Day 29 - Jan 29th

Sunday -

Felt like a kid again, sitting in the back of the car with my niece who had an affinity with my iphone to play games the whole way there and back. Dad drove to Charing Cross - we stopped off at a nice child friendly cafe called 'Giraffe' and had tea and banana and blueberry pancakes...yummy!
Proceeded to walk across the Thames...see photo below of Ma & Pa Raycraft with my niece

Lunch at LaTivola a really authentic Italian restaurant, the lamb nut cutlets were delightful and the company not half bad. Then proceeded to walk/cab it to The Albert Hall to see TOTEM by Cirque Du Soleil.

The show was amazing, just incredible how they put the show together and carry out there acrobatics. Also very funny, which I was not expecting and WOW the Albert Hall is a great building, first time I have ever been, would definitely recommend it. Afterwards, tried to hail a black cab but no, very busy evening around Knightsbridge, then it started to sleet/snow, we all got wet and decided the tube it is.
Long day, arrived back in Chelmsford at 8ish, then drove home....not a bad journey as I had Mr Walton for company for most of the way (via the magic that is the phone!!)www.cirquedusoleil.com

Great weekend x

Day 28 - Jan 28th

Saturday -

Unfortunately no photos on the cycle ride today, thought about it but forgot, there will be plenty of other opportunities to show the beautiful cycle garb I ride on :-).
Rode 20 miles today with Mr Walton, around Harborough district, didn't realise how hilly it actually is (nothing compared to the mountains of Wales) but there were a few sharp inclines that made you work.
Bloody cold, forgot to wear my overshoes, so feet like like ice blocks. Hot chocolate and shower afterwards certainly helped.

PM/Eve

Travelled down to Chelmsford to see my youngest niece in her Drama show. It was lovely seeing her sing and dance with other children. Took a video, so hopefully I will be able to upload. Very cute little ones at the front, a little girl who couldn't have been more than 2 years old!!! Broody???
Back to Ma & Pa's with the eldest niece (Lucy) for dinner and stay over. For tomorrow is a trip to the big smoke!!!!!!

Day 27 - Jan 27th

Friday -

Awake at 5.15am today, wheezy chest due to Slippers' fur stuck down my lungs, nice, luckily I had an Anti-histamine at hand. Made a cup of tea, watched some Tennis then had to go back to bed at 6.20 for an hour...rubbish!

I do think my body is craving rest and recuperation, 5 days to go at work... and the count down begins.
No plans for Friday eve, bath and pyjamas. Chatted to Mr Walton to arrange tomorrow mornings cycle ride.  2hours around Harborough and villages...

Sleep is calling me...hope Slippers has a lie in too tomorrow.

Night, night

X

Day 26 - Jan 26th

Thursday -

Feel absolutely exhausted today, not even just tired from lack of sleep, physically exhausted. 2 days until the weekend, although a busy weekend planned (Chelmsford Sat PM, Zoe in a show and Cirque Du Soleil Sunday)!! Can't complain, I am Mrs sociable this year remember.

Went to a 'Breakbeat Concerto' this evening in Northampton - AMAZING!!
Orchestra, DJ and 1 guy beat boxing, it is baffling how he does it, what a skill.
David kindly invited me to go with him and his mate Mark, bloody good laugh, another late evening, well late for me anyway (11.45pm!!) I am a naughty stay up late :-)

Can't download the video right now but will do.

Another cracking evening...my my, could it be that G's life is about to change for the better, yeah!

Lucky breeds Luck people

Day 25 - Jan 25th

Wednesday -

Ok so up early again, seems to be a pattern of 4 -5am fitful sleep due to cat!! Then can't get back to sleep properly, hence awake from 5.30ish onwards. What's that all about?? Should get up and motivate myself to go running and gym, however am feeling less motivated day by day to run. I think this is due to the big step of training for a long distance 'marathon', decided to take baby steps to building my fitness again, so will plan to train for 10k fitness and races once returned from holiday.

Appparently the 10k training is the best for building fitness, which sets you up to run further distances, so makes sense to start here again.

Evening - David's for Dinner
A nice wood burner, soft rug and pasta with home made Arribiata sauce, beautiful :-)
Played with Zach, ncie little boy, we all had dinner together, then bath and bed (Zach not me).
David and I sat chatting and listening to music in the warmth just delightful..next time with a glass of wine in hand.

Great day

Signing off x

Day 24 - Jan 24th

Tuesday -

Gym for 6.30am, nice early morning start...

Work an average day, having real problems motivating myself today, maybe my
body/mind is telling me to wind down for my holiday??

Couldn't be bothered to run this evening, received some invitations to go out this week (makes
a change). Steph text asking if I wanted to meet for a drink on Thursday, unfortunately already out.

2012 - so far so good, getting on really well with Mr Walton...watch this space ;-)

Feeling the Zen and positivity still, nice, although need to focus on my trading again, I seem to have lost my mojo with that, with so little in capital it is easy to lose my money too quickly. I think I will build up to a decent amount and continue 'Dummy' trading.

Happy 2012 xx

DAY 23 - Jan 23rd

Monday -

Picked up my new ski goggles, my they look mighty fine....8/10 for sexiness??? (LOL!).
I'm going to blend in with the rich and famous, NOT!! :-) Clearly suit doesn't match the helmet and goggles outfit, but had to try them on together.

Not a bad day at work, went quite quickly actually...
I have subscribed to The Royal Derngate newsletter, they have the Moscow Ballet - Swan Lake from Thursday 16th - Sunday 19th February, I did mention to David that it would be nice to go. This will be an all new experience for me, always said I wanted to go to the Ballet and I am keeping to my 'taking the world by the balls' & positive attitude in 2012. Next the Opera?? or Jazz club, swanky!

Off to have tea and some dark chocolate, yummy

Toodle Pip x

PS: Remember to take 3 positives from each day, however small or insignificant. I got excited about finding a pillow case the other week!! Oh dear, cart her off to the asylum, there is no hope :-)

Day 22 - Jan 22nd

Sunday -

Food shopping/cleaning & pottering, CBA to run or gym (thought I would ache after my cycle ride, but no).

Picked up David and then went to MK 'Snozone' - David took his first ever ski lesson and did exceptionally well for a novice. I tested my skills (haven't been for 5 years - 2007, seems like yesterday though!) on the slopes and have probably skied the best ever- black runs here we come in 2 weeks time.

Went to Pizza Express for a bite to eat, I ordered this amazing pizza called a Leggero (or something like that), a hole cut out of the middle and filled with rocket, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan..bloomin' lovely, would recommend as <500cals (winner)

Over and out xx

Day 21 - Jan 21st

Saturday -

A nice 45 mile cycle ride with another 6 individuals, weather forecast was supposed to be overcast but ok. OMG!! Wind, rain the whole kit and kaboodle. Rain within the first 10 mins of departure, in fact the rain was so bad we planned to stop of at a local tea room and dry off with a nice cup of tea. Tea Room closed until 11.00am, we arrive at 9.50am!!! Plough on we do, merrily chatting and having fun, until we reach the 3 hills in quick succession, OK who planned this one (Mr Drewitt!!). Hard work but I found it easier now my saddle is set higher, the thighs can pump better (now now then...).

Da Crew...taking in some well deserved Bananas & Jaffa Cakes at around mile 20.

Saturday - PM

 David & Zach come over for a quick visit, Zach is very cute!! So is his Dad :-)

TTFN xxx

Day 20 - Jan 20th

Friday -

Excellent nearly the weekend, ha ha another week over.
Suited and booted today, John Lewis visited so no 'dress down day' for me.
Busy day all told, office like Piccadilly Circus again, makes the day go quicker.

Absolutely knackered though, too tired to go for a run after work, so returned home, updated my blog for the previous 2 days. Downloaded 'Flo Rida', synced Iphone and generally lolled about on the sofa from 8.30pm. No big evening planned, as I have bike ride tomorrow, the longest one since the 100miler in the Brecon Beacons. Should be fun!!

No photo's today

G

Day 19 - Jan 19th

Thursday -

A well planned 'WFH' day, not intentional just worked out that I was out last night and working from home today, planned to have a little lie in but Slippers thought otherwise, ah bless!

Very productive, managed to get all my reports done ready for the deadline tomorrow. I actually like the odd day working from home, you get so much work done. I wonder if there is scope to work from home once a week moving forward??? Question to pose if the need ever arises..

Mr Walton rang, so we had a nice chat, whilst he was driving to see another client. To be honest it is reallly nice to meet someone, at last, who is on my wave length, he's intelligent, a great conversationalist, funny, kind & generally a bloody nice bloke (Fast Show??). We have so much in common, as in places we would like to visit, activities, Film buffs, nice food, restaurants, theatre, Live Gigs. I have actually found someone who would try the Opera and go to a Jazz/Blues club!!! Scary stuff. He is a Pisces (Birthday on 26th Feb), so we shall see. I could post a photo of him on here now, but am not going to tempt fate.

Went for a run, hard to motivate myself, but managed it. Note to self I have to muster up the 'Mrs Motivator' otherwise I will not be fit enough to run the marathon I want in April. Although I am keeping to the training plan, it is hard going..I will continue with reading this months edition of Runners World, that always motivates.

My Ski Helmet arrived today, funky chicken, it fits perfectly, so I will be safe if I decide to chuck myself off a mountain or choose to take some unsuspecting fellow skier out. Also have cover for Personal liabaility for such eventualities.

Day 18 - Jan 18th

Wednesday -

An average day at work, some laughs, some focus on serious key tasks but nothing major.

Evening - A bite to eat at Pizza Hut before the serious competiton began with bowling!!! Bring it on.
Managed to sceure some nice shoes and I mean nice, I actually think they are quite cute...

First game I was rubbish, didn't even get close to the OAP coach party in the next lane, it was embarrassing, little old ladies literally chucking down their balls, taking out lots of pins. Watch out for old people, they are not as frail and stupid and the world thinks they are, I'm telling you!!
Second game - ok improved on my 67 score, managed an 88 however still no strike.
3rd and final game - oh yes she comes into her own, 2 strikes and 125 pts, beating Mr Walton to win the title. Not that I am competitve or anything.

Planned to play a game of pool after, however I was about to turn into a pumpkin any minute as gone past 10pm!!! Dropped David off, no cheeky cup of tea, then off home (Naughty stay up late, and all on a school night)

TTFN XX

Day 17 - Jan 17th

Tuesday -

I ran to the gym this morning, it was lovely and cold and frosty, but quiet a really nice time to go running if you can be arsed to get out of bed. Luckily I have Slippers who is actually a great alarm clock, although doesn't know when it is a weekend day!!

Work - mediocre, saw the big cheese today to update him on deliveries...OK day.

Evening - V popped round for a catch up and deliver some news!! confirmed that her and Alex could look after Slippers when I go skiing (less than 3 weeks now :-)).

Face times with Mr Walton (David) and his little fella (Zach) - another 2 hr conversation, where does the time fly. Meeting up with him tomorrow for some tenpin bowling extravaganza.. I will take some photo's.

Also think that I need to re-design the blog, make it a little more interesting

Awaiting some deliveries from Mr posty

Ski Helmet
Digital scales to weigh luggage - ski trip
Ski Goggles
EHIC card - luckily I checked to see if I had my card with my passport, only card had expired in July 2011 so had to fork out £14.99 for a new one.

My finances are dropping like a stone this month, I get paid in 3 weeks (aaaahhh!) time to reel in the expenditure. To be fair I have needed to buy ski stuff and my new walking socks. I haven't spent frivolously.

Just to confirm my New Years Resolutions are

Not to be so wasteful with food (buy too much and then chuck it away)
Not waste money on items I don't need (check whether these things are necessary before I buy)

Day 16 - Jan 16th

Monday

Freezing cold, frost on ground as winter should be, where did all the cold winters go and the hot summers disappear too? When I was a kid, summers used to be hot (1976 - what a scorcher). Snow in winter, schools closed due to mountains (it appeared) of snow not just a sprinkling of icing.

On a late shift today, Mr Benz is coming over to fix my fence posts for me, yeah and all for the cost of a couple of cups of tea and a cheeky biscuit. Nice!

Have fallen off the wagon, as in my rigid trading plans, so need to get back on this as I am not going to earn big bucks by guessing which way the currencies will go, that is a sure fire way to losing £.

3 Positives this am (Sad)
I found my Christy pillow case, ha ha, at last, it was hiding in the my ironing cupboard.
Positive 2 - I fixed the side gate
Positive 3 - Fence being fixed

My zen and chilled out approach to life is still going strong...good stuff :-)

G

Day 15 - Jan 15th

Sunday (The day of rest???)

Up early again and out for a run at 8.15am, then into gym and back home for 9.30am.
Quick shower and gather all my stuff for my walk with David today.

Foxton Locks - 5 mile walk, so not a big one. Beautiful weather (just look at the photos).
Chatted with David, non-stop which is a good sign?? Met some nice animals along the way.
Had lunch at the Inn, by the canal, chatted some more in the Inn (no alcohol :-) then carried on for an extended walk back to the car.  Nice day all told.

Arrived home, rang 'Friend In The North' (You know Who You are :-) ) Rang the parents, had a bath, watched Ski Sunday (Recorded) now blogging (10.22pm).

NB: Alcohol still has not passed these lips since Boxing day...not missing it...wonder how many drinks it will take me to collapse in a heap in Val d'Isere? Not many I hope as I hear the drinks are extortionate!!

Day 14 - Jan 14th

Saturday

Up early, thanks to Slippers (7.30am) alarm due to go off at 8.15!!
Run and gym before Bank Manager appt at 11.00am - all good. I love it when the bank wants to save you money, who would have thought it. Consolidated my CC & Loan to 1, so save money on the Interest as loan calcualted on day rate and I can still over pay!!! Nice.

Haircut PM - then drove to Northampton to purchase my trusty 'Bridgedale' hiking socks (Test tomorrow).

Chilled in the evening - actually quite bored, loads to watch from my HD box, but couldn't be bothered, so faffed instead. Ordered food online, great, no trolley rage tomorrow in some god foresaken supermarche!

Succumbed to the ski goggles, thought I had better buy a pair, just in case and shopped around for travel insurance to cover Winter sports, bargain at £10.13 for a single trip with £10mn medical expenses, £2mn personal liabaility, cancellation and baggage costs.

I am debating on whether to buy a ski helmet, everyone is wearing them, this is not a fashion statement but saving your life. I think I may, you just never know.

Day 13 - Jan 13th

Friday..and the weekend is nearly upon us.

CBA today...Can't Be Arsed...bad I know but just woke up feeling that way, quite tired after my run/gym training pkan this week, I suppose my body will get used to that.

Tried to find 'Go Outdoors' in Coventry during my lunchtime, Sat Nav and Google maps on my Iphone and still couldn't find the blasted place. Will have to go to 'Blacks' in Northampton to but a pair of decent hiking socks for my walk on Sunday.

Chilled this evening - could hardly keep my eyes open  watching 'Hustle'

Trading - should have kept my eye on the Forex news, France downgraded to AA+ today, Euro dropped like a stone. Could have ridden the wave on that one.

Day 12 - Jan 12th

Thursday -

Working day, quite busy with meetings and Half Year Reserves, which I need to get completed by Friday 20th, no pressure. Office like Piccadilly Circus again today, however I like that staff come in and plonk themselves down at my desk and chat about all things, some not even related to work.

Very tired this eve, Gym and running must be taking it's toll - must keep to my rigid training plan otherwise I won't beat the PB for the marathon.

Slippers still gives in to the big fluffy cat that pushes him out of the way and eats his food, I have told him to stand his ground as this is his house, but still let's the other cat come in and feast!

Nearly time for bed and then it's Friday...

Day 11 - Jan 11th

Wednesday - middle of the week.

Nothing much to tell today really, work all day.
Gym before breakfast - weights & resistance for toning & day 1 of my protein shakes, ok but not
as nice as 'For Goodness Shakes' recovery drinks.

Ran after work and then called 'David' (POF) who is a lovely guy to chat to, Psychologist no less, who lives in Kettering. We are meeting for a country walk on Sunday, how civilised. Fingers crossed :-)

Day 10 - Jan 10th

Val d'Isère Snow Report

Loving the snow at this rather quaint resort....

Ha ha loads of the white stuff (snow that is)...

So 3 weeks on sunday and I shall be there, taking in the coolness that is simply Val d'Isere, mixing with the Hoi Poloi and zipping down the
runs!! Taking in the scenery, I shall of course take a video clip or two on some of my runs, if I can take my camcorder down without wiping out.

Back to reality for the time being and day 10 was a working day, however went to the gym before work and carried out some resistance and weight training as part of my Protein lean muscleplan, which should help rid me off the little annoying fat molecules that are just a pain to
work off at the ripe old age of 38. Now it is true what they say, it s harder to work off fat as you get older. I never belived this but alas it is true. I am lucky to have a fast metabolism, helps by being active though. Don't get me wrong I am not complaining and those of you that know me will appreciate that I dont have a weight problem, I appreciate that, however I do want to look super toned in my bikini on holiday this year. Oh yes I expect to have a summer holiday this year....

I ran this evening, then pottered about looking at trades.. oh yes and a guy from work is going to look out my fence on Monday, so hopefully just a cup of tea and my helping hand (oh er missus) will suffice as payments terms. Thanks Mr Benz in advance

TTFN x

Jan 9th - Day 9

OK so I am rubbish at keeping up to date with writing my blog, I have confused myself (not hard) with days and dates and have made a right old mess of week 1. Note to self; ensure I make time to write my blog on the day I am supposed to write it.

Day 9 - Breast clinic
10.20 appt - in to see the Nurse practioner who kindly confirmed my lumpy breasts and the put an 'X' on my right breast. "I don't think you will find any treasure there love" I wanted to say, but held back my giggle.
Waited around for nearly 2 hours seeing people go in and out of the Ultra sound room, until there was just little old me sitting on my own with my rather fetching blue hospital gown on!! Looking so sexy ;-).
Doctor confirmed small cyst, so small not even worth draining and just for me to keep an eye on. Evening Primrose 1000mg per day should keep the little cyst critters at bay (fingers crossed).

Did a late at work due to the lengthy hospital appt, but hey all good, no health issues and that is all that matters. Still on my chilled out laid back approach to life, nothing fazes me and people are trying to make me flip my lid by sending very defensive and damn right rude emails just delete them I say.

There is more to life that work, work is just my means of paying for all the other stuff I want to do with my life :-)

Over and out

PS: I have plenty of ideas for turning 2012 into a positive year for me!!! :-)

Days 7 & 8 - Jan 7th & 8th

Sat & Sunday - The weekend is upon us, or was should I say

Fence Repairs - unfortunatley failed at this, need to call in the fence men :-( More money!)

Decathlon - what a wonderful emporium of outdoor wear and at bargain prices. Purchased 2 super soft fleeces, long sleeve running top, Ski gloves, 2 pairs of ski socks & a short sleeved hicking top all for £46!! At this point I would like to say a big thanks to my Bro, Sis in Law & Nieces for my gift voucher.

Gym - some weight training today (no not massive weights wearing a Golds weight belt).

Tomorrow I begin the Protein healthy eating plan - more protein the more it increases your lean muscle which in turn burns more calories. You can even eat Cheesecake!! Super duper.

Day 5 - Jan 5th

Friday - end of the week and what did the day have in store?

Quandries about fence posts, the winds have battered the fence, at this point I would like to congratulate and say a big thanks to the fence contractors who built the wonderful fence for Bellway homes. I am a mere woman, who is a novice at erecting (oh er missus) fence posts, however I think you forgot some vital material....cement!!! Why build a fence and just grind posts into soil?? (1 side on a slope, so me thinks possibility of movement of soil when water logged!!) Bless.

Apart from that an average day at work. Bought myself a laughing Buddha, supposed to bring luck and wealth. Also good for the soul, if life is a little challenging, then the laughing Buddha will change your perception and all will seem tickety boo.

EURUSD: Violates The 1.2874/56 Levels, Focus Turns To Its Major Support (Special Focus)

EURUSD: Violates The 1.2874/56 Levels, Focus Turns To Its Major Support (Special Focus)

Going to keep a eye on the above pairing, if I can ride the wave I could be in for some big buck

Straight Talk from The True Traveller: 2012 – Where in the world are you going?

Straight Talk from The True Traveller: 2012 – Where in the world are you going?: Autumn’s here! It’s at this time of year we load a whole host of new Family Holidays and Adventure Tours for next year. Over the next ...

Check out the trip to Macchu Pichu....I am seriously considering the trek, this is onetrip that is on my 'Bucket List'. I did say 2012 will be a year of discovery.

Day 4 - Jan 4th

Work is challenging, trying to achieve 'turnover' numbers with little available order is near impossible.
Well we will keep plugging away :-)
Met Mr Bradburn for coffee at Barcelo this PM, nice to finally meet the voice at the other end of the phone at last (still loving the Australian twang). Nice bloke, very passionate about his work.
Moving to Bedford in March.....

Placed another 'Dummy' trade, so far both trades have gone against  me, however market is so volatile it depends very much on the news and the key calendar events as to how the buyers and sellers react. Me thinks I need to be more on the ball with real time trades to maximise opportunities.

Very windy here again today, unsure whether a good nights kip will be possible, especially being at the end of the 5 houses and 3 floors up!! Townhouses are great but not in the wind.

Ipad or not to Ipad that is the question? £399 for 16G WIFI....

TTFN X

Day 3 - Jan 3rd

Welcome the return of all the lazy people who took the whole of the Christmas period off!! Some of them looked shocked, what is this desk thing and TV with interactive screen, waht do I do with it?? Yes you have forgotten, your brains mushed by mind numbing Christmas TV.

First Doctors appt of the year (Happy New Year) probably cyst on breast (again), this is a repeat of last January, so off I go to the hospital next Monday to have it drained (Nice). Apparently I have lumpy breasts, full of the little critters, thanks Doctor unsure whether to take this as a compliment :-)

Put another 'Dummy' trade on the Forex today, let' see if my training and practice are starting to work. Apparently 4/10 trades you will lose, 4/10 you will break even, so 2/10 you will win!!!! Note to self I must master this trading skill this year.

January 2nd & How the hell do I blog??

OK, so day 2 was yesterday and already I have missed my daily blog, great start !
Being new to this blogging malarky I was struggling to find out how to write a post without clicking on a link from another website (Jan 1st blog was purely an accident - Three Peaks), just clicked on the strange icon and bam there we are in my blog, clever stuff.

So what did day 2 (Jan 2nd) have in store for me, well pretty boring actually, Bank Holiday and yet I was committed to the cause known only as work!! Don't worry I will get the day back, in actual fact I still have 5.5 days left to take before the end of March, this is over and above my skiiing holiday in less than 5 weeks time!!!

Timing of the National Three Peaks Challenge

Timing of the National Three Peaks Challenge