Monday 23 December 2013
Friday 6 December 2013
Ouch
Was playing in a handicap doubles event at table tennis last night, its held in honour of a chap (Mike Hanley) who did lots of work for the game in this area and i knew him well. He sadly passed away with cancer about 5 years ago and we annually have this event to remember him.
Good turn out with 14 pairs of players competing from our small league, its played over the next 3 weeks with all playing all. Personally with my partner we broke even with two wins and two defeats but to be honest results really don't matter in events like this. Its more about having a good time and remembering an old friend.
Anyway in my first game of the night i went for a big shot, got my timing wrong and smashed my hand right on the corner of the table. My thumb took most of the impact leaving me with a nasty cut and a lot of swelling, its very difficult to grip anything this morning.
Yes "ouch" was close to the word i quoted at the time, it certainly hurt.
On another note its our Club christmas dinner tonight, looking forward to it think there is almost 30 of us going so should be a good atmosphere.
Good turn out with 14 pairs of players competing from our small league, its played over the next 3 weeks with all playing all. Personally with my partner we broke even with two wins and two defeats but to be honest results really don't matter in events like this. Its more about having a good time and remembering an old friend.
Anyway in my first game of the night i went for a big shot, got my timing wrong and smashed my hand right on the corner of the table. My thumb took most of the impact leaving me with a nasty cut and a lot of swelling, its very difficult to grip anything this morning.
Yes "ouch" was close to the word i quoted at the time, it certainly hurt.
On another note its our Club christmas dinner tonight, looking forward to it think there is almost 30 of us going so should be a good atmosphere.
Sunday 1 December 2013
Christmas should I bother ?
Last year I went to Spain for almost two weeks over the festive period (christmas and new year) so I didn't bother putting my tree up. Ok its only a fibre optic one i keep in the loft but usually get it down so its on show when visitors come.
Now this year I'm only off away (to Chester) for Christmas (3 days) but am here the rest of the holiday period so am trying to decide whether I should get my tree down so its on display.
I've noticed that some people have their christmas stuff up already, way too early in my opinion its over 3 weeks away yet i always reckon about a week before. Need to get witing my cards though so they ready to send, think that'll be this week.
Never mind soon be Easter.
Now this year I'm only off away (to Chester) for Christmas (3 days) but am here the rest of the holiday period so am trying to decide whether I should get my tree down so its on display.
I've noticed that some people have their christmas stuff up already, way too early in my opinion its over 3 weeks away yet i always reckon about a week before. Need to get witing my cards though so they ready to send, think that'll be this week.
Never mind soon be Easter.
Tuesday 26 November 2013
No Motivation no pressure
For as long as I care to remember I've played Pool in the local league on Monday nights, not the best player around but I've always done ok and if played more often like the serious players am sure would be up there with the top boys.
To be honest its always been a social thing, sort of an excuse to go out on a Monday but dont get me wrong i'm as competitive as anyone.
Anyway recently I feel that I'm not motivated to play think its due to a number of reasons maybe just done it too long but think its down to last season when we were robbed of the league by the committee and it really narked me. Basically we finised level on points with our rivals but thought it won as we had lost less matches however a play off was ordered. On top of that our rivals during the season had 3 matches cancelled which clearly isn't allowed and they also didn't rearrange them within 21 days which is also in the rules, both offences should be points deductions.
Still I'm not going to let my team down so not saying I'm going to not turn up, just not as bothered.
But all that isn't the point of my post its the fact not been bothered can be an advantage, last night I played my singles in the individual knockouts was away from home on a strange table and really didn't care if I won or lost. That fact meant I played with no pressure and went for difficult shots when normally would play safe, it paid dividends and i cleared up both frames to record a 2-0 victory and move into the next round.
After it led me to thinking would I have won if I'd been motivated and not played with the same free spirit, suppose I'll never know.
To be honest its always been a social thing, sort of an excuse to go out on a Monday but dont get me wrong i'm as competitive as anyone.
Anyway recently I feel that I'm not motivated to play think its due to a number of reasons maybe just done it too long but think its down to last season when we were robbed of the league by the committee and it really narked me. Basically we finised level on points with our rivals but thought it won as we had lost less matches however a play off was ordered. On top of that our rivals during the season had 3 matches cancelled which clearly isn't allowed and they also didn't rearrange them within 21 days which is also in the rules, both offences should be points deductions.
Still I'm not going to let my team down so not saying I'm going to not turn up, just not as bothered.
But all that isn't the point of my post its the fact not been bothered can be an advantage, last night I played my singles in the individual knockouts was away from home on a strange table and really didn't care if I won or lost. That fact meant I played with no pressure and went for difficult shots when normally would play safe, it paid dividends and i cleared up both frames to record a 2-0 victory and move into the next round.
After it led me to thinking would I have won if I'd been motivated and not played with the same free spirit, suppose I'll never know.
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Weight Loss & Fitness
As I stated yesterday I'm starting new weight loss and fitness campaign as I've let things slip a bit this year.
I've also decided to start a new blog solely to report on my progress, I'll use this blog for other things that are happening.
You can use the link on the side bar to access my new weight loss and fitness blog, which can also be found here - http://micksweightlossandfitness.blogspot.co.uk/
I've also decided to start a new blog solely to report on my progress, I'll use this blog for other things that are happening.
You can use the link on the side bar to access my new weight loss and fitness blog, which can also be found here - http://micksweightlossandfitness.blogspot.co.uk/
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Three Months
For a long time now I've not had the blog bug in fact its nearly 3 months since my last post but I know think its time to bo again.
So whats been happening during the last three months, what have you all missed ?
Well the highlight was probably my holiday to America, did a trip called "National Parks & Canyons, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn.
Obviously Mount Rushmore & LBH were two of the places we visited but many other fantastic sites along the way including Yellowstone (even saw a Grizzly), Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, etc to name but a few.
It was with a singles group, there was 28 of us and had a fantastic time despite a couple of major hiccups. Well the holiday was supposed to start in Denver, we were to fly via Atlanta, however not enough time was allowed between flights (thank you Delta) and 25 of us missed the connection, 8 were put on a later flight that night while the rest of us were put up in Atlanta.
As the tour were leaving Denver the following morning we arranged to be flown to Rapid City via a day in Minneapolis (lovely airport), however my luggage along with 5 others had been sent to Denver, luckily our comrades who caught the later flight took it off the carousel and reunited it with us in Rapid City.
That does raise a couple of security questions, first why was luggage allowed on a plane without the passener ? thought that was a total No with all airlines.
And why was somebody allowed to walk out of Denver airport with 6 suitcases that weren't their own ?
That was only the start, 2nd week coincided with the American Government spitting the dummy and shutting down meaning we couldn't visit some of the places planned. However our tour manager did a fantastic job in finding alternatives so credit due there.
Eventually we finished with two nights in Vegas.
Met some real nice people, sort of eight of us knocked around together and I'm sure we'll keep in touch.
You can see all my photos here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157636575071433/
Actually one of the group came over to my area last Saturday and we had a nice day in York, walked part of the Walls, visited the Castle museum, had a nice pub lunch, etc. Was a good day with a very nice lady, hopfully wont be long before we meet up again.
Have been planning ahead a bit, am off away to Chester at Christmas just three nights but should be a bit of a laugh.
Have already booked a couple of holidays for next year, in May am off to Slovenia for a week,half the week in the mountains andthe other half at the coast, should be great.
Ok its a year away but i'm back to America next November on another tour, this time starting in Chicago and travelling to New Orleans via St Louis and Memphis, sort of following the Mississippi.
Still thats only the start of my travel plans, more to follow I'm sure.
Moving on its about time I started looking at weight loss again, so decided I'll weigh in tomorrow and make a new start. Although I'm feeling quite fit at present i've nt been on the scales for a long timeand know i've put weight back on (holidays dont help). So here we go again.
Many other things I could write about but that'll do for now, more tomorrow.
So whats been happening during the last three months, what have you all missed ?
Well the highlight was probably my holiday to America, did a trip called "National Parks & Canyons, Mount Rushmore & Little Big Horn.
Obviously Mount Rushmore & LBH were two of the places we visited but many other fantastic sites along the way including Yellowstone (even saw a Grizzly), Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, etc to name but a few.
As the tour were leaving Denver the following morning we arranged to be flown to Rapid City via a day in Minneapolis (lovely airport), however my luggage along with 5 others had been sent to Denver, luckily our comrades who caught the later flight took it off the carousel and reunited it with us in Rapid City.
That does raise a couple of security questions, first why was luggage allowed on a plane without the passener ? thought that was a total No with all airlines.
And why was somebody allowed to walk out of Denver airport with 6 suitcases that weren't their own ?
That was only the start, 2nd week coincided with the American Government spitting the dummy and shutting down meaning we couldn't visit some of the places planned. However our tour manager did a fantastic job in finding alternatives so credit due there.
Met some real nice people, sort of eight of us knocked around together and I'm sure we'll keep in touch.
You can see all my photos here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157636575071433/
Actually one of the group came over to my area last Saturday and we had a nice day in York, walked part of the Walls, visited the Castle museum, had a nice pub lunch, etc. Was a good day with a very nice lady, hopfully wont be long before we meet up again.
Have been planning ahead a bit, am off away to Chester at Christmas just three nights but should be a bit of a laugh.
Have already booked a couple of holidays for next year, in May am off to Slovenia for a week,half the week in the mountains andthe other half at the coast, should be great.
Ok its a year away but i'm back to America next November on another tour, this time starting in Chicago and travelling to New Orleans via St Louis and Memphis, sort of following the Mississippi.
Still thats only the start of my travel plans, more to follow I'm sure.
Moving on its about time I started looking at weight loss again, so decided I'll weigh in tomorrow and make a new start. Although I'm feeling quite fit at present i've nt been on the scales for a long timeand know i've put weight back on (holidays dont help). So here we go again.
Many other things I could write about but that'll do for now, more tomorrow.
Monday 26 August 2013
Its certainly big
Been spending a bit of time in the garden and can't believe how tall some of my Gladioli have grown, check this monster out 6'6" and still growing.
Tuesday 9 July 2013
Gardening
Been doing a few things in the garden but this time of the year you really have to keep on top. Here are a few photos of my garden taken today :-
1. A Yorkshireman must have white roses
2. Not all are White
3. A few plants alongside my drive, bit of a mix
4. My garden is mainly lawn and borders.
5. This is the bottom of my garden, was overgrown a year ago but getting in shape now
6. One of the new rose plants i put in this year, first to flower.
7. This is one thats been in awhile now, think I've gt about 18 now.
Tuesday 2 July 2013
Samaria Gorge
Not posted for awhile, two reasons really, not really felt motivated to blog and also spent two weeks in sunny Crete and wasn't online.
One of the highlights of the trip is I tested myself by walking the Samaria Gorge, its one of the longest in europe 16km long. Sounds nothing but it starts 1200metres above sea level n the white mountains and ends at the coast, the terrain is tough with loose rocks and many places you can slip.
Their are some very steep downhill sections which really test you knees and calf muscles. Add to that steaming hot tempretures it was no easy trip. Most people take around 6 hours+ to complete and was quite chuffed I did it in less than 5 hours.
Here are some photos from the Gorge :-
This was very nice at the end of the trek.
Really enjoyed the trip, here are the rest of my photos (including more from the Gorge) :-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157634406852706/
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Tits and things
Its awhile since I posted and to be honest I'm just not inspired to post at the moment, think all us bloggers have periods like this.
Anyway just to keep any readers up to date here are a few things.
Better start with the "Tits" part of the post, well I'm really pleased it looks like a family of Blue Tits are nesting in my bird box, first time for 6 or 7 years so really pleased. On top of that there are a family of robins nesting somewhere close its actually quite nice watching them all feed and go through their daily activities.
So on to me and I've been busy in the garden last couple of weeks and even though i say it myself its looking good, spring flowers are about finished now but have put in loads of summer plants and it'll be a sea of colour.
I'm back on a weight loss campaign, its planned between holidays. I've put a little on since I stopped working on it and of course the Italy holiday didn't help.
My next trip is to Crete and I started 2 weeks ago just cutting Bread & Sweet stuff out of my diet for now.
Been at it 2 weeks and although not weighed am starting to feel the difference so am sure its working. My intention is to keep it going until i go to Crete then will decide future plans after that.
I'd already cut back significantly on m beer intake and only drink on special occasions (even stopped on Pool match nights, actually go in car now so only have soft drinks). Did go out last Friday to a local Italian for our Table Tennis Clubend of season meal, about 20 of us went. Was really nice had the homemade soup for a starter followed by fillet steak, no pudding though, stayed strong.
Have a couple of things coming up where I'll have a drink, meeting a friend for lunch on friday to catch up then early June another lunch with someone from my holiday who is in he area so gonna meet up. Yes its a lady but don't read anything into that just a friend i met on holiday, one of a group of us that got on well.
Talking holidays I've really enjoyed these organised group trips and have another touring holiday planned for sept/oct but I'm getting the feeling I want to do something solo again, maybe a city break where i've to find my own way around. Fancy either Berlin or Madrid so watch this space, probably its the adventurer in me.
I actually like planning these trips myself, not same someone doing it all for you (although made some great friends), probably a mix of holidays is the way to go.
One thing I want to do is plan a big fly/drive in America, got a couple of ideas but wouldn't do it totally solo, need to talk one or two people into joining me on that one.
Anyway just to keep any readers up to date here are a few things.
Better start with the "Tits" part of the post, well I'm really pleased it looks like a family of Blue Tits are nesting in my bird box, first time for 6 or 7 years so really pleased. On top of that there are a family of robins nesting somewhere close its actually quite nice watching them all feed and go through their daily activities.
So on to me and I've been busy in the garden last couple of weeks and even though i say it myself its looking good, spring flowers are about finished now but have put in loads of summer plants and it'll be a sea of colour.
I'm back on a weight loss campaign, its planned between holidays. I've put a little on since I stopped working on it and of course the Italy holiday didn't help.
My next trip is to Crete and I started 2 weeks ago just cutting Bread & Sweet stuff out of my diet for now.
Been at it 2 weeks and although not weighed am starting to feel the difference so am sure its working. My intention is to keep it going until i go to Crete then will decide future plans after that.
I'd already cut back significantly on m beer intake and only drink on special occasions (even stopped on Pool match nights, actually go in car now so only have soft drinks). Did go out last Friday to a local Italian for our Table Tennis Clubend of season meal, about 20 of us went. Was really nice had the homemade soup for a starter followed by fillet steak, no pudding though, stayed strong.
Have a couple of things coming up where I'll have a drink, meeting a friend for lunch on friday to catch up then early June another lunch with someone from my holiday who is in he area so gonna meet up. Yes its a lady but don't read anything into that just a friend i met on holiday, one of a group of us that got on well.
Talking holidays I've really enjoyed these organised group trips and have another touring holiday planned for sept/oct but I'm getting the feeling I want to do something solo again, maybe a city break where i've to find my own way around. Fancy either Berlin or Madrid so watch this space, probably its the adventurer in me.
I actually like planning these trips myself, not same someone doing it all for you (although made some great friends), probably a mix of holidays is the way to go.
One thing I want to do is plan a big fly/drive in America, got a couple of ideas but wouldn't do it totally solo, need to talk one or two people into joining me on that one.
Monday 13 May 2013
Italy Photos
Here is a link to my Italy Photos :-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157633441210068/detail/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157633441210068/detail/
Tuesday 7 May 2013
Back Home
I've just had a week away in Italy, had a great time and the weather was very hot and sunny. Actually got back late Sunday and have been catching up with a few jobs especially in the Garden.
Went to the Cilento Coast and stayed in a small fishing village a couple of hours south of Naples, the hotel was great and the food really good (thought i was a taster for master chief, lol).
The area is very unspoilt and not really touristy although did a few day trips to more well known places such as Amalfi.
Need to get back on track with the weight loss, think I've put some back on but thats what holidays are for, must admit the home made ice cream was to die for.
Will post a link to my photos when i get them downloaded.
Away again this weekend, off to Wolverhampton to play in the National Table Tennis Championships (Veterans), I'm entered in the over 40's and over 50's and seen the draw and have tough games in saturdays qualifying.
Depends on timing whether i have to withdraw from one of the events Sunday as I'm fitting the trip in with a meet up with some relations for lunch, its more important (long story).
Went to the Cilento Coast and stayed in a small fishing village a couple of hours south of Naples, the hotel was great and the food really good (thought i was a taster for master chief, lol).
The area is very unspoilt and not really touristy although did a few day trips to more well known places such as Amalfi.
Need to get back on track with the weight loss, think I've put some back on but thats what holidays are for, must admit the home made ice cream was to die for.
Will post a link to my photos when i get them downloaded.
Away again this weekend, off to Wolverhampton to play in the National Table Tennis Championships (Veterans), I'm entered in the over 40's and over 50's and seen the draw and have tough games in saturdays qualifying.
Depends on timing whether i have to withdraw from one of the events Sunday as I'm fitting the trip in with a meet up with some relations for lunch, its more important (long story).
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Thursday 11 April 2013
Getting Slack
Got to admit I'm getting a bit slack with writing blog posts, dont seem to have much to write about nowadays.
Did go away over the easter period, just in this country, sort of touring about in this country with a old friend. Was good to get away but very cold, still enjoyed it.
Had a couple of dates recently but nothing come of either, lets just say not suitable.
Have a coulple of "singles" holidays planned this year, one to Italy and one to Crete so maybe best I keep myself single for next few month, lol.
Considering changing my car this year, its 8 years old now and I've normally changed well before now. Saying that its running well sopert of me says keep it, maybe I'll look around in the summer.
Decided I gonna start playing Golf again, bought some new golf shoes so committed now, just gotta join the golf club, lol.
The ongoing issue I've previously mentioned (but cant post about as only a very few close friends know about it) as moved forward big style, lets just say May is a big month.
Played table tennis for Yorkshire at weekend, hurt my back in first match but although it been sore not done any major damage. My own fault for not warming up properly. Got a local league match (our last of the season) tonight but still gonna practice because playin in the Veterans National Championships in Wolverhampton in May.
Thats all for now folks.
Did go away over the easter period, just in this country, sort of touring about in this country with a old friend. Was good to get away but very cold, still enjoyed it.
Had a couple of dates recently but nothing come of either, lets just say not suitable.
Have a coulple of "singles" holidays planned this year, one to Italy and one to Crete so maybe best I keep myself single for next few month, lol.
Considering changing my car this year, its 8 years old now and I've normally changed well before now. Saying that its running well sopert of me says keep it, maybe I'll look around in the summer.
Decided I gonna start playing Golf again, bought some new golf shoes so committed now, just gotta join the golf club, lol.
The ongoing issue I've previously mentioned (but cant post about as only a very few close friends know about it) as moved forward big style, lets just say May is a big month.
Played table tennis for Yorkshire at weekend, hurt my back in first match but although it been sore not done any major damage. My own fault for not warming up properly. Got a local league match (our last of the season) tonight but still gonna practice because playin in the Veterans National Championships in Wolverhampton in May.
Thats all for now folks.
Thursday 28 March 2013
Monday 25 March 2013
Where is Spring
Well thursday was officially the first day of Spring but somebody forgot to tell the weather, its freezing and snow is causing avoc around the country.
Still it got to get better soon, hasn't it ?.
Got to be up at 4am to drive to the airport, reckon it'll be cold then.
Still it got to get better soon, hasn't it ?.
Got to be up at 4am to drive to the airport, reckon it'll be cold then.
Saturday 23 March 2013
Dates of Destiny
Busy couple of days ahead on the sporting front that can be described "Dates of Destiny".
Tomorrow I'll be playing in the local table tennis championships and aiming to win the Open singles for the 11th time (first time in 1984). Didn't play in them last year so be nice to get the title back. Sure I'm not getting any younger but its only a small league and not the highest level I play so have got every chance of victory.
To be honest the local league is possibly as weak as its been certainly I can't remember it been weaker but maybe some young pretender can give me a run for my money, who knows.
Also it would be good to take the veterans and the doubles aswell.
Monday we've got our last Pool match and have a real shot of winning the league, we are top by a narrow margin but 3 other teams are still in with a shout. We have a hard match compared with our rivals and I feel we need a 8-2 win to be sure but 7-3 would probably do.
Going to be a nervy night for all the teams, could be a matter of which team deals with the pressure best.
Its great it been so competitive and going to the wire, could finish anywhere from 1st to 4th.
Tomorrow I'll be playing in the local table tennis championships and aiming to win the Open singles for the 11th time (first time in 1984). Didn't play in them last year so be nice to get the title back. Sure I'm not getting any younger but its only a small league and not the highest level I play so have got every chance of victory.
To be honest the local league is possibly as weak as its been certainly I can't remember it been weaker but maybe some young pretender can give me a run for my money, who knows.
Also it would be good to take the veterans and the doubles aswell.
Monday we've got our last Pool match and have a real shot of winning the league, we are top by a narrow margin but 3 other teams are still in with a shout. We have a hard match compared with our rivals and I feel we need a 8-2 win to be sure but 7-3 would probably do.
Going to be a nervy night for all the teams, could be a matter of which team deals with the pressure best.
Its great it been so competitive and going to the wire, could finish anywhere from 1st to 4th.
Thursday 21 March 2013
We didn't own a Ipad
Feeling a bit nostalgic today (well it is my birthday) and thinking back to my youth, probably the best time of my life. I wish I could turn the clock back to a time before technology took over our lives, had more fun then
Great Video to remind those who had their youth in the 70's & 80's, brings back the memories.
Great Video to remind those who had their youth in the 70's & 80's, brings back the memories.
Monday 11 March 2013
My Garden
As I was asked on my last post about the colours of the flowers in my garden thought i'd do a post about it.
Currently through winter I've just got a few Primroses in pots around the front of the house, bit of a variation of colours but just brightens the place up a bit.
I put a lot of spring flowering bulbs in my borders last year and they are now coming through nicely, mainly purple and white flowers (crocus) but there will be some red and yellow when the tulips and daffodils flower.
But lets face it summer is the main time, I have bulbs in for Dalia, Gladioli and a few others that will look nice.
I've also around 12 rose bushes (various colours) around the garden which i've just pruned. I've ordered 5 more which have arrived today, would plant them but its snowing (yes winer as returned) but should do them tomorrow.
The 5 new colours are as the photo below :-
As I mentioned in my previous post I've ordered a lot of plug plants (100 of each that are about 9mm at this stage) which I pot and grow on then transfer into the garden around May time to give me a good display until late september.
So far the the Petunia (Bolero) and Red Geranium (Fire Queen) have come and are now in pots in my backplace growing nicely. I'll lift them outside on nice sunny days and in on a night as the frost would kill them.
You can see the colours in the photos :-
I'm awaiting delivery of 100 Begonia (destiny) which again i'll transfer into pots, you can see the colours below :-
Yes 300 plants are a lot, a few may die off but i'll use what fills my garden and give the remaining to friend/neighbours, keeps me out of misschief lol.
Saturday 9 March 2013
Flowers, Cars and the Blues
Yes strange title to a blog post but they are the three subjects on my mind.
Flowers - Well really looking forward to see how my garden looks this year, I've ordered a lot of plug plants (petunias, begonias and geraniums) which i've been seperating into pots and will then grow on before transferring into the garden after the last frost. Already got daffodils, tulips, iris's, fresias coming through for spring to keep plenty of colour for now.
Also got a few roses along with hygdrangers, gladdioli and a few others i've forgot the names, yes the plan is a sea of clolour this year, will post photos.
Car - Been giving it lots of thought whether to change my car this year, not that it isn't running ok but its now 8 years old and sometimes you just fancy a newer model (bit like women I suppose, lol). I've got a investment due to mature in May so that will do nicely to pay for it.
Blues - As a fan of Blues music there are another of artists i've got on my must see list, and sadly i found out yesterday than one of my favorites Magic Slim had passed away in February. Got a couple of his albums and really wanted to catch him on one of my trips to the States but its not to be.
He was still touring and playing the Clubs and still a excellent guitarist even at 75 years old so I'll finish with a tribute video.
Flowers - Well really looking forward to see how my garden looks this year, I've ordered a lot of plug plants (petunias, begonias and geraniums) which i've been seperating into pots and will then grow on before transferring into the garden after the last frost. Already got daffodils, tulips, iris's, fresias coming through for spring to keep plenty of colour for now.
Also got a few roses along with hygdrangers, gladdioli and a few others i've forgot the names, yes the plan is a sea of clolour this year, will post photos.
Car - Been giving it lots of thought whether to change my car this year, not that it isn't running ok but its now 8 years old and sometimes you just fancy a newer model (bit like women I suppose, lol). I've got a investment due to mature in May so that will do nicely to pay for it.
Blues - As a fan of Blues music there are another of artists i've got on my must see list, and sadly i found out yesterday than one of my favorites Magic Slim had passed away in February. Got a couple of his albums and really wanted to catch him on one of my trips to the States but its not to be.
He was still touring and playing the Clubs and still a excellent guitarist even at 75 years old so I'll finish with a tribute video.
Monday 18 February 2013
Not the result I wanted
Went for the results of my blood test today and was a little disapointed that my Uric acid levels are still quite a bit higher than they should be. I'll add they are down from my previous reading so in someways i think the diet is working and i'm moving in the right direction.
Thought the Doc would prescribe a drug to control it but he is happy I'm working in the right direction and as given me a few more ideas about changing my diet (due to new research). Trouble is I want to avoid the drug route because once i start its for the rest of my life.
High Uric Acid levels leaves me prone to gout attacks which i get (and is agony), long term can lead to kidney problems so its essential i get it under control and significantly lower.
We are going to review the situation in 3 months time.
Thought the Doc would prescribe a drug to control it but he is happy I'm working in the right direction and as given me a few more ideas about changing my diet (due to new research). Trouble is I want to avoid the drug route because once i start its for the rest of my life.
High Uric Acid levels leaves me prone to gout attacks which i get (and is agony), long term can lead to kidney problems so its essential i get it under control and significantly lower.
We are going to review the situation in 3 months time.
Monday 11 February 2013
Another one
Lost another pound this week, now 198lb so happy with that.
Didn't go into counting calories exactly but dont think i need to I know what i can and cant eat to keep the weight loss going.
Only a short post, got a few things happening but maybe post more late in week.
Didn't go into counting calories exactly but dont think i need to I know what i can and cant eat to keep the weight loss going.
Only a short post, got a few things happening but maybe post more late in week.
Monday 4 February 2013
getting consistant
Yes achieved my target again, 1997 is my average calories per day this week so again happy i'm again under 2,000cal.
And even better is I've lost another 2lb so now weigh in at 199lb.
Could have been much better but went out for Sunday Lunch, still enjoyed it.
And even better is I've lost another 2lb so now weigh in at 199lb.
Could have been much better but went out for Sunday Lunch, still enjoyed it.
Sunday 3 February 2013
Frustrated with life
I'm a bit frustrated with life at the moment, nothing specific just need some excitement and adventure.
What isn't helping is I'm expecting some news (on a personal issue) and it seems so slow coming. Its been going on a long time and its very close to its conclusion.
As you all know like my sport as always played a big part in my life, play table tennis and Pool but feel really stale at present especially with the Table Tennis, not really looking forward to matches/competitions and wanting season to end. Most competitions are done and dusted by easter so planning to have a good break then, also giving a lot of thought to cutting back the amount i play next season. Never know i may get my enthusiasm back with a summer break.
Not been big headed here but at local league level I'm a quite good player and think that is part of the problem, because i win most of my matches teams want me to turn out all the time and I'm a sucker for not letting them down, done it for years. I know I've achieved everything within my capabilities and feel there is nothing more to aim at, do like the social side though. Its frustrating to lose sharpness because of a mix of not been motivated to practice and natural decline as you get older.
I'm actually giving a lot of thought to taking up a complete new sport so I can start at the bottom and see how far i can climb the ladder.
Also think I'm going to start golfing again in the summer, haven't played for a couple of years so it'll be good to get out on the course (once better weather arrives).
A few other things going on at present that are also a bit frustrating but nothing major just an accumalation.
On a more positive note, getting my garden ready for summer, gonna have a good colour display of flowers this year, put a load of various bulbs in that should flower in spring. Also ordered a load of plants for me to pot and grow on before transferring into the garden to flower all summer, will take some photos.
What isn't helping is I'm expecting some news (on a personal issue) and it seems so slow coming. Its been going on a long time and its very close to its conclusion.
As you all know like my sport as always played a big part in my life, play table tennis and Pool but feel really stale at present especially with the Table Tennis, not really looking forward to matches/competitions and wanting season to end. Most competitions are done and dusted by easter so planning to have a good break then, also giving a lot of thought to cutting back the amount i play next season. Never know i may get my enthusiasm back with a summer break.
Not been big headed here but at local league level I'm a quite good player and think that is part of the problem, because i win most of my matches teams want me to turn out all the time and I'm a sucker for not letting them down, done it for years. I know I've achieved everything within my capabilities and feel there is nothing more to aim at, do like the social side though. Its frustrating to lose sharpness because of a mix of not been motivated to practice and natural decline as you get older.
I'm actually giving a lot of thought to taking up a complete new sport so I can start at the bottom and see how far i can climb the ladder.
Also think I'm going to start golfing again in the summer, haven't played for a couple of years so it'll be good to get out on the course (once better weather arrives).
A few other things going on at present that are also a bit frustrating but nothing major just an accumalation.
On a more positive note, getting my garden ready for summer, gonna have a good colour display of flowers this year, put a load of various bulbs in that should flower in spring. Also ordered a load of plants for me to pot and grow on before transferring into the garden to flower all summer, will take some photos.
Monday 28 January 2013
1982
Yes 1982 is my average calories per day this week so happy i'm again uder the 2,000cal target i've set myself.
And even better is I've lost another 2lb so now weigh in at 201lb.
And even better is I've lost another 2lb so now weigh in at 201lb.
Monday 21 January 2013
Cheap Shopping
When I go shopping I'm always on the look out for bargains especially among such things as Frozen Food, Tinned stuff, Cleaning products, etc. These things keep so why not.
The thing is my cupboards & freezer are very well stocked up so my plan for the next 3 or 4 weeks is to live off the stuff i've got in.
The only shopping I intend to get is fresh stuff such as Milk, Bread, Vegetables & Fruit, its going to be a cheap shopping month.
Onto weight loss and I'm pleased to report another 2lb lost this week and I made my 2,000 calorie average per day target, despite only been below that total on two days.
Here is the results :-
Daily record :-
Monday - 2096 cals
Tuesday - 2003 cals
Wednesday - 1945 cals
Thursday - 2026 cals
Friday - 1860 cals
Saturday - 2033 cals
Sunday - 2018 cals
Average - 1997 cals.
The thing is my cupboards & freezer are very well stocked up so my plan for the next 3 or 4 weeks is to live off the stuff i've got in.
The only shopping I intend to get is fresh stuff such as Milk, Bread, Vegetables & Fruit, its going to be a cheap shopping month.
Onto weight loss and I'm pleased to report another 2lb lost this week and I made my 2,000 calorie average per day target, despite only been below that total on two days.
Here is the results :-
Daily record :-
Monday - 2096 cals
Tuesday - 2003 cals
Wednesday - 1945 cals
Thursday - 2026 cals
Friday - 1860 cals
Saturday - 2033 cals
Sunday - 2018 cals
Average - 1997 cals.
Friday 18 January 2013
This Weeks Good & Bad
Good - The engineer repaired the ignition system on my boiler
Bad - Boiler still got slight water leak on valve, he returning to complete repairs.
Good - Through to last 8 in Pool League singles
Bad - Got wupped in doubles KO
Good - Team won to keep championship challenge going (in 2nd place)
Bad - Team above won by bigger margin.
Good - Expecting some important information soon (not sure if this gonna be good or bad)
Bad - Broke a filling, hate dentists
Good - Diet Going well
Bad - The snow is here
Good - Booked a holiday
Bad - Not while end of April
Good - FTSE above 6,000, could make me money if trend continues into next month.
Bad - Left tap running ages last night, not just water down drain, its money when you on a meter.
Good - Leeds through in FA Cup (beat Brum in replay)
Bad - Drawn Spurs, not easy
Good - Its at home
Bad - Boiler still got slight water leak on valve, he returning to complete repairs.
Good - Through to last 8 in Pool League singles
Bad - Got wupped in doubles KO
Good - Team won to keep championship challenge going (in 2nd place)
Bad - Team above won by bigger margin.
Good - Expecting some important information soon (not sure if this gonna be good or bad)
Bad - Broke a filling, hate dentists
Good - Diet Going well
Bad - The snow is here
Good - Booked a holiday
Bad - Not while end of April
Good - FTSE above 6,000, could make me money if trend continues into next month.
Bad - Left tap running ages last night, not just water down drain, its money when you on a meter.
Good - Leeds through in FA Cup (beat Brum in replay)
Bad - Drawn Spurs, not easy
Good - Its at home
Monday 14 January 2013
2,000 calories
I've set myself a target of averaging 2,000 calories per day, thought it could be tough and it was. In fact I just failed as my daily average came out a mere 4 calories above at 2,004. A little dissapointed but know i can do it this week.
The good news is I'm 2lb down at 205lb so happy with that.
Daily record :-
Monday - 2050 cals
Tuesday - 1977 cals
Wednesday - 1892 cals
Thursday - 1920 cals
Friday - 2048 cals
Saturday - 2043 cals
Sunday - 2096 cals
Average - 2004 cals.
Sunday was my highest day which put me over, can be sort of explain by the fact i was away all day playing table tennis and worked up a appetite, was starving when i got home and ate a bit more than planned. Got similar situation this week so see if i can control better.
The good news is I'm 2lb down at 205lb so happy with that.
Daily record :-
Monday - 2050 cals
Tuesday - 1977 cals
Wednesday - 1892 cals
Thursday - 1920 cals
Friday - 2048 cals
Saturday - 2043 cals
Sunday - 2096 cals
Average - 2004 cals.
Sunday was my highest day which put me over, can be sort of explain by the fact i was away all day playing table tennis and worked up a appetite, was starving when i got home and ate a bit more than planned. Got similar situation this week so see if i can control better.
Thursday 10 January 2013
Scum of the Earth
Was driving into York last night, was on a one way system when the car in front of me suddenly stopped, wondered why until I saw a large group of youths stood in the road blocking the traffic and refusing to move. Reckon there was around 30 of them aged between 16 and 20ish, probably been drinking.
Anyway one kicked the car in front of me and started to move towards mine, instinct took over and i jumped out to confront them. When they saw me half a dozen started to move towards me one in particular was snarling threats, I just thought its not a great decision to get out given the numbers but it was too late so thought mr snarler was gonna get it first, even if i was going to take a kicking.
Luckily other motorists started to get out of their cars and a couple of blokes got off a bus and surprise suprise the yobs dissapeared very quickly.
Reckon society is producing too much Scum nowadays.
Anyway one kicked the car in front of me and started to move towards mine, instinct took over and i jumped out to confront them. When they saw me half a dozen started to move towards me one in particular was snarling threats, I just thought its not a great decision to get out given the numbers but it was too late so thought mr snarler was gonna get it first, even if i was going to take a kicking.
Luckily other motorists started to get out of their cars and a couple of blokes got off a bus and surprise suprise the yobs dissapeared very quickly.
Reckon society is producing too much Scum nowadays.
Monday 7 January 2013
Here we go again
Today I've started my new weight loss plan with a aim of keeping to an average of no more than 2,000 calories per day. Its going to be tough especially coming on top of a Chistmas/New Year vacation where I certainly didn't go careful on food and drink.
I put on 9lb during the break so now weigh in at 207lb, plan is to weigh in and report my calorie count every Monday.
On some special occasions out of my normal routine (weekends away, holidays, partys, etc) i'll relax my calorie intake and not count them occasions. Got to live aswell without taking my eye off the big picture. Saying that nothing really planned until February so a good start is the plan.
So here we go.
I put on 9lb during the break so now weigh in at 207lb, plan is to weigh in and report my calorie count every Monday.
On some special occasions out of my normal routine (weekends away, holidays, partys, etc) i'll relax my calorie intake and not count them occasions. Got to live aswell without taking my eye off the big picture. Saying that nothing really planned until February so a good start is the plan.
So here we go.
Sunday 6 January 2013
I'm back
Happy New Year to everyone.
I'm back online, been enjoying some winter sunshine in Spain since before Chrimmy and not been online at all. Certainly back in the cold, before someone points out the tempreture is higher than the seasonal average I'll tell you my central heating boiler packed in while i was away, the engineer is coming tomorrow so hopfully he can sort it.
The holiday was great met some really nice people, had plenty of laughs and fully enjoyed the trip.
So on with 2013 and that old story of New Years resolutions, well to be honest although toying with a few ideas I've not really cast anything in stone.
Of course weight loss will be in my plans, reckon I've put on a few pounds in Spain so need to get back on track (more about it next week).
I've had a ongoing situation in my life that very few people know about (its not health related so nothing for others to worry about). I've been after some information which I got in december which means things can move forward. All I'm going to say its a big emotional roller coaster and a priority to me, think i could have a few ups and downs in the coming weeks, hopfully all ups though.
Think I need to de-clutter my friends list, far too many numbers on my mobile phone and emails in my address book, just too many people that never make contact, time for a cull i think.
I'm back online, been enjoying some winter sunshine in Spain since before Chrimmy and not been online at all. Certainly back in the cold, before someone points out the tempreture is higher than the seasonal average I'll tell you my central heating boiler packed in while i was away, the engineer is coming tomorrow so hopfully he can sort it.
The holiday was great met some really nice people, had plenty of laughs and fully enjoyed the trip.
So on with 2013 and that old story of New Years resolutions, well to be honest although toying with a few ideas I've not really cast anything in stone.
Of course weight loss will be in my plans, reckon I've put on a few pounds in Spain so need to get back on track (more about it next week).
I've had a ongoing situation in my life that very few people know about (its not health related so nothing for others to worry about). I've been after some information which I got in december which means things can move forward. All I'm going to say its a big emotional roller coaster and a priority to me, think i could have a few ups and downs in the coming weeks, hopfully all ups though.
Think I need to de-clutter my friends list, far too many numbers on my mobile phone and emails in my address book, just too many people that never make contact, time for a cull i think.
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