(I don't 'alf think of some weird titles to these posts don't I??)
Have you ever worked late until you are the last person in the premises? Weird isn't it? That is where I am now, and I am just going through the 'I think I can hear noises from downstairs' phase.
Weird though it might be, it is also pretty cool. I mean; a place which is usually such a hive of activity five days a week, has now become my kingdom, and mine alone. I can do what I like! I've got music blaring out unfashionably loud (if you think that unfashionably is a word that doesn't suit me....you reeeeeeally don't know me very well do you??), and yes; I am singing along to it. The factory floor is a ghost of its former self (I resist the irrational urge to run around in it), and such an open space is extremely eerie when you are about to leave and have to yell the obligatory 'im last out and setting the alarm' (one day, someone will answer, and that really will scare the bejesus out of me).
Tonight is particularly special for two more reasons. It is my birthday, and I finish today for a week's holiday (yay!). The strangest thing is that although I am really looking forward to having some time when I am not cruising - at 0.0000003mph - east and west on the M62, my favourite time of the whole holiday is.......now!
I am at peace, I am calm, and what is more, my holiday - and for that matter my birthday - hasn't really begun yet. There is the anticipation of going to social badminton tonight, there is the anticipation of the meal I will be having with my sister and me mam tomorrow, and there is the anticipation of catching up on watching more DVD's and reading more books than Amazon can deliver to the entire country at Christmas (ok, maybe I exaggerate a snifter). Far from any of these things ending up being an anti-climax, I will really enjoy them all; but right now they are all waiting for me, and it is very exciting. I am going to take a moment, enjoy it.......breathe it in.
My apologies for quoting a line out of Lord of the Rings - one of my many weaknesses - but it is so applicable here......'remember today brother........today........life is good!'
Have a great weekend friends x
Friday 30 September 2011
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Bed Bed Bed Beddy Bed
You know, I've met people who state with pleasure that the thing they love the most in the world is their bed. I always think that is a bit of a waste, as you can't get much done in life from a bed. However, right at this moment, I am 100% with them. I love my bed, I love it so much; I want to marry it and have little futons together.
I tried to get out of badminton practice tonight, but the guilt bone activated when I was told that without me there would only be three people turning up (not enough!). So I turned up, and what followed was 2 hours of hard, solid badminton. With only four of us there was no respite (five of you, you get to sit off one match in five); just enough time to take a sip of fluids and back out on court again.
Good thing is that when I first started the Wednesday night thing about a year ago, I made it through about an hour and a quarter and had to stop before I collapsed. Tonight I am absolutely shattered, but made it through the whole two hours. I feel fitter, and evidence like that is incontrovertible (oh, god; a word of six syllables at this time of night, I need a lie down...................hang on........I am lying down!!)
Anyway, back to the new love of my life. When I got back tonight, I didn't sit down, just made straight for the shower while my spag bol (Heinz, really could not be faffed doing it myself!) was on the stove. Then I actually made myself a dinner tray, and took it upstairs to my nice electric blanketted bed. I've had my spag (on toast) and am about to tuck in to my yoghurt. Don't worry, I won't make a habit of it, but could I just say for just this once only, that it's lovely (not just the yoghurt, the whole tucked-up-in-bed-having-din-dins concept)!!! If you had seen me lummoxing round on the court tonight, you'd know I have earned it!
Anyway, if you don't mind I would like to be left alone with my new fiance; two's a company and all that..........
I tried to get out of badminton practice tonight, but the guilt bone activated when I was told that without me there would only be three people turning up (not enough!). So I turned up, and what followed was 2 hours of hard, solid badminton. With only four of us there was no respite (five of you, you get to sit off one match in five); just enough time to take a sip of fluids and back out on court again.
Good thing is that when I first started the Wednesday night thing about a year ago, I made it through about an hour and a quarter and had to stop before I collapsed. Tonight I am absolutely shattered, but made it through the whole two hours. I feel fitter, and evidence like that is incontrovertible (oh, god; a word of six syllables at this time of night, I need a lie down...................hang on........I am lying down!!)
Anyway, back to the new love of my life. When I got back tonight, I didn't sit down, just made straight for the shower while my spag bol (Heinz, really could not be faffed doing it myself!) was on the stove. Then I actually made myself a dinner tray, and took it upstairs to my nice electric blanketted bed. I've had my spag (on toast) and am about to tuck in to my yoghurt. Don't worry, I won't make a habit of it, but could I just say for just this once only, that it's lovely (not just the yoghurt, the whole tucked-up-in-bed-having-din-dins concept)!!! If you had seen me lummoxing round on the court tonight, you'd know I have earned it!
Anyway, if you don't mind I would like to be left alone with my new fiance; two's a company and all that..........
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Weigh in (15)
Well, it has been a night of losses. I witnessed Stockport County lose 4-2, but I also witnessed myself lose 4 pounds, which weighs me in at a pleasing 17 stone 6!! It feels good to redress the damage done over the last couple of weeks. I was by no means a nutritional saint, but the two sessions of badminton and the hour on the Wii Fit meant I could have some minor naughties (crumpets!) and get away with it!
This next couple of weeks will be pivotal, as there could be some indulgences. First of all it's my birthday on Friday (the 17th anniversary of my 21st year), then I am off work the week after; both of these are ingredients in the recipe for disaster. What I am reminding myself, is that one more good week will mean I have as good as broken the back of 17 stone. I tell you, it is almost inconceivable to think of myself as going below this milestone; breaking 18 was weird enough, but I shudder to think of when my weight last had a 16 stone at the beginning of it. So, it's controlled treating over the next fortnight, along with using the week off for some healthy treats like swimming and walking. A colleague of mine has helped me with the latter; sending me the details of two walks which start......well........at my front door give or take a couple of yards.
Dipping below the 17 stone mark also marks the beginning of phase two of 'the plan'. I already told you that I have found a running track to train on. I think 17 stone plus is a little too much for the knees and ankles (even on a cushioned running track), but once that weight is a memory, it will be time to get my running shoes on (PS: watch for the change of picture at the top of the blog!). The first race of 10km (Great Manchester Run) is 22.5 laps of the track........doesn't seem like much.....but I have an ominous feeling that at the moment, even one lap will seem like a looooooong way (and pleeeease don't tell me how many laps a marathon is, AAAAAAGH!!!!)! Oh what the hell, bring it on!!!!
(by the way, I am due another photo on the slide show; might be a few days late as I am tinkering with these at the moment; first of all the slides are running in the wrong order (I am getting fatter, not thinner!!) and secondly I want to make them a bit bigger; bear with me!)
This next couple of weeks will be pivotal, as there could be some indulgences. First of all it's my birthday on Friday (the 17th anniversary of my 21st year), then I am off work the week after; both of these are ingredients in the recipe for disaster. What I am reminding myself, is that one more good week will mean I have as good as broken the back of 17 stone. I tell you, it is almost inconceivable to think of myself as going below this milestone; breaking 18 was weird enough, but I shudder to think of when my weight last had a 16 stone at the beginning of it. So, it's controlled treating over the next fortnight, along with using the week off for some healthy treats like swimming and walking. A colleague of mine has helped me with the latter; sending me the details of two walks which start......well........at my front door give or take a couple of yards.
Dipping below the 17 stone mark also marks the beginning of phase two of 'the plan'. I already told you that I have found a running track to train on. I think 17 stone plus is a little too much for the knees and ankles (even on a cushioned running track), but once that weight is a memory, it will be time to get my running shoes on (PS: watch for the change of picture at the top of the blog!). The first race of 10km (Great Manchester Run) is 22.5 laps of the track........doesn't seem like much.....but I have an ominous feeling that at the moment, even one lap will seem like a looooooong way (and pleeeease don't tell me how many laps a marathon is, AAAAAAGH!!!!)! Oh what the hell, bring it on!!!!
(by the way, I am due another photo on the slide show; might be a few days late as I am tinkering with these at the moment; first of all the slides are running in the wrong order (I am getting fatter, not thinner!!) and secondly I want to make them a bit bigger; bear with me!)
Saturday 24 September 2011
Sporting Moments - Stockport County v. Liverpool
Yes, I know that a lot of these entries are going to have a footballing theme; for those of you who don't like football I apologise, but also urge you not to ignore these posts. The positive thing is that the point to these stories do not really relate to the game itself.
In 1984 Stockport County were drawn against Liverpool in the second round of the league cup. For a team languishing at the bottom of the league all season, every season; this was not a big game, it was gigantic. The chance to pit our team against the likes of Grobbelaar, Neal, Whelan, Hansen, Nicol, Dalglish, Lawrenson was the match of a lifetime; and for me - a young lad of ten years old - it was impossible to comprehend.
We played fantastically throughout; and if that 25-yard shot had gone in - instead of 'ga-doinggggggggging' off the crossbar (note to self; find the press photograph of that which Paul bought me, ad get it framed!) the stuff of pleasant reminiscence would have become legend. We got a 0-0 draw at home, which meant a replay at Anfield. Unbelievably we managed to get to full-time with the score still at 0-0, and we had three of the best seats in the house to witness it. Sadly, the fairytale ended in extra time, when Liverpool finally broke us down and won 2-0. At the final whistle, it all became a bit too much for this young lad of ten years old. After all that effort, it was all over and I couldn't bear it. I burst into tears.
Paul (my older brother, whom I have to both thank and blame for my love-affair with Stockport County) didn't know what to say to console me (he couldn't change the result); so, he put an arm of comfort round my shoulders and said cheerfully 'never mind Adrian, we'll give Crewe a good stuffing next Saturday!'
Instantly a guy directly in front of us chirped up; 'orrrr norrr yerr wornt!!'. When he turned around, looked at us and gave us a wink, we realised that in a stadium of over 40,000 seats, we had chosen the ones directly behind the chairman of Crewe Football Club! We had to laugh, and it cheered me up no end.
And in case you are wondering........orrrr norrrrrr...........we didn't!
In 1984 Stockport County were drawn against Liverpool in the second round of the league cup. For a team languishing at the bottom of the league all season, every season; this was not a big game, it was gigantic. The chance to pit our team against the likes of Grobbelaar, Neal, Whelan, Hansen, Nicol, Dalglish, Lawrenson was the match of a lifetime; and for me - a young lad of ten years old - it was impossible to comprehend.
We played fantastically throughout; and if that 25-yard shot had gone in - instead of 'ga-doinggggggggging' off the crossbar (note to self; find the press photograph of that which Paul bought me, ad get it framed!) the stuff of pleasant reminiscence would have become legend. We got a 0-0 draw at home, which meant a replay at Anfield. Unbelievably we managed to get to full-time with the score still at 0-0, and we had three of the best seats in the house to witness it. Sadly, the fairytale ended in extra time, when Liverpool finally broke us down and won 2-0. At the final whistle, it all became a bit too much for this young lad of ten years old. After all that effort, it was all over and I couldn't bear it. I burst into tears.
Paul (my older brother, whom I have to both thank and blame for my love-affair with Stockport County) didn't know what to say to console me (he couldn't change the result); so, he put an arm of comfort round my shoulders and said cheerfully 'never mind Adrian, we'll give Crewe a good stuffing next Saturday!'
Instantly a guy directly in front of us chirped up; 'orrrr norrr yerr wornt!!'. When he turned around, looked at us and gave us a wink, we realised that in a stadium of over 40,000 seats, we had chosen the ones directly behind the chairman of Crewe Football Club! We had to laugh, and it cheered me up no end.
And in case you are wondering........orrrr norrrrrr...........we didn't!
Thursday 22 September 2011
Subject of the Month - Sporting Moments
Sorry it's taken so long to get round to another one of these; rather than having no clue as to what the next subject of the month will be, I have had too many to choose from. This bodes well for future months (for me, possible not for you!).
So what do I mean by 'sporting moments'? In truth I'm not too sure myself, but I had to call it something! I both play and watch a fair bit of sport, and in so doing end up witnessing, hearing about, or in some cases participating in what I consider to be extremely memorable moments. They are in some way connected to me (even if only because it is something I love). I thought I would share them with you. To be honest, even if you don't particularly like sport I think they will appeal, and most of them will make you laugh.
Speaking of laugh, the first item under this list is a place I go any time I need cheering up. Do you have those jokes or comedy shows, where knowing what is about to happen makes you start laughing before it has happened? Well this does it for me, and no matter how bad the day is; it will always crease me up. For this elevation of my spirits, I have to wholeheartedly thank Chris Brass (anyone who follows football should already know where I am going with this). I will not cheat you out of seeing it for yourself, other than to say that it was an own goal, and his nose was rumoured to be broken (or at least heavily bruised) during the course of what you see. It is footballing perfection for both the wrong and right reasons.
Now that I have set the scene; I invite you to google 'Chris Brass own goal' and enjoy. He was playing for Bury Football Club at the time. And once again, thank you Chris!!
So what do I mean by 'sporting moments'? In truth I'm not too sure myself, but I had to call it something! I both play and watch a fair bit of sport, and in so doing end up witnessing, hearing about, or in some cases participating in what I consider to be extremely memorable moments. They are in some way connected to me (even if only because it is something I love). I thought I would share them with you. To be honest, even if you don't particularly like sport I think they will appeal, and most of them will make you laugh.
Speaking of laugh, the first item under this list is a place I go any time I need cheering up. Do you have those jokes or comedy shows, where knowing what is about to happen makes you start laughing before it has happened? Well this does it for me, and no matter how bad the day is; it will always crease me up. For this elevation of my spirits, I have to wholeheartedly thank Chris Brass (anyone who follows football should already know where I am going with this). I will not cheat you out of seeing it for yourself, other than to say that it was an own goal, and his nose was rumoured to be broken (or at least heavily bruised) during the course of what you see. It is footballing perfection for both the wrong and right reasons.
Now that I have set the scene; I invite you to google 'Chris Brass own goal' and enjoy. He was playing for Bury Football Club at the time. And once again, thank you Chris!!
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Weigh in (14)
Is it me, or are these weigh ins (weighs in? weighs ins?) coming round alarmingly quickly? I almost forgot to get my shorts on and hop on the mortal enemy that are my scales. Bad news I'm afraid; I am now tuning in at 17 stone 10 pounds, which represents a 2 pound gain, damn damn damnedy damn!
I always said that I would despair should I ever reach the stage when I have put weight on - or not lost it - and have no idea what I have done wrong; and this.................isn't one of those times!
I think there has been a bit of a carryover from the previous weeks indulgences (see Weigh in 13). I also went to the theatre last Thursday with my big sister and the obligatory (okay, okay; maybe NOT obligatory..........but certainly very enjoyatory) pre-theatre meal was Calzone. For those of you that don't know what Calzone is....it's the nutritional equivalent of getting a family sized Domino's pizza, and then smearing a pound of dripping over it. It was a great meal, a great show, and all in all a great night. Made all the more special by the fact that big sis paid for it all as a birthday present (week Friday). However, it can't be called healthy eating. I couldn't resist a few beers that night, and downed a couple of bottles of cider this week aswell.
In addition to this, I have cancelled my badminton training on a Tuesday night. With playing a match per week - as well as some social playing for two hours on a Wednesday, and club night on Friday - you CAN have too much of a good thing. Trouble with that is I usually have my hour training, and pop myself straight onto the scales the minute I get home. I'm not going to go into all the particulars of it, but the absence of that intensive exercise is sure to alter the results.
The positive thing is, that I am not panicking. True, I am impatient to get where I am going, but minor setbacks like this are not yet affecting me. I feel in control, and I already feel the benefits of the weight I have lost; that is motivation enough to persevere. As always, it is one day at a time, one meal at a time......and hopefully not one beer at a time!
I always said that I would despair should I ever reach the stage when I have put weight on - or not lost it - and have no idea what I have done wrong; and this.................isn't one of those times!
I think there has been a bit of a carryover from the previous weeks indulgences (see Weigh in 13). I also went to the theatre last Thursday with my big sister and the obligatory (okay, okay; maybe NOT obligatory..........but certainly very enjoyatory) pre-theatre meal was Calzone. For those of you that don't know what Calzone is....it's the nutritional equivalent of getting a family sized Domino's pizza, and then smearing a pound of dripping over it. It was a great meal, a great show, and all in all a great night. Made all the more special by the fact that big sis paid for it all as a birthday present (week Friday). However, it can't be called healthy eating. I couldn't resist a few beers that night, and downed a couple of bottles of cider this week aswell.
In addition to this, I have cancelled my badminton training on a Tuesday night. With playing a match per week - as well as some social playing for two hours on a Wednesday, and club night on Friday - you CAN have too much of a good thing. Trouble with that is I usually have my hour training, and pop myself straight onto the scales the minute I get home. I'm not going to go into all the particulars of it, but the absence of that intensive exercise is sure to alter the results.
The positive thing is, that I am not panicking. True, I am impatient to get where I am going, but minor setbacks like this are not yet affecting me. I feel in control, and I already feel the benefits of the weight I have lost; that is motivation enough to persevere. As always, it is one day at a time, one meal at a time......and hopefully not one beer at a time!
Sunday 18 September 2011
Comments please!!
Hi Guys; good week this week for exercise. I've already said that I had some badminton training on Tuesday; as it turned out, I trained on Tuesday, played for two hours on Wednesday (had a call from 'the guys' saying they were a man short), and then had the first match of the season on Friday (kicked ass; lost one, won five!!!). To say I worked up a sweat this last week would be something of an understatement.
Trouble is, my diet has not been exemplary. No takeaway visits, but fell foul of the spongecake fiasco which blighted my diet the last time I visited my Mum (not quite managed to conquer that one yet). I am hoping that the exercise will compensate for these indiscretions. Unfortunately - and ironically - it is the amount of exercise which has damaged the diet as it has flicked a switch in my head that makes me think I can get away with it. We will see come Tuesday.
The main reason for this post is a request from the readers. Talk to me and let me know you're out there. Wee Ali drops a message to me on a regular basis, but I know there are more. It would be great to hear from you. What's your story? Are you trying to do something similar? Do you have a blog of your own? Do you have any suggestions for blog posts? Is there anything you would like to see? Why are you reading it? Is it the 'story' or just the outstanding writing.............(ahem)? I will be taking steps very shortly to boost reading figures (you would be amazed how many articles there are under the google phrase 'plugging your blog'!), but if viewing figures do increase, it would be nice to know who were in at the beginning!
Trouble is, my diet has not been exemplary. No takeaway visits, but fell foul of the spongecake fiasco which blighted my diet the last time I visited my Mum (not quite managed to conquer that one yet). I am hoping that the exercise will compensate for these indiscretions. Unfortunately - and ironically - it is the amount of exercise which has damaged the diet as it has flicked a switch in my head that makes me think I can get away with it. We will see come Tuesday.
The main reason for this post is a request from the readers. Talk to me and let me know you're out there. Wee Ali drops a message to me on a regular basis, but I know there are more. It would be great to hear from you. What's your story? Are you trying to do something similar? Do you have a blog of your own? Do you have any suggestions for blog posts? Is there anything you would like to see? Why are you reading it? Is it the 'story' or just the outstanding writing.............(ahem)? I will be taking steps very shortly to boost reading figures (you would be amazed how many articles there are under the google phrase 'plugging your blog'!), but if viewing figures do increase, it would be nice to know who were in at the beginning!
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Weigh in (13)
Well I have not one cotton-picking clue how this happened. Here's me, gingerly stepping on to the scales expecting a metaphorical 'tut-tut', along with telling me just how much damage I have done; and I am down to 17 stone 8 pounds! How do you do stunned silence in a blog post...? How about this...............
..........................................................!.........!....................!................!!!!!.....................!!!...................!!.....!. .................!..........!............................!!!!!!................!.......??!!!!?!.................................................................
Yep, that should just about do it.
I had a night out with one of my best friends (booze), and succumbed to a Chinese takeaway at the weekend. No swimming last weekend either. Strange, but I am not complaining.
One thing is for sure; I don't think I will get away with that regime for another week (and there may still be some residual effect on next week's weigh-in), but the badminton season starts on Friday, and I have had my usual training session tonight with Michael (never gonna make me sweat, no matter how hard you try) Wood. I think a relaxing swim will be in order on Saturday morning too. Exercise this week shouldn't be a problem then!
I truly hope I am over this dodgy period and regained my focus. I think I was a bit naive to think that the level of vigilance could be maintained, but I am well aware that it is these recoveries - rather than the easy times - which are the most important things to get me where I want to go. Let's keep it going.
..........................................................!.........!....................!................!!!!!.....................!!!...................!!.....!. .................!..........!............................!!!!!!................!.......??!!!!?!.................................................................
Yep, that should just about do it.
I had a night out with one of my best friends (booze), and succumbed to a Chinese takeaway at the weekend. No swimming last weekend either. Strange, but I am not complaining.
One thing is for sure; I don't think I will get away with that regime for another week (and there may still be some residual effect on next week's weigh-in), but the badminton season starts on Friday, and I have had my usual training session tonight with Michael (never gonna make me sweat, no matter how hard you try) Wood. I think a relaxing swim will be in order on Saturday morning too. Exercise this week shouldn't be a problem then!
I truly hope I am over this dodgy period and regained my focus. I think I was a bit naive to think that the level of vigilance could be maintained, but I am well aware that it is these recoveries - rather than the easy times - which are the most important things to get me where I want to go. Let's keep it going.
Thursday 8 September 2011
Weigh in (12)
Bit of a sigh of relief when I got on the scales yesterday; to the decimal point I have broken even at 17 stone 10.6 pounds, and I will take that thank you very much!
It's been a funny couple of weeks all told, and I think - between you and me.......voice turned to a whisper...... - I've taken my eyes off the prize with regards to what I am trying to do here. What follows is going to sound like excuses; they aren't, as ultimately it shouldn't matter what happens to me. Healthy eating and exercise shouldn't stop. Like always, I will be honest enough to write them in this blog, and use them as - hopefully - lessons learned for the future.
Routine is often something which is decried; more often than not because it is closely associated with boredom. In the case of losing weight, routine is something I have depended on to get this far. Regular meals, based on similar content (salad, spinach ricey thing), regular exercise (Wii Fit, badminton), and regular posting on here. Lately, that routine has been disrupted; no more evident than in the fact I am posting less - and posting late - on here.
The disruption isn't always a bad thing (often quite the opposite), but the one thing that my established regime did not account for was the ability to be flexible:
August bank holiday for me is a longer weekend than most, as my company has an extra day off on the Tuesday. This led to more free time, and only a three day week; it sounds crazy but it knocked me out of my stride.
I visited my Mum. Now I love my Mum, and I really enjoy spending time with her. Having said all that, she is 82 years old and although mobile around the house, a visit to her can never be called relaxing as she likes to be pampered (and may I say, after bringing up six Blaydons, she is quite entitled to it!). Two things which happened over the last couple of weeks were firstly that one such visit was a particularly high maintenance one after a very tough working week leaving me fairly shredded. Secondly, I go through a routine of emptying Mum's fridge of all the things which are going to be out-of-date within the next week (replacing with new fresh goodies). Rather than throw this stuff away, I take them home with me; and in that bag of iniquity are several things that have no place in the house of......well.......me! One of which was an iced jam sponge, the entire of which went in one sitting.
Finally, I had a visit on Tuesday from one of my best friends. It is a rarity to see him these days as he is a big noise in research living in Switzerland with his wife and little girl. Now previous nights with Martin have resulted in extreme levels of alcohol, followed by extreme levels of poorliness (I will tell you about the 'Aberystwyth University' incident one day, if my stomach can take it). Although our tastes have matured - slightly - to a meal and a few beers over good conversation (yep, that really should be the other way round shouldn't it?!), it was still quite a step away from 'the plan'. I am not particularly guilty about it; Martin is a brilliant man, and it was a great night, but it is time to remind myself of what I am trying to do here.
When playing badders, if we slip behind in the match by too many points we say to each other 'ok, let's go again now'; it basically means 'we are better than this, let's get back in the game'.
So this is me......going again......
It's been a funny couple of weeks all told, and I think - between you and me.......voice turned to a whisper...... - I've taken my eyes off the prize with regards to what I am trying to do here. What follows is going to sound like excuses; they aren't, as ultimately it shouldn't matter what happens to me. Healthy eating and exercise shouldn't stop. Like always, I will be honest enough to write them in this blog, and use them as - hopefully - lessons learned for the future.
Routine is often something which is decried; more often than not because it is closely associated with boredom. In the case of losing weight, routine is something I have depended on to get this far. Regular meals, based on similar content (salad, spinach ricey thing), regular exercise (Wii Fit, badminton), and regular posting on here. Lately, that routine has been disrupted; no more evident than in the fact I am posting less - and posting late - on here.
The disruption isn't always a bad thing (often quite the opposite), but the one thing that my established regime did not account for was the ability to be flexible:
August bank holiday for me is a longer weekend than most, as my company has an extra day off on the Tuesday. This led to more free time, and only a three day week; it sounds crazy but it knocked me out of my stride.
I visited my Mum. Now I love my Mum, and I really enjoy spending time with her. Having said all that, she is 82 years old and although mobile around the house, a visit to her can never be called relaxing as she likes to be pampered (and may I say, after bringing up six Blaydons, she is quite entitled to it!). Two things which happened over the last couple of weeks were firstly that one such visit was a particularly high maintenance one after a very tough working week leaving me fairly shredded. Secondly, I go through a routine of emptying Mum's fridge of all the things which are going to be out-of-date within the next week (replacing with new fresh goodies). Rather than throw this stuff away, I take them home with me; and in that bag of iniquity are several things that have no place in the house of......well.......me! One of which was an iced jam sponge, the entire of which went in one sitting.
Finally, I had a visit on Tuesday from one of my best friends. It is a rarity to see him these days as he is a big noise in research living in Switzerland with his wife and little girl. Now previous nights with Martin have resulted in extreme levels of alcohol, followed by extreme levels of poorliness (I will tell you about the 'Aberystwyth University' incident one day, if my stomach can take it). Although our tastes have matured - slightly - to a meal and a few beers over good conversation (yep, that really should be the other way round shouldn't it?!), it was still quite a step away from 'the plan'. I am not particularly guilty about it; Martin is a brilliant man, and it was a great night, but it is time to remind myself of what I am trying to do here.
When playing badders, if we slip behind in the match by too many points we say to each other 'ok, let's go again now'; it basically means 'we are better than this, let's get back in the game'.
So this is me......going again......
Monday 5 September 2011
Treaty Target
I know I know; I'm keeping you dangling. Honestly I didn't mean to, but blogging to me is always enjoyable, and therefore something I 'save for later'; and blow me if 'later' never actually comes! (Is it any wonder that I end up opening my birthday cards/presents on the day AFTER my birthday?!!).
What I was dangling you about - as if you didn't know! - is the treat I am to give myself once I reach the twenty-eight pound target. It is time to put you out of your misery by telling you something that very few people know; something which I have always wanted to do but never got round to.
SCUBA DIVING!!! (Of course now you'll all say that you had guessed that wontcha?! This I stress, is not to be confused with the act of throwing a cartoon dog into a swimming pool - Scooby Diving, or a very small person jumping into the noisy end of a brass musical instrument - Tuba Diving)
It's David Attenborough's fault, as I grew up with all his wildlife documentaries ringing in my ears. I loved them! The underwater programmes were always particularly amazing; I guess because the environment is about as alien as you can get; one in which us humans don't belong, and don't survive without help. The creatures that do live and belong there absolutely fascinate me, and there is nothing I would like better than to share their environment with them for real rather than on the small screen.
And what's the one creature above all else which I would like to see? The Great White Shark (I almost put 'Great White' but I can see some sarky bugger insinuating that I have a thing for the 'Great White Lobster' or something). I stress here that I am not oblivious to the potential possessed by a creature like this to.....how can I say this bluntly....errrr......EAT YOU. I intend to be inside a nice and sturdy cage; but how good would it be to see one of those majestic animals in action?
SO, treat number two is to book myself into a SCUBA diving course; some way away from swimming with sharks (unless they release one into the swimming pool for a laugh) but I have to start somewhere.
Slightly concerned about tomorrow. Had a bit of a binge on Saturday night, and I am not sure what the result will be. Two weeks of putting on weight will not be good. There will be mitigating circumstances which I will cover tomorrow (this is certainly becoming an inward journey..which is then outwardly shared!); pray for me!!!!
What I was dangling you about - as if you didn't know! - is the treat I am to give myself once I reach the twenty-eight pound target. It is time to put you out of your misery by telling you something that very few people know; something which I have always wanted to do but never got round to.
SCUBA DIVING!!! (Of course now you'll all say that you had guessed that wontcha?! This I stress, is not to be confused with the act of throwing a cartoon dog into a swimming pool - Scooby Diving, or a very small person jumping into the noisy end of a brass musical instrument - Tuba Diving)
It's David Attenborough's fault, as I grew up with all his wildlife documentaries ringing in my ears. I loved them! The underwater programmes were always particularly amazing; I guess because the environment is about as alien as you can get; one in which us humans don't belong, and don't survive without help. The creatures that do live and belong there absolutely fascinate me, and there is nothing I would like better than to share their environment with them for real rather than on the small screen.
And what's the one creature above all else which I would like to see? The Great White Shark (I almost put 'Great White' but I can see some sarky bugger insinuating that I have a thing for the 'Great White Lobster' or something). I stress here that I am not oblivious to the potential possessed by a creature like this to.....how can I say this bluntly....errrr......EAT YOU. I intend to be inside a nice and sturdy cage; but how good would it be to see one of those majestic animals in action?
SO, treat number two is to book myself into a SCUBA diving course; some way away from swimming with sharks (unless they release one into the swimming pool for a laugh) but I have to start somewhere.
Slightly concerned about tomorrow. Had a bit of a binge on Saturday night, and I am not sure what the result will be. Two weeks of putting on weight will not be good. There will be mitigating circumstances which I will cover tomorrow (this is certainly becoming an inward journey..which is then outwardly shared!); pray for me!!!!