You may remember about a month ago (has it been that long!?) that I posted a Writing Challenge that I'd seen on Pinterest. Well, having done the first 15 questions, here are the answers to the last 15! Maybe give them a go yourself? It's quite thought-provoking!
16. Something that you regret not doing in the last year
I wouldn't say it's regret, as such, more that I just wish I had been able to see friends and family more. Life always gets in the way (as do procrastination, laziness, and finances!) and before you know it, it's been months at a time since you've seen anyone but your other half and people at work. I've certainly noticed as I've got older that time absolutely speeds by now, and sometimes you really need to make time rather than just expecting there to be time.
17. Someone who broke your heart
I have been very, very lucky over the years that I have never really had my heart broken. Not in the truest sense, at least. I have to go back quite a long way to when I was 15/16 and even then, it wasn't really heartbreak, more that I was obsessed with someone who didn't really want to give me the time of day. Considering that's at least 10 years ago, I've done alright since!!
18. Someone you miss
No one person in particular, but everyone who lived in Broad Hall as first year uni students at the University of Hertfordshire in 2006. We became a really close-knit group, with one now being my best friend and another my husband. I keep in touch with everyone else but we're all spread out now and living different lives, whereas at university we were all in close confines and saw each other nearly every day. I really do miss those times.
19. What's in your bag?
What isn't in my bag!? Seriously, my handbag is like the tardis, and it's big on the outside as it is. It's the bag I take to work with me, so it's got screwdrivers, Alan keys, washers and screws as well as loyalty cards for pretty much every type of petrol station, pens and hundreds of receipts (I really should clear it out...). I also haul around all my makeup in it rather than having a separate makeup bag. If I am just going out for the day and not to work, I transfer the important things like eyeliner, a mirror and my bank card and ID to a smaller bag.
20. 5 things you're passionate about
a) Yeovil Town FC - they're my first love, well, other than the obvious! I cannot possibly estimate how many miles I've travelled to see them - probably hundreds of thousands by now in the 11/12 years it's been. We have had some absolutely amazing days and some absolute shockers. It's certainly been eventful being a Yeovil fan for the past decade or so :)
b) Make Up - I don't profess to be a professional, far from it, but I don't feel like me without it, and I like to think I do alright with application both on myself, and friends when asked. My never ending search for the perfect foundation and perfecting my look certainly is a passion!
c) Being Yourself - I am a huge advocate of doing whatever the hell you want to be happy - as long as it's within the law, and you're not going to hurt yourself or someone else. So you want loads of tattoos and green hair? Go for it! You want to wear a bright pink top with a bright blue skirt and red leggings? Sure, why not! You want to live in a tent? Each to their own! I think the sooner society forgets about "social norms" the better and let's people do - and be - whatever makes them happy.
d) Travel - as much as I would love to, I haven't travelled to many places other than in the UK (and even then, it's mainly to football stadia!!) I have big dreams of going to lots of places and I think travel really does broaden the mind. I'm passionate about one day being able to see and do all the things I really want to. But I'm also lazy. So, meh!
e) Sleep - goes without saying right? I love me a good lie in, I seriously do. Waking up whenever you wake up, rather than forced by an alarm, is such an amazing feeling and I relish it every Sunday!!
21. Someone who inspires you
I'd say my sister is a big inspiration for setting your sights on something and getting what you want, as well as being the cause of the green eyed monster a lot of times...! She has done amazingly well for herself, considering we grew up with very modest means, owning a gorgeous (and huge) house, and being at the top of her company. I'd like to achieve as much as she has by the time I'm in my early 30s, but I can't see it myself!! I'll be lucky to even own a house by then, but it's certainly something to aspire to!
22. One thing you've never done that most people have
I have never been to Laser Quest, and yet everyone I know seems to have had a laser quest birthday party at some time or another as kids! It seemed like the done thing but I have never been, nor do I really know what the point of it is!?
23. Most memorable vacation
Greece was amazing, but I think it sticks in the mind because it was so recent, and because it was our honeymoon. I'd always been interested in the Ancient Greeks since I was little, so to actually stand there on the Acropolis was an amazing feeling. But I remember really fondly the UK holidays with my parents especially to Green Farm in Great Yarmouth. The huge steep slope down to the sea, the oil rig in the distance, going to the Wildlife Park at Thrigby and spending HOURS looking at the tigers (I was obsessed with tigers back then). Good memories :)
24. Goals for next month
As next month is January, I guess it'll be time to make those resolutions again! This year I did a kind of bucket list rather than a resolution (because I never stick to them) so I will revisit that next month and see what's left on the list!
25. What made your day special?
Special is a strong word... but a client cancelled on me at the last minute and instead, I went to see my contact in Occupational Health there and had a lovely chat over a coffee just about life and plans rather than about work. It's always nice to see people I know when I'm out at work - it can be quite a lonely existence, seeing someone and then never seeing them again!
26. Something you could never get tired of doing
Pinning things on Pinterest!! Seriously, I am addicted. I have a real problem. Over 3000 pins and counting...
27. How you envision your life to be
I'm always looking to the future and wondering "what if" but I don't really have a plan of how to get there. So whether it happens anything like I hope, remains to be seen!! Eventually I want to own my own home, that I have DIY'ed to within an inch of existence, hopefully by the sea. I hope to have my own business, as a massage therapist from home, and making clothes in my spare time for myself and to sell. And have green hair :)
28. What do you want?
That's quite a broad question! All of the above - plus to be able to eat whatever I want without getting fat. But that's every girl's dream, right? Infinite doughnuts? I know it is.
29. Family
I now have a huge extended family that I've married in to that largely live in Belfast, though there are also relatives in America and Canada. My immediate family in my mum and dad, sister and her husband, as well as my husband Marty. We're all quite spread out, but get togethers are fairly frequent and always good fun!
30. Daily routine
I push my wake up time to the absolute limit. I think I may actually have an addiction to sleep. Is that a thing? If it is, I have it. I start to do bartering maths with my half asleep self to try to warrant an extra 5 minutes in bed. When I do finally get up, I make a coffee straight away and while the kettle is boiling, get dressed. I then dunk my breakfast biscuits in my coffee before I start to put my face on. Then I brush my teeth and I'm out the door. I keep things I need to do in the morning to the absolute bare minimum. I shower the night before, I try to do the ironing the night before now too, and while I would love to wake up at the crack of dawn and work out or whatever - it's simply not happening. I like sleep way too much for that. I go to work, which involves driving around all day to various different offices and companies, and I get home usually around 4/4:30pm. I do a bit of work from home before I start to think about dinner, and to be honest other than lounging in front of the TV or on my laptop I literally do nothing else in the week. How boring?
Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label About Me. Show all posts
Monday, 9 December 2013
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
Writing Challenge
I stumbled upon this pin on Pinterest (I think I might be mixing my social media there...) called the 30 Day Writing Challenge. I think it's possibly aimed at slightly younger persons than myself (ie kids or teens), and with it being called "30 Day" you're meant to just do one a day (d'uh). But some of them were quite thought provoking and I had a few spare minutes this evening so I thought I'd give it a go, with a little paragraph on each. Here's the pin if you want to check that out first, Maybe give this a go yourself?
THE FIRST 15...
1. Basic things about yourself
I'm 26 years old, I've been married to Marty for one year and I live in Hampshire. It's a tiny little flat, but it's home. I've been working in ergonomics for 4 years now, after completing my Sports Therapy degree at the University of Hertfordshire. I like to think I'm quite crafty and creative, but in reality I'm extremely lazy and never get any of the projects I want to done!
2. Something you look forward to in the next 12 months
I'm hoping to spend a couple of days in Edinburgh next year, as cheaply as possible (of course). I can get the Megabus up there and back for only round £20 return, it's a long old poke but worth it to save the 100 odd quid extra the train would be. I am desperate to see the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, and walk down the historic Royal Mile. The castle looks beautiful too and I'm a real sucker for a pretty castle. Hopefully it will be in the first half of 2014 so not too long to wait!
3. Your day in detail
I really wish this was super interesting but as I worked from home today... it really isn't. I got up around 8 o'clock and logged into my remote work desktop pretty much straight away as I drank my coffee and dunked my breakfast biscuits. I woke Marty up at 9, who had a driving lesson at 10, and spent the rest of the day snuggled up on the sofa with my laptop (very un-ergonomic, I know...) as it was pretty chilly in the house today. I did as much work as I could face, and I then made dinner at around 5 oclock - crispy chicken fajitas, and watched some TV with Marty before getting into bed about 8. I love getting into bed really early, even if I'm still awake two hours later - just me and the laptop snuggled up in bed (Marty is a night owl and almost always stays up a lot longer than me).
4. 25 things to do before your next birthday
My next birthday isn't a big one (who cares about being 27...?) so it's not like I need to have accomplished a whole load of things to feel like I've achieved something, which I probably will do when I hit 30. The main things are to save as much money as possible, lose as much weight as possible, and do as many things as possible even if it means going on my lonesome (Marty isn't really one for enjoying leaving the house!!)
5. 3 things you like about your personality
I like to think I'm 50/50 introvert and extrovert. I'd have crazy bright hair and tattoos everywhere if my job would allow, but at the same time I abhor answering the door or calling someone on the phone. I like to think I'm a good listener - people often trust me with their problems or worries and I like to think I help them to work through them. And I'm a bit of a tomboy at heart, I love football and beer and sitting in my pants. Best of all worlds, I think?
6. Someone who does not live in your country
I absolutely love President Obama. I know that's kind of weird, as an Englishman, but I really am. The way he speaks, his ideas, his whole demeanour. I know he isn't perfect (drone strikes....) but there's just something about the man I absolutely love. I really hope he does after dinner speaking when he's done Presidenting, I'd love to catch a speech of his live someday.
7. Siblings
I have one sister, Jenny, and a brother in law called Bear (not his real name, obviously!). Absolutely love them to bits and don't get to see them anywhere near as much as I'd like!
8. 5 things from your bucket list
a. I would love to go zorbing, I don't know why, it just looks like amazing fun to me!!
b. I'd love to be an extra in a movie and watch it back trying to spot myself
c. Fly in a hot air balloon - especially a really jazzy one on a cold and frosty morning
d. See the Northern Lights - they look so beautiful and romantic in photos
e. Renovate a house - I'd love to buy the most run down shell of a house you ever saw and just go to town!!
9. Your favourite thing to do right now
There are few better things to do than just laying on the sofa on my husband's lap while he plays with my hair and we watch crappy TV (or good TV for that matter!) Soppy but very true. Either that or eat a shit load of chocolate all in one go, like a full bar of Dairy Milk.
10. The weather
It's actually getting pretty chilly now, hooray! I absolutely love winter, cold and frosty mornings, big jumpers and hot chocolate while it lashes it down outside (or snows...!) Right now it's very windy, quite cold and rainy.
11. Something unusual
Vanilla Ice has a DIY show where he renovates and flips houses. SERIOUSLY. I'm quietly confident that it's genuinely the best thing on TV. You can watch it here on Youtube... check it out... unusual but amazing viewing!
12. Someone you miss
I don't think there is really anyone I miss a lot right now - I am always in contact with my closest friends and try to see them as often as possible. Sometimes life gets in the way but sometimes you just have to make time!
13. Someone you've always wanted to meet
Can I say Obama again, are duplicates allowed...? I'd also have loved to have met my Grandma, on my mum's side. She died before I was born but I hear she was a remarkable and wonderful lady. I unfortunately don't have any grandparents left on my side, but I have inherited 3 on Marty's side which is aces!
14. Relationship to food
Wow, bringing out the big guns now!! I really love my food, absolutely love it. I can do healthy, sure, but there's nothing better than a KFC or an XL Bacon Double Cheeseburger. I wouldn't say I comfort eat so much, unless I am ill or on a serious downer. Then nothing but chocolate and Pringles will do. I am quite good at turning things down though and talking myself out of buying something. Especially as I add every little thing that I eat to My Fitness Pal app and I have set my diary to public - so I am 100% accountable (and would be embarrassed).
15. Something that excites you and fills you with joy
Just trying something new or going somewhere new, however small, really makes me happy. It might just be a new recipe I have found, or it might be a day trip out somewhere I've been meaning to go. It might be watching a new TV show and falling in love with it or trying a new craft or project. Doing new stuff makes me happy - but I also love routine, snuggling up and doing absolutely nothing!
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| http://www.pinterest.com/pin/232076187021676714/ |
1. Basic things about yourself
I'm 26 years old, I've been married to Marty for one year and I live in Hampshire. It's a tiny little flat, but it's home. I've been working in ergonomics for 4 years now, after completing my Sports Therapy degree at the University of Hertfordshire. I like to think I'm quite crafty and creative, but in reality I'm extremely lazy and never get any of the projects I want to done!
2. Something you look forward to in the next 12 months
I'm hoping to spend a couple of days in Edinburgh next year, as cheaply as possible (of course). I can get the Megabus up there and back for only round £20 return, it's a long old poke but worth it to save the 100 odd quid extra the train would be. I am desperate to see the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo, and walk down the historic Royal Mile. The castle looks beautiful too and I'm a real sucker for a pretty castle. Hopefully it will be in the first half of 2014 so not too long to wait!
3. Your day in detail
I really wish this was super interesting but as I worked from home today... it really isn't. I got up around 8 o'clock and logged into my remote work desktop pretty much straight away as I drank my coffee and dunked my breakfast biscuits. I woke Marty up at 9, who had a driving lesson at 10, and spent the rest of the day snuggled up on the sofa with my laptop (very un-ergonomic, I know...) as it was pretty chilly in the house today. I did as much work as I could face, and I then made dinner at around 5 oclock - crispy chicken fajitas, and watched some TV with Marty before getting into bed about 8. I love getting into bed really early, even if I'm still awake two hours later - just me and the laptop snuggled up in bed (Marty is a night owl and almost always stays up a lot longer than me).
4. 25 things to do before your next birthday
My next birthday isn't a big one (who cares about being 27...?) so it's not like I need to have accomplished a whole load of things to feel like I've achieved something, which I probably will do when I hit 30. The main things are to save as much money as possible, lose as much weight as possible, and do as many things as possible even if it means going on my lonesome (Marty isn't really one for enjoying leaving the house!!)
5. 3 things you like about your personality
I like to think I'm 50/50 introvert and extrovert. I'd have crazy bright hair and tattoos everywhere if my job would allow, but at the same time I abhor answering the door or calling someone on the phone. I like to think I'm a good listener - people often trust me with their problems or worries and I like to think I help them to work through them. And I'm a bit of a tomboy at heart, I love football and beer and sitting in my pants. Best of all worlds, I think?
6. Someone who does not live in your country
I absolutely love President Obama. I know that's kind of weird, as an Englishman, but I really am. The way he speaks, his ideas, his whole demeanour. I know he isn't perfect (drone strikes....) but there's just something about the man I absolutely love. I really hope he does after dinner speaking when he's done Presidenting, I'd love to catch a speech of his live someday.
7. Siblings
I have one sister, Jenny, and a brother in law called Bear (not his real name, obviously!). Absolutely love them to bits and don't get to see them anywhere near as much as I'd like!
8. 5 things from your bucket list
a. I would love to go zorbing, I don't know why, it just looks like amazing fun to me!!
b. I'd love to be an extra in a movie and watch it back trying to spot myself
c. Fly in a hot air balloon - especially a really jazzy one on a cold and frosty morning
d. See the Northern Lights - they look so beautiful and romantic in photos
e. Renovate a house - I'd love to buy the most run down shell of a house you ever saw and just go to town!!
9. Your favourite thing to do right now
There are few better things to do than just laying on the sofa on my husband's lap while he plays with my hair and we watch crappy TV (or good TV for that matter!) Soppy but very true. Either that or eat a shit load of chocolate all in one go, like a full bar of Dairy Milk.
10. The weather
It's actually getting pretty chilly now, hooray! I absolutely love winter, cold and frosty mornings, big jumpers and hot chocolate while it lashes it down outside (or snows...!) Right now it's very windy, quite cold and rainy.
11. Something unusual
Vanilla Ice has a DIY show where he renovates and flips houses. SERIOUSLY. I'm quietly confident that it's genuinely the best thing on TV. You can watch it here on Youtube... check it out... unusual but amazing viewing!
12. Someone you miss
I don't think there is really anyone I miss a lot right now - I am always in contact with my closest friends and try to see them as often as possible. Sometimes life gets in the way but sometimes you just have to make time!
13. Someone you've always wanted to meet
Can I say Obama again, are duplicates allowed...? I'd also have loved to have met my Grandma, on my mum's side. She died before I was born but I hear she was a remarkable and wonderful lady. I unfortunately don't have any grandparents left on my side, but I have inherited 3 on Marty's side which is aces!
14. Relationship to food
Wow, bringing out the big guns now!! I really love my food, absolutely love it. I can do healthy, sure, but there's nothing better than a KFC or an XL Bacon Double Cheeseburger. I wouldn't say I comfort eat so much, unless I am ill or on a serious downer. Then nothing but chocolate and Pringles will do. I am quite good at turning things down though and talking myself out of buying something. Especially as I add every little thing that I eat to My Fitness Pal app and I have set my diary to public - so I am 100% accountable (and would be embarrassed).
15. Something that excites you and fills you with joy
Just trying something new or going somewhere new, however small, really makes me happy. It might just be a new recipe I have found, or it might be a day trip out somewhere I've been meaning to go. It might be watching a new TV show and falling in love with it or trying a new craft or project. Doing new stuff makes me happy - but I also love routine, snuggling up and doing absolutely nothing!
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Life Update and No Spend June - Completed!
Well, I did it! I spent barely a penny over my bills and essentials for a whole month! It was especially tough when drinking (I tend to buy completely random crap on eBay when drunk of a weekend, and I'm then very surprised when things turn up in the post the following week...) - but I really did it. I think I saved at least 250 pounds, if not more (obviously I don't really know what I would have spent, but around about that figure.) The main thing was taking my own lunch; there were only two days when I bought food while I was out at work because I'd forgotten to take the lunch I'd made - its not quite become a habit yet!
Unfortunately I am still poor... so I am still continuing with a similar mentality into July, though not quite as strict! I have a few things coming up this month so it may not go quite as according to plan, but I will do my best! I'm certainly still taking my own lunch and cutting down costs where I can.
In other life news, I have started a new course! Its called NEBOSH Health and Wellbeing. I'm not entirely sure what doors it will open for me yet, but it will benefit the job I currently do and its certainly very interesting - so even as just a personal interest subject it will be a nice qualification to have. I intend to do the NEBOSH General Certificate after completing this one, which is more of a health and safety qualification. We'll see where it leads to!
I have managed to talk Marty into going to Paris for our anniversary! We've never done much for "anniversaries" before, a few meals out or just a few celebratory drinks, but as this is our first proper married one I really wanted to go for something a bit more official. We're only going to stay overnight, but hopefully it will give us a chance to see the main sights. Marty is very much a "right I've seen that, what's next?" kind of guy, so we could probably do the whole of Paris in a day...! We'll be there on the 1st and 2nd of November, with the 2nd being our official anniversary. I desperately want to put a padlock on the love lock bridge at the Louvre so I am seriously excited about going! The Eurostar is decently priced too, if its far enough in advance. we can get there for about £140 quid return for the both of us, and with a hotel just for one night it should only be about £200. It seems quite expensive for what will basically be about 24 hours but it will be nice to actually do something romantic to mark the occasion. I also browsed for getting the train to Bruges and its the same price as Paris, so that might be our next little trip if I can do some more convincing... that may need to be next year though...!
We've also finally got around to booking Belfast flights for our yearly family visit and we're going in mid-September. Hopefully we still get some decent weather and there's a chance for a few touristy things - I really want to see the new Titanic museum as we never usually get much of a chance to actually go and see things (plus as Marty is from there originally, he's generally seen most stuff already!)
I have become obsessed with Despicable Me. After people were tweeting about it, I decided it was finally time to watch it, and I am so glad I did! Its without a doubt my favourite film of the moment, even overtaking My Neighbour Totoro! I am obsessed with the little minions, they are just adorable! We went to see Despicable Me 2 on opening weekend last weekend because I just couldn't wait any longer to see it! If you haven't seen either of them I highly recommend it, its the classic "kids film with adult references" style so there's something to keep the parents entertained too! I think we were the oldest people at the cinema who didn't have a kid in tow mind...
I am also properly back on my diet and exercise now. I was never really off the diet, but it seems that for me to shift weight, its more down to exercising than what I eat. I stayed a similar weight but just wasn't losing any. So I am back on my exercise with my usual cardio circuit, which I think is still serving me well as an interval-training-style work out. I would love to lose another 6lbs by the start of the new football season, which is only a calendar month away now, so a big effort is needed!
Football news - well Yeovil have made a few signings but without seeing them I have no real idea of how decent they are going to be. Nothing has really made me sit up and think "wow that's a good signing" unlike last season with the likes of James Hayter, but I will reserve my judgement until I actually get to see them in the flesh. The major Yeovil news however is that the Chief Exec Martyn Starnes has LEFT!! I have NEVER liked Starnes - I could never really work out what is was that he actually did all day - the owners were still quite obviously pulling the strings, and Starnes just seemed to be their puppet that they'd wheel out with bad news or he'd do an interview every few months paying lip service to make it look like the club were "interacting with the fans". I for one am glad he is gone and I hope whoever replaces him has a good hard look at every area of the club, has some balls, and doesn't just become another yes man to the powers that be.
In general though club interaction has improved massively and its in no small part to the social media aspect, and of course, Gary Johnson. I cannot wait for the coming season - its going to be a complete roller-coaster but I hope we have some good times and we can just enjoy it, whatever happens. Our first game is away to Millwall - unfortunately somewhere I've already been, I was hoping for a real glamour first game but its maybe a chance to actually get some points on the board straight out the blocks, and its never a bad thing to revisit an old ground you've been to before.
This coming weekend I am staying over at my best friend's who I haven't seen in ages, to have a girly weekend with my other best friend and also to help her look for flats as she is thinking about moving down to London. It will be great to have a catch up and I hope there will be an excuse to get dolled up as I haven't really felt myself lately and I think it will do me a lot of good.
I think that's pretty much it, I don't think there's too much else going on but if there is I'll be sure to update!
Unfortunately I am still poor... so I am still continuing with a similar mentality into July, though not quite as strict! I have a few things coming up this month so it may not go quite as according to plan, but I will do my best! I'm certainly still taking my own lunch and cutting down costs where I can.
In other life news, I have started a new course! Its called NEBOSH Health and Wellbeing. I'm not entirely sure what doors it will open for me yet, but it will benefit the job I currently do and its certainly very interesting - so even as just a personal interest subject it will be a nice qualification to have. I intend to do the NEBOSH General Certificate after completing this one, which is more of a health and safety qualification. We'll see where it leads to!
I have managed to talk Marty into going to Paris for our anniversary! We've never done much for "anniversaries" before, a few meals out or just a few celebratory drinks, but as this is our first proper married one I really wanted to go for something a bit more official. We're only going to stay overnight, but hopefully it will give us a chance to see the main sights. Marty is very much a "right I've seen that, what's next?" kind of guy, so we could probably do the whole of Paris in a day...! We'll be there on the 1st and 2nd of November, with the 2nd being our official anniversary. I desperately want to put a padlock on the love lock bridge at the Louvre so I am seriously excited about going! The Eurostar is decently priced too, if its far enough in advance. we can get there for about £140 quid return for the both of us, and with a hotel just for one night it should only be about £200. It seems quite expensive for what will basically be about 24 hours but it will be nice to actually do something romantic to mark the occasion. I also browsed for getting the train to Bruges and its the same price as Paris, so that might be our next little trip if I can do some more convincing... that may need to be next year though...!
 |
| Photo Credit http://vanessalarson.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/locks-and-notre-dame.jpg |
We've also finally got around to booking Belfast flights for our yearly family visit and we're going in mid-September. Hopefully we still get some decent weather and there's a chance for a few touristy things - I really want to see the new Titanic museum as we never usually get much of a chance to actually go and see things (plus as Marty is from there originally, he's generally seen most stuff already!)
I have become obsessed with Despicable Me. After people were tweeting about it, I decided it was finally time to watch it, and I am so glad I did! Its without a doubt my favourite film of the moment, even overtaking My Neighbour Totoro! I am obsessed with the little minions, they are just adorable! We went to see Despicable Me 2 on opening weekend last weekend because I just couldn't wait any longer to see it! If you haven't seen either of them I highly recommend it, its the classic "kids film with adult references" style so there's something to keep the parents entertained too! I think we were the oldest people at the cinema who didn't have a kid in tow mind...
 |
| Photo Credit http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111001202713/protagonist/images/8/88/Despicable-me-minions.jpg |
I am also properly back on my diet and exercise now. I was never really off the diet, but it seems that for me to shift weight, its more down to exercising than what I eat. I stayed a similar weight but just wasn't losing any. So I am back on my exercise with my usual cardio circuit, which I think is still serving me well as an interval-training-style work out. I would love to lose another 6lbs by the start of the new football season, which is only a calendar month away now, so a big effort is needed!
Football news - well Yeovil have made a few signings but without seeing them I have no real idea of how decent they are going to be. Nothing has really made me sit up and think "wow that's a good signing" unlike last season with the likes of James Hayter, but I will reserve my judgement until I actually get to see them in the flesh. The major Yeovil news however is that the Chief Exec Martyn Starnes has LEFT!! I have NEVER liked Starnes - I could never really work out what is was that he actually did all day - the owners were still quite obviously pulling the strings, and Starnes just seemed to be their puppet that they'd wheel out with bad news or he'd do an interview every few months paying lip service to make it look like the club were "interacting with the fans". I for one am glad he is gone and I hope whoever replaces him has a good hard look at every area of the club, has some balls, and doesn't just become another yes man to the powers that be.
In general though club interaction has improved massively and its in no small part to the social media aspect, and of course, Gary Johnson. I cannot wait for the coming season - its going to be a complete roller-coaster but I hope we have some good times and we can just enjoy it, whatever happens. Our first game is away to Millwall - unfortunately somewhere I've already been, I was hoping for a real glamour first game but its maybe a chance to actually get some points on the board straight out the blocks, and its never a bad thing to revisit an old ground you've been to before.
This coming weekend I am staying over at my best friend's who I haven't seen in ages, to have a girly weekend with my other best friend and also to help her look for flats as she is thinking about moving down to London. It will be great to have a catch up and I hope there will be an excuse to get dolled up as I haven't really felt myself lately and I think it will do me a lot of good.
I think that's pretty much it, I don't think there's too much else going on but if there is I'll be sure to update!
Monday, 3 June 2013
No Spend June
I don't earn a massive amount, especially for the South. I've also never really been very good with money. This is a bad combination :)
I decided a couple of weeks ago that I wanted to try and build up a bit of a money cushion, as it were, so I could then start putting money away towards our house deposit. We have some saved already which was from our very generous wedding guests, but unfortunately with a big move such as ours, we are going to need a whole lot more. I often run my balance down to the bare bones, and I really can't save while I am doing that.
The main way I spend my cash each month, after looking at my statements, is lunch. Lunch! Something as innocuous as that. At the time, a fiver a day on some fruit and a bottle of water doesn't really seem like much but actually, that's £100 a month just like that! Maybe throw in the odd bottle of vanilla coke as a treat and maybe some prawns from M&S services (seriously addicted to those) and we're talking 150 a month. It really adds up so quickly!!
So I have decided to spend as little as possible this month, to build up that extra cash, and also try and wean myself off prawns! :) I did our big Tesco shop on Friday which came to £155 and from that I can make meals stretch pretty much all month (hopefully) with just a few fresh bits added like bread and milk. I also bought lots of things I can take with me for lunch, like nutrigrain bars, Tesco traybake granola (which is AMAZING by the way), jelly, and tuna and sweetcorn for a basic tuna pasta salad. I also bought 2x 12 packs of Tesco diet lemonade, to take with me each day, as buying drinks at services gets REALLY pricey. Even just a bottle of water is something ridiculous like £1.50. I don't like bread, and therefore also sandwiches, so make-ahead options are a little more limited. I am also lazy. Also driving around all day means I have no kettle or fridge. I asked on Twitter for some ideas and as always, Twitter delivered!
The suggestions were to use Ryvitas as bread, and go for soft cheese and ham, take soup in a flask, Soreen (malt loaf which is really yummy), make wraps instead of sarnies, and rice pudding! You gotta love Twitter :) These suggestions will have to be for next month though, as I can't spend the money to buy the necessary accoutrements!! :)
Another thing I am doing is taking a coffee with me every morning in a travel mug. The first services I see in the morning usually gets hit hard if its got a Costa machine. Those gorgeous, super-milky-super-fatty large coffees that are like, £3 quid a time. Sure, its not the same... but making up a coffee in the morning and taking it with me helps me to wake up before my first appointment (yeah, I pretty much drive on autopilot, watch out on the roads of Surrey and Hampshire!!) and over the month, will save me a bucketload of cash. Plus, Nescafe is alright. I mean its not Costa but....
As much as I would love to continue buying fresh fruit every day for my lunch, which helps to massively reduce calorie intake and helps me to be super healthy, its just SO expensive. A punnet of strawberries and raspberries is £4! That's before I've even bought a bottle of drink. The problem I also have is that I don't like apples or bananas. So I've also bought some frozen "summer fruits". I think its raspberry, strawberry and blackberry - I haven't tried them yet but I am going to try them in my blender with some almond milk to see if they make a decent smoothie. If not, I will just defrost them in the fridge overnight and have them with yoghurt in the morning. I want to stay on a greatly reduced calorie intake even while I am poor this month ;)
Another problem is gaps between appointments when I am near a shop. Pretty much any shop, if I go in and wander around to kill some time I will definitely come out with something. I literally have zero self restraint :) so instead I am going to avoid all shops, certainly for this month at least, and instead sit in my car and get on with some work to help reduce my workload for home-working days.
I am confident that even just these small changes will help me save a couple of hundred quid and I haven't really had to try. Though giving up the Costas and prawns is seriously heartwrenching.... :) We'll see how I do and how much of a difference it makes!! :)
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Stronger than my excuses?
I saw this little quote on Pinterest the other day...
I think it came from someone's tumblr but as so often happens with Pinterest, the Pin doesn't actually link to anything. Anyway, I saw it and I liked it. I also saw this:
I repinned both of these quotes and for some reason they have really stayed with me. I have set them as my Twitter profile bio and they often just pop into my head, for no reason, and I think about them for a while and then they pop off again. I think both are really poignant. Why make excuses? If the issue is that things will take a long time, so you make excuses not to do them - why? The time is going to pass anyway, so why not spend them doing something productive? I have a strange habit of procrastination that doesn't only affect the things I don't want to do, but even the things I do want to do. I can find myself whiling away hours and hours and achieving literally nothing, not even the joy of having procrastinated for so long.
There are so many things I want to do and yet when I stop and try to think of them, I can't. I'll have a spare hour or two at a weekend and I think, what was it I really wanted to do? And I can never decide, or remember, so instead I sit there and I stare at my laptop and I get lost in the online world and lose a few hours. And then I wonder why I never do anything I've wanted to! I would love to have a beautifully clean and organised house but when I sit down in front of all my junk (phrasing...) I just can't bring myself to sort through it. I would adore to make my own clothes and have owned a sewing machine for over a year and I haven't got it out even ONCE.
Pinterest is part of this problem, I think. So many amazing ideas and aspirations, gorgeous recipes and dressmaking patterns, crafty arty type projects and inspiring motivational fitness quotes. But all I really do when I repin things is file them under "some other time".
So what are my excuses? The inspirational quote I pinned, to be stronger than my excuses, does it mean nothing? Just sounds cool, an empty promise? Well I've decided to try and avoid some of my procrastination habits. I have decided to try and do more of the things I have wanted to, whether I have wanted to for a minute or for days, weeks, months. I am going to look through all my old pins and actually try and achieve more of them. Part of my bucket list for 2013 was to try several of my pins, and I am going to try and do more of it. And if there is something that pops into my head when I have a spare moment I am actually going to DO it and stop procrastinating, and finding something wholly unimportant and quite frankly boring to do instead!!
Be stronger than your excuses, and don't just be an echo!!
I think it came from someone's tumblr but as so often happens with Pinterest, the Pin doesn't actually link to anything. Anyway, I saw it and I liked it. I also saw this:
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| http://images.splitcoaststampers.com/data/ee/images/tutorials/CopicWatercolorStep10.jpg |
There are so many things I want to do and yet when I stop and try to think of them, I can't. I'll have a spare hour or two at a weekend and I think, what was it I really wanted to do? And I can never decide, or remember, so instead I sit there and I stare at my laptop and I get lost in the online world and lose a few hours. And then I wonder why I never do anything I've wanted to! I would love to have a beautifully clean and organised house but when I sit down in front of all my junk (phrasing...) I just can't bring myself to sort through it. I would adore to make my own clothes and have owned a sewing machine for over a year and I haven't got it out even ONCE.
Pinterest is part of this problem, I think. So many amazing ideas and aspirations, gorgeous recipes and dressmaking patterns, crafty arty type projects and inspiring motivational fitness quotes. But all I really do when I repin things is file them under "some other time".
So what are my excuses? The inspirational quote I pinned, to be stronger than my excuses, does it mean nothing? Just sounds cool, an empty promise? Well I've decided to try and avoid some of my procrastination habits. I have decided to try and do more of the things I have wanted to, whether I have wanted to for a minute or for days, weeks, months. I am going to look through all my old pins and actually try and achieve more of them. Part of my bucket list for 2013 was to try several of my pins, and I am going to try and do more of it. And if there is something that pops into my head when I have a spare moment I am actually going to DO it and stop procrastinating, and finding something wholly unimportant and quite frankly boring to do instead!!
Be stronger than your excuses, and don't just be an echo!!
Friday, 1 March 2013
New Hair
As I'm not allowed the hair I actually really want to have for work, I have decided to go for the next best thing and a trend I am completely in love with - ombre! Its different without being too different for work, but I am certainly very happy with it unlike anything else I have had recently (and not because it was badly done, I LOVE my hairdresser, its just not what I really wanted to have!)
What do you think? :)
What do you think? :)
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