Monday 30 January 2012

Music Monday - Positive

Just feeling after all my set backs recently I should get back to just been my positive self so here are three songs :-









Sunday 29 January 2012

Last match drama again

Played British league veterans this weekend was really pleased winning 7 out of 10 matches individually especially as it was my first serious competition back from my knee injury, two months out is a long time and i wasn't convinced the knee would hold up and i also would lack match sharpness.

Knew I had to play because we were in grave danger of relegation and was i right, it was tough and wen right to the wire. We ended up going into a difficult last match against one ofthe top teams just in front of the two teams in the relegation zone, they were playing each other so we knew at least one would get points meaning we needed something out of our match.
Anyway to cut a long story short we pulled off a unexpected draw (stopping them getting promotion) which still wasn't enough so we thought, that was until the two below us also drew leaving us surviving by the skin of our teeth.

This is the 4th season running we've come out top in last match drama, 2009 promotion, 2010 avoided relegation, 2011 promotion as champions, add 2012 avoided relegation, I'm so pleased feels like we won the league.

Friday 27 January 2012

Now for the pain barrier

Playing Table Tennis over the weekend in the Veterans British League we have 5 team matches over the two days and its going to be tough. My team is in danger of been relegated so its all hands to the pumps, I'm actually our top ranked player but how sharp i am is anyones guess.
I've had a knee injury since early december and reckon its about 90% ok but i haven't played at this level since. I've played a couple of local league matches but thats no preparation but all i can do is my best. Just hope the knee holds out and i don't have to withdraw because it would leave me gutted.
The injury as been so frustrating thought at one stage it would never improve, thought my playing time was over.

Just in perfect preparation i'm out for a meal tonight, looking forward to it off with Paula and her workmates. Wont be drinking though as I'm driving and coming home afterwards. Think at goodbye time I'll have a few regrets because in past I would have stayed over, still it'll be good to see her.

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Weight Loss Wednesday - Best so far

I'm pleased to report my current weight loss war is going well, week 3 and my best yet with a 3lb weight loss, thats 7lbs (half a stone in 3 weeks).
Start Weight (4th Jan)      - 225lb
11th Jan                          -  223lb
18th Jan                          - 221lb
Weight today                   - 218lb

Rest of my life well suppose thats the messy bit although getting a lot sorted thats for sure.

Dating front is getting complicated I'm fighting a heart/head battle at present it quite complex and not the best time as my emotions are all over the place. Still its up to me and I'm not gonna dive into anything, I need to sit back and give everthing a lot of thought  over the next couple of months. Have commited myself to going away with one person, so think it best to keep things under my hat until after this or at least until i make some sensible decisions .

Some of that thought will be while I'm sunning myself in Portugal, decided to treat myself for my birthday in march, lets face no one else will, lol. It'll actually be good to be away from home for a week or so reckon it'll help me think.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

England my England

England my England

Goodbye to my England, So long my old friend
Your days are numbered, being brought to an end
To be Scottish, Irish or Welsh that's fine
But don't say you're English, that's way out of line.
The French and the Germans may call themselves such
So may Norwegians, the Swedes and the Dutch
You can say you are Russian or maybe a Dane
But don't say you're English ever again.
At Broadcasting House the word is taboo
In Brussels it's scrapped, in Parliament too
Even schools are affected. Staff do as they're told
They must not teach children about England of old.
Writers like Shakespeare, Milton and Shaw
The pupils don't learn about them anymore
How about Agincourt, Hastings , Arnhem or Mons ?
When England lost hosts of her very brave sons.
We are not Europeans, how can we be?
Europe is miles away, over the sea
We're the English from England, let's all be proud
Stand up and be counted - Shout it out loud!
Let's tell our Government and Brussels too
We're proud of our heritage and the Red, White and Blue
Fly the flag of Saint George or the Union Jack
Let the world know -
WE WANT OUR ENGLAND BACK !!!!



Monday 23 January 2012

Exciting times ahead

Of course I'm still a bit down but feel I'm now starting to focus on my future and what I'm going to do with the rest of my life.

Don't think any of my readers will be surprised to hear it will involve travel its a big world and there is a lot I still want to see. Well the big news on this front is I've booked one of my dream holidays, I'm going to do the historic Route 66, yes Chicago to LA all 2,000 miles. Its not while October and its with a Singles group but you'll certainly be hearing more about this.



Not stopping there either going to Portugal (Lisbon)in March and looking at doing other places around europe(Berlin for one appeals to me) throughout the year. I have a few air miles so that will save a bit of money.

Also want to do at least one more singles holiday but don't know whether I should class that as holidays or dating (lets face it the hunt is now on, lol).

On the dating side of things I've finally come to terms with splitting with Paula, have been in a bit of self denial to be honest, hadn't told many people but thats now resolved.

Of course I'm still sad about it but at least we are still very good friends and will do things together (next friday off for a meal with her workmates). Want to also do something special for her birthday, lets just say plans are in motion. We had a good talk and stuff on Sunday, sort of how we feel, think part of both of us maybe wishes we were still together, know i do.
Sure we could eventually get back together people may suggest, well who knows we may both look elsewhere and realise together is best. The again either or both of us may find someone else, I really do hope she finds genuine happiness even if it cant be with me and would most definately bring out my jealous side.

I'd will add I don't normally believe in going back over old ground but the way we've split is purely down to circumstances and we still are geuine good friends that care about each other, we will do things together, it sort of leaves the door ajar.

Still we will now both go our own ways and have a look out there hopfully both eventually finding the right person, I for one wont be jumping straight into a commited relationship (dating on the rebound isn't right) but will date, meals out, laugh, etc, in fact already planned a weekend with the lady I mentioned in my last post. Can't really see it been long term serious relationship given the distance apart we live but dating is fun and while I'm single why not. We both have no ties and like travel may even holiday together to cut down on costs, still thats maybe for future and as we know a lot can happen, one weekend with me and she'll prob run away, lol.

Also considering joining one of the social networks dating site, just sort of put my profile there and see what happens. You never know what'll pop up.

Here is a song that sort of represents the way I'm feeling its the Rolling Stones with "Mixed Emotions" :-

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Weight Loss Wednesday - Consistency

For the 2nd week running I've lost 2lbs so quite happy with that considering I've been feeling quite depressed of late (see previous post).

Start Weight (4th Jan)      - 225lb
11th Jan                          -  223lb
Weight Today (18th Jan) - 221lb

Yesterday I visited the Cemetery to Mums & Dads Grave, wasn't going to go until the Stone was up but just had the urge to go. Met a couple of old neighbours down there, they lived 2 doors away when i grew up and it was good to chat with someone, it helped me.
Also walking home I bumped into a ex workmate, had another good chat.

Think when down in the dumps you need people, in the past I've been the sort that others bring their problems to, I just not good at asking for help myself.

Been up to one of my closest cousins "M" today, just for another chat and to get out the house, really just updating her with things that are happening (most of them) and how I've been feeling. But that led to more bad news, found out her husband has had a couple of minor strokes and been in hospital. He was home and was fine but off back for more tests this afternoon.

Last couple of nights a lady friend from down south as talked to me fo a good hour on the phone, think it helped me a lot, it does help to communicate with others (including the emails and texts i've recieved from online friends).
The friend is someone I met on a holiday and dated a couple of times well before I met Paula, we get on well and always have a laugh, actually like similar things especially when it comes to travel and holidays . Think distance we live apart was the main reason we didn't keep seeing each other, also at the time she wanted more commitment and with the distance I thought it could only be a casual thing.

Strange thing my split with Paula its opposite way round now with me sort of wanting commitment (think I fallen for her big time) but she not at a stage in her life where she feels its possible.
It great I can still be good friends with both but no reason not to be, and who knows where the future will take me.

Monday 16 January 2012

Someone Switch the light at the end of the tunnel on please

Feeling really down lately probably due to a number of things in my life, in fact think I can say I just can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Lots of things are bothering me, I'm not sleeping that well and to be honest I think I'm so far lucky I've not thrown myself into comfort eating or comfort drinking, done well to keep things under control. I feel so fed up with life and know I got to step out of it, easier sad than done.

I'm normally a positive person but am so negative at this moment its unbelievable. I've never felt as bad as this, its actually making me feel ill, just sat here looking at four walls with no motivation to do anything. Luckily I'm out tonight got a TT match then Pool so will be with friends, hopfully have a laugh and forget my troubles. Nothing on tomorrow, gonna have to give myself a kick up the backside and do something or I'll crack up.
Suppose everyone as their ideas of the reasons but I'm gonna write them down (not in any particular order).

1. Obviously losing my parents last year particuarly as I was looking after them. Dad passed away in November while I was away one weekend and although I've been told there was nothing I could have done I feel sort of guilty I wasnt there for him, maybe I could have done something, its haunting me. At the time with sorting the funeral and his affairs I dealt with it well but its sort of now its hitting me he isn't here anymore, same delayed reaction happend  month or so after Mums funeral. Having no siblings its left me feeling alone and lonely, loads of cousins who supported me at the time but hven't heard from anyone since new year.

2. One of the things I've always tended to do in dark moments is throw myself into my sports but I've had a knee injury and its about two months, I've had to withdraw from a lot of competitions/matches and its left me thinking that I've reached the age where my body cant take so much and I'll have to cut back. Ok the knee does feel its getting better so suppose thats a good sign, we'll see.

3. Of course splitting up with Paula is not what I wanted but I can honestly say I didn't think it was for ever, think when we met it was the right person at the right time for both of us, neither were the others normal type. Also there is a age difference, can't ignore it although she as always assured me its not a issue.
Don't get me wrong nobody is to blame thats why we've parted as good friends. In fact I'll not write off the possibility of us been a pair in the future but also know its pointless sat about waiting for something to happen.
To be fair we were breaking up in November but stuck it out through Dads funeral and a few chrimmy functions (plus holiday in december), I appreciated that. Yes we will meet up, actually went out for lunch yesterday, enjoyed been with her as always only trouble is I see what I'm missing. In fact I'll go as far as to say it really hit home yesterday how fond Iam of her, really do care about her. If it Ain't me just hope she finds the right person, never want to see her hurt.

4. Absolutely minor (but could do without the hassle) compared to other things going on, some people because of moaning at both Table Tennis and Pool have really narked me later. Had a real kiddy fit from one at TT last week that brought a verbal response from me that ain't gone down well.

5. Long term issues but been iving thought to life in the future, things like do I want to live here, its bigger than I need and don't really want the garden. Again that gt fantastic neighbours and the area is so quiet.
Also need to sort my Will out as previously everything was to my parents, I got a little bit of cash and obviously my home, if anything happend wouldn't want the government or relations i dont like to get a share.

6. Got one more ongoing issue probably the thing thas worrying me most, I ain't gonna blog about because very few people know and its not right to say, not sure how its gonna work out but feel not great but its something i got to do. In fact Paula is the only person that knows whats going on and I'm happy she as encouraged me to do what I'm doing. I've a feeling this is going to be a ongoing saga.

Gee miserable post today just needed to get things off my chest.

On a happier note got a email from a ex blogger for anyone that remembers Sandii from Austrailia she a had her holiday to India in February cancelled by the airline so is now touring Europe. Going to be in London 3 or 4 days and it actually clashes with the saturday I'm visiting the big city for a reunion with the people i was on holiday with so we gonna meet. Thats great I think, can't wait.

Friday 13 January 2012

Volunteers to help me improve my health needed.

Sex can benefit your health in many ways. Here are seven reasons to give and get a little love


Good for the heart
Sex is good for your heart. Like any physical exertion, sex is a form of cardio-exercise, which gets your heart pumping faster and helps it stay in shape. What's more, studies have shown that men who have sex two or more times per week cut their risk of a fatal heart attack by half.

Helps you lose weight
Like any form of exercise, sex helps you lose weight. Having sex for 30 minutes can burn off 85 calories. To put that in perspective: 15 minutes on the treadmill could burn up to 200 calories; 42 of these half-hour sessions, then, could shave a pound off your weight.

Boosts your immune system
While it's possible to contract a wide range of diseases, both from sex and from simple contact with others, safe sex between healthy partners can make you better equipped to fight illness.
Those who have sex once or twice a week have been shown to have higher levels of immunoglobulin A or IgA, an antibody which helps protect you from respiratory diseases like the cold and flu.

Reduces the risk of prostate cancer
For younger men, sex reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Researchers have found that men in their 20s who had five or more ejaculations per week were one third less likely to develop the cancer in later life. Although they found no such correlation for older men, you could try to prove them wrong.

Relieves stress
There's a medical explanation for the mood boost sex gives you. The brain releases endorphins during and after sex, and these neurotransmitters create a feeling of euphoria while masking the negative effects of stress.
Researchers have also found that sex lowers your blood pressure, which is good for your health and allows you to better keep your cool in stressful situations.

It relieves pain
Endorphins and lower blood pressure also mean that sex relieves pain. Endorphins are released during sex because of the heightened levels of the hormone oxytocin in your body. This has been known to alleviate arthritic and menstrual pain, among other things. Lower blood pressure can also help relieve migraines.

It helps you sleep
In addition to relieving stress and pain, the oxytocin generated during sex helps you sleep better. Sex relaxes you, promoting deeper, more restful sleep. What more do you need?

Wednesday 11 January 2012

Wednesday Weigh In - Solid Start

Well thats the first week over and I'm pleased to report a loss of 2lb, so now its 223lb instead of 225lb, happy if I can keep that rate up for a few months.

One worrying point is my knee is still not good, I'm resting it for next couple of weeks, have withdrawn from a few of my TT matches, not playing British league next weekend or county weekend after. Also dropped out of some of my local league matches for next couple of weeks. I'm aiming to be fully fit by month end for Veterans British league, we'll see.

Without been too active life is boring at present although am doing abit of walking. Its not a good thing because I've a couple of things on my mind one of which is effecting me emotionally. Nothing I feel I can blog and I'm very down, quite depressed to be honest.

On a positive note I'm looking forward to going out to lunch with Paula on sunday, which is great because she is the only person that knows whats going on in my life and I can talk with her about it. She's good at encouraging me to make the right decisions. Still better make sure I'm happy and we have a few laughs as I don't want to burdon her with all my problems all the time.

Wednesday 4 January 2012

Weigh in Wednesday - A new start

Here we go for 2012 and I've got to confess I'm a pound heavier than I thought I was, I said the other day I was 224lb when I checked this morning I was actually 225lb, don't ask me why that happend can't explain it.

So my starting point is 225lb but more interesting is what am I going to do, what is my plan ?

Well not interesting actually because its basically all the usual stuff.

I'm cutting out cheese, chocolate, cakes, biscuits in fact I've none in the house so I cant be tempted, so anyone call for a coffee you wont be getting a biscuit, lol.

Sticking to main meals with no snacks (do have a coffee with no sugar in the afternoon).

Also not eating after 6pm except fruit if i feel hungry (and only 4 days into the plan I do feel hungry I'll admit).

Lets see how the first week goes.

Tuesday 3 January 2012

Good Start

Reckon 2012 as started good but was a bit worried when Leeds United were losing 1-0 to Burnley with only a couple of minutes to go, never in doubt (lol) as the equaliser went in then with the last kick of the game the winner, 3 points in the bag and now only one point behind the play off places.

Yes that made me happy but its not the only thing, I got a visit from Paula yesterday and was really pleased to see her. Yes we have officially split up but as I've said previously we are still good friends its just we have different priorities at present which made a relationship difficult. We are both comfortable with the situation but I must admit yesterday confirmed I'm still very fond of her.
She stayed just under 2 hours, we had a bit of lunch and just chatted about what we had done at christmas. I was sorry to see her go, think a big part of me wishes things would have worked out different. Still never say never.

However I'm a free agent now and have to move on, I'm planing a few holidays/trips, may even meet up with another lady friend in the future, you'll have to wait and see on that one and I'm saying no more at this stage.

Can confirm I am meeting three lovely ladies in February, having a day out in London for a sort of reunion get together with the girls that were on holiday with me on the "Parks & Canyons" in the summer. Of course we are just friends as I was in a relationship at the time, good crowd though so we are bound to have a good laugh. Hopefully this wont be the last meet up as we do all get on so well. So Liz, Rachael & Eirian "see you soon" (thats them in photo below).


Got contacted by Janes brother (Kevin) inviting me down to visit them this year. Think I should at some stage as I would like to see them all and of course take some flowers to the grave. I do periodically talk on the phone with her Mum & Dad and think they would be real pleased to see me.

Went out for a few games of Pool last night, we didn't have a match so just played among ourselves. Enjoyed it, was good to catch up with the lads.

So the new year is up and running.

Sunday 1 January 2012

Here we go again

Well thats 2011 over and as you all know its not been the greatest for me with both parents passing away. Suppose as a only child its now me against the world and this is the first year of the rest of my life.

I always set my aims each year and I've just been reading my last years post on the same subject, quite interesting :-
Weight Loss - Last year I was a couple of month into a new campaign and did quite well for a few months but events took their toll and my plans went onto the back burner. Still I can report I'm actually lighter today than I was at the start of 2012, ok only by 6lb but its better than i expected. Current weight is 224lb and i aim to kick on as you'll see in my "weight loss wednesday" posts starting this week.

My Sport - My target last year was to get my golf handicap down from 16 to 10, didn't achieve this thats for sure in fact I hardly played (despite paying my membership fees). The main reason was due to dating on top of a few injuries. Gotta decide whether I want to play and renew my membership in June, need maybe to play a few rounds in winter/spring to see if its what i want to do.
Still obviously playing TT but seem to be getting a lot of trouble with my knee, maybe I need to cut down on things i play in.
Also playing Pool but to be honest I'm getting a bit stale with all the sports, maybe its just to do with this years events or maybe I need a new challenge and sould take something else up. Saying that I've many friends in my sports so probably wont.

 Sport - Was hoping my team Leeds United would get promotion to the Premiership but it wasn't to be, just missed out on play offs by one place so the wish is the same, was going ok but recent form hasn't been great and but still within touching distance of the play offs. Injuries to key players are having a effect so some investment in the january transfer window is needed, not holding my breath though.

Dating - Last year i said the time was right for me to get back into the dating game and at easter I met Paula and we spent much of the year together but we've decided to go our seperate ways, not that we've fallen out but just simply we have different priorities in life at present. We are still good friends and I'm ve fond of her. I dont think the door is totally closed if circumstances change further down the line and neither of us meet someone else in the meantime.
Still I'm not sat here feeling sorry for myself or trying to turn the clock back, I'm back in the hunt as they say (so watch this space).

Travel - Set my target of adding 6 new places to my travel map and achieved this I think (Mallorca, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Cyprus [Paphos, Nicosia & Limassol) and the French Alps [Annecy & Chamonix) so hopefully I'll add a few more this year.

Blogging - Did say I'd blog more which I think I did and don't aim to stop. Sadly a few of my blog friends have called it a day but I intend staying around.

Hope everyone who reads my blog has a great 2012.