Quiet time at Starbucks, the usual coffee was followed by mucho scouting for numerous birthday presents, June is expensive. My hip/back/whatever, and apparently now... knees, have been complaining for days and have kept me awake for most of Friday night and so I decided to boycott all forms of housework or gardening today and do nothing much except write and watch TV... all day.
I had the usual Saturday evening catch up phone call with my cousin L and then poured a glass of wine while I watched 'Gangster Squad' with the scrumptious Ryan Gosling. Actually, it's chock full of great actors, strung together by a great story, I'll be watching this one, again and again.
With wine drunk and film watched, I took enough pain killers to make a baby rhino woozy, and retired to bed. I slept like a log and woke at least, 50% pain free.
So, I'm here, morning after, having my coffee. The sun is shining, it's actually warm. I cardio danced for 12 minutes without realising I'd tipped over the 10 minutes mark without realising, (normally, I'm clock watching from 8 minutes onwards.)
The head is looking good, did I tell you that I had it chopped off? Well, it was getting on my nerves. Just too much hair and so on pay day, last Friday, I headed to Louise for a major overhaul. It's a sort of scruffy bob and it just about stretches to almost my shoulders. It's the shortest I've worn it for years and it feels great, liberating even.
So, with the sun shining, and my new do, 12 mins of dance cardio under my belt and in much less pain than recently, I feel like I can conquer the world.
The future has been looking bleak and worrisome for the past 6 months, but now, things are a changing.
Sunday, 9 June 2013
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Small Stuff
After a week of not sleeping, or rather, a week of instead of falling straight to sleep as soon as head hits pillow, I lie there for two hours each night, having lengthy debates with myself about the state of my life, before eventually falling to sleep, two hours later. By last night, I worked out that I was missing a solid 8 hours of sleep from just four nights. I'm off work today, and so last night, I had half of a herbal sleeping tablet then I dissolved into my pillow, only to awake 9.5 hours later.
Today is the first day of the year that you can actually feel heat in the sunshine, yes, we actually have sunshine, although it is June tomorrow for heaven's sake, it really is about time. Apparently, this has been the coldest Spring in 50 years. I am so ready for June to arrive.
So you know how they tell you to "don't sweat the small stuff"? Well, I try not to, to a degree, which, coming from a reformed "hot head," (I'm a fire sign, what can I say?) It takes a considerable amount of spirituality and enforced calm, still, after months of ironing my newest pillowcases, the ones were the makers apparently couldn't get the seams to line up which makes ironing them torturous. Well, I couldn't face the fact that these infuriating imperfections, were the best that I had and so after weeks, months of torture, I headed out to a well known department store and purchased some not unreasonably priced, non-iron, white, Oxford pillow cases.
And so, I got home, I washed them and as I stood, ironing the non-iron pillowcases to get the creases out, they looked good, all seams where they should be, I feel calmer already.
Don't sweat the small stuff, but sometimes, it's just easier to buy new pillowcases x
Today is the first day of the year that you can actually feel heat in the sunshine, yes, we actually have sunshine, although it is June tomorrow for heaven's sake, it really is about time. Apparently, this has been the coldest Spring in 50 years. I am so ready for June to arrive.
So you know how they tell you to "don't sweat the small stuff"? Well, I try not to, to a degree, which, coming from a reformed "hot head," (I'm a fire sign, what can I say?) It takes a considerable amount of spirituality and enforced calm, still, after months of ironing my newest pillowcases, the ones were the makers apparently couldn't get the seams to line up which makes ironing them torturous. Well, I couldn't face the fact that these infuriating imperfections, were the best that I had and so after weeks, months of torture, I headed out to a well known department store and purchased some not unreasonably priced, non-iron, white, Oxford pillow cases.
And so, I got home, I washed them and as I stood, ironing the non-iron pillowcases to get the creases out, they looked good, all seams where they should be, I feel calmer already.
Don't sweat the small stuff, but sometimes, it's just easier to buy new pillowcases x
Saturday, 1 June 2013
Working Girl
No, not me but the film. Now you may be a tad too young for this. It came out in 1989, (I think,) and it was a massive hit. I remember getting a bus to the city to see it, that's how long ago it was. I haven't watched it in years but it was on TV recently and it was only then that I recalled what a gem it is.
It stars Melanie Griffith and the first thing that struck me was how much she looks like her Mother, Hitchcock muse Tippi Hedren. Secondly, it's packed full of stars whether leading, supporting or bit parts, it's choc full. Names include Sigourney Weaver, (I think she is actually billed at the top but the film rightly belongs to MG,) Harrison Ford, totally forgot he is the male lead, Philip Bosco, (Three Men and a Baby,) Oliver Platt, Joan Cusack, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Ricki Lake.
There is one scene were I thought they were spoofing the '80's, then I remembered that it was the 80's, all big, backcombed hair, shoulder pads, as much multicoloured make-up as you could slap on your face and of course, the... going to work in your trainers and changing when you get there trend.
It's a story of good versus evil were you are of course rooting for the underdog. I loved it all over again. Check it out, I guarantee you'll enjoy it. Interesting to note that Ms Griffith was billed third, the stand out star was billed third? Shame on you 20th Century Fox.
It stars Melanie Griffith and the first thing that struck me was how much she looks like her Mother, Hitchcock muse Tippi Hedren. Secondly, it's packed full of stars whether leading, supporting or bit parts, it's choc full. Names include Sigourney Weaver, (I think she is actually billed at the top but the film rightly belongs to MG,) Harrison Ford, totally forgot he is the male lead, Philip Bosco, (Three Men and a Baby,) Oliver Platt, Joan Cusack, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Ricki Lake.
There is one scene were I thought they were spoofing the '80's, then I remembered that it was the 80's, all big, backcombed hair, shoulder pads, as much multicoloured make-up as you could slap on your face and of course, the... going to work in your trainers and changing when you get there trend.
It's a story of good versus evil were you are of course rooting for the underdog. I loved it all over again. Check it out, I guarantee you'll enjoy it. Interesting to note that Ms Griffith was billed third, the stand out star was billed third? Shame on you 20th Century Fox.
Woman is a Genius
For years now, I've admired Tracy Anderson, you know the one, the fitness expert, the impossibly good looking, designer of bodies with all of those famous clients? Well, yes, she looks amazing, as do her clients and I've eagerly read and listened to what she had to say over the last few years, her philosophy, her advice. Was she another flash-in-the-pan with a plan that no matter how rigidly you followed, you wouldn't see any more results than if you did nothing?
I bought a TA cardio DVD years ago but while I may have been able to follow along in a class, in my own home, alone and in front of the TV, it was a lost cause
Queue "You tube" and a clip of TA demonstrating some very basic cardio moves. There are a few simple rules to TA cardio, dance like you're performing and not doing a walk through, dance like either you are on stage or alone with no-one watching, whichever works best for you, change moves every 4-8 beats so that you don't build up bulk and if you really can't follow TA, then "free style", which is what I do. I use the term "free-style" very loosely as there currently really isn't any stylish about it, think Bambi, in clogs, on ice. But... with just 10 minutes every night, for the past two weeks and I've already seen a difference, and so have my work pants.
Darn it but that woman knows what she is talking about. I'm clumsy, can't make feet move fast enough at the moment, tripped over own feet a few times but I'm yet to hit the deck. It's fun, it's done within minutes and you sweat. I can only manage 10 minutes each night at present but I'm aiming for at least 20 minutes per night in the not too distant.
I almost gave up on the first attempt. I was only aiming for 5 minutes but 5 minutes of leaping about, in front of a mirror, in your underwear and trainers, almost put me off looking into a mirror, ever again. Still, a couple of weeks in, and there is much less wiggle in the jiggle and pockets of fat which have simply camped out on my body for centuries, well... decades anyway, they have begun, to melt. I hate to say it, but TA... she is a genius. Dance if you dare.
I bought a TA cardio DVD years ago but while I may have been able to follow along in a class, in my own home, alone and in front of the TV, it was a lost cause
Queue "You tube" and a clip of TA demonstrating some very basic cardio moves. There are a few simple rules to TA cardio, dance like you're performing and not doing a walk through, dance like either you are on stage or alone with no-one watching, whichever works best for you, change moves every 4-8 beats so that you don't build up bulk and if you really can't follow TA, then "free style", which is what I do. I use the term "free-style" very loosely as there currently really isn't any stylish about it, think Bambi, in clogs, on ice. But... with just 10 minutes every night, for the past two weeks and I've already seen a difference, and so have my work pants.
Darn it but that woman knows what she is talking about. I'm clumsy, can't make feet move fast enough at the moment, tripped over own feet a few times but I'm yet to hit the deck. It's fun, it's done within minutes and you sweat. I can only manage 10 minutes each night at present but I'm aiming for at least 20 minutes per night in the not too distant.
I almost gave up on the first attempt. I was only aiming for 5 minutes but 5 minutes of leaping about, in front of a mirror, in your underwear and trainers, almost put me off looking into a mirror, ever again. Still, a couple of weeks in, and there is much less wiggle in the jiggle and pockets of fat which have simply camped out on my body for centuries, well... decades anyway, they have begun, to melt. I hate to say it, but TA... she is a genius. Dance if you dare.
The Time Travelers Wife
Have you seen it? I watched "The Time Travellers Wife" again today, Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams, are both, brilliant. I've watched this film before but I forgot how wonderful it is. The performances are so subtle and real, it makes a seemingly preposterous subject, 100% believable.
Watching the film again, got me thinking. If I could time travel anywhere, within my life span, just like Eric's character, where would I go to?
Can I cheat? I'm going to bend the rules, as they are my rules after all. I won't interfere, I'll just drop in and observe, I promise.
The first thing I would do? I would strike up a conversation with my Nanna and Grandad. I arrived long after they departed and so there is no way I'd be able to introduce myself, plus, it's against my rules, but I could be just anyone right? And start up a conversation?
You know those photo booth photographs? They come in fours? I have one set, actually, I have 3/4 of a set, of me. I'm guessing that I'm about six years old. I can't help but like this kid. She looks awkward and shy and like she is about to be interrogated, then like someone is urging her to smile, then she just, smiles. I so wish that I could take that kid under my wing and protect her from some of the things that are going to happen.
I think I'd visit myself every now and then, a bit like a Fairy Godmother, to impart crucial pep talks at strategic moments, aged 10, body starts to develop, unknown age, teeth start having a plan of their own, teenage years... hot head, aged 20, too old to call that "puppy fat".
I'd like to listen in to my Mum hearing the news that she was expecting me (and not in the grips of the menopause,) and then sharing that news with the family, the news, did not go down well.
I would try to get back to 25th October 2003. I would get up early and I would not go out that morning.
This is why I love the magic of film and story telling, it ignites the imagination, keeps those brain cells sparking and gives you a great big illuminated sign spelling out; "what if?"
Watching the film again, got me thinking. If I could time travel anywhere, within my life span, just like Eric's character, where would I go to?
Can I cheat? I'm going to bend the rules, as they are my rules after all. I won't interfere, I'll just drop in and observe, I promise.
The first thing I would do? I would strike up a conversation with my Nanna and Grandad. I arrived long after they departed and so there is no way I'd be able to introduce myself, plus, it's against my rules, but I could be just anyone right? And start up a conversation?
You know those photo booth photographs? They come in fours? I have one set, actually, I have 3/4 of a set, of me. I'm guessing that I'm about six years old. I can't help but like this kid. She looks awkward and shy and like she is about to be interrogated, then like someone is urging her to smile, then she just, smiles. I so wish that I could take that kid under my wing and protect her from some of the things that are going to happen.
I think I'd visit myself every now and then, a bit like a Fairy Godmother, to impart crucial pep talks at strategic moments, aged 10, body starts to develop, unknown age, teeth start having a plan of their own, teenage years... hot head, aged 20, too old to call that "puppy fat".
I'd like to listen in to my Mum hearing the news that she was expecting me (and not in the grips of the menopause,) and then sharing that news with the family, the news, did not go down well.
I would try to get back to 25th October 2003. I would get up early and I would not go out that morning.
This is why I love the magic of film and story telling, it ignites the imagination, keeps those brain cells sparking and gives you a great big illuminated sign spelling out; "what if?"
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Bernard
You remember me rambling on about Bernard right? The psychic that I saw before? I've seen him twice before in about, 2.5 years and he knows me like no other person I'd never met. He knows me in a way, I'd rather he didn't know me. Anything I'd rather keep hidden from the world, appears to be signposted, to Bernard.
B. You think you're easy to live with... you're not.
B. You are borderline OCD.
B. Do you buy fruit? Well, yeah you do but you throw it away when it goes off... un-eaten.
B. You've been here before, (he's looking at the palms of my hands,) about 300 years ago, he turns my hands over... make that 400 years.
These are just a few Bernardisms. Basically, Bernard is straight talking and frankly, not a flatterer.
This reading, it's over the phone but is just as accurate. I have so wanted to talk to Bernard for around 18 months. You want the highlights, don't you? And you do know this is for entertainment purposes only? So many charlatans out there, but B is not one of them.
B. Someone isn't communicating but they're just not telling you something that you don't want to know. I should ask to meet with him on neutral territory. He'll say 'no' then he'll agree. You should tell him how you feel. If he doesn't feel the same, you should say goodbye, forever.
Good advice, straight as always, and to the point.
B. There is another man around you, who likes you.
J. I think I know who you mean, we get on like a house on fire, but he's taken, and he is way too young for me.
B. What state is his relationship in? And the age thing, he doesn't see that, you look at least ten years younger.
B goes on to mention three locations connected with this other man in relation to me and my future. Personally, I think that B is just super connected to anything that is going on around a person, around me. I do get on with this other person, really well, but there is no way that anything would happen between us. Weird that B picked up several locations though.
B's final relationship advice... keep your options open, for now.
J. Don't I get a happy ever after?
B. No.
J. I mean, just a less complicated life?
B. No. Your life is complicated.
Good to know I guess, at least I can stop kidding myself in that department. See what I mean about him being straight talking?
On the work front, B reckons I should go to Manchester but conceded that I would make up my own mind, regardless of any influences.
I don't know how much of this part was B's personal opinion or looking into my future but he thinks I should move to Manchester with work. My heart will always be in Liverpool and given a choice between these two great cities, I'll always choose Liverpool, it's just in me.
B thinks that I get on better than men than women, 'not that I look like one,' B's words, not mine, however friend Sheila thinks that I'm even stevens on that front.
So it seems that I'm not set for anything life changing in the immediate future. B shared some personal things with me, from his own life and I so wish I could chat with him, as a friend and nothing more, and I could be delusional but I feel instantly connected to B, always have done.
Funny how life brings you the people you're supposed to have in your life.
So, we'll have to wait and see. Over many years, many readings, including this one, the general consensus is that I'll end up living abroad, I can only imagine, that it will be closer to you.
B. You think you're easy to live with... you're not.
B. You are borderline OCD.
B. Do you buy fruit? Well, yeah you do but you throw it away when it goes off... un-eaten.
B. You've been here before, (he's looking at the palms of my hands,) about 300 years ago, he turns my hands over... make that 400 years.
These are just a few Bernardisms. Basically, Bernard is straight talking and frankly, not a flatterer.
This reading, it's over the phone but is just as accurate. I have so wanted to talk to Bernard for around 18 months. You want the highlights, don't you? And you do know this is for entertainment purposes only? So many charlatans out there, but B is not one of them.
B. Someone isn't communicating but they're just not telling you something that you don't want to know. I should ask to meet with him on neutral territory. He'll say 'no' then he'll agree. You should tell him how you feel. If he doesn't feel the same, you should say goodbye, forever.
Good advice, straight as always, and to the point.
B. There is another man around you, who likes you.
J. I think I know who you mean, we get on like a house on fire, but he's taken, and he is way too young for me.
B. What state is his relationship in? And the age thing, he doesn't see that, you look at least ten years younger.
B goes on to mention three locations connected with this other man in relation to me and my future. Personally, I think that B is just super connected to anything that is going on around a person, around me. I do get on with this other person, really well, but there is no way that anything would happen between us. Weird that B picked up several locations though.
B's final relationship advice... keep your options open, for now.
J. Don't I get a happy ever after?
B. No.
J. I mean, just a less complicated life?
B. No. Your life is complicated.
Good to know I guess, at least I can stop kidding myself in that department. See what I mean about him being straight talking?
On the work front, B reckons I should go to Manchester but conceded that I would make up my own mind, regardless of any influences.
I don't know how much of this part was B's personal opinion or looking into my future but he thinks I should move to Manchester with work. My heart will always be in Liverpool and given a choice between these two great cities, I'll always choose Liverpool, it's just in me.
B thinks that I get on better than men than women, 'not that I look like one,' B's words, not mine, however friend Sheila thinks that I'm even stevens on that front.
So it seems that I'm not set for anything life changing in the immediate future. B shared some personal things with me, from his own life and I so wish I could chat with him, as a friend and nothing more, and I could be delusional but I feel instantly connected to B, always have done.
Funny how life brings you the people you're supposed to have in your life.
So, we'll have to wait and see. Over many years, many readings, including this one, the general consensus is that I'll end up living abroad, I can only imagine, that it will be closer to you.
Sunday, 5 May 2013
D-Clutter
The week in work wasn't too bad, had some challenges and physically, I've been really tired all week, so I decided to take Friday off, and I was so glad that I did. I'm feeling a bit more normal today, a bit more like myself.
It's Friday and I know that I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again, I feel like an enforced climax is on it's way. I know that an enforced change with regards to where I work and how I'll be earning a living for the next year is imminent, but there is something else. I feel like I need a clean sweep, a new beginning. I am probably all froth and folly, and this feeling will no doubt pass.
So, what I'm about to tell you, may shock you, on Saturday, I actually did blitz the back bedroom. Each time I entered the room, I thought to myself, "it's not as bad as you thought," then I laughed because don't get me wrong, it really is bad, but it really wasn't as bad as I thought. It just needs organisation and a strong arm to sort it out.
After a very short period of time, I have an actual pathway through the room to the built in wardrobe, there are about a dozen bags in the dining room full of magazines, a car boot assortment, recycling, books, DVDs, materials, clothing, bric-a-brac, all ready and willing to go off to good causes and pastures new. I feel so much better.
It's Friday and I know that I've said it before, but I'm going to say it again, I feel like an enforced climax is on it's way. I know that an enforced change with regards to where I work and how I'll be earning a living for the next year is imminent, but there is something else. I feel like I need a clean sweep, a new beginning. I am probably all froth and folly, and this feeling will no doubt pass.
So, what I'm about to tell you, may shock you, on Saturday, I actually did blitz the back bedroom. Each time I entered the room, I thought to myself, "it's not as bad as you thought," then I laughed because don't get me wrong, it really is bad, but it really wasn't as bad as I thought. It just needs organisation and a strong arm to sort it out.
After a very short period of time, I have an actual pathway through the room to the built in wardrobe, there are about a dozen bags in the dining room full of magazines, a car boot assortment, recycling, books, DVDs, materials, clothing, bric-a-brac, all ready and willing to go off to good causes and pastures new. I feel so much better.
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