An update is long over due on this here blog of mine. It's the middle of July for goodness sake and I have just noticed that I have only managed one post so far this year. Sorry about that.
It's not surprising really, but here's a quick update on the last few months. I very quickly realised, around February-ish, that interfering in CC's GCSE revisions plans was a huge mistake. Any attempts resulted in stand offish behaviour and tears, and that was just from me! CC seemed to have it all planned out and, although at times I didn't think she was quite working hard enough, I have confidence in her, and let's face it, the results in August will speak for themselves...
Not having to focus on CC's revision was good news for two reasons. Firstly, it meant that I could rest more and with the overwhelming fatigue that occurred for the first half of the year, it meant that I spend most of the first half of the year with my eyes shut on the sofa, without the guilt of worrying that I was not adequately supporting my daughter. There was a build up of pressure behind my eyes, caused by the pituitary tumour and at times there was nothing more that I could do, other than sleep.
I've never been one for napping. Those people that nod off on the bus, I always questioned how they could do that. Now I understand. Not that I took to falling asleep on public transport, but I was as tired during the day as I would usually be at night.. Actually, as an occasional insomniac, the fatigue that engulfed me during the day was worse than fatigue after a normal working day. I had no choice in this sleeping, I literally had to sleep. And then I would sleep at night too.
Anyway, I digress. Secondly, not worrying about CC meant that, when I did have the energy, I could train and enter and the London League triathlon group of events. At the time of writing, I'm in first position in the 40-44 age group. I still have one race to complete before the end of the season to have completed the required number of races.
So, why on earth wouldn't I complete all of the races? Well, just over a week ago now, on July 6, I had my pituitary tumour surgery, where the little blighter was removed via my nostrils. Yes, that's correct, the ENT surgeon goes in first and removes bone and tissue (eugh) from inside the nose to 'make space' for the neurosurgeon to remove the tumour.
The surgery was a success, and I'm now in recovery. The post-op fatigue at this point feels every bit as bad as the pre-op fatigue, but I'm hopeful that it will fade in time.
So, that's an update on me. What about you? What's floating your boat, or sinking your swim at the moment. Leave me a comment, you know you want to.
PS> How much cooking have I done lately? Absolutely none. The closest I've got to cooking is watching Great British Menu What a great show. Ok, so I've 'made' a few smoothies and juices, which have been lovely, but I don't really count those as cooking. I'm hoping to get back to that again soon. However, I'm trying to pace myself. And. Not. Rush. Myself. TTFN.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Monday, January 2, 2017
New Year Goals 2017
Well, here we are. It's 2017. We're two days in. Did you make any New Year's resolutions? I'm always setting new goals, looking to learn new things and setting myself new challenges. I thought I would share these with you, and maybe you will either be inspired (hopefully!), or just find it interesting. Here goes:
- I plan to deal with my acromegaly diagnosis as well as I possibly can. It's not every day you are diagnosed with a serious health condition, but it's not like I can do anything to change it, so I'm going to try and not let it define the whole of my future. It's early days in my diagnosis, so more on that in a future post.
- Blog more. I've neglected this blog so much recently. When I get so much from it, it's a crazy idea to not pursue it and develop it further. So, watch this space for new developments.
- Continue to use and evolve my BUJO. What? I hear you say? BUllet JOurnal. I started to use a Bullet Journal (http://bulletjournal.com/get-started/) in late summer of 2016 when I was looking for a new way to manage a heavy workload. Guess what? It's a paper-based system, but it really works. I use it to manage my daily work activities and it forces you to prioritise. Why not give it a go?
- Maintain my exercise regime. I was third in my age group in the UK London Triathlon league 2016 which I was really pleased about. Full results are here: London League Age group results 2016 I was also the winner of the ladies duathlon award for my tri club - South London Harriers triathlon club.
A super-proud moment was to receive the Coach's Award for 2016. I was awarded it for coming back from my hideous crash in 2014 and managing to compete again. It was a great moment. I plan to maintain and maybe even improve on this (health permitting!) in 2017. If you are interested in London League find out about the 2017 race schedule here: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/london/london-leagues/senior-series
- Eat less sugar. I think I eat too much sugar. I plan to look at my diet and see if I can make some sensible changes.
- Maintain a sense of perspective. There's a lot going on this year. I have my exercise and race goals, health issues that cannot be ignored, CC's exams and a full-time job. In all of this, I need to maintain a sense of perspective and not try and do everything. I might have metal in my bones, but I'm not quite a robot yet!
So, where are you with your 2017 goals? It's not too late to set some. Leave me a comment. :)
- I plan to deal with my acromegaly diagnosis as well as I possibly can. It's not every day you are diagnosed with a serious health condition, but it's not like I can do anything to change it, so I'm going to try and not let it define the whole of my future. It's early days in my diagnosis, so more on that in a future post.
- Blog more. I've neglected this blog so much recently. When I get so much from it, it's a crazy idea to not pursue it and develop it further. So, watch this space for new developments.
- Continue to use and evolve my BUJO. What? I hear you say? BUllet JOurnal. I started to use a Bullet Journal (http://bulletjournal.com/get-started/) in late summer of 2016 when I was looking for a new way to manage a heavy workload. Guess what? It's a paper-based system, but it really works. I use it to manage my daily work activities and it forces you to prioritise. Why not give it a go?
- Maintain my exercise regime. I was third in my age group in the UK London Triathlon league 2016 which I was really pleased about. Full results are here: London League Age group results 2016 I was also the winner of the ladies duathlon award for my tri club - South London Harriers triathlon club.
A super-proud moment was to receive the Coach's Award for 2016. I was awarded it for coming back from my hideous crash in 2014 and managing to compete again. It was a great moment. I plan to maintain and maybe even improve on this (health permitting!) in 2017. If you are interested in London League find out about the 2017 race schedule here: https://www.britishtriathlon.org/london/london-leagues/senior-series
- Eat less sugar. I think I eat too much sugar. I plan to look at my diet and see if I can make some sensible changes.
- Maintain a sense of perspective. There's a lot going on this year. I have my exercise and race goals, health issues that cannot be ignored, CC's exams and a full-time job. In all of this, I need to maintain a sense of perspective and not try and do everything. I might have metal in my bones, but I'm not quite a robot yet!
So, where are you with your 2017 goals? It's not too late to set some. Leave me a comment. :)
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Hello stranger
Well, it looks like it's been more than 18 months since I last posted. I just can't STAND those blogs where nothing is posted for months on end, and there am I doing that exact same thing. Me BAD and I apologise profusely. See, it's not even a New Year's resolution to pick this up again, because here I am, right here, right now.
I can't even remember the rest of 2015, suffice to say it went along with no major happenings as I slowly recovered from the crash in 2014 and built up my exercise regime to try and get back to my pre-crash self. I basically had a 'year off'. It took me a long time to get over my injuries and I now know that some aspects of my body (specifically my elbow and collarbone) will never be the same again. That's ok though, hell, I never really, really liked circuit training and yoga anyway, so now I have a perfect excuse as it's difficult (read impossible) to put weight through my elbow for a long time, so no burpees or downward dog for me!
2016 has been plagued with illness. Novovirus? Anyone out there had that? I know you have. One minute I'm in the lounge having eaten my dinner feeling my fabulous self, the next I had my face on the bathroom floor, and was trying to empty all of the liquid contents out of my body from any and every available orifice. Pleasant it is not. That came on the back of a pretty horrendous flu and chest infection too, so the year up to March pretty much passed me by and I missed a couple of planned races.
That said, through February to September, I managed to complete the following races during the season : Crystal Palace triathlon, Thames Turbo triathlon, Southwater relays triathlon, Windrush aquathlon, Bedford duathlon, London Fields Aquathlon and Jekyll and Hyde duathlon. Overall, this saw me come 3rd in my age group in the British Triahtlon London league, which then meant that I scooped the club Ladies duathlon award as well as the Captains's award for basically being brilliant in 2016. Get me!
I continued to be plagued by various infections - including impetigo, two ear infections and a particularly nasty bout of sinusitis. Each time I pushed the exercise envelope, I became ill. The illnesses came with a pretty severe fatigue each time which I have never had before, so I would go from running 10km one day to being unable to walk to the kettle the next. I have never spent so much time on the sofa...
To cut a long story short, I had my GP refer me to an immunologist, who then referred me on to an endocrinologist. It seems I have a hormone disorder called acromegaly caused by a benign tumour on the pituitary gland. Search it on the internet, it's an interesting condition and finally provides an answer to the illness and odd symptoms.
I'll see the docs in the new year, so I will post again then. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to a fab Christmas and I am determined to get fitter than ever. Who knows... maybe there's a half iron(wo)man in me yet.
Merry Christmas All. Chase your dreams. Never give up on them.
I can't even remember the rest of 2015, suffice to say it went along with no major happenings as I slowly recovered from the crash in 2014 and built up my exercise regime to try and get back to my pre-crash self. I basically had a 'year off'. It took me a long time to get over my injuries and I now know that some aspects of my body (specifically my elbow and collarbone) will never be the same again. That's ok though, hell, I never really, really liked circuit training and yoga anyway, so now I have a perfect excuse as it's difficult (read impossible) to put weight through my elbow for a long time, so no burpees or downward dog for me!
2016 has been plagued with illness. Novovirus? Anyone out there had that? I know you have. One minute I'm in the lounge having eaten my dinner feeling my fabulous self, the next I had my face on the bathroom floor, and was trying to empty all of the liquid contents out of my body from any and every available orifice. Pleasant it is not. That came on the back of a pretty horrendous flu and chest infection too, so the year up to March pretty much passed me by and I missed a couple of planned races.
That said, through February to September, I managed to complete the following races during the season : Crystal Palace triathlon, Thames Turbo triathlon, Southwater relays triathlon, Windrush aquathlon, Bedford duathlon, London Fields Aquathlon and Jekyll and Hyde duathlon. Overall, this saw me come 3rd in my age group in the British Triahtlon London league, which then meant that I scooped the club Ladies duathlon award as well as the Captains's award for basically being brilliant in 2016. Get me!
I continued to be plagued by various infections - including impetigo, two ear infections and a particularly nasty bout of sinusitis. Each time I pushed the exercise envelope, I became ill. The illnesses came with a pretty severe fatigue each time which I have never had before, so I would go from running 10km one day to being unable to walk to the kettle the next. I have never spent so much time on the sofa...
To cut a long story short, I had my GP refer me to an immunologist, who then referred me on to an endocrinologist. It seems I have a hormone disorder called acromegaly caused by a benign tumour on the pituitary gland. Search it on the internet, it's an interesting condition and finally provides an answer to the illness and odd symptoms.
I'll see the docs in the new year, so I will post again then. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to a fab Christmas and I am determined to get fitter than ever. Who knows... maybe there's a half iron(wo)man in me yet.
Merry Christmas All. Chase your dreams. Never give up on them.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Getting back on my feet...
Sorry I haven't posted for such a very long time, I'm slowly getting back on my feet.
These past two weeks I've managed to do the park run twice, this past Saturday I managed the 5km race in 27:40. Of course, I'm still 2 minutes slower than my pre-crash time, but I have to start somewhere right ? I haven't run very much at all in the last 8 months and not at all from July to December whilst my fractured pelvis healed properly.
I'm not back to cycling properly yet, I have bought a lovely new pink Kask helmet though, like this one here, which I hope to wear soon, and is a step towards getting back into proper cycling.
In the meantime, I have signed up for the Windrush Aquathlon, which I am told is a really enjoyable race, so I'm looking forward to that. It's a 500m run, followed by a 5km run. It's not quite the half ironman that I was training for this time last year, but sometimes things happen and you just have to re-adjust, reorganize, and move on.
When have you had to re-address your goals ? How did you approach it ? Did it still work out for you ? I'd love to hear your stories. :)
These past two weeks I've managed to do the park run twice, this past Saturday I managed the 5km race in 27:40. Of course, I'm still 2 minutes slower than my pre-crash time, but I have to start somewhere right ? I haven't run very much at all in the last 8 months and not at all from July to December whilst my fractured pelvis healed properly.
I'm not back to cycling properly yet, I have bought a lovely new pink Kask helmet though, like this one here, which I hope to wear soon, and is a step towards getting back into proper cycling.
In the meantime, I have signed up for the Windrush Aquathlon, which I am told is a really enjoyable race, so I'm looking forward to that. It's a 500m run, followed by a 5km run. It's not quite the half ironman that I was training for this time last year, but sometimes things happen and you just have to re-adjust, reorganize, and move on.
When have you had to re-address your goals ? How did you approach it ? Did it still work out for you ? I'd love to hear your stories. :)
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Excuses, excuses
With a new job and training for a half ironman, I never really get time to blog any more..
My last post was on June 13 and to say a lot has happened since then is somewhat of an understatement.
On July 13 I had a bike crash. I won't go into details, but suffice to say that I suffered multiple fractures, a punctured lung and had an operation to repair my shattered elbow and collar bone.
The fact that I was wearing a helmet probably saved my life. In hospital a neuro nurse mentioned that she saw many injuries that were far worse because the person was not wearing a helmet. So, if there is anyone out there that doesn't wear a helmet for whatever reason, please re-consider. It could save your life. I know it saved mine.
I'm at home now and have been recuperating for a couple of weeks. My first follow-up x-ray is tomorrow and I'm hoping for good news. I've been looking forward to this appointment for what feels like forever, but is actually only about 2 weeks. Why? You might wonder. Well.. firstly, I see it as a first step on my road to recovery ... and ..... I finally get to leave the house. I've been out once in three weeks, in a wheelchair, as I'm non-weight bearning on my fractured pelvis, so you can imagine that I'm a little stir crazy...
Of course all bets are off as far as the half ironman is concerned... and any form of exercise at the moment, even walking.. so when you feel like you don't want to exercise, please get out there and take an extra step for me.
I just can't wait to go for a walk in the countryside with my dog.
My last post was on June 13 and to say a lot has happened since then is somewhat of an understatement.
On July 13 I had a bike crash. I won't go into details, but suffice to say that I suffered multiple fractures, a punctured lung and had an operation to repair my shattered elbow and collar bone.
The fact that I was wearing a helmet probably saved my life. In hospital a neuro nurse mentioned that she saw many injuries that were far worse because the person was not wearing a helmet. So, if there is anyone out there that doesn't wear a helmet for whatever reason, please re-consider. It could save your life. I know it saved mine.
I'm at home now and have been recuperating for a couple of weeks. My first follow-up x-ray is tomorrow and I'm hoping for good news. I've been looking forward to this appointment for what feels like forever, but is actually only about 2 weeks. Why? You might wonder. Well.. firstly, I see it as a first step on my road to recovery ... and ..... I finally get to leave the house. I've been out once in three weeks, in a wheelchair, as I'm non-weight bearning on my fractured pelvis, so you can imagine that I'm a little stir crazy...
Of course all bets are off as far as the half ironman is concerned... and any form of exercise at the moment, even walking.. so when you feel like you don't want to exercise, please get out there and take an extra step for me.
I just can't wait to go for a walk in the countryside with my dog.
Friday, June 13, 2014
A New Bathroom
Just by chance that I happened upon the Mumsnet blogger site tonight and saw a competition sponsored by Victoria Plumb . Do click the link and take their Great British Home survey. It's lots of fun - flip to the end of this blog post to see my results
It seems that bathrooms are the woe of my life. BB and I have installed two shower rooms and one 'powder room' in Labour of Love in France. There's no bath to be found, but the showers are fantastic. BB and I have a tiny ensute shower room in France with a walk-in shower big enough to share, and a huge concrete sink.
BB dropped some sort of harsh cleaner in the sink which stripped part of the vanish off it, so at some point we will have to replace the sink, which I'm gutted about.
Otherwise, the area is tiled in large shiny beige tiles, with some marble mosaic behind the sink and the shower, and it is gorgeous.
CC has a tiny, teeny shower room with a pink shower, and a pink sink unit. We have some mosaic tiles again behind the sink and shower with large white tiles. We also chose to put a pebble mosaic on the floor and travelled to Sussex to get the tiles as it's actually not easy to find pebble mosaic floor tiles. The reason we chose these was because the floor is uneven and these tiles would allow for this.
Here's a shot of CC's shower room showing the pink shower, the mosaic tiles and the white tiles and the polka dot shower curtain. It has a corner base to maximise the floor space.
.
As for the cloakroom, that is as yet untouched, we are just putting the finishing touches to the lounge - e.g. plasterboarding the walls, so the cloakroom will have to wait. That's not to say that I don't have plans for it. There is a toilet with a pump as the powder room is slightly below ground level, so the waste has to be pumped to ground level. See how technical my knowledge is !! So, we won't replace that.
There is a tiny sink with one tap and cold water only - who knew you could get such a thing. Obviously I plan to replace that with a larger sink with two taps, and probably some sort of unit hopefully involving glass blocks. I really like glass blocks...
Meanwhile back in the UK, the bathroom is another story. There is no shower.. The room is not large - it has wooden cladding around the walls. BB does not want to remove the cladding.. but, we would both like a shower installed.. so at the moment we are debating replacing the corner bath with a straight bath (awful problems finding one to fit in the small space). Then installing a small shower in the space that is left between the toilet and the bath.. Oh, and BB also does not want to have to do a lot of re-tiling...
If that doesn't sound like a nightmare bathroom project I don't know what does...
Incidentally my Victoria Plumb Great British Home Survey quiz results were as follows:
Everything about you screams glamour; you always look photo-ready, whether you are working out, shopping in designer boutiques or snuggled up at home in your designer onesie. You crave home comforts that make a statement - a faux fur blanket, embellished cushions and lots of crushed velvet. You use neutral shades mixed with metallic. Pride of place are family portraits, kitchen gadgets and the keys to your Range Rover
Well I don't know about glamour and always looking photo ready... but I do have a faux fur blanket and embellished cushions. I have no crushed velvet, but I do favour lots of neutral shades with metallic. For example my kitchen has embelllished dark grey and silver wallpaper with an Indian style large print in silver on a slate grey background. It is gorgeous.
The previous photos of the kitchen on this blog are total proof that family portraits and kitchen gadgets take pride of place.. as for my car, not quite a Range Rover .. but yes, a Land Rover ...
It seems that bathrooms are the woe of my life. BB and I have installed two shower rooms and one 'powder room' in Labour of Love in France. There's no bath to be found, but the showers are fantastic. BB and I have a tiny ensute shower room in France with a walk-in shower big enough to share, and a huge concrete sink.
BB dropped some sort of harsh cleaner in the sink which stripped part of the vanish off it, so at some point we will have to replace the sink, which I'm gutted about.
Otherwise, the area is tiled in large shiny beige tiles, with some marble mosaic behind the sink and the shower, and it is gorgeous.
CC has a tiny, teeny shower room with a pink shower, and a pink sink unit. We have some mosaic tiles again behind the sink and shower with large white tiles. We also chose to put a pebble mosaic on the floor and travelled to Sussex to get the tiles as it's actually not easy to find pebble mosaic floor tiles. The reason we chose these was because the floor is uneven and these tiles would allow for this.
Here's a shot of CC's shower room showing the pink shower, the mosaic tiles and the white tiles and the polka dot shower curtain. It has a corner base to maximise the floor space.
.
As for the cloakroom, that is as yet untouched, we are just putting the finishing touches to the lounge - e.g. plasterboarding the walls, so the cloakroom will have to wait. That's not to say that I don't have plans for it. There is a toilet with a pump as the powder room is slightly below ground level, so the waste has to be pumped to ground level. See how technical my knowledge is !! So, we won't replace that.
There is a tiny sink with one tap and cold water only - who knew you could get such a thing. Obviously I plan to replace that with a larger sink with two taps, and probably some sort of unit hopefully involving glass blocks. I really like glass blocks...
Meanwhile back in the UK, the bathroom is another story. There is no shower.. The room is not large - it has wooden cladding around the walls. BB does not want to remove the cladding.. but, we would both like a shower installed.. so at the moment we are debating replacing the corner bath with a straight bath (awful problems finding one to fit in the small space). Then installing a small shower in the space that is left between the toilet and the bath.. Oh, and BB also does not want to have to do a lot of re-tiling...
If that doesn't sound like a nightmare bathroom project I don't know what does...
Incidentally my Victoria Plumb Great British Home Survey quiz results were as follows:
Everything about you screams glamour; you always look photo-ready, whether you are working out, shopping in designer boutiques or snuggled up at home in your designer onesie. You crave home comforts that make a statement - a faux fur blanket, embellished cushions and lots of crushed velvet. You use neutral shades mixed with metallic. Pride of place are family portraits, kitchen gadgets and the keys to your Range Rover
Well I don't know about glamour and always looking photo ready... but I do have a faux fur blanket and embellished cushions. I have no crushed velvet, but I do favour lots of neutral shades with metallic. For example my kitchen has embelllished dark grey and silver wallpaper with an Indian style large print in silver on a slate grey background. It is gorgeous.
The previous photos of the kitchen on this blog are total proof that family portraits and kitchen gadgets take pride of place.. as for my car, not quite a Range Rover .. but yes, a Land Rover ...
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Sexism Alive and Well in the UK
These last few weeks I've been seeing, reading and experiencing numerous examples of sexism alive and well in this our, so called, days of 'equal opportunity'. What on earth is going on ?
I was watching TV recently, most shows that I watch now have been pre-recorded, or it's something on delay TV, so I can fast-forward the adverts, but on this particular day I must have been watching something as it was broadcast and therefore not able to fast forward the ads.. and, oh my, what an eye opener !
First I watched a yoghurt advert (thankfully I don't recall the brand otherwise I would be boycotting ALL of their products) and watched a girl pour milk into a yoghurt, call it a milkshake and then hand it to her 'brother'. But why didn't the boy make the yoghurt-milkshake and then hand it to his 'sister' ??
Then there's the Boots summer ad; there's Mum rubbing cream on the kids, a young woman waxing 'some area' of her body - thankfully we don't see - and then another female - in a tent applying make-up, presumably at a festival or camping trip. My big question is : don't Boots sell to men any more ? I can tell you that Dads certainly do apply sunscreen to their kids, and males go to festivals and they also use wax. So, Boots, where were the men in your ad ???
Then, the worse one of all, was the shaving foam or razor advert - I don't recall which, mainly because I was gob-smacked at the man's need for the assistance of a female whilst he shaved - she was either stroking his face, or pulling the blade or something. I mean, for goodness sake, can I guy not shave his own face ??
The problem is not that I have a problem per se with these old fashioned adverts, but what sort of message does this send out to my teenage daughter? What sort of message does this give to young children, both boys and girls, watching these adverts ?
I've just read the book called 'Leaning In' by Sheryl Sandberg, and another book called 'Thrive' by Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington post. Both books talk about women needing to take a more prominent role in business and the need for more females on the boards of major organisations. I have one question about this - where are all the men talking about this ? Where are the men saying this is a good idea ? Why aren't the men saying it is a good idea ? Are men happy with the current status quo ?? Do men think there should be a better gender mix on today's executive boards ? Would they admit it if they didn't think it was a good idea..
Then, finally, in today's Times newspaper there's a crappy article about girls being 'dominant in the classroom', and that 'it takes a lot of patience and commitment to get them to back down'. Wow. Is this the message that is being given to girls (in front of boys) in today's schools ? And we wonder why there are not more females on the executive boards of organisations. It seems that girls need to be given more of a voice in the classroom if there is ever going to be more women on executive boards, not less.
I was so shocked by this awful article that I asked my teenage daughter about her own experiences in her single-sex, grammar school. Attendees at this school are amongst some of the most intelligent young ladies in London and will go on to be our doctors, lawyers and MPs of tomorrow. I asked her how the teachers handled the more dominants girls. Her reply was that there was no need, the girls are just respectful of the teacher. Maybe the school teachers need to look a little close at their teaching in schools, rather than trying to make their female pupils 'back down'.
Can I be the only one shocked by this ? Leave me a comment ..
I was watching TV recently, most shows that I watch now have been pre-recorded, or it's something on delay TV, so I can fast-forward the adverts, but on this particular day I must have been watching something as it was broadcast and therefore not able to fast forward the ads.. and, oh my, what an eye opener !
First I watched a yoghurt advert (thankfully I don't recall the brand otherwise I would be boycotting ALL of their products) and watched a girl pour milk into a yoghurt, call it a milkshake and then hand it to her 'brother'. But why didn't the boy make the yoghurt-milkshake and then hand it to his 'sister' ??
Then there's the Boots summer ad; there's Mum rubbing cream on the kids, a young woman waxing 'some area' of her body - thankfully we don't see - and then another female - in a tent applying make-up, presumably at a festival or camping trip. My big question is : don't Boots sell to men any more ? I can tell you that Dads certainly do apply sunscreen to their kids, and males go to festivals and they also use wax. So, Boots, where were the men in your ad ???
Then, the worse one of all, was the shaving foam or razor advert - I don't recall which, mainly because I was gob-smacked at the man's need for the assistance of a female whilst he shaved - she was either stroking his face, or pulling the blade or something. I mean, for goodness sake, can I guy not shave his own face ??
The problem is not that I have a problem per se with these old fashioned adverts, but what sort of message does this send out to my teenage daughter? What sort of message does this give to young children, both boys and girls, watching these adverts ?
I've just read the book called 'Leaning In' by Sheryl Sandberg, and another book called 'Thrive' by Arianna Huffington, founder of the Huffington post. Both books talk about women needing to take a more prominent role in business and the need for more females on the boards of major organisations. I have one question about this - where are all the men talking about this ? Where are the men saying this is a good idea ? Why aren't the men saying it is a good idea ? Are men happy with the current status quo ?? Do men think there should be a better gender mix on today's executive boards ? Would they admit it if they didn't think it was a good idea..
Then, finally, in today's Times newspaper there's a crappy article about girls being 'dominant in the classroom', and that 'it takes a lot of patience and commitment to get them to back down'. Wow. Is this the message that is being given to girls (in front of boys) in today's schools ? And we wonder why there are not more females on the executive boards of organisations. It seems that girls need to be given more of a voice in the classroom if there is ever going to be more women on executive boards, not less.
I was so shocked by this awful article that I asked my teenage daughter about her own experiences in her single-sex, grammar school. Attendees at this school are amongst some of the most intelligent young ladies in London and will go on to be our doctors, lawyers and MPs of tomorrow. I asked her how the teachers handled the more dominants girls. Her reply was that there was no need, the girls are just respectful of the teacher. Maybe the school teachers need to look a little close at their teaching in schools, rather than trying to make their female pupils 'back down'.
Can I be the only one shocked by this ? Leave me a comment ..
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Fulontri Duathlon
It's a rainy Sunday afternoon, so I thought I would take a moment to tell you about the Fulontri Duathlon that I competed in today down at Cranleigh in Surrey.
Actually, the course was an airfield (still in use !) and is also where Top Gear is filmed. Actually as BB drove in I did keep saying that we were 'the man is the reasonably priced car'. It was quite funny.
So.. as it was a duathlon, we started off with a run of 6km, which was two nice flat loops of 3km. The ground was rather pot-holey, but otherwise fine.. I completed that in about 28 minutes.
Then on the bike, 5 laps to make up 24km and this was round the outer road, where they do the car testing - so at this point I guess I was 'the girl on the reasonably priced bike'.
The course was flat, which was great, but this was not helped by the howling wind/beating rain, nor the faster athletes who kept whizzing past me - my top speed was 41km (which I was quite pleased with ..)
Third loop in, I saw BB not on his bike.. he had a puncture so it was game over for him today ..
On I plodded through the driving rain, that last lap felt long... but not as long as the first lap of the run was going to feel.
I got to T2, jumped off the bike and my legs wouldn't really move .. I racked the bike, took the helmet off and started running, but it wasn't really running more of a stagger.. consequently those faster riders who were on their 2nd lap, were now whizzing past me on the run too...
By the time of the second lap my running legs were back (kind of..) and I managed to over take one person.. thankfully the last 3km passed quickly and before I knew it I was crossing the line.
Although it was run and bike loops, which I don't particularly like, I would do this race again for the closed-road, flat, fast bike course. My results tell me that I was 5th female in my 40-45 age group, which I'm relatively pleased with.. The 24km bike too me 49 mins.. and that last 6km took me a whole 30 minutes. Overall my results were 1:49 so just under 1:50.
Here's a link to the site in case you fancy giving it a bash next year - you never know you might see me there.
Actually, the course was an airfield (still in use !) and is also where Top Gear is filmed. Actually as BB drove in I did keep saying that we were 'the man is the reasonably priced car'. It was quite funny.
So.. as it was a duathlon, we started off with a run of 6km, which was two nice flat loops of 3km. The ground was rather pot-holey, but otherwise fine.. I completed that in about 28 minutes.
Then on the bike, 5 laps to make up 24km and this was round the outer road, where they do the car testing - so at this point I guess I was 'the girl on the reasonably priced bike'.
The course was flat, which was great, but this was not helped by the howling wind/beating rain, nor the faster athletes who kept whizzing past me - my top speed was 41km (which I was quite pleased with ..)
Third loop in, I saw BB not on his bike.. he had a puncture so it was game over for him today ..
On I plodded through the driving rain, that last lap felt long... but not as long as the first lap of the run was going to feel.
I got to T2, jumped off the bike and my legs wouldn't really move .. I racked the bike, took the helmet off and started running, but it wasn't really running more of a stagger.. consequently those faster riders who were on their 2nd lap, were now whizzing past me on the run too...
By the time of the second lap my running legs were back (kind of..) and I managed to over take one person.. thankfully the last 3km passed quickly and before I knew it I was crossing the line.
Although it was run and bike loops, which I don't particularly like, I would do this race again for the closed-road, flat, fast bike course. My results tell me that I was 5th female in my 40-45 age group, which I'm relatively pleased with.. The 24km bike too me 49 mins.. and that last 6km took me a whole 30 minutes. Overall my results were 1:49 so just under 1:50.
Here's a link to the site in case you fancy giving it a bash next year - you never know you might see me there.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Early Mother's Day Fun with notonthehighstreet.com #BYOM
When Mumsnet.com sent an email saying they were looking for ten bloggers to attend a pre-mother's day event hosted by notonthehighstreet.com, I thought how much fun it would be to take my Mum along and I applied to take part.
My Mum is a cancer survivor and has been through so much over the years, with a full masectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and then the most awful reconstruction surgery. I really don't know how we got through those times, but we did, and I suppose it's only when I look back at those days, now that they are thankfully past, I realise just how damned awful they were. And .. just how much I love my Mum...
The event was hosted by notonthehighstreet.com at no. 5 Cavendish Square in central London - and we were handed champagne and cocktails on arrival, which went down very nicely indeed.
We wrote our 'what you would tell your pre-Mum self' on little wooden hearts which we placed on a wooden family tree. I wrote that motherhood is hardwork, but worth it..
There was a fantastic photo booth where we were able to use some of the accessories available from notonthehighstreet.com, take some amusing photos and I had these great photos taken to send to my Mum - I totally love that hat !
Alice and I also particuarly liked this umbrella, and with the weather that we have had lately it would certainly come in handy ! It was decorated with lovely white flowers.
There were the most beautiful, unusual and stylish accessories from notonthehighstreet.com dotted around the place, and Alice and I admired them, and constructed a mental wish-list ! I think the necklace on the right was our favourite.
Holly Tucker, one of the founders of notonthehighstreet.com did a heart-warming speech about her Mum and all the support she has given over the years, and Odette Toilette who offers unique fragrance experiences did a really interesting presentation about perfumes through the ages. Feathers dipped in perfumes were passed around and Alice and I loved the White Musk one, but we were not so keen on the others!!
Later we were entertained by Shappi Khorsandi, who told some really funny jokes about what it means to be a mum - that we could all totally related to - well most of them anyway, I'm not so sure about the one concerning the Harry Potter 'game' and being locked in a cupboard !! Shappi went down a storm ! It was very funny when she asked me if I was recording the event.. I wasn't ..and you can see from this photograph that Sheppi is looking straight at me - love it !
At Notonthehighstreet.com you will find unusual gifts and many personalised gifts too. They have a wide range of lovely gifts for your Mum, Mother In Law, Second Mum or the person that is like a Mum to you for Mother's Day that they will love.
All too soon it was time to leave the lovely people from notonthehighstreet.com . Alice and I had a great time - and thank you for the lovely goody bag.
"I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity."
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| Dressing up fun ! |
As it happens, my Mum was unable to come along, so I took along my great friend Alice, who is herself a Mum, a Grandmother and still looking after her own Mum !
The event was hosted by notonthehighstreet.com at no. 5 Cavendish Square in central London - and we were handed champagne and cocktails on arrival, which went down very nicely indeed.
We wrote our 'what you would tell your pre-Mum self' on little wooden hearts which we placed on a wooden family tree. I wrote that motherhood is hardwork, but worth it..
There was a fantastic photo booth where we were able to use some of the accessories available from notonthehighstreet.com, take some amusing photos and I had these great photos taken to send to my Mum - I totally love that hat !
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| This umbrella is on my wish-list |
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| So many lovely things to choose from..
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Holly Tucker, one of the founders of notonthehighstreet.com did a heart-warming speech about her Mum and all the support she has given over the years, and Odette Toilette who offers unique fragrance experiences did a really interesting presentation about perfumes through the ages. Feathers dipped in perfumes were passed around and Alice and I loved the White Musk one, but we were not so keen on the others!!
Later we were entertained by Shappi Khorsandi, who told some really funny jokes about what it means to be a mum - that we could all totally related to - well most of them anyway, I'm not so sure about the one concerning the Harry Potter 'game' and being locked in a cupboard !! Shappi went down a storm ! It was very funny when she asked me if I was recording the event.. I wasn't ..and you can see from this photograph that Sheppi is looking straight at me - love it !
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| A telling-off from Sheppi ! |
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| A totally glamorous photo of Alice #BYOM (Bring Your Own Mum) |
At Notonthehighstreet.com you will find unusual gifts and many personalised gifts too. They have a wide range of lovely gifts for your Mum, Mother In Law, Second Mum or the person that is like a Mum to you for Mother's Day that they will love.
Here are a few of my favourite things .. (I'll be buying a gift for myself, as you know I have already been bought 2 pairs of trainers for Mother's day for my Half Ironman training !)
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| I want my keys on this... |
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| .. and this on my wall .... |
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| .. and this round my neck ... |
"I am a member of the Mumsnet Bloggers Network Panel, a group of parent bloggers who have volunteered to review products, services, events and brands for Mumsnet. I have not paid for the product or to attend an event. I have editorial control and retain full editorial integrity."
Thursday, March 20, 2014
What is a Mom ?
But what about those of us that have second mums ? People that become so close to us that they, over the years, become like a second mother, and probably that you to them become a second daughter..
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| Not my Mum |
When Mumsnet sent me an email to say that they were looking for some bloggers to take their Mum along to a special event hosted by Not On The High Street @NotOnTheHighStreet, I applied and thought nothing more of it.. you had to say why you wanted to take your Mum and I said that after her cancer battle and everything she has been through it would be nice to spoil my Mum to a lovely night out of entertainment. Just for me and my Mum. There didn't seem much point mentioning it to my Mum as I was pretty sure that we wouldn't be selected, I mean, what are the chances ... ?
Well, you could have blown me down with a feather duster, when an email arrived inviting me and my Mum along ! I called her and told her all about it.. bearing in mind that she lives over 100 miles away, I guess it was a long shot to expect her to jump on a train, or to ask my Dad to bring her down to London..'I'll call you back'.. was her response. She called back and said that my Dad had work to attend to and that the next day they would be looking after my sister's children, so the journey would be too tiring .. she said that she 'looked forward to seeing the pictures'... I tried hard to not be too disappointed..I guess she was doing that Mum thing and looking after my sister's children, so there you have it..
'A' checked with her parter that they had nothing planned for the evening, and A said that she would love to come with me. I'm really looking forward to spending the evening with A and I know we're going to have a great time, because, if I'm honest, we could have fun in a phone box.
Above is a photo of me and A - we really did have a great time, watch out for a post over ther weekend with more information about exactly what we got up to, and why. #ItsAMumThing.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Team Just The Two of Us
BB and I entered the Human Race Duathlon series for the first time this year, having entered numerous Human Race events over the years.
Let me think which races we have completed from Human Race, here goes, right off the top of my head.. Kingston Wholefoods Breakfast run (8 or 16 miles) March and October (several times), Banaman triathlon, Wild man running race, Tuff man running race, Ice man running race and Windsor triathlon. I'm sure there are more too..
I can barely remember the first two races, they were so long ago now - before Christmas. The penultimate race I recall well, as BB came off his bike and bruised his ribs and I recall the absolutely hellish hills.
Although this last race was probably the toughest. It was at Eridge Park, it is situated in an elevated position and the wind just blows hard up there, so although you leave home in warm clothes, once there you wish you had a hat and a long-sleeved top.
The run was also the toughest of the 4, im my opinion... although the race had been rescheduled from February due to wet weather, the ground was still really wet and muddy. At one point I was heading downhill through mud at speed unable to stop myself - Scary !
I'm not sure if we will do the races again this year.. It's not a lot of fun sitting around in your kit whilst someone else does the bike... maybe I should cycle this year.. (or maybe not...)
It was great to get a write up on South London Harriers triathlon web site: here it is:
Let me think which races we have completed from Human Race, here goes, right off the top of my head.. Kingston Wholefoods Breakfast run (8 or 16 miles) March and October (several times), Banaman triathlon, Wild man running race, Tuff man running race, Ice man running race and Windsor triathlon. I'm sure there are more too..
I can barely remember the first two races, they were so long ago now - before Christmas. The penultimate race I recall well, as BB came off his bike and bruised his ribs and I recall the absolutely hellish hills.
Although this last race was probably the toughest. It was at Eridge Park, it is situated in an elevated position and the wind just blows hard up there, so although you leave home in warm clothes, once there you wish you had a hat and a long-sleeved top.
The run was also the toughest of the 4, im my opinion... although the race had been rescheduled from February due to wet weather, the ground was still really wet and muddy. At one point I was heading downhill through mud at speed unable to stop myself - Scary !
I'm not sure if we will do the races again this year.. It's not a lot of fun sitting around in your kit whilst someone else does the bike... maybe I should cycle this year.. (or maybe not...)
It was great to get a write up on South London Harriers triathlon web site: here it is:
Have you completed any races as part of a team recently ?
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Triathlon show 2014
We didn't make it to the annual 2013 triathlon show held at Sandown race course in Surrey, so it was great to be back there today for the 2014 show - it's been on my calendar for quite a while..
We got up nice and early so we could get there as soon as it opened.
Here are some reasons to go next year:
1) You can enter the 10km race. I entered a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.
2) You can see some new cool products. I bought a cool, innovative display for race medals. Our race medals were hung over a picture frame in the kitchen, which contains race photos. They looked ok, but sometimes they fell off. They look much better now, see the photo below. The slogan says 'Runner's kitchen' . I will put the sign up properly (at some point) but that's an improvement already if you ask me ! You can also get these signs custom-made with your own slogan. The owner is a lovely chap who has had this family business running for a year and the web site is here: http://www.runnerswall.co.uk/index.php
2) New nutritional products
I've always struggled with nutrition. Before, after and during a race, nutrition is very important. Jack Oat bar is a new product by an inspiration, innovative, new company.
The sample that I tasted at the Jack Oat Bar stand, was nice and moist and I mentioned that it tasted like a homemade flapjack, that's because it's made with only 5 ingredients, I was told. I've seen from the web site that I can buy the product on-line, and it is also available from some UK-based stockists. too. I wish them well with the new product, and I am looking forward to trying it before I head out for a run tomorrow.
Check out the web site here: http://www.jackoatbar.com It's available in cranberry, original and chocolate-chip flavours.
3) Discounted products
You can get some great show-only discounts. Many vendors offer end-of-line products and some genuine special offers are also available. We bought 3 pairs of trainers.
4) Training information
There are various seminars running over the course of the show. Today, we listened to a motivating informative talk by Joe Beer. If you don't know who Joe Beer is I suggest you take a look at 220 Triathlon magazine where Joe writes a regular column. Here's the link : http://www.220triathlon.com/
One thing I found amusing today was the assumption that it was BB that was interested in sport, rather than the female next to him - e.g. me ! I was also surprised that some of the vendors were unaware that triathlon is a growing sport amongst youths. CC did her first race at the age of 8 so nearly five years ago now.
Most disappointing was the chap at CompressSport who was not the least bit interested in why I might want to buy the product - the funny thing is that I was probably one of their first customers, and I have promoted the product ever since. I tried on various other Compress - type products today, but, it has to be said, that they are not as good as my CompressSport calf guards, but I didn't buy a new pair today..
All I would say is that you can never assume who your customer base might be...
Let's hope that everything that I saw, bought or learned today takes me one step closer to achieving my 2014 goal - Hever Castle half ironman http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/gauntlet/.
If you are interested in triathlon, I would highly recommend the show.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
New Stuff
I'm all about trying new things .. whether it's Chinese week at home (Yakitori chicken anyone?) or Vegan week, or thinking about a new exercise challenge, .. At work, my latest ideas is to introduce an electronic notice board, I'm not sure if that will come to fruition yet, but I hope so.
I love cooking so I completed a Food Hygiene course and got the certificate, purchased some business insurance and tried selling my wares at a couple of 'Green fair's.' That was seriously at lot of fun !
With two marathons under my belt, it's time for a new exercise challenge.. something that is really going to push me .. although that second marathon did a fine good job of that .. it was a long time ago..
I have until September to crank up my training and I'm looking forward to the challenge: here is the link to the race web site, which has information about the race and other 2014 race challenges http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/
I can't imagine a life where I didn't push myself or strive to learn new things.. At one point, I thought I had 'completed my learning' this was just after I had finished my MBA. In hindsight, I think I was probably just burned out from studying. Since then I've passed an MCP and done numerous other exams..
Do you push the envelope or go with the flow ? What's your challenge for 2014 ?
I love cooking so I completed a Food Hygiene course and got the certificate, purchased some business insurance and tried selling my wares at a couple of 'Green fair's.' That was seriously at lot of fun !
With two marathons under my belt, it's time for a new exercise challenge.. something that is really going to push me .. although that second marathon did a fine good job of that .. it was a long time ago..
I have until September to crank up my training and I'm looking forward to the challenge: here is the link to the race web site, which has information about the race and other 2014 race challenges http://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/
I can't imagine a life where I didn't push myself or strive to learn new things.. At one point, I thought I had 'completed my learning' this was just after I had finished my MBA. In hindsight, I think I was probably just burned out from studying. Since then I've passed an MCP and done numerous other exams..
Do you push the envelope or go with the flow ? What's your challenge for 2014 ?
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Ice Man - January 2014
We had a great race last weekend... until BB came off his bike at 20mph and we ended up in A&E ! He has bruised ribs, which are very painful, but slowly recoverning. Of course, it is all recorded on the GoPro, so I will post the film once we have edited it.
It was a gorgeous day, and the race was well organised by Human Race Events.
Here are a couple of photos- go to the Human Race web site and have a look - there's a race for everyone!
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It was a gorgeous day, and the race was well organised by Human Race Events.
Here are a couple of photos- go to the Human Race web site and have a look - there's a race for everyone!
Monday, December 9, 2013
Merry Christmas
I love Christmas. Here are my top ten reasons:
1. Family - it's a time for getting together and spending time with loved ones. Or not. As I usually go to France at some point over the Festive season I invariably 'do Christmas' with my folks in early December, and then off I go guilt-free. I have to say, that I love my early-December Christmas.
2. Parties - My BB has got into the habit of buying me a lovely new dress for Christmas. How sweet is that ! He never buys anything in a style that I would buy, and so much the better for it, I always love it ! In the drudge of work and the day-to-day, it's nice to get dressed up and go and party!
3. Christmas cards - I love Christmas cards. I love sending and receiving them. I love e-cards too. I recycle cards and make gift tags for the following year too. I did take a 'year off' from cards last year, but I'm back with a vengeance this year.
4. Christmas Decorations - The decorations are not yet up at home. I have decorated the office, with snowflakes on the office windows, poinsettias on the windows sill, snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, some tinsel and a little tree. Who needs to do home with an office like that?? Home will get done at some point.
5. Gifts - I love shopping for gifts. I do a lot of shopping on-line these days, but I still like going to my local shopping centre too, even if there are crowds, and stopping off for a warming coffee en route.
6. Children - It's all about the children isn't it ? Isn't it ? My CC will soon be a teenager and I'm detetermined for Christmas to be as Christmassy as ever ...
7. Christmas Lunch- I'm very specific about my Christmas lunch. I have an actual aversion to not cooking it myself, as I know what I like. My Christmas lunch is very important, and can be totally ruined by a dodgy piece of broccoli or squash. I know, I know that sounds ungrateful, like I said, I'll happily cook Christmas lunch...
8. Christmas Food - I must be the only person that loses weight in the run up to Christmas. As much as I love a Christmas lunch (my stylee), I can only eat it once. I absolutely cannot eat three roast dinners a week for every week in December. No way. In fact, I really don't like that everything is over-embellished at Christmas. Carrots in honey and orange and sprinkled with sesame seeds ? No thanks, just steamed carrots will be fine thank you. Brussel sprouts with chestnuts and bacon. No. Just brussel sprouts please. etc. etc... So, if there's an invitation for a Christmas lunch, I will wish you well and go off for a jog.
9. The weather - If it snows, great! If it's cold, that's great too. If it's warm ? That's just plain wrong.
10. Christmas Carols - I'm not a religous person. I don't go to church. I do believe in being a good person, being kind to others, being thoughtful and polite, and being a good citizen. I don't feel I need to go to church to live that kind of life, nor to feel that there is some 'thing' that guides me and drives me. I never feel more connected then when I am singing a Christmas carol. This year I will actually be singing carols myself as I have joined a Christmas choir. Bring it on !!
That's my top ten - what's your favourite, or least favourite things about the festive season ?
1. Family - it's a time for getting together and spending time with loved ones. Or not. As I usually go to France at some point over the Festive season I invariably 'do Christmas' with my folks in early December, and then off I go guilt-free. I have to say, that I love my early-December Christmas.
2. Parties - My BB has got into the habit of buying me a lovely new dress for Christmas. How sweet is that ! He never buys anything in a style that I would buy, and so much the better for it, I always love it ! In the drudge of work and the day-to-day, it's nice to get dressed up and go and party!
3. Christmas cards - I love Christmas cards. I love sending and receiving them. I love e-cards too. I recycle cards and make gift tags for the following year too. I did take a 'year off' from cards last year, but I'm back with a vengeance this year.
4. Christmas Decorations - The decorations are not yet up at home. I have decorated the office, with snowflakes on the office windows, poinsettias on the windows sill, snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, some tinsel and a little tree. Who needs to do home with an office like that?? Home will get done at some point.
5. Gifts - I love shopping for gifts. I do a lot of shopping on-line these days, but I still like going to my local shopping centre too, even if there are crowds, and stopping off for a warming coffee en route.
6. Children - It's all about the children isn't it ? Isn't it ? My CC will soon be a teenager and I'm detetermined for Christmas to be as Christmassy as ever ...
7. Christmas Lunch- I'm very specific about my Christmas lunch. I have an actual aversion to not cooking it myself, as I know what I like. My Christmas lunch is very important, and can be totally ruined by a dodgy piece of broccoli or squash. I know, I know that sounds ungrateful, like I said, I'll happily cook Christmas lunch...
8. Christmas Food - I must be the only person that loses weight in the run up to Christmas. As much as I love a Christmas lunch (my stylee), I can only eat it once. I absolutely cannot eat three roast dinners a week for every week in December. No way. In fact, I really don't like that everything is over-embellished at Christmas. Carrots in honey and orange and sprinkled with sesame seeds ? No thanks, just steamed carrots will be fine thank you. Brussel sprouts with chestnuts and bacon. No. Just brussel sprouts please. etc. etc... So, if there's an invitation for a Christmas lunch, I will wish you well and go off for a jog.
9. The weather - If it snows, great! If it's cold, that's great too. If it's warm ? That's just plain wrong.
10. Christmas Carols - I'm not a religous person. I don't go to church. I do believe in being a good person, being kind to others, being thoughtful and polite, and being a good citizen. I don't feel I need to go to church to live that kind of life, nor to feel that there is some 'thing' that guides me and drives me. I never feel more connected then when I am singing a Christmas carol. This year I will actually be singing carols myself as I have joined a Christmas choir. Bring it on !!
That's my top ten - what's your favourite, or least favourite things about the festive season ?
Monday, November 4, 2013
To Do or Not To Do
I am so obsessed with To-do lists that I looked for a piece of software that I could use to keep a rolling to-do list on my computer for my work to-do list. Of course, I installed it here on my laptop first where I am writing this, to test it out. It's an amazing piece of software, it's called Desktop iCalendar lite, so search for it on the Internet and download it.
I don't just have one To-do list, but several and as I have mentioned before I often update my lists on my mamouth 12-hour car journey across France. I will write list of things to do at work, list of things to do at home, lists of things to do in my life. If I don't write it down, I will forget about it. I seem to have a lot of things to remember these days. My daily commute was a perfect time to write a list, but since I don't do that now, an electronic to-do list serves me much better. That one in the image above, 'CC-dentist' is to remind me to book a dental appointment for my daughter.. this is something that I remembered the other day and thought I must write down before I forget. It's funny that a to-do list is never actually finished, but a rolling document. Although, I think the best thing I ever ticked off was completing my MBA.
What about the really big things ? Like Life Insurance ? I don't suppose I have really thought about that, have you ? Sure, I know that if I die the mortgage gets paid, I *think* there's something in one of my pensions that pays out something to my family members.. that's rather vague isn't it ! But I see those advertisements and I think, based on that do I need additional life insurance, or not ? Would it be worth the investment ? What about you ? Do you have a to do list, did it, or does it include sorting out life insurance ? Answers on a postcard to the usual address, which is just below this post, in the form of a comment.
Toffee Ginger Cakes with Fudgy Icing
I posted a picture of Toffee Ginger Cakes with Fudgy Icing in my last post, and promised a recipe for them, so here it is.
I can take no credit for the recipe at all as I found it in Waitrose Weekend when I was in Waitrose recently. Of course, I made some changes, but then if you read this blog you would know that I can never follow a recipe to the letter.
Ingredients
100g soft butter I used PURE Soy margarine, as usual..
100g light brown soft sugar
1tsp ground ginger I used fresh ginger, about a thumb sized piece (recipes always say that don't they)
1tsp vanilla extract
25g golden syrup
100g self raising flour, sifted Sift ? Me ? No sifting..
2 eggs
For the Fudgy Icing
25g butter I used PURE Soy margarine, as usual..
50g light brown soft sugar
2tbsp single cream oops, I think I used skimmed milk, still tasted lovely.. I never, just never have cream lying about as I try to restrict the amount of animal dairy produce that I use and eat..
100g icing sugar
To decorate
Fudge pieces I didn't have those either, the cakes were perfectly lovely without them.
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200 deg c, gas mark 6. Place paper cupcakes cases in a 12-hole cake tin. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and creamy.
2. Beat in the ginger, vanilla and golden syrup until combined. Gradually add a little flower and some of the egg, beating well after each addition. Repeat until all the egg and flour has been added.
3. Spoon into the cases and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and well risen. Place on a wire rack to cool.
4. For the icing, melt the butter (or PURE Soy margarine), and light brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, add the cream (or milk) and simmer for 5 minutes. (I don't think I simmered for 5 minutes, actually).
5. Remove from the heat and beat in the icing sugar. Spread the icing over the cakes and decorate with fudge (if you have any).
I can take no credit for the recipe at all as I found it in Waitrose Weekend when I was in Waitrose recently. Of course, I made some changes, but then if you read this blog you would know that I can never follow a recipe to the letter.
Ingredients
100g soft butter I used PURE Soy margarine, as usual..
100g light brown soft sugar
1tsp ground ginger I used fresh ginger, about a thumb sized piece (recipes always say that don't they)
1tsp vanilla extract
25g golden syrup
100g self raising flour, sifted Sift ? Me ? No sifting..
2 eggs
For the Fudgy Icing
25g butter I used PURE Soy margarine, as usual..
50g light brown soft sugar
2tbsp single cream oops, I think I used skimmed milk, still tasted lovely.. I never, just never have cream lying about as I try to restrict the amount of animal dairy produce that I use and eat..
100g icing sugar
To decorate
Fudge pieces I didn't have those either, the cakes were perfectly lovely without them.
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200 deg c, gas mark 6. Place paper cupcakes cases in a 12-hole cake tin. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and creamy.
2. Beat in the ginger, vanilla and golden syrup until combined. Gradually add a little flower and some of the egg, beating well after each addition. Repeat until all the egg and flour has been added.
3. Spoon into the cases and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and well risen. Place on a wire rack to cool.
4. For the icing, melt the butter (or PURE Soy margarine), and light brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, add the cream (or milk) and simmer for 5 minutes. (I don't think I simmered for 5 minutes, actually).
5. Remove from the heat and beat in the icing sugar. Spread the icing over the cakes and decorate with fudge (if you have any).
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Cabbage Patch 2013 - The Results
What can I tell you about the race ? Well, we were running quite late and earlier in the morning it was pouring with rain, so it was a quick comfort break in Costa Coffee and straight to the race 'holding area'. We did feel a little like cattle as we were quite tightly squashed into the street, and all too soon, we were off. I waved GG off as she is faster than me.
The course is very flat, I recall going over several bridges, I completely missed the mile 8 marker, and it would have been useful to see it, as I was flagging at that point... There were 2 water stations and I took 2 cups at each, one for me, and one for my hot head.
The earlier rain had been replaced by a nice, warm day, and when running it was a little too warm. During the whole route there were plenty of runners, and spectators. I have to say that I was glad to be finished, and pleased that I recovered very quickly. I put that down to the race being a relatively flat route. I met up with BB and CC, and we made our way to the area to collect the nice long-sleeved wicking t-shirt and some more, much needed, water.
Later, we met GG and her family in the infamous Cabbage Patch Pub. It's a lovely traditional pub and we gathered in a booth. GG and her family ordered some food, the kiddie burger and chips, macaroni cheese, and caesar salad. They all looked delicious. I was still experiencing post-race nausea at this point ... The atmosphere in the pub was warm and friendly and, as it is race HQ, it was packed with runners. Service was still great though.
I could have stayed there all afternoon, but it was off home for a long, hot soak in the bath and some Maths revision for CC.. Later, I raked the leaves in the garden and made the cupcakes above. Tomorrow I will post the recipe and you can make them, if you wish.
So, will I be doing Cabbage Patch next year ? No such luck. BB and GG's husband have already put dibs on that one, but I can't say I'm that disappointed as I can go to the Cabbage Patch pub and have a lovely lunch. That's what I call a Win-win.
If you are looking for a popular, flat and fast race with lots of competitors and a great atmosphere then I can highly recommend the Cabbage Patch 10 and it's HQ Cabbage Patch pub. Cabbage Patch: I look forward to seeing you next year.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Cabbage Patch 10 2013
I haven't blogged for quite some time now. I've just started a new job, which has changed my life, in that I no longer commute for 2 hours a day, but I still haven't found much spare time for blogging..
I've still been running, and it's great that many of my new colleagues are into running, and fitness in general. This weekend will see GG, (a new friend) and I taking part in the Cabbage Patch 10.
Cabbage Patch 10 is one of those races that I've heard of for years, but I've never raced it. It's already a favoured route, because it's one 10 mile loop and not a 'there-and-back', or a 'loop-the-loop a gsquillion times' route, which drives me crazy.
I already know that I won't be breaking any records on the day. If I finish in 1:40 I'll be happy enough with that. On Saturday, I did park run in 25:30 or so. This was a few seconds longer than 2 weeks ago, and that was a PB, so that wasn't a bad result..
Wish me luck - I will post a full report and photos on Sunday.
Oh, and remember, if all of this rain is putting you off running outside, then grab a running top with a hood and get out there, even if just for a short run. It's quite exhilarating !
Happy running !
I've still been running, and it's great that many of my new colleagues are into running, and fitness in general. This weekend will see GG, (a new friend) and I taking part in the Cabbage Patch 10.
Cabbage Patch 10 is one of those races that I've heard of for years, but I've never raced it. It's already a favoured route, because it's one 10 mile loop and not a 'there-and-back', or a 'loop-the-loop a gsquillion times' route, which drives me crazy.
I already know that I won't be breaking any records on the day. If I finish in 1:40 I'll be happy enough with that. On Saturday, I did park run in 25:30 or so. This was a few seconds longer than 2 weeks ago, and that was a PB, so that wasn't a bad result..
Wish me luck - I will post a full report and photos on Sunday.
Oh, and remember, if all of this rain is putting you off running outside, then grab a running top with a hood and get out there, even if just for a short run. It's quite exhilarating !
Happy running !
Monday, September 9, 2013
Veganism - week 1
It has been a good week, and I did manage a whole week of a vegan diet, and then I lapsed. Don't get me wrong, I haven't eaten any meat, fish, or an actual egg, but I did have some biscuits and a piece of cake (that probably contained eggs and milk), and I also had some cheese in my mushroom risotto, but no side of chicken fillet like BB and CC.
I guess I've realised just how hard it is.. I definitely don't miss meat, but it's pretty frustrating to go in the supermarket and look at seemingly innocent products and see 'contains milk' or 'may contain milk'. I also looked for some vegan / non-dairy cheese in a large supermarket and found not even one variety..
Here are some products or meals that you can eat and I did:
Savoury
Japanese Rice Crackers
Sweet chilli sauce
Peanut butter
Brown Rice
Mushroom Risotto (hold the cheese)
Vegetable Curry
Falafel in wholewheat pitta with salad and humous
Spaghetti with olive oil, black olives, garlic and a squeeze of lemon
Rice noodles with beansprouts, and a sauce of sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, lime juice served with mange tout
Stuffed vine leaves
Alpro almond milk
Blue diamond almond milk (less creamy than the Alpro variety, and definitely my preferred brand)
All sorts of nuts.
Houmous and cucumber sandwich
Sweet
Alpro soy yoghurt
Alpro soy yoghurt - Vanilla flavour - great alternative to custard.
Apple and blackberry crumble (crumble made with PURE dairy free spread) served with vanilla Alpro
Strawberries
Grapes
Alpro chocolate dessert
I also managed a PB in Saturday's park run, so the lack of meat and dairy did not seem to effect my energy levels. This week I would guess that I will eat a little dairy, no actual eggs as I don't like them anyway. I would definitely recommend a vegan week. It definitely focuses the mind on your food intake and your overall diet.
I guess I've realised just how hard it is.. I definitely don't miss meat, but it's pretty frustrating to go in the supermarket and look at seemingly innocent products and see 'contains milk' or 'may contain milk'. I also looked for some vegan / non-dairy cheese in a large supermarket and found not even one variety..
Here are some products or meals that you can eat and I did:
Savoury
Japanese Rice Crackers
Sweet chilli sauce
Peanut butter
Brown Rice
Mushroom Risotto (hold the cheese)
Vegetable Curry
Falafel in wholewheat pitta with salad and humous
Spaghetti with olive oil, black olives, garlic and a squeeze of lemon
Rice noodles with beansprouts, and a sauce of sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, lime juice served with mange tout
Stuffed vine leaves
Alpro almond milk
Blue diamond almond milk (less creamy than the Alpro variety, and definitely my preferred brand)
All sorts of nuts.
Houmous and cucumber sandwich
Sweet
Alpro soy yoghurt
Alpro soy yoghurt - Vanilla flavour - great alternative to custard.
Apple and blackberry crumble (crumble made with PURE dairy free spread) served with vanilla Alpro
Strawberries
Grapes
Alpro chocolate dessert
I also managed a PB in Saturday's park run, so the lack of meat and dairy did not seem to effect my energy levels. This week I would guess that I will eat a little dairy, no actual eggs as I don't like them anyway. I would definitely recommend a vegan week. It definitely focuses the mind on your food intake and your overall diet.
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