I'll start with the American election and I must say I'm astounded by the amount of money the Presidential campaigns of both candidates are costing. If our newspapers are correct McCain as spent over $80million where Obama has spent an astonishing $281million. This is of course on top of what was spent on their campaigns to get the nomination of their party.
My big worry is where did this money come from considering the world is going into recession and surely it could be spent far more wisely. My other concern is where did the money come from and how many buisness men will have favours returned over the next four years. This election is going to cost the American Public a lot of tax money believe me.
The whole long drawn out system is a joke, everyone knows approximately 40% of the population will vote Republican, 40% Democrat & the money is actually spent trying to persuade the 20% Don't Knows or Couldn't care less types.
I'll also comment on another news item this week and that is the issue of Comedian Russel Brand & Jonathan Ross making offensive phone calls to respected actor Andrew Sachs about his grand daughter. Basically they were no better than play ground bullies trying to get cheap thrills at somebody elses expense.
Personally I don't like either of them, not my cup of tea, just consider them both lacking real talent. However the thing that shocked me most was to find out Ross has a 3 year contract with the BBC worth £18 million. This for a talk show host that can't talk properley, what a great way to spend my TV licence money.
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Monday, 27 October 2008
Ok for 5 days
Mt Food intake plan was working ok for the first 5 days of the week :-
Monday - 2458 cals
Tuesday - 1927 cals
Wednesday - 1436 cals
Thursday - 1511 cals
Friday - 1429 cals
Average daily intake for 5 days - 1752 cals
Monday - 2458 cals
Tuesday - 1927 cals
Wednesday - 1436 cals
Thursday - 1511 cals
Friday - 1429 cals
Average daily intake for 5 days - 1752 cals
Thats actually below my target of between 1860 & 2360 cals per day which should result in a weekly weight loss of between 1 & 2 pounds.
However I did say for 5 days because over the weekend I'm unsure what my actual intake was but I went away and know it would have been much higher. I was playing Table Tennis in the Veterans British League at Grantham and origionally going to just compete Saturday but was planning to drive there & back. Plans changed mid week when I transferred to a new Club and was selected both days so I decided to stay over. The exercise will have been good but the eating (& drinking) out wont have helped the weight loss.
On the playing side I did well winning 9 of my 10 matches the team was unbeaten winning two but drawing three, we finished the weekend third in the table.
I expect this week to be very similar making my food targets through the week but Friday to Sunday I'm off away for a weekend. I'm actually off to Windsor which is a nice part of the country (hell the Queen has a pad there). Its actually planned with a online friend (from Myspace) we are meeting up and spending the weekend together. I've met her before and we got on well so we decided to have a weekend together, probably 3 days with me she'll get fed up (hope not).
Change of Subject I've just read in the papers that bookings on flights to America from the UK are down 75% which confirms what I said in my last post. The same report says that increases of American tourists coming here are on the increase because its now becoming more financially viable. The weak pound is certainly causing those of us Brits who like to travel a few problems.
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
America is Closed
I think everyone who reads my blog realises I enjoy my trips across the water to visit America, well to be honest the chances of it happening again are slim.
Why you may ask ?
Basically its economics, the pound against the dollar as just crashed. When I first visited the States I got a reasonable rate of $1.70 to the £1 which was ok. Over the last two years the weak dollar has seen it get even better actually reaching $2 to the $1.
However recent weeks have seen either the dollar grow stronger or the pound crash because its now around $1.50 to £1. Today alone the pound crashed 7 cents, thats massive in one day and its threatening to drop even lower.
Of course this doesn't only effect my spending money it also puts the cost of flights up for me virtually pricing me out of any trips stateside. I suppose its a great time for any Americans who fancy a trip to the UK, they should think about it.
To be honest I need to rate to get back to $1.70 to make it viable, and I mean tourist rate. I'm sure the US election may make a difference, probably depends who gets in.
So for my trips next year it looks like its a good time to look elsewhere.
Why you may ask ?
Basically its economics, the pound against the dollar as just crashed. When I first visited the States I got a reasonable rate of $1.70 to the £1 which was ok. Over the last two years the weak dollar has seen it get even better actually reaching $2 to the $1.
However recent weeks have seen either the dollar grow stronger or the pound crash because its now around $1.50 to £1. Today alone the pound crashed 7 cents, thats massive in one day and its threatening to drop even lower.
Of course this doesn't only effect my spending money it also puts the cost of flights up for me virtually pricing me out of any trips stateside. I suppose its a great time for any Americans who fancy a trip to the UK, they should think about it.
To be honest I need to rate to get back to $1.70 to make it viable, and I mean tourist rate. I'm sure the US election may make a difference, probably depends who gets in.
So for my trips next year it looks like its a good time to look elsewhere.
Monday, 20 October 2008
The Revised Plan
As I said in Saturdays post I've revised my weight loss plan after my errors of trying to be too ambitious. Sure some days I can cut back significantly and I will but the fact remains trying to keep down at around 1,200 calories (plus a 300 cal drinks allowance = 1,500cals a day) would be impossible.
Reasons -
1. Wouldn't keep it going
2. Would effect my energy levels (especially when playing competitive sport)
3. Could cause health problems (Gout attack, etc)
I still believe counting calories is the way forward, I need a target and of course can reward myself if I eat & drink well.
I asked myself the question -
So what is a resonable daily calorie intake ?
I checked the internet and found this weight loss calorie calculator -
http://www.hpathy.com/healthtools/calories-need.asp
I put in my height 5'9" & weight of 200lbs (ok I'm a bit above this I think but its the way I want to go). I also put myself down as does moderate exercise for this calculation.
Anyway the result showed to maintain the same weight I should take in 2860 calories per day. Apparently reducing this by 500cals will take off 1 pound per week, 1,000 cals 2 pound, etc.
So taking everything into consideration if my average daily calorie intake is between 1860 & 2360 calories I should lose between 1 & 2 pound per week. As this is lifestyle changes that I want to keep up I think this is a fair target, would you not agree.
The one complication is my sporting commitments means I have some quite hard days of physical activity and I find these are the days I have to up my intake. I feel if I keep these to less than the stay even 2860 cal target that will be ok, I can also eat less on less physical days to keep the average within my target parameters.
To move on this was my last week results :-
Monday - 2373 cals (Was high because this contains a few beers I had at my weekly Pool match.
Tuesday - 1187 cals
Wednesday - 1285 cals
Thursday - 2630 cals (High intake for energy due to Golf followed by Table Tennis Match)
Friday - 1367 cals
Saturday - 2664 cals (Playing for county at TT, very hard physical matches needed food for energy).
Sunday - 2499 cals (As per Saturday)
This resulted in an average 2001 cals per day which is between my target parameters mentioned earlier and in theory should result in approximately a 1.5lb loss.
Reasons -
1. Wouldn't keep it going
2. Would effect my energy levels (especially when playing competitive sport)
3. Could cause health problems (Gout attack, etc)
I still believe counting calories is the way forward, I need a target and of course can reward myself if I eat & drink well.
I asked myself the question -
So what is a resonable daily calorie intake ?
I checked the internet and found this weight loss calorie calculator -
http://www.hpathy.com/healthtools/calories-need.asp
I put in my height 5'9" & weight of 200lbs (ok I'm a bit above this I think but its the way I want to go). I also put myself down as does moderate exercise for this calculation.
Anyway the result showed to maintain the same weight I should take in 2860 calories per day. Apparently reducing this by 500cals will take off 1 pound per week, 1,000 cals 2 pound, etc.
So taking everything into consideration if my average daily calorie intake is between 1860 & 2360 calories I should lose between 1 & 2 pound per week. As this is lifestyle changes that I want to keep up I think this is a fair target, would you not agree.
The one complication is my sporting commitments means I have some quite hard days of physical activity and I find these are the days I have to up my intake. I feel if I keep these to less than the stay even 2860 cal target that will be ok, I can also eat less on less physical days to keep the average within my target parameters.
To move on this was my last week results :-
Monday - 2373 cals (Was high because this contains a few beers I had at my weekly Pool match.
Tuesday - 1187 cals
Wednesday - 1285 cals
Thursday - 2630 cals (High intake for energy due to Golf followed by Table Tennis Match)
Friday - 1367 cals
Saturday - 2664 cals (Playing for county at TT, very hard physical matches needed food for energy).
Sunday - 2499 cals (As per Saturday)
This resulted in an average 2001 cals per day which is between my target parameters mentioned earlier and in theory should result in approximately a 1.5lb loss.
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Changing Plans
Just a short note as I've not much time, I haven't neglected my weight loss plan but I am adjusting it. Following comments from one of my blogger friends ttp://jennyandcraig.blogspot.com/ on a recent post I looked into it in more detail, thanks Jenny. I was been far too ambitious and I'm sure my low calorie intake would have caused me problems, sure I would have lost weight quickly, too quick I'm sure it would have caused problems. For one it would have started an attack of gout (losing weight too quick can do that). I also wasn't having enough input for when I exercised or played competitive sport, I was actually starving myself and killing my energy levels.
I've been on a few websites and am redesigning my plan aimed at a controlling my weight loss. I'll post my plan early next week.
Not much time today (its Saturday night), I've been away representing Yorkshire in the veterans county championships, we had two matches today lost 7-3 to Durham but beat Warwickshire 8-2. I did good got some good wins, only lost one singles. I'm back in the morning for two more matches against Worcestershire & the roses battle with Lancashire.
Two weeks time I'm having a weekend away with a online friend from down south, we are going to meet up and spend two night in Windsor. Its a friend I met online but on MySpace not here, we have met before and seem to get on really well, she is a nice person (just like you lot).
I've been on a few websites and am redesigning my plan aimed at a controlling my weight loss. I'll post my plan early next week.
Not much time today (its Saturday night), I've been away representing Yorkshire in the veterans county championships, we had two matches today lost 7-3 to Durham but beat Warwickshire 8-2. I did good got some good wins, only lost one singles. I'm back in the morning for two more matches against Worcestershire & the roses battle with Lancashire.
Two weeks time I'm having a weekend away with a online friend from down south, we are going to meet up and spend two night in Windsor. Its a friend I met online but on MySpace not here, we have met before and seem to get on really well, she is a nice person (just like you lot).
Thursday, 16 October 2008
For the British
Recieved this by email from a friend :-
GREAT BRITAIN
I think this really sums it all up..After hearing that many cities did not want to offend other cultures by putting up Christmas lights, so DIDN'T!
After hearing that the Birmingham council changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's licence with her face covered.
After hearing of a Primary School in Birmingham where a boy was told that for PE they could wear Football League shirts (Aston Villa, Birmingham, West Brom etc) but NOT an England shirt as it could offend others !
This prompted the editorial below written by a UK citizen.
Published in a British tabloid newspaper.
IMMIGRANTS. NOT BRITONS, MUST ADAPT.
Take It Or Leave It.. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on London , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Brits.
However, the dust from the attacks has barely settled and the 'politically correct' crowd begin complaining about the possibility that our patriotism is offending others.I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Britain .
However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.This idea of Great Britain being a multicultural centre for community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.
As Britons, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of wars, struggles, trials and victories fought by the untold masses of men and women who laid down their lives and of the millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!
If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
If the Union Flag offends you, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this.
But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our National Motto, or Our Way of Life, I encourage you take advantage of one other great British freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.
We didn't force you to come here. If you don't like it GO HOME!!You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted YOU. Pretty easy really, when you think about it.
If we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please.No matter how many times you receive it... please forward it to all you know
GREAT BRITAIN
I think this really sums it all up..After hearing that many cities did not want to offend other cultures by putting up Christmas lights, so DIDN'T!
After hearing that the Birmingham council changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver's licence with her face covered.
After hearing of a Primary School in Birmingham where a boy was told that for PE they could wear Football League shirts (Aston Villa, Birmingham, West Brom etc) but NOT an England shirt as it could offend others !
This prompted the editorial below written by a UK citizen.
Published in a British tabloid newspaper.
IMMIGRANTS. NOT BRITONS, MUST ADAPT.
Take It Or Leave It.. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on London , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Brits.
However, the dust from the attacks has barely settled and the 'politically correct' crowd begin complaining about the possibility that our patriotism is offending others.I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Britain .
However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.This idea of Great Britain being a multicultural centre for community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.
As Britons, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of wars, struggles, trials and victories fought by the untold masses of men and women who laid down their lives and of the millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!
If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
If the Union Flag offends you, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet.We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this.
But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our National Motto, or Our Way of Life, I encourage you take advantage of one other great British freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.
We didn't force you to come here. If you don't like it GO HOME!!You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted YOU. Pretty easy really, when you think about it.
If we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please.No matter how many times you receive it... please forward it to all you know
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Day Three - Still going strong
Still maintaining my "No More than 1,200 calories" food control plan. Ok I feel slightly hungry at times but my body has to aclimatise to this and the intake is quite low.
Exercise is also important and the rain held off this morning so I could get my daily long walk in.
Thinking other exercise would help me burn off calories I found this :-
Calorie-burning activities
Proper weight control cannot be attained by dieting alone; however, many people who are engaged in sedentary occupations do not realize that calories can be burned by the hundreds by engaging in strenuous activities that do not require much (or any) physical exercise.
Here's the guide to calorie-burning activities and the number of calories per hour they consume.
Beating around the bush . . . . . . . . .75
Jumping to conclusions . . . . . . . . .100
Climbing the walls . . . . . . . . . . .150
Swallowing your pride. . . . . . . . . .50
Passing the buck . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Pushing your luck. . . . . . . . . . .250
Making mountains out of molehills. . .500
Hitting the nail on the head . . . . . .50
Bending over backwards . . . . . . . . .75
Running around in circles. . . . . . .350
Climbing the ladder of success . . . .650
Exercise is also important and the rain held off this morning so I could get my daily long walk in.
Thinking other exercise would help me burn off calories I found this :-
Calorie-burning activities
Proper weight control cannot be attained by dieting alone; however, many people who are engaged in sedentary occupations do not realize that calories can be burned by the hundreds by engaging in strenuous activities that do not require much (or any) physical exercise.
Here's the guide to calorie-burning activities and the number of calories per hour they consume.
Beating around the bush . . . . . . . . .75
Jumping to conclusions . . . . . . . . .100
Climbing the walls . . . . . . . . . . .150
Swallowing your pride. . . . . . . . . .50
Passing the buck . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Pushing your luck. . . . . . . . . . .250
Making mountains out of molehills. . .500
Hitting the nail on the head . . . . . .50
Bending over backwards . . . . . . . . .75
Running around in circles. . . . . . .350
Climbing the ladder of success . . . .650
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Day Two
Yesterday as I reported I kept within my food intake target although with the Pool match las night as expected I knocked a bit of a hole in my weekly beer allowance. It was a long match so I ended up downing six pints so I can only have four more this week. I'm not planning any nights out, have a TT match thursday night so may have a couple then.
Anyway today I've just had my dinner (Weight Watchers Chicken hotpot 271cal) & when I add that to my breakfast & lunch I've so far had 1,034 cals. That actually will allow me to have maybe an apple (53cal) later then a couple of Crackers with low fat Cheese Spread (100cal) before bed.
On the exercise front I haven't done much as its rained all day tomorrow isn't gonna be any better. I've a round of Golf planned Thursday its quite a steep hilly course so that'll be good. Won't be drinking after cos of my TT match.
A couple of posts ago I complained that I was dissapointed I hadn't heard anything about playing for Yorkshire, that has been resolved the captain had lost my phone number apparently. I'm actually playing this weekend four team matches against Durham, Warwickshire, Worcestershire & the Roses Battle with Lancashire. Two Saturday & two Sunday, I'll play 2 singles & a doubles in each match, should be hard but good competition.
Anyway today I've just had my dinner (Weight Watchers Chicken hotpot 271cal) & when I add that to my breakfast & lunch I've so far had 1,034 cals. That actually will allow me to have maybe an apple (53cal) later then a couple of Crackers with low fat Cheese Spread (100cal) before bed.
On the exercise front I haven't done much as its rained all day tomorrow isn't gonna be any better. I've a round of Golf planned Thursday its quite a steep hilly course so that'll be good. Won't be drinking after cos of my TT match.
A couple of posts ago I complained that I was dissapointed I hadn't heard anything about playing for Yorkshire, that has been resolved the captain had lost my phone number apparently. I'm actually playing this weekend four team matches against Durham, Warwickshire, Worcestershire & the Roses Battle with Lancashire. Two Saturday & two Sunday, I'll play 2 singles & a doubles in each match, should be hard but good competition.
Monday, 13 October 2008
Food Control Starts Today (Again)
Well my food intake plan as now started and today this is my food plan :-
Breakfast - Weetabix (2 biscuits) 129cal, Blueberries 20cal, Orange Juice 88cal.
Lunch - Large Bowl Oxtail soup 156cal, 3 small slices wholemeal bread 165cal.
Mid- Afternoon - Coffee no sugar 15cal.
Dinner - Southern Chicken 312cal, Boiled Potatoes (4*small) 150cal, Sprouts (4) 20cals, Mixed Veg 18cal, Broccoli (2 florets) 14cal, Cauliflower (1 floret) 7cal, Grilled Tomato 5 cal.
That equates to 1,099cals in the day which is under my 1,200cal target average, a bit in hand so If I get hungry I could have some fruit maybe a apple (53cal).
I also said I would allow myself 10 beers per week (200 cal per pint) which would be 2,000cal per week an extra 286cals per day (average). Thats still a average intake of less than 1,500cals.
I'm actually out at the pub tonight as I have a Pool match so I'll probably use about half+ of my beer allowance, so it'll be a quiet week after that.
I'm determined to stick with these targets and I'll reaccess in a few weeks and if I'm not making progress I'll cut back a bit more.
I did mention exercise is also in the plan, I have just done a 6 mile walk (half steady, half speed walk), I'm planning to do some exercise every day.
Breakfast - Weetabix (2 biscuits) 129cal, Blueberries 20cal, Orange Juice 88cal.
Lunch - Large Bowl Oxtail soup 156cal, 3 small slices wholemeal bread 165cal.
Mid- Afternoon - Coffee no sugar 15cal.
Dinner - Southern Chicken 312cal, Boiled Potatoes (4*small) 150cal, Sprouts (4) 20cals, Mixed Veg 18cal, Broccoli (2 florets) 14cal, Cauliflower (1 floret) 7cal, Grilled Tomato 5 cal.
That equates to 1,099cals in the day which is under my 1,200cal target average, a bit in hand so If I get hungry I could have some fruit maybe a apple (53cal).
I also said I would allow myself 10 beers per week (200 cal per pint) which would be 2,000cal per week an extra 286cals per day (average). Thats still a average intake of less than 1,500cals.
I'm actually out at the pub tonight as I have a Pool match so I'll probably use about half+ of my beer allowance, so it'll be a quiet week after that.
I'm determined to stick with these targets and I'll reaccess in a few weeks and if I'm not making progress I'll cut back a bit more.
I did mention exercise is also in the plan, I have just done a 6 mile walk (half steady, half speed walk), I'm planning to do some exercise every day.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
More Effort Needed
Decided its about time I had another push with the weight loss, gonna start tomorrow by strictly counting the calories, I think initially I'm gonna aim at an average of 1,200 calories a day and see how it goes.
As i don't want to be too stringent with myself, I'm also gonna allow myself up to 10 beers per week on top of the above calorie count (less than 2 per day).
I'm aiming to exercise on a regular basis so I'll have to see if my calorie targets are right for me, time will tell.
Obviously if it isn't working I'll alter my allowances, but the main thing is I start with a plan.
I'll post my progress.
On a different note I'm a bit p****d off, I usually get selected for one of the Yorkshire Veteran (over 40's) teams at Table Tennis in the county championships. I was informed that I had been moved down to a lower division because some new players had come of age, this is fine with me, not my problem.
However the first round of matches is next week and I haven't heard a thing, I'll be dissapointed if I'm not selected at all, maybe they are just late letting people know but I fear I'm just not in the click.
As i don't want to be too stringent with myself, I'm also gonna allow myself up to 10 beers per week on top of the above calorie count (less than 2 per day).
I'm aiming to exercise on a regular basis so I'll have to see if my calorie targets are right for me, time will tell.
Obviously if it isn't working I'll alter my allowances, but the main thing is I start with a plan.
I'll post my progress.
On a different note I'm a bit p****d off, I usually get selected for one of the Yorkshire Veteran (over 40's) teams at Table Tennis in the county championships. I was informed that I had been moved down to a lower division because some new players had come of age, this is fine with me, not my problem.
However the first round of matches is next week and I haven't heard a thing, I'll be dissapointed if I'm not selected at all, maybe they are just late letting people know but I fear I'm just not in the click.
Saturday, 11 October 2008
What do you think ?
Ok I know most of the people that read this blog are married or in a relationship but just interested in your opinion.
If you were single (assume for this) would you consider a relationship with somebody that lives a distance away, whom you could only hook up with every now & again ?
If you were single (assume for this) would you consider a relationship with somebody that lives a distance away, whom you could only hook up with every now & again ?
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
What the Sixties gave us (1)
From the days music was created from talent & not just a few buttons on a computor, here are are four (all very different) classics that you've maybe not heard from some of Englands great 60's Bands, love to know what you think of each performance :-
1. The Animals "Tobacco Road" - Not the origional line up was actually billed as Eric Burdon & the New Animals but I think this disproves the theory white men can't sing the blues.
2. The Kinks "Don't Forget to Dance" - Ray Davies is a song writing god, I think this is bloody brilliant.
3. The Yardbirds "Mr you're a better man than I" - Lookout for a young Jimmy Page pre Led Zep in the photos.
4. Cream "Crossroads" - Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce & Ginger Baker perform the Robert Johnson Classic.
1. The Animals "Tobacco Road" - Not the origional line up was actually billed as Eric Burdon & the New Animals but I think this disproves the theory white men can't sing the blues.
2. The Kinks "Don't Forget to Dance" - Ray Davies is a song writing god, I think this is bloody brilliant.
3. The Yardbirds "Mr you're a better man than I" - Lookout for a young Jimmy Page pre Led Zep in the photos.
4. Cream "Crossroads" - Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce & Ginger Baker perform the Robert Johnson Classic.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Sleep Patterns
Recently I've noticed my sleep patterns are changing and to be honest I don't know why. In the past irrespective of what time I went to bed (usually between 10pm & midnight) I would wake around 7.30am.
Things seem to have changed the funny thing despite been tired I am finding myself waking in the early hours between 4.30am & 5am for no apparent reason. I don't have a problem getting back to sleep but then I don't wake until 8.30am, it just seems strange to me.
Any ideas why this is happening ?
Things seem to have changed the funny thing despite been tired I am finding myself waking in the early hours between 4.30am & 5am for no apparent reason. I don't have a problem getting back to sleep but then I don't wake until 8.30am, it just seems strange to me.
Any ideas why this is happening ?
Saturday, 4 October 2008
Keeping up with the Young uns
As most of you who read my blog know I play competitive Table Tennis have done for a lot of years and do ok. A lot of stuff I play nowadays is in the Veterans (over 40's) but I do play local league in York and its a decent little league which has 4 divisions of nine teams.
Over the last 30 years I've always played in the top division and for most of these for a team competing for the title. I've actually played for the winning team 11 or 12 times and the runners up on countless occasions also seeing many good players come and go.
The last four seasons however my team has struggled to stay up but instead of signing decent established players we decided to move young players up from the lower divisions and give them experience of playing at the higher level. Our team has now come of age and its time to have a crack at the title once again. My team mates are Richard who at 21 years old is just back from University and is one of the best players in the area & Nathan who is 19 and has come through the ranks and is improving all the time and coming to terms with the top league.
Neither of my team mates have played in a team competing for the title so maybe my experience in the pressure games will be a plus. They are both so fired up, wanting to win and want to train all the time which is a great attitude to have and what is needed.
My problem is at 50 years old keeping up with them, they have me training with them all the time its getting tough. Both are fit 6 foot plenty strapping lads but to be honest its great pushing myself to try keep up with them, hope I can last the season.
Our big rivals are Bootham who have won the title the last four years and have three players ranked in the top ten so it wont be easy. Another Club who will challenge are Coneysthorpe who have the leagues top player in their ranks.
Sure they'll be ups & down with all playing all 3 times in the season but we have started well. We won our opening two matches 9-1 & 8-2 when we had targeted 9-1 & 7-3 so we are one point ahead of schedule. I only know Boothams first result but they dropped a point more than we thought winning 7-3 when we had it down for 8-2. No much in it but its gonna be interesting when the main three play each other but points against others can just provide the buffer we need, I love big matches though really tests your charactor & determination, its what keeps me going.
On another point I had to laugh at the disgraceful behaviour of some of the Football supporters in recent weeks. Tottenham are a prime example when they abused Portsmouths Sol Cambell with racist chanting, they were compared to Nazi's. This is quite funny when you consider they get their support from the North London Jewish communities, half their own team is Black, what a bunch of numptys.
Had to also laugh at the Sheffield Wednesday supporters who have been coming on my team (Leeds) forums telling everyone they are coming to our Johnstone Paints cup match with Rotherham to confront our fans with violence. Now our fans are no angels but I just can't see a few hundred Wendies supporters confronting a few thousand Leeds fans, me thinks these are keyboard warriors doing the talking.
And yes I've also got to laugh at the self proclaimed best supporters in the land Newcastle (a massive 900 you're taking to Everton today isnt it) who hve chased Chairman Mike Ashley out of town. He is now trying to sell the Club, yes the bloke who as put millions of his own money is getting out as you wish. Sure some Nigerian consortium will probably buy you, I'm sure they'll do more for your club (laugh loudly), talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.
But prize billing as got to go to the Portsmouth supporter who after 30 years of following his team eventually got his chance to see them in europe cos the qualified for the first time. The bloke spent a fortune for flights & hotel to see his team in Portugal only to find he had left his match ticket at home and didn't get in to see the game. Never mind you'll probably qualify again in another 30 years.
Over the last 30 years I've always played in the top division and for most of these for a team competing for the title. I've actually played for the winning team 11 or 12 times and the runners up on countless occasions also seeing many good players come and go.
The last four seasons however my team has struggled to stay up but instead of signing decent established players we decided to move young players up from the lower divisions and give them experience of playing at the higher level. Our team has now come of age and its time to have a crack at the title once again. My team mates are Richard who at 21 years old is just back from University and is one of the best players in the area & Nathan who is 19 and has come through the ranks and is improving all the time and coming to terms with the top league.
Neither of my team mates have played in a team competing for the title so maybe my experience in the pressure games will be a plus. They are both so fired up, wanting to win and want to train all the time which is a great attitude to have and what is needed.
My problem is at 50 years old keeping up with them, they have me training with them all the time its getting tough. Both are fit 6 foot plenty strapping lads but to be honest its great pushing myself to try keep up with them, hope I can last the season.
Our big rivals are Bootham who have won the title the last four years and have three players ranked in the top ten so it wont be easy. Another Club who will challenge are Coneysthorpe who have the leagues top player in their ranks.
Sure they'll be ups & down with all playing all 3 times in the season but we have started well. We won our opening two matches 9-1 & 8-2 when we had targeted 9-1 & 7-3 so we are one point ahead of schedule. I only know Boothams first result but they dropped a point more than we thought winning 7-3 when we had it down for 8-2. No much in it but its gonna be interesting when the main three play each other but points against others can just provide the buffer we need, I love big matches though really tests your charactor & determination, its what keeps me going.
On another point I had to laugh at the disgraceful behaviour of some of the Football supporters in recent weeks. Tottenham are a prime example when they abused Portsmouths Sol Cambell with racist chanting, they were compared to Nazi's. This is quite funny when you consider they get their support from the North London Jewish communities, half their own team is Black, what a bunch of numptys.
Had to also laugh at the Sheffield Wednesday supporters who have been coming on my team (Leeds) forums telling everyone they are coming to our Johnstone Paints cup match with Rotherham to confront our fans with violence. Now our fans are no angels but I just can't see a few hundred Wendies supporters confronting a few thousand Leeds fans, me thinks these are keyboard warriors doing the talking.
And yes I've also got to laugh at the self proclaimed best supporters in the land Newcastle (a massive 900 you're taking to Everton today isnt it) who hve chased Chairman Mike Ashley out of town. He is now trying to sell the Club, yes the bloke who as put millions of his own money is getting out as you wish. Sure some Nigerian consortium will probably buy you, I'm sure they'll do more for your club (laugh loudly), talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.
But prize billing as got to go to the Portsmouth supporter who after 30 years of following his team eventually got his chance to see them in europe cos the qualified for the first time. The bloke spent a fortune for flights & hotel to see his team in Portugal only to find he had left his match ticket at home and didn't get in to see the game. Never mind you'll probably qualify again in another 30 years.
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