Back Home to weight loss plans and dating

Well I'm back from holiday and must admit with all the travelling and living out of a suitcase it was very tiring. Still doing Route 66 as been a ambition for a long time and i saw some interesting places and met some crazy people.
Hopfully get some photos downloaded soon.

Did weigh in on my return and the scales showed 203lb so a increase of 12lb although hopfully getting back to normal meals and not partying every night will soon get me back on track.
So starting next week (Monday) for 8 weeks i plan to calorie count and reduce my average each week upto Christmas.
Next week I'll be aiming for a average of 2,400 cals per day, then each week that total will drop by 50cals (eg week 2 daily average 2,350, week 3 2,300, etc.).
Apparently to maintain my weight i need 2,500cals per day for a average lifestyle but i also aim to increase how much exercise i do so will see where the plan takes me.
So at this stage no weight targets will just see what happens.

A little early so not counting my chickens but i had some first dates (from a online site) before my hol, just meal or coffee meet ups. Some went well and one in particular i got on really well with and she feels the same so we are hopfully doing a 2nd date next week, will see what happens but at this stage keeping my options open.

Weigh in Wednesday - Ex Girlfriends & holidays

We'll start with the weight loss and I'm pleased to report a 3lb loss this week which now brings me to 193lb, pleased about that because I'm still on target for 189lb before i go on my American trip (2 weeks to go).
I know on this holiday I'll possibly gain a significant amount and am already planning my weight loss campaign for when I get back. A few years ago (2007) I did a stringent calorie counting system which did me good, at that time I came down a lot and eventually got down to coincidently exactly where I am now 193lb. Couldn't believe that but have checked my old records, obviously a lot as happend since then and i've had bad times wheresome of the weight as gone back on.
I designed a spread sheet that I fill in on a daily basis everything i eat and drink and it calculates my daily calories (each day and average), i'll be aiming for under 2,000 per day which should bring the weight off slowly.

Yesterday was ex girlfriend day, first of all sadly it would have been Janes 49th birthday so she was definately in my thoughts. Phoned her Mum in the morning and had a good chat which was nice, think they are always pleased to hear from me. I'm actually going to visit them (take to lunch) the day before I fly to America as I'm staying over at a airport hotel so will take the opportunity to visit Janes grave again.
And last night actually went out for a drink and chat with Paula which was nice. I know we split awhile ago but it was more to do with circumstance and lifestyles, we never fell out and always remained good friends. Before anyone asks we are not planning to get back together, we've both moved on its just friends going out for a drink. Whether we do it again, well don't see why not if we both fancy a drink, we had a good laugh last night.

As for holidays I've taken the plunge about Christmas, think been home alone would have depressed me so booked a singles holiday to the Costa Brava, in fact its 12 nights so Christmas and New Year will be partying in sunny Barcelona.
Bit overspending this year with holidays and home improvements but was helped with the christmas decision with a nice tax rebate, apparently they calculated my tax wrong in 2008 and I got a nice little sum that paid for half my holiday.

Thats Life

At the weekend Mandy and myself split up, not really sure of the full reason think its becase our lives and what we want is so different, still its been a good 3 months and I've some nice memories, just wasn't to be.

Although I'm a touch dissapointed it hadn't worked out better as I like her I'm quite happy to move on, maybe biggest mistake would have been if we tried to make something work that wasn't right.

So not looking over my shoulder, just a case of moving forward.

Bring it back home to England

Tonight its the last of the quarter finals of the Euros so can England do it and join Spain, Portugal and Germany in the semi finals, course they can its only Italy standing in our way.



But first I'mreally looking forward to Sunday Lunch today, off to Mandys and she is cooking for me for the first time, feel its gonna be a very special day.

Weight Loss Challenge - Week One

Well week one of my weight loss challenge is over and from a personal perspective think I've made a good start, exercise as increased played TT 4 times (2 comps and training twice), done a lot of gardening and a good bit of walking through the week.

On the eating side I've been eating salads quite a bit also trying to use fruit for snacks, generally its been good but I'd be lying if I said there hasn't been to odd slack moment, so looking on the brightside I know I can still do better.

Still the result of all that is a 4lb weight loss, decent start as my 22lb target requires losing 2lb per week so could say two weeks work in one week.

Just got result from M and she reports a 1lb loss which equates to 11% loss which is within plan so well done.
Should get  Regs results later (and anyone else that cares to join in) so will update then.
As you'll see I'm basing the results on percentage of target so far we've had approx 9% of the 11 weeks so any loss above that number is good.

Mick - start weight 222lb - todays weight - 218lb - target loss 22lb - loss 4lb ( 18%)
M      - start weight 163lb - todays weight -162lb - target loss 9lb - loss 1lb (11%) 
Reg   - start weight 131lb - todays weight - ???? - target loss 6lb - loss ?? ()

On another note had a nice day yesterday with Mandy, we went to the Yorkshire Riviera, mainly Scarborough, parked up at south side and walked all the way along the front to peasholm park on the north side.
Came back over the hill and through town  where we stopped for a light lunch, then back down to the harbour, walked along beach back to the car. It was really nice and we coverered a few miles.
On way home stopped off in Filey for another beach walk, that is one big beach, really enjoyed the day out.

Two nice afternoons

With the weather now improving took the opportunity to spend the last two afternoons with my new lady friend.

Yesterday we went to York and walked around the city walls stopping half way for cofffee (and cake), very pleasant it was.

Today was probably the hottest day so far (even the shorts came out) so we had a stroll into town and had a ice cream before chillingin the park. Big news there while sat on the bench a photographer asked if we would pose for a shot, and we agreed. Apparently we will now be appearing in the "Yorkshire Life" magazine (july issue).

No the ice cream in th photo wasn't todays that was one i had in Croatia and its there as a reminder my new weight loss campaign starts tomoz (see last post) so wont be seeing anything like that for awhile.

The Future lets be positive (but i'm playing my cards close to my chest)

As many of you who know me and read my blog on a regular basis lets jst say the last 12 month hasn't been the greatest of my life but maybe the next year will be much better.

As some of my closer friends know i've one burning issue still to resolve, something i can't/wont blog about but I'll just say wheels are in motion and things should be moving on sooner rather than later.

As for dating again lets just say things are maybe moving forward and i've options, will probably say much more following my holiday when things could happen, a few decisions to make in my mind and dont want to tempt fate by blogging about it.

Paula and myself are still very good friends, we haven't moved apart for any other reason other than we have different priorities in our lives at this stage, we have met up for a drink more than once as friends and done lots of chatting, we both know the direction the other is heading. Sure it hurts me to move on, we had some great times together certainly never fell out, in fact we agree on the fact we both got hard act to follow, lets see where the future leads.

On another note thinking of starting to play golf again this year, still actually a member of the club even though not been using it, need to decide before june when i need to renew, not sure will try play a couple of rounds weather permitting after my Croatia trip.

The Dating Game

Thought with it been Valentines day I'd update you on whats happening onthe dating front, well thats easy I've nothing to report, lol.

Did actually get a Valentines card today, not a clue who its from but hell someone loves me so who cares. And I'm keeping it to myself how many I sent.

I've got a few options including a couple of opportunities to date from people I've been chatting to online, but I've decided I'm leaving things while April before I make any decisions. Lets just say I've got my reasons but think its the right thing to do as I've a lot going on in my head. Plus got my Lisbon trip in March which I'm looking forward to (prop meet a nice portugeses girl, lol).

On that note as I'm flying from heathrow and staying over the night before I'm going to do a detour to visit Janes Mum and Dad and of course visit her grave. I phoned her Mum to tell her and she was thrilled I'm coming, looking forward to seeing them. Still can't believe its two and half years since I lost her, part of her will always be with me. Can't help wondering where our relationship would be now if she was still here, know we really loved each other.

All dressed up and nowhere to go

Was supposed to be playing TT in Yorkshire league at Hull today but it got called off last night due to the heavy snow we've had. Bit narked really, main roads arn't that bad and we arn't gonna get any more so think they panicked too soon.

I'd even made my pack up, so suppose its sarnies for my meal today, lol.

On another note been thinking about whats the worst part of been single again and suppose it easy to say lack of sex but that not really it. I reckon its eating alone, I don't just mean going out for meals but even eating at home, cooking for yourself is no fun.
Visited a cousin this week which was nice so did get to eat with others, its really what made me think about it.

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" :-

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.

Interesting Weekend

With Dad improving I was able to spend the weekend with Paula which was good. Friday night we went out for a meal with a few of her work colleagues, there was seven of us in total and think everyone enjoyed it. Went to a Italian restaurant which was really busy, the food was good but thought the service a little slower than it should be.

Saturday we went for a late breakfast at a local cafe then tok Paula's cat to the Vets as he's been off colour recently, looks like a allergy to some foods.

Then in the afternoon Paula wanted to try out her new Darts so foolishly I took up the challenge and we went to the local Club. Actually enjoyed it was a bit of fun a bit different for me and as a none player was happy with my performance. Ok I lost but only 5-4 and must admit was a bit lucky at times, still reckon we'll go again and I'll keep improving (maybe found a new sport, lol).

Saturday night it was clubbing, no not the disco but back to the Social Club for the quiz and bingo night, was good fun really enjoyed it despite not winning anything.

Seeing I played Darts todays music is from Darts :-

Emphasis back to me

Right Dads now home and on the mend so I reckon I got to turn te emphasis back to myself. Really have forgot about my weight loss plans but fortunately although I've not lost anything really I've managed not to put too much on either.

Maybe to break from diet will have done me good and I'll find it easy to get back into the swing of things (diet and exercise), we'll see.

Not a great new start tomorrow because I'm out for a meal, with Paula and some of her work mates, they'll be 7 of us in total so it should be a enjoyable night. We are off to Bella Italia in York a restaurant we both like. Will be staying over and probably Saturday night aswell but maybe have to nip back to Selby and see Dad is ok uring the day but dont expect any problems.

On the Mend

Dad had a operation over the weekend to fix his hernia and they also found a couple of cysts which have been removed (no wonder he's ben off his food).
He's obviously still in hospital recovering and seemed quite perky yesterday so hopefully getting these problems sorted will be a big step forward for him. Ok he has his other health issues but the drugs should help there and I think these recent problems have been a big part of him struggling of late.

Stayed at Paulas saturday and we went out for a meal at a cracking Argentinian Restaurant, both had a really nice steak so think we'll be going again sometime in the future. Afterwards went to watch her nephew perform his first ever accoustic solo gig, seen him in the bands he plays with but he did great on his own, he's very talented. Did a number of covers and 5 or 6 of his own compositions, it was a good night that everyone there enjoyed.
take a look :-

Here we go again

Been hectic day mainly because I had to take Dad into hospital, nothing to do with recent problems but he told me this morning he thinks he has a hernia. Apparentlt he's had it awhile but kept it to himself but its been getting worse, suspect its part of his other problems.
So I took him straight to the Docs and he was admitted to hospital as a emergency case and they are either operating tonight or in the morning.

On another note getting a burglar alarm fitted in the morning so staying here tonight instead of at Paulas, was hoping she would come here but she's a few things to do in the morning herself. Did go through to see here for a couple of hours and we are out tomorrow night so I'll stay over then.

A Long Weekend

I'm away this weekend playing TT at Wolverhampton in the Midland Masters and reckon its going to be a long weekend. Not because of the TT but the fact Paula isn't coming with me and I reckon I'm a bit dissapointed but understand why but I can be selfish sometimes.
She always said she would give this one a miss cos its straight after our holiday and she has a few things to catch up with after been at work all week, still miss her though reckon the phone will get some hammer when I'm stuck in a hotel on my own.
Other than my holiday to the States which I'd booked before we met it'll be the first weekend we haven't been together. it'll be very strange.

Cant believe its nearly 6 month we now been together, it started as a holiday romance and I honestly expected it to fizzle out on our return, thought she would have got fed up of me. Suppose I shouldn't be so negative but I also wondered how we would feel spending a full week together on last weeks Cyprus trip, but I think I've come back with even stronger feelings and can't wait for our next week away. That one will be interesting because we have rented a cottage in Norfolk in early december so will just have each others company most of the time. Still plenty of weekends together before then.

 

Synchronised Limping

This weekend as been a case of synchronised limping with Paula and myself, I've had a touch of gout in my foot while Paula as pulled her hamstring, anyone seeing us must have had a good laugh at our expense.

I've actually spent the weekend in York, Friday night went to watch Paula play dates it was a rearranged match and her team won 6-3, she played really well especially in her singles (think I'll withdraw my challenge, lol).

Saturday morning Paula had a hair appointment so I'd a couple of hours to kill so had some breakfast at the local cafe and went to the shopping centre, never bought anything though. She let me take her car as she as put me on the insurance, its her pride and joy so I'd to be extra careful (never knew they could get to that speed, lol).

We spent most of the afternoon online looking at a few things including holidays and I suppose the big news is we've gone and booked one, we are having a week in Cyprus at the end of september.

Last night we went for a meal, Mike who was on holiday with us at easter and works with Paula came along it was good to see him again. After the meal went to a local pub to watch a live band, they were a mix match of local musicians as the origional act that should have been performing had split up. Despite none of the musicians playing together previously they proved really good, had a great time. The Bass guitarist ws Paula's nephew thats how we found out about the gig, he is a quiet lad but really into his music and has a good voice.

Anyway I'm home now and have to go out again as I've a couple of Pool matches in the Pub knockouts but don't intend staying long cos a bit tired. Got a team match in th league tomorrow.

Parks & Canyons some highlights

My holiday was a fantastic trip and here are a few highlights.

We started out in Phoenix with a city tour but the highlight for me was stopping off in Scottsdale Old town with its "western" influence. Actually grabbed lunch at the Rusty Spur Saloon pictured below.
Evening meal we went to a place called Rustlers Roost where we had a fun evening in traditional western style listening to a group. check it here - http://www.rustlersrooste.com/

Another fun event was the jeep ride high into the Sedona mountains, great fun with amazing views.

Forgot to mention all my hotel rooms were good here is a example.

After Phoenix it was onto Flagstaff on the historic route 66, our hotel was right on main street usa. First night here we ate at a traditional R66 diner called Rubys while 2nd night went to a nice restaurant in central Flagstaff and luckily they had live music in the bar afterwards.

Of course on of the site seeing highlights is always going to be the Grand Canyon, walked so far down the mule trail and it was a bit tough coming back up due to the altitude.

Another equally amazing site was Bryce Canyon where we walked along the rim footpath.

We had a nice relaxing afternoon cruising on Lake Powell.

My love of westerns made a vsit to Kanab (little hollywood) where we got chance to play in a mock movie called "how the west was lost", as you see below I got the part of the Playboy (but wanted to be the gunfighter) lol.

Back to the fantastic sights and we walked along the Virgin river inside Zion National Park, saw plenty of wildlife but sadly no Brown Bears or Mountin Lions.

Finally it was onto party town Las Vegas for a couple of nights to relax and spend our remaining dollars before the long journey home.

Don't think the photos can ever do justice to some of the sights but if you would like to check out the rest of them you can access them here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/8308363@N02/sets/72157626851675161/detail/

Really enjoyed the trip made some good friends, saw some great sights, did a lot of laughing but at the same time was lonely cos one certain person wasn't with me. Yeh I'm talking about Paula but managed to spend the weekend with her, had a good time Friday night watching her nephew play in her band. Saturday went shopping then spent the night cuddled up watching DVD's.

Weigh in Wednesday - My motivation

Weight loss as been difficult recently with the things that have happend in my life and with a holiday starting next week seems pointless so I wont be starting my next campaign until my return (16th June). Rcckon by then I'll be a bit up from my last weigh in (maybe 7 or 8 lb) but I'll soon be back on track, I'm confident.

My motivation is the new love of my life Paula reckon I should make a effort to look better and be fitter. And yes she as given me permission to post a photo (she checks my blog, lol) so here it is :-

We went to a Darts charity event last night and had a great time, won some chocolates in the raffle but I let Paula take them (not that I had a say, lol). There was a singer on and he was good did a wide range of stuff.

Mixed Feelings

On Sunday I'm away on holiday and to be honest I've real mixed feelings about it, sure I'm looking forward to what looks like a exciting trip starting in Phoenix and ending in Vegas. However I'm also feeling guilty that I'm going on a singles holiday and leaving Paula and will definately miss her. Trouble is I booked this trip before we met, wish I hadn't in hindsight.

Reckon our relationship is going great, we are spending a lot of time together especially at weekends. Friday night Paula took me to a wedding do of one of her work colleagues then Saturday we had a drive out to the coast (sunny Scarborough) which was nice.
Then we spent Saturday evening cuddled up watching a DVD with a bottle of wine. Sunday went had a nice Pub lunch before I went home to sort a few things out for my Dad.

Spent most of Bank holiday Monday together actually had a ride out to Knaersborough which was nice. Tonight I'm off to York to see her again, she is taking me to a charity event organised by her loal darts league, should be good.

We are planning things to do together in the future sort of looking at weekends and holidays so everything is looking very positive, long may it last.


On another note its good to see one of my old blog friends Rebecca return to blog world although I can't seem to post omments on her blog. Check her blog out - http://shoppingspecialist.blogspot.com/