grail of jeans in Gap, with 60% off. How long have I been looking for jeans with absolutely no, or just the faintest hint of stretch? True, blue, old school jeans that give the tiniest bit to your body. Jeans that don't cling on like Spanx. Anyway, rather that schlep around the mountains of denim tugging at each jean leg I passed to measure stretchability, I asked an assistant who right away took me to 'Sexy Boyfriend Fit'. Has the barest of stretch but when they're on, you can't feel it. For the first time in years, I don't have jeans clinging to my legs. They feel great on and I feel great in them.
After the Gap triumph, I headed to a different Starbucks to meet up with Tracy. We talked for 2 hours, had a great catch up. There is a saying which I can't remember just now, but I think it ends with 'old friends are gold.' And it's true, I'm amazed when I find 'new' friends but old friends are something else, by the time you add up all of the matches, hatches and dispatches, laughing, dancing, crying, it all equals pure gold.
So after the catch up, I headed to Jan who had 10 month old Everly for the day. I was only calling in for half an hour but was probably there for an hour after cuddles, walks around the garden, butterfly spotting and feeding Everly her bottle. I am completely in love with her. I think she likes me but she seems to like everyone :)
After a quick grocery shop, I headed home and Bee arrived 10 minutes later, then, off we headed to watch "Bridget Jones's' Baby". After being deafened by the adverts and trailers, the film finally started thank God. I have to begin by saying that I adore Renee. Initially, I didn't think it was as good as the original, I thought there was a lot of coasting off the things we loved about the original and I thought it was just going to be passable, as was the second edition, however, the final third of the film won me over, absolutely hilarious. You have to go and see it.
Love you. Miss you x
Miss Jones
We're in the last quarter of September and it's that uncomfortable time when you begin to detect a chill in the air, yet it's not quite cold enough for the heating to come on. I'm leaving for work in the pitch dark at 5.30am and it's pitch dark again by 8pm, in just a few short weeks, it will be lights out by 5pm.
Pretty tired this week but on Thursday, it was time to donate blood again. My pin prick test to check iron levels, (were they prick your finger, squeeze out some blood, suck up a droplet and launch it into a solution to see how fast it sinks.) was interesting, I think it has 15 seconds to sink, iron deficient droplets float casually at the top of the solution, just where they dived in. Well, my droplet sat there for an age, just as I was timed out, apparently, (I didn't see, the droplet started to fall right on the bell, according to the nurse. Either it did or they're desperate for blood. Anyway, I donated all 470mls then slept like a log, despite the sore arm.
I've just discovered Richard Ayoade in "Travel Man: 48 Hours in New York". I know he's been around on TV for a while but I've never actually watched anything he was in before, he's very funny, has that really dry sense of humour that I love. It would be a hoot to travel with him.
I had a lovely day off on Friday, quiet coffee and read first thing, managed to find myself the Holy Grail of jeans in Gap, with 60% off. How long have I been looking for jeans with absolutely no, or just the faintest hint of stretch? True, blue, old school jeans that give the tiniest bit to your body. Jeans that don't cling on like Spanx. Anyway, rather that schlep around the mountains of denim tugging at each jean leg I passed to gauge stretchability, I asked an assistant who right away took me to 'Sexy Boyfriend Fit'. Has the barest of stretch but when they're on, you can't feel it. For the first time in years, I don't have jeans clinging to my legs. They feel great on and I feel great in them.
After the Gap triumph, I headed to a different Starbucks to meet up with Tracy. We talked for 2 hours, had a great catch up. There is a saying which I can't remember just now, but I think it ends with 'old friends are gold.' And it's true, I'm amazed when I find "new" friends but old friends are something else, by the time you add up all of the matches, hatches and dispatches, laughing, dancing and crying, it all equals pure gold.
So after the catch up, I head to Jan who had 10 month old Everly for the day. I was only calling in for half an hour but was probably there for an hour after cuddles, walks around the garden, butterfly spotting and giving Everly her bottle. I am completely in love with her. I think she likes me but she seems to like everyone :)
After a quick grocery shop, I headed home and Bee arrived 10 minutes later, then, off we headed to watch "Bridget Jones's' Baby". After being deafened by the adverts and trailers, the film finally started thank God. I have to begin by saying that I adore Renee. Initially, I didn't think it was as good as the original, I thought there was a lot of coasting off the things we loved about the original and I thought it was just going to be passable, as was the second edition, however, the final third of the film won me over, absolutely hilarious. You have to go and see it.
Love you. Miss you x
Pretty tired this week but on Thursday, it was time to donate blood again. My pin prick test to check iron levels, (were they prick your finger, squeeze out some blood, suck up a droplet and launch it into a solution to see how fast it sinks.) was interesting, I think it has 15 seconds to sink, iron deficient droplets float casually at the top of the solution, just where they dived in. Well, my droplet sat there for an age, just as I was timed out, apparently, (I didn't see, the droplet started to fall right on the bell, according to the nurse. Either it did or they're desperate for blood. Anyway, I donated all 470mls then slept like a log, despite the sore arm.
I've just discovered Richard Ayoade in "Travel Man: 48 Hours in New York". I know he's been around on TV for a while but I've never actually watched anything he was in before, he's very funny, has that really dry sense of humour that I love. It would be a hoot to travel with him.
I had a lovely day off on Friday, quiet coffee and read first thing, managed to find myself the Holy Grail of jeans in Gap, with 60% off. How long have I been looking for jeans with absolutely no, or just the faintest hint of stretch? True, blue, old school jeans that give the tiniest bit to your body. Jeans that don't cling on like Spanx. Anyway, rather that schlep around the mountains of denim tugging at each jean leg I passed to gauge stretchability, I asked an assistant who right away took me to 'Sexy Boyfriend Fit'. Has the barest of stretch but when they're on, you can't feel it. For the first time in years, I don't have jeans clinging to my legs. They feel great on and I feel great in them.
After the Gap triumph, I headed to a different Starbucks to meet up with Tracy. We talked for 2 hours, had a great catch up. There is a saying which I can't remember just now, but I think it ends with 'old friends are gold.' And it's true, I'm amazed when I find "new" friends but old friends are something else, by the time you add up all of the matches, hatches and dispatches, laughing, dancing and crying, it all equals pure gold.
So after the catch up, I head to Jan who had 10 month old Everly for the day. I was only calling in for half an hour but was probably there for an hour after cuddles, walks around the garden, butterfly spotting and giving Everly her bottle. I am completely in love with her. I think she likes me but she seems to like everyone :)
After a quick grocery shop, I headed home and Bee arrived 10 minutes later, then, off we headed to watch "Bridget Jones's' Baby". After being deafened by the adverts and trailers, the film finally started thank God. I have to begin by saying that I adore Renee. Initially, I didn't think it was as good as the original, I thought there was a lot of coasting off the things we loved about the original and I thought it was just going to be passable, as was the second edition, however, the final third of the film won me over, absolutely hilarious. You have to go and see it.
Love you. Miss you x
Saturday, 17 September 2016
Here Miss!
I'm here, I'm alive. I'm two weeks back to work and I've survived. It took 90 minutes this evening to travel 18 miles to get home after leaving this morning at 5.30am and I'm clinging on to the bright side. Don't ask me what exactly this bright side is, because I really haven't put that much thought into it, but let's just say I have a fixed smile on my face, everything is fine. Everything is fine.
After crawling to our home town, I had to go to the pharmacy to pick up my blood pressure tablets, which should have been ready days ago, and they probably were ready, but I didn't know that until I called them this morning to chase up, as I only have two days left and I hadn't received the text message to say that they were ready, like I should have. The queue to the counter, was beyond the door, not the fault of the staff and everyone was patient, but something is going horribly wrong there and it was not what I needed after the journey home.
So, prescription collection eventually completed and then grocery shop, I came home to vent to the only person I have here, and she's not there on the other end of the phone. Such is life, you've got to laugh.
Anyway, it's the weekend, two whole days of relative freedom.
Also, I think my sense of humour is on life support. I know that my humour was always an acquired taste, but you know I was funny. I can't remember that last time I made anyone laugh.
It's now Saturday and after waking at 5.30am for no apparent reason, I decided to rise at 6ish. It's a beautiful day and after my morning coffee ritual, I came home to do some hard core gardening for ninety minutes, I think I'll be sore tomorrow... more sore.
It's only 16 degrees but it's a beautiful day, blue skies, brilliant sunshine, actually broke a sweat in the garden. A few leaves have started to fall and it won't be long until I'll be wearing a jacket for my coffee to ward off the chilly air.
The highlight of my day... M&S Frankincense & Myrrh Christmas candles have arrived in the outlet next to coffee, so, this officially heralds the arrival of Autumn, i.e. the run up to Christmas. Not looking forward to Christmas this year. Anyway, I love the scent and by January, I will be officially sick of it, but until then, I'm just going to enjoy.
Hope it's sunny with you Col x
After crawling to our home town, I had to go to the pharmacy to pick up my blood pressure tablets, which should have been ready days ago, and they probably were ready, but I didn't know that until I called them this morning to chase up, as I only have two days left and I hadn't received the text message to say that they were ready, like I should have. The queue to the counter, was beyond the door, not the fault of the staff and everyone was patient, but something is going horribly wrong there and it was not what I needed after the journey home.
So, prescription collection eventually completed and then grocery shop, I came home to vent to the only person I have here, and she's not there on the other end of the phone. Such is life, you've got to laugh.
Anyway, it's the weekend, two whole days of relative freedom.
Also, I think my sense of humour is on life support. I know that my humour was always an acquired taste, but you know I was funny. I can't remember that last time I made anyone laugh.
It's now Saturday and after waking at 5.30am for no apparent reason, I decided to rise at 6ish. It's a beautiful day and after my morning coffee ritual, I came home to do some hard core gardening for ninety minutes, I think I'll be sore tomorrow... more sore.
It's only 16 degrees but it's a beautiful day, blue skies, brilliant sunshine, actually broke a sweat in the garden. A few leaves have started to fall and it won't be long until I'll be wearing a jacket for my coffee to ward off the chilly air.
The highlight of my day... M&S Frankincense & Myrrh Christmas candles have arrived in the outlet next to coffee, so, this officially heralds the arrival of Autumn, i.e. the run up to Christmas. Not looking forward to Christmas this year. Anyway, I love the scent and by January, I will be officially sick of it, but until then, I'm just going to enjoy.
Hope it's sunny with you Col x
Friday, 16 September 2016
Paranormal
You know that I have a, what... fascination? Interest? ...in the paranormal. Let's just say that I have an open mind. My Mum once told me that, whilst washing up in the kitchen one day, at the family home in Liverpool, she felt a touch on her shoulder and heard the name; 'Babs', my Granddad's pet name for my Mum as she was the baby, this was around 1949, 1950, after he had passed away. It was Granddad's voice she heard.
One night after school, long before Jan was married, I was eleven or slightly older and some discussion at high school triggered the conversation between me, Mum and Jan that evening over dinner. I heard how Jan and Mum, after visiting Auntie Peg whilst she was ill, had driven away in a taxi watching Auntie Peg, at the door, waving them goodbye... surrounded by a halo of light. Mum and Jan had not immediately wanted to say what they saw, but later, it had come out, and they both had witnessed this strange glow.
That night, Mum sat in the chair by the window in the living room and Jan and I were kneeling beside her, I don't remember what we were looking at, a book of some sort. Jan and I both, instantaneously saw a figure walk past, behind us. I just saw the lower half of a woman, imagine maybe Ginger Rogers, 1940's, a confident woman striding past wearing a just below the knee skirt, maybe pleated, which cascades behind on every step.
Jan and I looked at each other. Mum must have asked 'what?' and whatever we described, Mum sprang into action with both Jan and I scurrying behind her. Mum checked every room like the lioness she was, there was no one living, to be found.
Jan and I have discussed this night many, many times before, but never before have I asked her what exactly did she see?
I am in no doubt what I saw, this week, I asked Jan what exactly did she see, she said she saw white and old, like clothing from The Railway Children, a woman. Our accounts don't match exactly but in that instant, we both saw something.
In the last couple of weeks, I've started to watch Celebrity Ghost Stories. I have had to stop watching at bed time. I came to realise that while I am open to the paranormal, I only apparently believe in friendly visits from loved ones, not from angry spirits who wish to do harm, which is what most of these stories consist of.
The one exception is Loretta Lynne, her story was wonderful and what an amazing lady.
One night after school, long before Jan was married, I was eleven or slightly older and some discussion at high school triggered the conversation between me, Mum and Jan that evening over dinner. I heard how Jan and Mum, after visiting Auntie Peg whilst she was ill, had driven away in a taxi watching Auntie Peg, at the door, waving them goodbye... surrounded by a halo of light. Mum and Jan had not immediately wanted to say what they saw, but later, it had come out, and they both had witnessed this strange glow.
That night, Mum sat in the chair by the window in the living room and Jan and I were kneeling beside her, I don't remember what we were looking at, a book of some sort. Jan and I both, instantaneously saw a figure walk past, behind us. I just saw the lower half of a woman, imagine maybe Ginger Rogers, 1940's, a confident woman striding past wearing a just below the knee skirt, maybe pleated, which cascades behind on every step.
Jan and I looked at each other. Mum must have asked 'what?' and whatever we described, Mum sprang into action with both Jan and I scurrying behind her. Mum checked every room like the lioness she was, there was no one living, to be found.
Jan and I have discussed this night many, many times before, but never before have I asked her what exactly did she see?
I am in no doubt what I saw, this week, I asked Jan what exactly did she see, she said she saw white and old, like clothing from The Railway Children, a woman. Our accounts don't match exactly but in that instant, we both saw something.
In the last couple of weeks, I've started to watch Celebrity Ghost Stories. I have had to stop watching at bed time. I came to realise that while I am open to the paranormal, I only apparently believe in friendly visits from loved ones, not from angry spirits who wish to do harm, which is what most of these stories consist of.
The one exception is Loretta Lynne, her story was wonderful and what an amazing lady.
Sunday, 11 September 2016
Sadness
I'm feeling pretty sad at the moment. Nothing in particular and yet for a thousand different reasons. I have question after question circling in my head like an angry, loud vortex. I'm desperately trying to see the glass half full, and I know that I'm lucky, with my health, a job and a roof over my head. So what's going on?
Physically, I'm tired. I work out, I eat well most of the time, I aim for enough sleep... just. So why am I aching, tired and so low on energy? This is all hypothetical by the way, I'm not expecting an email full of answers.
Had physio yesterday, atmosphere seemed different for some reason. My neck was very stiff but on the plus side, my mid back, which is always like concrete, is miraculously, moderately mobile. Maybe it's not 'normal' but much better than usual for me. I put it down to jogging on my new rebounder and told my amazing physio all about it. We're going to try to leave it as long as possible but I do think I'll need another session at some point.
Today's highlight was Everly cuddles. Yep, my baby great niece just makes everything better. Don't see that much of her but I always greet her with, 'Hi, you know me, you like me', and she is always fine and even stretches out her tiny, chubby arms for me to take hold of her, maybe it's chance, maybe it's genetic, or maybe she likes me?
It's now three days later and I feel a little better, Everly definitely took the edge off. Nothing has changed but I have, I suppose re-acclimatised to... life. Life as I know it anyway. It's a life governed by the clock, by time, it's not particularly satisfying, work doesn't do that for me, but it does pay the bills. I'm still searching for that sense of happiness, whatever that means.
Physically, I'm tired. I work out, I eat well most of the time, I aim for enough sleep... just. So why am I aching, tired and so low on energy? This is all hypothetical by the way, I'm not expecting an email full of answers.
Had physio yesterday, atmosphere seemed different for some reason. My neck was very stiff but on the plus side, my mid back, which is always like concrete, is miraculously, moderately mobile. Maybe it's not 'normal' but much better than usual for me. I put it down to jogging on my new rebounder and told my amazing physio all about it. We're going to try to leave it as long as possible but I do think I'll need another session at some point.
Today's highlight was Everly cuddles. Yep, my baby great niece just makes everything better. Don't see that much of her but I always greet her with, 'Hi, you know me, you like me', and she is always fine and even stretches out her tiny, chubby arms for me to take hold of her, maybe it's chance, maybe it's genetic, or maybe she likes me?
It's now three days later and I feel a little better, Everly definitely took the edge off. Nothing has changed but I have, I suppose re-acclimatised to... life. Life as I know it anyway. It's a life governed by the clock, by time, it's not particularly satisfying, work doesn't do that for me, but it does pay the bills. I'm still searching for that sense of happiness, whatever that means.
Friday, 9 September 2016
Two Whole Weeks
Hi Hon,
Well, I've just been off work for two whole weeks, the first time off for five months and boy, was I ready for it.
I have continued to de-clutter and re-organise, I emptied the garage with the assistance of Jan, on probably the hottest day of my two weeks off, (my car read 38 degrees when I went to move it after the de-clutter.) I went on to paint the living room, ceiling is white, (used the paint that goes on pink and dries white so that you can see where you're painting.) walls are the palest stone you can imagine. Beautifully calm and just what I wanted.
I have ached more than I knew that I could while I've painted, shoulder has practically seized up, but it's the moving of heavy furniture on your own which is the toughie, combined with climbing tables, ladders and steps to complete the task.
Bee came over one day to 'help' and I assigned her to the patio, it looks amazing and she did a brilliant job, it was so overgrown before.
So my haven of calm just needs new carpet and curtains, hopefully before Christmas then I'm set for a couple of years I reckon.
I'm quite proud of my effort with everything, especially the organising and de-cluttering. God knows I've been trying for years, but I think I'm finally becoming the organised person I've always dreamt of being ;)
Well, I've just been off work for two whole weeks, the first time off for five months and boy, was I ready for it.
I have continued to de-clutter and re-organise, I emptied the garage with the assistance of Jan, on probably the hottest day of my two weeks off, (my car read 38 degrees when I went to move it after the de-clutter.) I went on to paint the living room, ceiling is white, (used the paint that goes on pink and dries white so that you can see where you're painting.) walls are the palest stone you can imagine. Beautifully calm and just what I wanted.
I have ached more than I knew that I could while I've painted, shoulder has practically seized up, but it's the moving of heavy furniture on your own which is the toughie, combined with climbing tables, ladders and steps to complete the task.
Bee came over one day to 'help' and I assigned her to the patio, it looks amazing and she did a brilliant job, it was so overgrown before.
So my haven of calm just needs new carpet and curtains, hopefully before Christmas then I'm set for a couple of years I reckon.
I'm quite proud of my effort with everything, especially the organising and de-cluttering. God knows I've been trying for years, but I think I'm finally becoming the organised person I've always dreamt of being ;)
Sunday, 4 September 2016
Bellissima
During my last visit to my amazing physio, she made it perfectly clear, that, for whatever reason, I should not make future appointments. I have increased my range of motion during the past three years of sessions. I am maintaining through exercise. I am scared stiff of dissolving back into the pain and immobility of a few short years ago. Jan tells me that maybe my physio doesn't want to take any more of my money but I'd be quite happy to hand it over for the maintenance and the peace of mind each session brings me.
Still, faced with the fact that I can't have physio anymore, I did some research. My favourite trainer in the world, the amazing Ashley Borden, recommends using a rebounder for muscle, joint and lymphatic health. Rebounding, (on a mini trampoline,) is what Astronauts use to regain bone and muscle density, apparently.
The brand Du jour is Bellicon and you know that I'm a sucker for a good sales pitch. Well, Bellicon, (German excellence,) is recommended by Ashley, who I trust, and so, I did the math, (how many physio sessions would pay for the Bellicon,) and then I ordered.
I'm six weeks in and the Bellicon, together with my Fitbit, is spurring me on to move and be active.
Instead of sitting on my pre loved sofa, (previously owned by you prior to NZ,) watching TV in the evening, I now watch the TV whilst lightly jogging on my Bellicon.
So, just 6 weeks later, I've lost 3lbs by doing nothing else other than lightly jogging when I would have been sitting. I've gained 7lbs since Christmas last year, which I desperately want to get rid of and I know, that movement is the key. I walk to and from the car for work, I go for a long walk on lunch and the rest of my 11 miles per day is clocked up on my Bellicon.
It's supposed to get rid of cellulite so I'll let you know about that one, early days yet ;)
Love you, I'll be back soon x
Still, faced with the fact that I can't have physio anymore, I did some research. My favourite trainer in the world, the amazing Ashley Borden, recommends using a rebounder for muscle, joint and lymphatic health. Rebounding, (on a mini trampoline,) is what Astronauts use to regain bone and muscle density, apparently.
The brand Du jour is Bellicon and you know that I'm a sucker for a good sales pitch. Well, Bellicon, (German excellence,) is recommended by Ashley, who I trust, and so, I did the math, (how many physio sessions would pay for the Bellicon,) and then I ordered.
I'm six weeks in and the Bellicon, together with my Fitbit, is spurring me on to move and be active.
Instead of sitting on my pre loved sofa, (previously owned by you prior to NZ,) watching TV in the evening, I now watch the TV whilst lightly jogging on my Bellicon.
So, just 6 weeks later, I've lost 3lbs by doing nothing else other than lightly jogging when I would have been sitting. I've gained 7lbs since Christmas last year, which I desperately want to get rid of and I know, that movement is the key. I walk to and from the car for work, I go for a long walk on lunch and the rest of my 11 miles per day is clocked up on my Bellicon.
It's supposed to get rid of cellulite so I'll let you know about that one, early days yet ;)
Love you, I'll be back soon x
Sunday, 24 July 2016
Catch Up x
I know what you're thinking, you're thinking where the hell is she? Well, I've been here all along but truth be told, I feel bombarded, overloaded and worried... about everything. And, as a result, I'm unable to string a sentence together or any coherent thought.
I'm going to give you a brief rundown of recent events; so I had cancer in the family, you here then cousins here, friend awaiting diagnosis and any combination of the four, at any one time. Work was... beyond boring my pants off and God how I hate to be bored, I'd rather squeeze in twelve hours work into a nine hour day than sit for seven hours, bored out of my skull.
I'm in organising and de-cluttering overdrive and this place is transformed. I always had in my head that I wanted to de-clutter as if I was getting ready to move. Not that I want to move at the moment nor do I think, given the state of, well, everything, that I would ever be able to move in my lifetime. I've had several lifetimes worth of memories to sort through, plus my own crap. I inherited my Mum's stuff, she was the youngest and last surviving sister of five sisters, plus parents. Everything was under my roof and it's been hard letting go of items but I've done it.
I've been getting up earlier because somehow, that extra five minutes seems to save me ten, so my alarm now wakes me at 4.35am. I know it's not normal, but that's where we're at currently.
I'm not watching much TV but I really love "Sensitive Skin". Huge fan of Kim Cattrall, well, how could I not be? SATC is one of my all time favourite shows, KC is a Liverpudlian and because of her, via my sister who booked the tickets, I had a night at the theatre to absorb my first Shakespeare, in which she was amazing. I love "Sensitive Skin", it's like watching a play, it's not laugh out loud funny but it is very amusing and it's very true. All of the performances are brilliant. As far as I know, it's pretty low key, pretty unsung, but it really is a masterpiece.
"Long Lost Family" with Davina and Nicky is always amazing and I cry buckets every time. That's the show were, as a last resort, adults ask the show to track down a long lost relative, be it Mother, Father or sibling. It always makes me wonder where do I come from? You know that both of my parents are long gone now, I wasn't adopted but I do have missing pieces, as I suspect do most families. It's not a worry, just makes me think.
My flimsy relationship has been through the ringer. I think it's hanging on by a thread. Everything is fine, but something happened recently which made me realise that it could crumble in a second. Something was said, I took it the only way I could, must have appeared stunned/cool for 24 hours and then I received a phone call, to talk things out, clear things up. I would never have called but that's one of the big differences between us. I would have retreated to the dark solitude of my cave to analyse and fall into the depths of sadness, he just picks up the phone and asks a question.
Work is now getting 'better', I'm busier, trying to grasp new skills, trying to learn a new process at the same time as maintaining all of the old stuff and the projects that I manage only three or four times a year. All seems to be happening at once.
Sick this week, really sick, in work. Not sure what caused it, heat, 35 degrees can you believe? Not sleeping? Something I ate? Stress of blood pressure tablets cock up? Blood pressure tablets that cause sensitivity to heat? Who knows?
I'm going to give you a brief rundown of recent events; so I had cancer in the family, you here then cousins here, friend awaiting diagnosis and any combination of the four, at any one time. Work was... beyond boring my pants off and God how I hate to be bored, I'd rather squeeze in twelve hours work into a nine hour day than sit for seven hours, bored out of my skull.
I'm in organising and de-cluttering overdrive and this place is transformed. I always had in my head that I wanted to de-clutter as if I was getting ready to move. Not that I want to move at the moment nor do I think, given the state of, well, everything, that I would ever be able to move in my lifetime. I've had several lifetimes worth of memories to sort through, plus my own crap. I inherited my Mum's stuff, she was the youngest and last surviving sister of five sisters, plus parents. Everything was under my roof and it's been hard letting go of items but I've done it.
I've been getting up earlier because somehow, that extra five minutes seems to save me ten, so my alarm now wakes me at 4.35am. I know it's not normal, but that's where we're at currently.
I'm not watching much TV but I really love "Sensitive Skin". Huge fan of Kim Cattrall, well, how could I not be? SATC is one of my all time favourite shows, KC is a Liverpudlian and because of her, via my sister who booked the tickets, I had a night at the theatre to absorb my first Shakespeare, in which she was amazing. I love "Sensitive Skin", it's like watching a play, it's not laugh out loud funny but it is very amusing and it's very true. All of the performances are brilliant. As far as I know, it's pretty low key, pretty unsung, but it really is a masterpiece.
"Long Lost Family" with Davina and Nicky is always amazing and I cry buckets every time. That's the show were, as a last resort, adults ask the show to track down a long lost relative, be it Mother, Father or sibling. It always makes me wonder where do I come from? You know that both of my parents are long gone now, I wasn't adopted but I do have missing pieces, as I suspect do most families. It's not a worry, just makes me think.
My flimsy relationship has been through the ringer. I think it's hanging on by a thread. Everything is fine, but something happened recently which made me realise that it could crumble in a second. Something was said, I took it the only way I could, must have appeared stunned/cool for 24 hours and then I received a phone call, to talk things out, clear things up. I would never have called but that's one of the big differences between us. I would have retreated to the dark solitude of my cave to analyse and fall into the depths of sadness, he just picks up the phone and asks a question.
Work is now getting 'better', I'm busier, trying to grasp new skills, trying to learn a new process at the same time as maintaining all of the old stuff and the projects that I manage only three or four times a year. All seems to be happening at once.
Sick this week, really sick, in work. Not sure what caused it, heat, 35 degrees can you believe? Not sleeping? Something I ate? Stress of blood pressure tablets cock up? Blood pressure tablets that cause sensitivity to heat? Who knows?
Monday, 27 June 2016
Brexit?
Well, I am one of the 48.1% of the population, who voted to remain, and like it or not, I am being dragged along, under the wheels of the leave roller coaster, with an uncertain future, an uncertain pension and my job now in question... as a result. It will probably be twenty years from now before we know how, in the long run, things panned out. For the first time in my life, I am wondering what it would be like, to live in another country.
Blood
My Dear Cousin asked me to promise that I would enjoy life, and I promised that I would, and in that one sentence, he held a huge magnifying glass over my current life.
My cousin is actually my cousin-in-law, but he has always just been my cousin to me, he's been part of this, broken family, longer than I have and he is yet another example that family is not necessarily connected by blood alone.
Even I am only tethered to my family by the thinnest of threads, this life is like a huge experiment. One day, when I'm in heaven, reviewing, I wonder what I will make of it all.
My cousin is actually my cousin-in-law, but he has always just been my cousin to me, he's been part of this, broken family, longer than I have and he is yet another example that family is not necessarily connected by blood alone.
Even I am only tethered to my family by the thinnest of threads, this life is like a huge experiment. One day, when I'm in heaven, reviewing, I wonder what I will make of it all.
Monday, 30 May 2016
Invisible
Lots going on at the moment which I can't bring myself to talk about just yet. It's one of those times in life that you think; life is short, you need to make the most of it. Be happy, let toxic individuals float away from you, make sure the people you love, know that you love them, you know... the usual at times like these.
It's a Holiday weekend, with my extra Friday off tagged on at the beginning. It was just what I needed, even if I haven't slept well the whole time. I have made the most of it, Friday, coffee then 6 hours of gardening, yep, ached to oblivion after that, Saturday, coffee then off to spend day with my cousin, only 50 minutes away but with the Holiday traffic, 1 hour and 40 minutes away. Got home at 10pm. Sunday, 4 hours of gardening, a little sun burned, Monday, coffee, trip to the tip with 14 bags of garden waste, de-cluttered box room, ironed, de-cluttered some more, texted you, you're headed for Devon as we speak.
I've been in a real slump for a few weeks, the strain of a terminal illness and trying to lend support, being totally invisible at the Christening because I'm single, (photographer visits table to take 'family photos' and takes couple, another couple and family of 4, doesn't even look at me because I don't exist.)
Funeral... again, bad enough but worse alone. But now, a few days later, I have my game face on again. I've been giving pep talks to others. I'm feeling strong, I am de-cluttering the past like a demon.
You know what? 99% of the time, I am more than good enough as I am, alone, it's only at certain times or events that you become invisible, I just need to learn to cope better with the invisible moments.
It's a Holiday weekend, with my extra Friday off tagged on at the beginning. It was just what I needed, even if I haven't slept well the whole time. I have made the most of it, Friday, coffee then 6 hours of gardening, yep, ached to oblivion after that, Saturday, coffee then off to spend day with my cousin, only 50 minutes away but with the Holiday traffic, 1 hour and 40 minutes away. Got home at 10pm. Sunday, 4 hours of gardening, a little sun burned, Monday, coffee, trip to the tip with 14 bags of garden waste, de-cluttered box room, ironed, de-cluttered some more, texted you, you're headed for Devon as we speak.
I've been in a real slump for a few weeks, the strain of a terminal illness and trying to lend support, being totally invisible at the Christening because I'm single, (photographer visits table to take 'family photos' and takes couple, another couple and family of 4, doesn't even look at me because I don't exist.)
Funeral... again, bad enough but worse alone. But now, a few days later, I have my game face on again. I've been giving pep talks to others. I'm feeling strong, I am de-cluttering the past like a demon.
You know what? 99% of the time, I am more than good enough as I am, alone, it's only at certain times or events that you become invisible, I just need to learn to cope better with the invisible moments.
Saturday, 14 May 2016
Zen
I'm in a pretty Zen, (smug,) place right now. Lots and lots going on, changes at work, illness, hospital visits, waiting, more waiting, but I'm OK. Maybe Zen is too strong, maybe I should say that all of my plates are successfully spinning at the moment, I have no doubt that some will eventually slip and smash into a million tiny pieces, but for now, I'm OK.
Well, you're here in the UK and so far, we haven't managed to meet up, between work, family and hospital visits, but I'm hoping to rectify this very soon. By the way, in case I forget to tell you, speaking to your youngest this week on the phone... just like talking to you, except with a Kiwi accent.
I'm still obsessed with my Fitbit and my activity has definitely been cranked up because of it. I'm now walking between 5 and 6 miles per day. I'm sleeping better, apart from last night when I woke at 3am but I put it to good use and so far today, well, it's 2pm and I've walked 7.5 miles so far.
I've found a Jillian Michaels kettlebell workout on YouTube of which I do half of every night with a 5kg kettlebell, it's a toughie, hence the half, Jillian kicks my behind.
I had my end of year chat this week, boss took me for a flat white and we probably chatted equally about him as about me, but he's in a pretty Zen place right now too, finally realising that there is more to life than work, and so I'm happy to ride on his coat tails, I'm not sure how long this will last, so I'll make the most of it.
I was asked recently to promise a loved one that I would 'enjoy life'. I did of course, duly promise that I would, but as the words left my mouth, I began to wonder... what does that mean?
Well, you're here in the UK and so far, we haven't managed to meet up, between work, family and hospital visits, but I'm hoping to rectify this very soon. By the way, in case I forget to tell you, speaking to your youngest this week on the phone... just like talking to you, except with a Kiwi accent.
I'm still obsessed with my Fitbit and my activity has definitely been cranked up because of it. I'm now walking between 5 and 6 miles per day. I'm sleeping better, apart from last night when I woke at 3am but I put it to good use and so far today, well, it's 2pm and I've walked 7.5 miles so far.
I've found a Jillian Michaels kettlebell workout on YouTube of which I do half of every night with a 5kg kettlebell, it's a toughie, hence the half, Jillian kicks my behind.
I had my end of year chat this week, boss took me for a flat white and we probably chatted equally about him as about me, but he's in a pretty Zen place right now too, finally realising that there is more to life than work, and so I'm happy to ride on his coat tails, I'm not sure how long this will last, so I'll make the most of it.
I was asked recently to promise a loved one that I would 'enjoy life'. I did of course, duly promise that I would, but as the words left my mouth, I began to wonder... what does that mean?
Friday, 6 May 2016
Now Breathe, and Focus
In the end, it was my love of sleep and plain old vanity that made me want to change. I hated how old and puffy my face looked. I also didn't like the way my body was looking, I'm not ready to give up yet, I want to wear a bikini one day, if I ever get to go on holiday again, I don't want to have to settle for stretchy pants as the norm because I can't find anything I like to wear that is comfortable.
Having a glass of wine after a stressful day at work is not only a habit, but a ritual, a comfort, a fake de-stressor because we all know that alcohol actually stresses the body, even though we tell ourselves that it helps us to relax and helps us to sleep... it doesn't.
I finally realised that it's the ritual that I love more than the wine. I have, after some bloody awful taste testing, found an alcohol free wine, which is palatable, nice in fact, which I can have chilling in the fridge, waiting for me to return from work and to pour, like a soothing nectar, into a beautiful wine glass to enjoy with dinner. I'm also sleeping like a baby and after a couple of weeks of this, I look ten years younger and ten pounds lighter, I'm not kidding.
To help me concentrate my mind, I've indulged in a Fitbit, other tracking gadgets are available but I've considered the purchase for a good few months and I eventually went for the Fitbit One, which I love. I am already signed up to Myfitnesspal which can be synced to my Fitbit, so the Fitbit automatically tracks my calorie intake, the number of steps I've taken, any activity undertaken and most importantly, tracks my sleep. It's fascinating. Fascinating how shocking my sleep pattern is.
Have to say, I'm a little obsessed but it has focused my mind so much and has really helped me to hone in on the calories in v calories out scenario. If I have ten minutes to spare in the morning before work, I'll walk a few blocks instead of just rolling up to my desk a little early. In work, I have to go up two escalators to get to the lobby, if one escalator is jammed, I'll go to the free one so that I can walk up it. I try my hardest to get out on my lunch for a walk to get in my steps, I choose to be more mindful with my eating. It really is amazing how it alters your thinking but I've always been most competitive, with myself.
It's not all about vanity, we only get one body in this life, I maintain my car, my home, I'd be foolish not to attempt to maintain my body wouldn't I?
Having a glass of wine after a stressful day at work is not only a habit, but a ritual, a comfort, a fake de-stressor because we all know that alcohol actually stresses the body, even though we tell ourselves that it helps us to relax and helps us to sleep... it doesn't.
I finally realised that it's the ritual that I love more than the wine. I have, after some bloody awful taste testing, found an alcohol free wine, which is palatable, nice in fact, which I can have chilling in the fridge, waiting for me to return from work and to pour, like a soothing nectar, into a beautiful wine glass to enjoy with dinner. I'm also sleeping like a baby and after a couple of weeks of this, I look ten years younger and ten pounds lighter, I'm not kidding.
To help me concentrate my mind, I've indulged in a Fitbit, other tracking gadgets are available but I've considered the purchase for a good few months and I eventually went for the Fitbit One, which I love. I am already signed up to Myfitnesspal which can be synced to my Fitbit, so the Fitbit automatically tracks my calorie intake, the number of steps I've taken, any activity undertaken and most importantly, tracks my sleep. It's fascinating. Fascinating how shocking my sleep pattern is.
Have to say, I'm a little obsessed but it has focused my mind so much and has really helped me to hone in on the calories in v calories out scenario. If I have ten minutes to spare in the morning before work, I'll walk a few blocks instead of just rolling up to my desk a little early. In work, I have to go up two escalators to get to the lobby, if one escalator is jammed, I'll go to the free one so that I can walk up it. I try my hardest to get out on my lunch for a walk to get in my steps, I choose to be more mindful with my eating. It really is amazing how it alters your thinking but I've always been most competitive, with myself.
It's not all about vanity, we only get one body in this life, I maintain my car, my home, I'd be foolish not to attempt to maintain my body wouldn't I?
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Crunch Time
The recommended weekly consumption of alcohol, measured by unit, has been decreased recently here in the UK, it's literally nothing. It's basically three glasses of wine... for the week. The entire week. I'm not kidding. Anyway, the news got me Googling and I stumbled upon 'Mrs D is Giving Up', a brilliant blog from a Kiwi Mum deciding to go tee-total.
I'm still reading, but I recognise myself already. Not sure I'm in the same league... at the beginning of the story or in strength, but I get the gist. The ironic thing is, I used to lie about drinking alcohol. I'd say I had a Bacardi and Diet Coke, or a Tia Maria and Diet Coke, when it was in fact, just a Diet Coke. All that changed when Mum died and I just wanted to check out and not think. I came to love the blur, I was thankful for it and relied upon it.
99% of the time, I don't even enjoy a drink anymore, it was all just a numbing mechanism and it does nothing for me these days except give me insomnia, wrinkles, a few lbs on the scales and a puffiness around the face, not to mention the tiredness and persistent brain fog.
My close friend declared last night, 'I don't get drinking a whole bottle of wine, why not just have one glass and enjoy it?' Why indeed. This comes from the picture of health, with skin so glowing it's almost blinding... and he's a man. Do I really need a more powerful hint?
I'm not sure I would be able to do a 'Mrs D' and give up totally, forever, but I do need to change. We have a friend battling cancer, how dare I do this to myself when I know the associated risks. I still have chest pain despite the increased Blood Pressure medication and I'm convinced the toxins I'm pouring into my system are to blame. I think my Mum would understand, but be worried. For a very long time, I didn't care, now I'm starting to care.
Clear thoughts are so fleeting these days but I have come to love the fog. Still, despite the mistiness, I think that there is a glaring beacon, slap bang in front of me, possibly a fog horn in my ear.
No sooner have I typed in the words above than I hear that one of me nearest and most dearest is undergoing tests, but she didn't want to worry me before hand. God that annoys me. I've just finished giving the pep, but realistic talk, you know... it's probably nothing, but if it is, it's different these days, it's not like it used to be when we both lost blah blah blah... it's different now. And here I am, wondering, if it is the case, would God grant me the strength to deal with and support through this, without alcohol?
I'm still reading, but I recognise myself already. Not sure I'm in the same league... at the beginning of the story or in strength, but I get the gist. The ironic thing is, I used to lie about drinking alcohol. I'd say I had a Bacardi and Diet Coke, or a Tia Maria and Diet Coke, when it was in fact, just a Diet Coke. All that changed when Mum died and I just wanted to check out and not think. I came to love the blur, I was thankful for it and relied upon it.
99% of the time, I don't even enjoy a drink anymore, it was all just a numbing mechanism and it does nothing for me these days except give me insomnia, wrinkles, a few lbs on the scales and a puffiness around the face, not to mention the tiredness and persistent brain fog.
My close friend declared last night, 'I don't get drinking a whole bottle of wine, why not just have one glass and enjoy it?' Why indeed. This comes from the picture of health, with skin so glowing it's almost blinding... and he's a man. Do I really need a more powerful hint?
I'm not sure I would be able to do a 'Mrs D' and give up totally, forever, but I do need to change. We have a friend battling cancer, how dare I do this to myself when I know the associated risks. I still have chest pain despite the increased Blood Pressure medication and I'm convinced the toxins I'm pouring into my system are to blame. I think my Mum would understand, but be worried. For a very long time, I didn't care, now I'm starting to care.
Clear thoughts are so fleeting these days but I have come to love the fog. Still, despite the mistiness, I think that there is a glaring beacon, slap bang in front of me, possibly a fog horn in my ear.
No sooner have I typed in the words above than I hear that one of me nearest and most dearest is undergoing tests, but she didn't want to worry me before hand. God that annoys me. I've just finished giving the pep, but realistic talk, you know... it's probably nothing, but if it is, it's different these days, it's not like it used to be when we both lost blah blah blah... it's different now. And here I am, wondering, if it is the case, would God grant me the strength to deal with and support through this, without alcohol?
Sunday, 20 March 2016
Time Away
Mother's Day was hard this year and you would think I would be used to it by now. I did wonder yesterday if I would see a white 'hello' feather today. I got to Starbucks at 9.10am a little later than usual as Mike pointed out as he processed my card, and as I walked to my usual seat... there it was, a white feather, on the tiles, within feet of the just mopped floor signs. Made my day.
I have three more days in work then I'm off for around ten I think, possibly eleven. I'm still coughing and I have an ulcer on my tonsil and a pretty sore throat. I'd aimed for a coffee date today but turned it down in the end. Probably not the best company in the world and better to be by myself.
I feel like I need to make some big decisions but it's pretty hard sometimes. I have major construction going on right on my doorstep. Neighbours are telling me that they have huge cracks in their brickwork, inside and out. My manager is telling me it's time to move on as there is no progression where I am now, where to, I do not know and I feel more alone than ever. Still, I'm probably just exhausted and in need of some time off.
My first weekend off is just what the doctor ordered. A long weekend away with friends, change of scenery, change of company, a couple of plane rides, despite being 'randomly' swabbed for drugs... again at the airport, (do I look like a druggy or an easy stat? Seriously, I have been randomly swabbed so many times. It really can't be that random.) The change of air, sea air, fresh air, helped to clear the last of my cough. I didn't over indulge, in alcohol anyway. I clocked about 6 to 7 hours sleep every night and it was just lovely to catch up with everyone.
I feel clarity. I feel different.
I have three more days in work then I'm off for around ten I think, possibly eleven. I'm still coughing and I have an ulcer on my tonsil and a pretty sore throat. I'd aimed for a coffee date today but turned it down in the end. Probably not the best company in the world and better to be by myself.
I feel like I need to make some big decisions but it's pretty hard sometimes. I have major construction going on right on my doorstep. Neighbours are telling me that they have huge cracks in their brickwork, inside and out. My manager is telling me it's time to move on as there is no progression where I am now, where to, I do not know and I feel more alone than ever. Still, I'm probably just exhausted and in need of some time off.
My first weekend off is just what the doctor ordered. A long weekend away with friends, change of scenery, change of company, a couple of plane rides, despite being 'randomly' swabbed for drugs... again at the airport, (do I look like a druggy or an easy stat? Seriously, I have been randomly swabbed so many times. It really can't be that random.) The change of air, sea air, fresh air, helped to clear the last of my cough. I didn't over indulge, in alcohol anyway. I clocked about 6 to 7 hours sleep every night and it was just lovely to catch up with everyone.
I feel clarity. I feel different.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Spring
I always time stamp thoughts with pictures .... Lady Edith's wedding in Downton... 1925, my Mum was one and a half years old. Hard to fathom really.
Well, I survived Christmas, it wasn't that it was bad, it was just different and stressful. I spent it with family that I haven't spent Christmas with for a long time, and it was lovely for that reason.
New Year was quiet, just me and Bryan, Bryan Adams. OK, I was here and Bryan was in London sounding spectacular. I went out, as per usual with my coal, salt, bread and silver, let time tick over, watched a few fireworks then let myself back in. Sounds a bit pathetic I know, but, it's just tradition, even if I'm the only one who knows that I do it. No phone calls this year and the mobile network seemed to be on the blink so lots of messages could not be sent, but it was still good. I was in bed shortly after midnight and it didn't take me long to drop off.
January was a bit of a blur, it's always hard work trying to get back into a routine after the Christmas break. The break makes me realise that what I normally do, is not normal. For instance, I didn't wake once naturally, before 7am the whole time I was off. My usual waking time for work is 4.40am, by alarm. I rest my case. Work is busy but I'm taking that as a blessing.
For Christmas, I treated myself to a book by Jillian Michaels, (you know... "The Biggest Loser" coach,) it's called "Unlimited" and I absolutely love it. I love how it makes me think and I love her writing style, I can hear her voice in my head as I read. She has helped me recognise things in myself, she has helped me to see how to make my life better. I can tell you now, I'm going to read it, again and again.
On TV at the moment is the carnage that is...'The Jump' and the reason I am watching this is that my crush of twenty plus years.... Mr Dean Cain is competing. That is the one and only reason I'm watching this. 25% of the celebs can ski and are competitive, 25% have never skied but genuinely want to give it a good go, and 75% are attention seeking desperadoes screaming 'look at me'. I'm kidding, that was a joke, I have one friend who hates with a passion anyone using over 100% in total, you know the drill, giving it 200% etc. I did of course mean 99% of the celebs are desperate attention seekers.
The Monday before Valentine's Day, I started to feel unwell, Thursday, my eldest sister turned 70. I haven't quite got my head around that yet, in fact, I'm probably going to park that for a few years. I continued to feel dreadful for the next couple of weeks, terrible cough, aching, no energy, freezing cold but sweaty. I was getting home from work at 5.15pm and was in bed and asleep by 6.30pm, night after night. After a couple of weeks, I got a Dr's appointment and as suspected, I have a virus with flu like symptoms. Doesn't help me but I feel better knowing that it'll pass soon-ish.
The nights are drawing out thankfully, most nights, I now get home before it's pitch dark, which makes such a difference. A couple of weeks ago, I got home in time to open the curtains because I still had about 30 minutes light left, it was wonderful.
I don't have much appetite but I'm eating bits and bobs, it won't do me any harm and I'm not going to starve. I got to see my darling Great Niece a couple of weekends ago, CJ told me I was hired as I managed to rock her to sleep. She is so beautiful and I know I'm expected to say that, but she really is. God I hope she likes me when she's big enough to decide.
Really wishing I could hop on a plane, sleep for 24 hours and meet you at the other end, we'd then head to Raglan so that I could have the plane air and the cobwebs blown off me while we walked and chatted with the sand beneath us. What do you think?
Well, I survived Christmas, it wasn't that it was bad, it was just different and stressful. I spent it with family that I haven't spent Christmas with for a long time, and it was lovely for that reason.
New Year was quiet, just me and Bryan, Bryan Adams. OK, I was here and Bryan was in London sounding spectacular. I went out, as per usual with my coal, salt, bread and silver, let time tick over, watched a few fireworks then let myself back in. Sounds a bit pathetic I know, but, it's just tradition, even if I'm the only one who knows that I do it. No phone calls this year and the mobile network seemed to be on the blink so lots of messages could not be sent, but it was still good. I was in bed shortly after midnight and it didn't take me long to drop off.
January was a bit of a blur, it's always hard work trying to get back into a routine after the Christmas break. The break makes me realise that what I normally do, is not normal. For instance, I didn't wake once naturally, before 7am the whole time I was off. My usual waking time for work is 4.40am, by alarm. I rest my case. Work is busy but I'm taking that as a blessing.
For Christmas, I treated myself to a book by Jillian Michaels, (you know... "The Biggest Loser" coach,) it's called "Unlimited" and I absolutely love it. I love how it makes me think and I love her writing style, I can hear her voice in my head as I read. She has helped me recognise things in myself, she has helped me to see how to make my life better. I can tell you now, I'm going to read it, again and again.
On TV at the moment is the carnage that is...'The Jump' and the reason I am watching this is that my crush of twenty plus years.... Mr Dean Cain is competing. That is the one and only reason I'm watching this. 25% of the celebs can ski and are competitive, 25% have never skied but genuinely want to give it a good go, and 75% are attention seeking desperadoes screaming 'look at me'. I'm kidding, that was a joke, I have one friend who hates with a passion anyone using over 100% in total, you know the drill, giving it 200% etc. I did of course mean 99% of the celebs are desperate attention seekers.
The Monday before Valentine's Day, I started to feel unwell, Thursday, my eldest sister turned 70. I haven't quite got my head around that yet, in fact, I'm probably going to park that for a few years. I continued to feel dreadful for the next couple of weeks, terrible cough, aching, no energy, freezing cold but sweaty. I was getting home from work at 5.15pm and was in bed and asleep by 6.30pm, night after night. After a couple of weeks, I got a Dr's appointment and as suspected, I have a virus with flu like symptoms. Doesn't help me but I feel better knowing that it'll pass soon-ish.
The nights are drawing out thankfully, most nights, I now get home before it's pitch dark, which makes such a difference. A couple of weeks ago, I got home in time to open the curtains because I still had about 30 minutes light left, it was wonderful.
I don't have much appetite but I'm eating bits and bobs, it won't do me any harm and I'm not going to starve. I got to see my darling Great Niece a couple of weekends ago, CJ told me I was hired as I managed to rock her to sleep. She is so beautiful and I know I'm expected to say that, but she really is. God I hope she likes me when she's big enough to decide.
Really wishing I could hop on a plane, sleep for 24 hours and meet you at the other end, we'd then head to Raglan so that I could have the plane air and the cobwebs blown off me while we walked and chatted with the sand beneath us. What do you think?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)