Everything in my place is wearing out, that includes me incidentally, won't subject you to the gory details. On a less gory note, managed to resurrect my vacuum yesterday. Following 'burny' smell, and after checking usual filter, did a little more digging (through the dust) and unearthed a 'secret compartment' and discovered a whole host of dust in there, maybe why it hasn't been picking up recently? After cleaning out 'secret compartment' it picked up a treat.
On Friday, I stripped my bed and stuck a wash load in, when then cycle finished, the bedding was dripping wet. Two spin cycles later, it was still as wet and after my success with the vacuum, I set about reading the instruction manual for the washing machine. Undid the lint catcher thingummy and it was fine, apart from the now blackened twenty pence piece I found in there. Next, I had to check the pipes at the back of the machine, machine was off at the wall and so I undid one of the pipes, water immediately came out.
At first I thought it was just water in the pipe, but then it gushed, stone cold water pumping out of this pipe. I head for the stopcock but it won't turn, I try WD40 and rubber gloves for extra grip, it won't turn. I'm not known for my upper body strength so I knock for the two male neighbours that I know... no answer.
After 45 minutes of cold water gushing from this pipe and my water meter counter going into overdrive, I manage to get hold of Bee, just back from church.
In about fifteen minutes, Bee's at mine and unable to to turn the stopcock also, she manages to turn it off at the wall, something I did try but coudn't manage.
I am soaked, clothes, hair, everything. The fingers on my right hand, thumb, fleshy part under the thumb, are all red and swollen from attempting to turn the stopcock with all of my mite. My left arm, 4" up from my wrist then upwards to my elbow is swollen and bruised and hot from it being scraped against the shelf while I tried to turn off the stopcock. The kitchen is strewn with saturated towels.
If I'm a singleton then fine, if I have to be self sufficient, self reliant... fine, but I really hate being defeated by things like a stupid stopcock.
God knows how much all of that lost water will cost me, it'll probably take me a year to pay it off, but you learn from your mistakes right?
Note to self... find someone to loosen stopcock before next water disaster.
Sunday, 11 May 2014
Monday, 5 May 2014
The Long, Short Week
We had a holiday on Monday but this four day week, as is the case with "short" weeks, seemed relentless, mostly due to the cold and bug I had which had taken up residence in my body, starting Monday night... just in time for work. Thought I was having an adverse reaction to eating close to my body weight in chocolate, but I think it was a bug.
Still, it's now Saturday and I'm over the worst of it, not felt great today but I think that may be hay fever? I haven't exercised in over a week but can't seem to motivate myself at the moment.
So the great de-clutter continues, and I can't believe how much stuff I have discarded, you would be proud of me Col. One caveat is that it is very easy to make decisions about my own stuff, literally, a second or two, the items, letters, mementos I have inherited is trickier and takes.... years sometimes, and the fact that it's already ten years plus, doesn't make it any easier.
I love this time of year, the weather isn't great, I think it's about 13 today and wet and windy, and while I'm not particularly warm, it's warm enough so that the heat doesn't come on and I can open my patio door and let fresh air in for the first time in probably six or seven months. It's now 21:30 and my patio door is still open, despite the rain, after the winter, this place needs a good airing.
Sunday and we have some sunshine, not particularly warm sunshine, don't think my towels on the line will dry but at least they're having a blow. I'm still sneezing frequently so I'm still thinking hay fever.
I'm sorting and organising and generally loitering while I await Bee's arrival. I've had a little scrambled egg and so far, it's stayed put.
So it's two weeks since I started to write this particular entry, it's another holiday weekend here and I still feel awful. Managed to get a Dr's appointment but it's three weeks away. My latest thinking is some kind of sudden onset food intolerance, I feel terrible.
We're already into May and in my part of the world at least, it's still not particularly warm, it's fairly dry but cold, May is usually quite warm as I remember, I could really do with some warmth.
Still, it's now Saturday and I'm over the worst of it, not felt great today but I think that may be hay fever? I haven't exercised in over a week but can't seem to motivate myself at the moment.
So the great de-clutter continues, and I can't believe how much stuff I have discarded, you would be proud of me Col. One caveat is that it is very easy to make decisions about my own stuff, literally, a second or two, the items, letters, mementos I have inherited is trickier and takes.... years sometimes, and the fact that it's already ten years plus, doesn't make it any easier.
I love this time of year, the weather isn't great, I think it's about 13 today and wet and windy, and while I'm not particularly warm, it's warm enough so that the heat doesn't come on and I can open my patio door and let fresh air in for the first time in probably six or seven months. It's now 21:30 and my patio door is still open, despite the rain, after the winter, this place needs a good airing.
Sunday and we have some sunshine, not particularly warm sunshine, don't think my towels on the line will dry but at least they're having a blow. I'm still sneezing frequently so I'm still thinking hay fever.
I'm sorting and organising and generally loitering while I await Bee's arrival. I've had a little scrambled egg and so far, it's stayed put.
So it's two weeks since I started to write this particular entry, it's another holiday weekend here and I still feel awful. Managed to get a Dr's appointment but it's three weeks away. My latest thinking is some kind of sudden onset food intolerance, I feel terrible.
We're already into May and in my part of the world at least, it's still not particularly warm, it's fairly dry but cold, May is usually quite warm as I remember, I could really do with some warmth.
Monday, 21 April 2014
Easter 2014
Hi Sweetie,
It's Easter weekend and I'm so thankful for the long weekend. I have felt OK but really lacking in energy all week, I feel like I limped to the finish line yesterday. I totalled nine hours of much needed sleep last night and while my body didn't spring out of bed, I do feel better for the sleep.
After a quick coffee this morning, I came home to continue the sorting and de-cluttering, the rest of this place is looking a bit more untidy, but ironically, that's what happens when you sort. I know that I'll reach a point when I am both organised and tidy... simultaneously.
Dinner with the girls on Monday was lovely if brief, not everyone could make it, and with Tuesday being my most pressured work day, I needed to get away early, still, it was good to see everyone that was there.
Easter Saturday was bright if cold and Bee and I went for a walk around Ness Gardens, it was unusually busy but still relatively quiet, the gardens are huge so it was busier than normal but that doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
Easter Sunday was freezing cold, I had a quick coffee, pretty much everywhere is closed so I headed straight to Bee's, she was at church and left me one and a half sides of A4, instructing me on how to bring the roast dinner together. I admit, I freaked at first then took it one step at a time; take lamb out and use skewer to check juices, if clear, take out, if not, put back in for 15, once you take lamb out, put on clean plate and cover with new foil to rest, move shelf up a notch, spray one cal onto roasting tin and put parsnips in, turn heat up by one. Fifteen minutes later, put carrot and turnip on.... and so on. I like to think I contributed at least 50% and Bee brought it together beautifully once she got back, it was delish and she seemed buoyed by the Easter Sunday service too at this new (to her) church she was trying out, so it was win win.
Spent about three hours with Bee and it was lovely and relaxing and lunch was lovely, even if I do say so myself.
Easter Monday is by stark contrast, warm and sunny. Do feel like I'm getting pneumonia after yesterday, at the very least, a slight sniffle, my neck is stiff, I'm achy and I have sniffles, I'll take some meds and hopefully knock it out.
So Bee has arrived at noonish to garden for me, really don't know what I'd do without her, meanwhile I'm ironing and sorting.
Good Friday and I had reached my lowest weight for a while prior to the chocolate weekend, I freely admit that I have indulged, didn't want to be rude to the Easter Bunny however I'm confident that this "Clean and Lean" approach will have me back on the right track within a week. I really do feel great.
Happy Easter Sweetie, hope you've had a great one x
It's Easter weekend and I'm so thankful for the long weekend. I have felt OK but really lacking in energy all week, I feel like I limped to the finish line yesterday. I totalled nine hours of much needed sleep last night and while my body didn't spring out of bed, I do feel better for the sleep.
After a quick coffee this morning, I came home to continue the sorting and de-cluttering, the rest of this place is looking a bit more untidy, but ironically, that's what happens when you sort. I know that I'll reach a point when I am both organised and tidy... simultaneously.
Dinner with the girls on Monday was lovely if brief, not everyone could make it, and with Tuesday being my most pressured work day, I needed to get away early, still, it was good to see everyone that was there.
Easter Saturday was bright if cold and Bee and I went for a walk around Ness Gardens, it was unusually busy but still relatively quiet, the gardens are huge so it was busier than normal but that doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things.
Easter Sunday was freezing cold, I had a quick coffee, pretty much everywhere is closed so I headed straight to Bee's, she was at church and left me one and a half sides of A4, instructing me on how to bring the roast dinner together. I admit, I freaked at first then took it one step at a time; take lamb out and use skewer to check juices, if clear, take out, if not, put back in for 15, once you take lamb out, put on clean plate and cover with new foil to rest, move shelf up a notch, spray one cal onto roasting tin and put parsnips in, turn heat up by one. Fifteen minutes later, put carrot and turnip on.... and so on. I like to think I contributed at least 50% and Bee brought it together beautifully once she got back, it was delish and she seemed buoyed by the Easter Sunday service too at this new (to her) church she was trying out, so it was win win.
Spent about three hours with Bee and it was lovely and relaxing and lunch was lovely, even if I do say so myself.
Easter Monday is by stark contrast, warm and sunny. Do feel like I'm getting pneumonia after yesterday, at the very least, a slight sniffle, my neck is stiff, I'm achy and I have sniffles, I'll take some meds and hopefully knock it out.
So Bee has arrived at noonish to garden for me, really don't know what I'd do without her, meanwhile I'm ironing and sorting.
Good Friday and I had reached my lowest weight for a while prior to the chocolate weekend, I freely admit that I have indulged, didn't want to be rude to the Easter Bunny however I'm confident that this "Clean and Lean" approach will have me back on the right track within a week. I really do feel great.
Happy Easter Sweetie, hope you've had a great one x
Saturday, 12 April 2014
I Survived... (Work, Birthday, Cystitis, Toothache)
In case you were wondering, I survived the week in work. Charmed the Observers, nailed the reports. It gave me such a boost, I can't tell you. Wednesday, Mum's birthday, was OK, she was never far from my thoughts but then, she never is. On the plus side, for the first time, I didn't dissolve into tears or alcohol, so I'm actually making some progress, finally.
De-cluttering continues and I'm still fired up about it. I'm on such a roll at the moment, it's easy to make decisions, where once I would have pondered for a month, now it takes me two seconds to make a decision. I'm sure I'll eventually reach items which mean more which will take me longer to decide on their fate, but I think the trick is to make quick progress on the easy stuff.
So this week, I had a coffee date on Thursday, two hours of lovely chat and catching up. Next Monday, I'm out with the girls. It will be great to see them but I have an early start for work on Tuesday so I won't be staying long unfortunately.
Count yourself lucky that I'm here at all, I thought my laptop was dead and gone three days ago. I'm sure it's nearing the end of it's functionality but I need to keep it going for as long as possible. With much patience and lots of deleting... I'm here, for how long, who knows?
Been thinking about you a lot, I hope you and yours are all doing well. I'll be back soon x
De-cluttering continues and I'm still fired up about it. I'm on such a roll at the moment, it's easy to make decisions, where once I would have pondered for a month, now it takes me two seconds to make a decision. I'm sure I'll eventually reach items which mean more which will take me longer to decide on their fate, but I think the trick is to make quick progress on the easy stuff.
So this week, I had a coffee date on Thursday, two hours of lovely chat and catching up. Next Monday, I'm out with the girls. It will be great to see them but I have an early start for work on Tuesday so I won't be staying long unfortunately.
Count yourself lucky that I'm here at all, I thought my laptop was dead and gone three days ago. I'm sure it's nearing the end of it's functionality but I need to keep it going for as long as possible. With much patience and lots of deleting... I'm here, for how long, who knows?
Been thinking about you a lot, I hope you and yours are all doing well. I'll be back soon x
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Feeling Good
It's Saturday 5th and woke up feeling amazing, am-a-Zing. I got nine hours sleep last night but apart from that, (and mild cystitis,) I feel great. It could be a combination of things, I'm on the Clean & Lean "diet" as I told you, but I've never eaten more. I measured out of curiosity and I've lost an inch from my waist and one from my hips, I'm chuffed.
Work wasn't terrible, next week has the potential to be terrible. I'm flying solo for the first time since I joined the department 5 months ago, up to this point, I have never done everything, on my own, in the time scales they need doing within. I've always had my buddy to back me up so far. However, buddy is on leave for the next two weeks. On top of the pressure of flying solo for the first time, on the most crucial day, I have "observers," two, one of which is one tough cookie who manages to find fault at the very best of times. Still, I'm going to use all of my charms during the easy part and when it comes to the reporting, I'm aiming to nail it. I've prepped everything I possibly can ready for Tuesday and Wednesday and I'm just going to have to remind myself... to breathe, throughout... it'll be fine, it'll be fine, it'll be fine.
Next week is Mum's birthday and for the first time in ten years, I'll be working. I think it's a blessing that this job is all consuming at times and I know on Wednesday, I'll be so busy in work, I won't have time to think... much.
I'm currently addicted to two TV shows, "Hoarders" and "Hoarding: Buried Alive." You know I never got to this stage but I've always been messy and disorganised, but, these programmes inspire me. I've been doing just 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes every evening and I'm de-cluttering like a maniac. I think it may be a combination of applying the "Clean & Lean" not just to my diet but to my living space too, maybe that's what's making me feel so good at the moment.
So, we're in BST however we've had blanket white cloud for days now, a combination of weather conditions has deposited dust from the Sahara can you believe? All over the UK, even over my car. I must admit, I had my doubts until I returned to my car after a day in work to find it covered in deep red dust.
I had physio on Thursday and I'm now only attending every ten weeks. I'm so much better than I was when I started to go 18 months ago, the difference is remarkable and while I think I will always need a "tune up" a few times in a year, it's well worth the money for the appointment and the work I do in between appointments.
More good news, and I think this is a byproduct of the "Clean & Lean" diet, I felt a bit funny last weekend and so checked my blood pressure. I've been on blood pressure meds for high blood pressure since last October. I decided I should check it as hadn't checked for a while, and it was super low... for me, 101/57, low for me, on a good day was around 145/90, if I was lucky. After several phone calls, (I couldn't get an appointment with my Doctor for a month,) I finally got to speak to her over the phone and she advised me to halve my meds, take readings for two weeks then phone back.
Impressive huh? I have a lot to feel good about.
Work wasn't terrible, next week has the potential to be terrible. I'm flying solo for the first time since I joined the department 5 months ago, up to this point, I have never done everything, on my own, in the time scales they need doing within. I've always had my buddy to back me up so far. However, buddy is on leave for the next two weeks. On top of the pressure of flying solo for the first time, on the most crucial day, I have "observers," two, one of which is one tough cookie who manages to find fault at the very best of times. Still, I'm going to use all of my charms during the easy part and when it comes to the reporting, I'm aiming to nail it. I've prepped everything I possibly can ready for Tuesday and Wednesday and I'm just going to have to remind myself... to breathe, throughout... it'll be fine, it'll be fine, it'll be fine.
Next week is Mum's birthday and for the first time in ten years, I'll be working. I think it's a blessing that this job is all consuming at times and I know on Wednesday, I'll be so busy in work, I won't have time to think... much.
I'm currently addicted to two TV shows, "Hoarders" and "Hoarding: Buried Alive." You know I never got to this stage but I've always been messy and disorganised, but, these programmes inspire me. I've been doing just 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes every evening and I'm de-cluttering like a maniac. I think it may be a combination of applying the "Clean & Lean" not just to my diet but to my living space too, maybe that's what's making me feel so good at the moment.
So, we're in BST however we've had blanket white cloud for days now, a combination of weather conditions has deposited dust from the Sahara can you believe? All over the UK, even over my car. I must admit, I had my doubts until I returned to my car after a day in work to find it covered in deep red dust.
I had physio on Thursday and I'm now only attending every ten weeks. I'm so much better than I was when I started to go 18 months ago, the difference is remarkable and while I think I will always need a "tune up" a few times in a year, it's well worth the money for the appointment and the work I do in between appointments.
More good news, and I think this is a byproduct of the "Clean & Lean" diet, I felt a bit funny last weekend and so checked my blood pressure. I've been on blood pressure meds for high blood pressure since last October. I decided I should check it as hadn't checked for a while, and it was super low... for me, 101/57, low for me, on a good day was around 145/90, if I was lucky. After several phone calls, (I couldn't get an appointment with my Doctor for a month,) I finally got to speak to her over the phone and she advised me to halve my meds, take readings for two weeks then phone back.
Impressive huh? I have a lot to feel good about.
To Be Brief
Brief update of recent events, thoughts, happenings;
"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason;" love Renee, Colin, Hugh, terrible film, best thing about film is the soundtrack... performances aside.
Whatever happens, don't forget to breathe.
Terrible news about L'Wren Scott.
Sad about G and CM, but if any couple can make post marriage work, it has to be them.
"True Detectives" TV Drama; it's like watching a Masterclass, truly, wonderful television, you feel privileged to watch.
Jackson and April 4 eva
Sandra Bullock is a Goddess and a genius, whatever the mood, Sandy can keep you company.
I'm organising like I'm being paid to do it. I have thirteen drawers in my bedroom and each one is now like a shot from "Sleeping with the Enemy". Very proud of myself. (Did it with football face while I had time to spare and wanted to do something both gentle and quiet.)
I'm missing trees, 5000 trees are gone in our town, I love trees.
Today is the first day of BST, 2014, so glad to welcome British Summer Time.
Today is Mother's Day over here and yes, it does get easier. As I write, she's looking at me from a photo, and beaming that smile, still miss her terribly.
"Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason;" love Renee, Colin, Hugh, terrible film, best thing about film is the soundtrack... performances aside.
Whatever happens, don't forget to breathe.
Terrible news about L'Wren Scott.
Sad about G and CM, but if any couple can make post marriage work, it has to be them.
"True Detectives" TV Drama; it's like watching a Masterclass, truly, wonderful television, you feel privileged to watch.
Jackson and April 4 eva
Sandra Bullock is a Goddess and a genius, whatever the mood, Sandy can keep you company.
I'm organising like I'm being paid to do it. I have thirteen drawers in my bedroom and each one is now like a shot from "Sleeping with the Enemy". Very proud of myself. (Did it with football face while I had time to spare and wanted to do something both gentle and quiet.)
I'm missing trees, 5000 trees are gone in our town, I love trees.
Today is the first day of BST, 2014, so glad to welcome British Summer Time.
Today is Mother's Day over here and yes, it does get easier. As I write, she's looking at me from a photo, and beaming that smile, still miss her terribly.
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Sore and Swollen
I have Monday and Tuesday off this week. I sleep great on Sunday night but wake to find face even more swollen. Mouth is about the same, painful, face is the size and shape of a football... big and round. Tuesday I wake to find face more swollen again, after a phone call to the dentist and a phone call to the doctor's surgery, they want to see me and I'm given one of the emergency appointments.
We need to fast forward so that I don't bore you to sleep, but after one visit to the GP, three visits to the dentist, eleven days of antibiotics and two days of sick leave, my face is now the shape of my face and my gums are inflammation free. I haven't had a day off sick in four years but this one beat me and I had to concede.
On the bright side, I'm sticking like glue to "Clean and Lean" and it seems to be working for me, all of the foods agree with me, I'm eating better than I ever have done before, all of the foods are satisfying and I think I look healthier, oh, and bonus features, the cellulite I have on my behind is down around 75% and... I lost 4lbs in a week. There's always a bright side ;) x
We need to fast forward so that I don't bore you to sleep, but after one visit to the GP, three visits to the dentist, eleven days of antibiotics and two days of sick leave, my face is now the shape of my face and my gums are inflammation free. I haven't had a day off sick in four years but this one beat me and I had to concede.
On the bright side, I'm sticking like glue to "Clean and Lean" and it seems to be working for me, all of the foods agree with me, I'm eating better than I ever have done before, all of the foods are satisfying and I think I look healthier, oh, and bonus features, the cellulite I have on my behind is down around 75% and... I lost 4lbs in a week. There's always a bright side ;) x
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