So after spending all day Thursday in the rain, Friday was spent with my morning trek to the Dermatalogy to get myself a tan on their industrial sunbed and then 2 hours chasing the kids around at playgroup. Saturday I returned to my nightly walk and did just under 3 miles in just under an hour.
Onto today - Sunday, being the last day of the challenge I woke with all good intentions of getting a last day workout in, but sadly I couldn't, as my husband sprung a last minute holiday on me and so I've spent the day trying to wash and pack all our clothes for a week at Butlins which we are going on tomorrow!
I may not have stuck to the hardened rules of the challenge but I have tried my hardest and done more this month than I've probably done in the last 3 years!
My workout stats for Juneathon are:
No of Walks: 12
Miles covered: 34.26
Total time: 17 hours 26 minutes 30 seconds
No of Dances: 3
Total time: 4 hours 50 mins
Other exercise: 8
Total number of times exercised: 23
I'm very impressed with my all my hard work and secretly think I have been bitten by the exercise bug, I sincerely hope that I can keep myself motivated and keep exercising.
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Thursday, 27 June 2013
#Juneathon Day 27 - Antiques Roadshow
Today was spent mostly standing around waiting.... and waiting.... and waiting... oh and getting wet
The BBC Antiques Roadshow were filming at Towneley Hall in Burnley today so my mum, gran and myself decided to go along with our family heirlooms and see if we could get a valuation.
The day started off nice and sunny and the queue looked as though it was moving so we decided to do what us Brits do best and join the back of it and stand in line.
All was going well until the rain came! Thankfully the BBC provided us all with rain macs so that we wouldn't get too wet whilst waiting, we ended up with bright blue ones which made us resemble smurfs, so to keep our spirits up my mum and myself kept singing the smurf song, granny doesn't know it and doesn't have our sense of humour so just looked at us!!!
Also seeing the odd person off the telly helped keep our spirits up - local lad Eric Knowles kept wandering past as he was moved from tent to tent to do his valuations and piece to camera, Fiona Bruce also graced us with her presence. I decided that it was now or never, so legged it over to where she was filming and hovered in the back ground, but then I was called to the front because I was shorter than the other people!! I was standing right behind her as she was being filmed - so will keep an eye out for me on the TV - can't miss me remember I look like a smurf!!!
Afterwards I headed back and rejoined the queue for another hour! Eventually we got to our expert - Lars Tharp, after waiting in line for over 4 hours. We were so excited, would our wait pay off? Were we holding priceless antiques in our arms all this time. Mum went first with her Chines vase, it was mass produced in the 1920's, the gold leaf had come off it over the years, but it was still worth.... £10!, then granny showed off her Royal Doulton Fisherman cup, Lars agreed it was a nice little piece and as it would appeal to both fish memorabilia collectors and Royal Doulton collectors it was worth ..... £20
Still it was a grand day out!
The BBC Antiques Roadshow were filming at Towneley Hall in Burnley today so my mum, gran and myself decided to go along with our family heirlooms and see if we could get a valuation.
The day started off nice and sunny and the queue looked as though it was moving so we decided to do what us Brits do best and join the back of it and stand in line.
All was going well until the rain came! Thankfully the BBC provided us all with rain macs so that we wouldn't get too wet whilst waiting, we ended up with bright blue ones which made us resemble smurfs, so to keep our spirits up my mum and myself kept singing the smurf song, granny doesn't know it and doesn't have our sense of humour so just looked at us!!!
 |
| Smurf! |
Also seeing the odd person off the telly helped keep our spirits up - local lad Eric Knowles kept wandering past as he was moved from tent to tent to do his valuations and piece to camera, Fiona Bruce also graced us with her presence. I decided that it was now or never, so legged it over to where she was filming and hovered in the back ground, but then I was called to the front because I was shorter than the other people!! I was standing right behind her as she was being filmed - so will keep an eye out for me on the TV - can't miss me remember I look like a smurf!!!
Afterwards I headed back and rejoined the queue for another hour! Eventually we got to our expert - Lars Tharp, after waiting in line for over 4 hours. We were so excited, would our wait pay off? Were we holding priceless antiques in our arms all this time. Mum went first with her Chines vase, it was mass produced in the 1920's, the gold leaf had come off it over the years, but it was still worth.... £10!, then granny showed off her Royal Doulton Fisherman cup, Lars agreed it was a nice little piece and as it would appeal to both fish memorabilia collectors and Royal Doulton collectors it was worth ..... £20
Still it was a grand day out!
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
#Juneathon -Day 26, brain training
Really couldn't be bothered this morning but I had to get to the hospital. I seriously contemplated using the car park this morning but I couldn't justify the parking fee for an hour so I parked in my usual spot on one of the side roads outside of the hospital grounds and had a slow meander through the hospital.
The afternoon was spent at Wacky Warehouse with Squiggle. He had a brilliant time hiding in the ball pit.
The night was spent in my usual spot in the pub for the weekly pub quiz. Sadly it was an epic fail this week. The killer question took its revenge on us and although we did get 4 right answers we scored no points because of the silly scoring system as the first answer on the grid was wrong.
So can you do any better? Remember - no cheating!
Name 10 of the 13 black actors or actresses to have won an academy award.
The afternoon was spent at Wacky Warehouse with Squiggle. He had a brilliant time hiding in the ball pit.
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| Can you see me? |
The night was spent in my usual spot in the pub for the weekly pub quiz. Sadly it was an epic fail this week. The killer question took its revenge on us and although we did get 4 right answers we scored no points because of the silly scoring system as the first answer on the grid was wrong.
So can you do any better? Remember - no cheating!
Name 10 of the 13 black actors or actresses to have won an academy award.
Tuesday, 25 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 25, Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary to hubby and myself. Today we celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. Back in 2005 on a sunny Saturday afternoon ( remember when we used to have sunny Saturday afternoons in June? ) we hijacked my parents own wedding anniversary date and tied the knot in a small ceremony in the red room at Towneley Hall. I will post more details about Towneley later on in the week as I am going there on Thursday.
I was showered with flowers this morning off my husband, every anniversary we try to buy something related to that year.
So this morning I was surprised to find two large Clematis flowers in the front room off hubby and a nice little potted plant off Squiggle. Hubby has outdone himself this year by not only having the card and gift ready on the actual day of the anniversary but by also having it ready for when I woke up! He usually leaves it to the last minute so I don't get the gift until a week later and I have to wait till tea time for a card! So this year he is in my good books.
Spent the morning entertaining Squiggle at the reservoir, he was so excited by everything, the waterfall, the bridge, the cows sat up in the field. He was beside himself when we fed the ducks, it was as though he'd never done it before. But as is the case when feeding ducks there's always some nasty goose that has to come along and spoil things, so we quickly legged it before it got too close!
Spent the evening celebrating our anniversary in the pub with my parents who celebrated their 36th anniversary, hmm best start saving for their 40th, suppose a party will be called for, I also fancy doing something special for them, I know my dad has always fancied a trip on the Orient Express or a trip to Las Vegas so I'll start a savings fund and see what I can afford to do in 4 years!
Does anyone have any memorable anniversary stories to share?
I was showered with flowers this morning off my husband, every anniversary we try to buy something related to that year.
Traditional 8th wedding anniversary gifts are linked to bronze or pottery, modern gifts are lace or linen, the gemstone is aventurine or tourmaline and the flower is Clematis.
So this morning I was surprised to find two large Clematis flowers in the front room off hubby and a nice little potted plant off Squiggle. Hubby has outdone himself this year by not only having the card and gift ready on the actual day of the anniversary but by also having it ready for when I woke up! He usually leaves it to the last minute so I don't get the gift until a week later and I have to wait till tea time for a card! So this year he is in my good books.
Spent the morning entertaining Squiggle at the reservoir, he was so excited by everything, the waterfall, the bridge, the cows sat up in the field. He was beside himself when we fed the ducks, it was as though he'd never done it before. But as is the case when feeding ducks there's always some nasty goose that has to come along and spoil things, so we quickly legged it before it got too close!
 |
| Evil Geese |
Spent the evening celebrating our anniversary in the pub with my parents who celebrated their 36th anniversary, hmm best start saving for their 40th, suppose a party will be called for, I also fancy doing something special for them, I know my dad has always fancied a trip on the Orient Express or a trip to Las Vegas so I'll start a savings fund and see what I can afford to do in 4 years!
Does anyone have any memorable anniversary stories to share?
Monday, 24 June 2013
#Juneathon Day 24 - Psoriasis update
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| "put your left leg in" 21st May 2013 - Before |
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| "put your right leg in" 21st May 2013 - Before |
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| 24th June 2013 - During |
Never mind, I have every intention of going shopping for a new wardrobe once my skin is a lot clearer.
Sunday, 23 June 2013
#Juneathon - Days 22 & 23, Dance the night away, pain the following day!
So last night I decided to venture out out in the pouring rain for a boogie! It was the first time in 4 years that I had been clubbing, and I'm quite proud of the fact that I did manage to stay out till 3am. My how the town's night scene has changed since I was last there, favourite bars have closed and new ones have opened, and in some cases shut and reopened as something else, one bar has apparently been closed and reopened 3 times and is now trading as a burger bar. I was very excited to hear that the town had finally got a "classical/retro" nightclub playing all my favourite cheesy tunes from the 70's, 80's & 90's. I was in my element dancing away on the lit up dance floor and could have stayed there all night if it wasn't for the impending kids party I knew we had to go to Sunday afternoon.
So this afternoon with Squiggle and hubby in tow off we set to a little girl's 3rd birthday party. I had to laugh at hubby as he sat there feeling a little worse for wear especially when we got onto the 3rd game of musical bumps! I've no sympathy as it was all self inflicted - will he ever learn?
So tonight I am going to give my walk a miss and try and get an early night, I think I deserve it with all the dancing I did last night.
So this afternoon with Squiggle and hubby in tow off we set to a little girl's 3rd birthday party. I had to laugh at hubby as he sat there feeling a little worse for wear especially when we got onto the 3rd game of musical bumps! I've no sympathy as it was all self inflicted - will he ever learn?
So tonight I am going to give my walk a miss and try and get an early night, I think I deserve it with all the dancing I did last night.
Friday, 21 June 2013
#Juneathon - Days 20 & 21
Yesterday was a different day for me, and unfortunately I can't tell you much about it because it involved a mystery shopping mission that wasn't a mystery shop. I know that sounds very cryptic but it is hard work being a secret agent because I do get to go on some fabulous missions but I can't tell anybody about them. So I shall leave you all wondering what I've been up to and some day in the future I might tell you all about it in my memoirs!
After my mission I had a leisurely stroll around the town and did a spot of shopping so I'm counting my carrying some quite heavy bags as my exercise for the day!
Today has been an active day, after a quick trip to the hospital for my final visit of the week it was off to Parent & Toddler group for a morning of mayhem. We planted Sunflower seeds today which the kids loved. The parents were a little less enthused when they noticed how mucky they were all getting!
After playgroup had finished we had the joyous task of putting the room back together, normally there are 5 of us to clear up but today there was only 2 so between us we had to lug 100 chairs and a piano back into position, I was so glad I'd had a bacon butty earlier on to give me the strength to do it.
This afternoon there was no rest for the wicked, had a very active afternoon in the Wacky Warehouse, playing in the ball pits and climbing up and down steps and slides, I could quite easily put my feet up now but I have some housework to do tonight although the thought of a walk seems more appealing. Only time will tell what I decide to do tonight, I will let you all know tomorrow.
Hope you all have a good evening!
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
#Juneathon - Days 18 & 19, exercised my mind!
Had a little rest for the last 2 days, well rested my body anyway, did very little yesterday except wandered around town doing a spot of window shopping.
Today however, I still had my usual saunter around the hospital before my psoriasis treatment in the morning, but tonight was quiz night and the Quizee Rascals were reconvening after a 2 week break away. We always meet up on a Wednesday night for Food and Facts in the local pub and have to say despite us thinking we're all a bit thick, do happen to do quite well, and this week was no exception. The quiz follows 6 sections, the first is a picture round, then there's an odd one out round, specialist subject round, family fortunes round, a blockbuster style round and a killer question round. After the scores were totted up, the Quizee Rascals were tied for 2nd place, so in went Mr H as the tie breaker champion, and he didn't disappoint again.
Second place winnings are £15, so we've made an executive decision to blow the lot on this weeks' lottery and have a syndicate for the Euromillions on Friday - you never know!
So just for fun tonight's tie breaker question was how long is the Limpopo River? ( no cheating and sorry no prizes, but go on just have a guess ! )
Today however, I still had my usual saunter around the hospital before my psoriasis treatment in the morning, but tonight was quiz night and the Quizee Rascals were reconvening after a 2 week break away. We always meet up on a Wednesday night for Food and Facts in the local pub and have to say despite us thinking we're all a bit thick, do happen to do quite well, and this week was no exception. The quiz follows 6 sections, the first is a picture round, then there's an odd one out round, specialist subject round, family fortunes round, a blockbuster style round and a killer question round. After the scores were totted up, the Quizee Rascals were tied for 2nd place, so in went Mr H as the tie breaker champion, and he didn't disappoint again.
Second place winnings are £15, so we've made an executive decision to blow the lot on this weeks' lottery and have a syndicate for the Euromillions on Friday - you never know!
So just for fun tonight's tie breaker question was how long is the Limpopo River? ( no cheating and sorry no prizes, but go on just have a guess ! )
Monday, 17 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 17,
Woke up aching a bit this morning, due to all that walking and eating I did yesterday! Went for my usual trek around the hospital grounds before having my light treatment and ointment for my psoriasis, have to say it is looking a lot better on my arms, but my legs are still all flared up!
Managed to have a little afternoon snooze before going for an hours long 3 mile "what I call hike" walk, right to the highest point in town again. Managed to catch a lovely view of Pendle Hill in the distance. It's been a long time since I walked up that hill, in fact it will be 11 years next week - I took my husband up it the weekend he first came to meet my parents all those many years ago, it nearly killed him and we haven't been up it since!
Pendle Hill in the distance
Sunday, 16 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 16 - BBC Good Food Show
I like to dabble in entering the odd competition here and there and I was over the moon to learn that I had won 2 tickets to the BBC Good Food Show Summer from Yorkshire Pudd.
So after packing Squiggle off to his grandma and grandad for the day, hubby and I set off down the M6 back to his native homeland of Birmingham and to the N.E.C.
For once the M6 was kind to us and with no traffic delays we arrived just a little past 10 o'clock. We parked up and headed in. My oh my, it's a food lovers paradise. Nearly every stall was set up with free samples of either food or drink, and due to arriving on an empty stomach I must admit to feeling a little tipsy by 11am!
There was cheese galore to choose from, every flavour of chutney, jam, olive oils, fudge, sausages all of which needed tasting. There were drinks of every flavour from pressed cordials and slushies to chocolate wine and gold leaf champagne.
I was spoilt for choice, but settled on buying some wine and cheese for my mum and dad and some salted caramel fudge for myself.
There was a MasterChef demonstration stage where various previous MasterChef winners took part in demonstrating their cooking skills throughout the day, all being hosted by Andi Peters.
There was also an interview stage where members of the public could ask questions to celebrity chefs - I managed to catch James Martin being interviewed and I also managed to get Paul Rankin's autograph and a a sneaky photo from afar.
James Martin
Paul Rankin
The Good Food Show was also teamed up with BBC Gardeners' World Live so the outside of the N.E.C. was transformed with the RHS Floral Marquee which was packed with nurseries selling a huge range of plants, in the grounds there were other plant stalls and things for the garden along with the show gardens.There were also stands inside the exhibition hall which were selling bird feeders, chicken coops, gazebos all sorts for your garden. They also held interviews with celebrity gardeners and we managed to catch a few questions with David Domoney.
I decided to treat myself to a couple of Ladybird Poppies,
which will look lovely next year when they flower.
It's surprising how many miles you can cover at events like this, by the time we'd got back to the car, we'd been on our feet for 6 and a half hours and had covered a whopping 9 miles!! wandering up and down the aisles looking at every stall. I just hope I burnt off as many calories as I'd consumed today!
I had such a fantastic day and would love to go to the Winter show, but I might have to buy tickets for every day because different celebrities do different days and I'd quite like to see all of them!
Saturday, 15 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 15, I climbed a mountain!
I only wish it was a real mountain, sadly it was the mountain of ironing that has been slowly piling up, so I'm very sorry if I got your hopes up of an exciting tale up in Snowdonia or Ben Nevis, not this time!
I started the morning with another weigh in, nothing to report, the scales have neither gone up nor down this week, neither have my measurements changed but I do feel like my jeans have a little more room in them or is that just wishful thinking?
So after the weekly trip to get the shopping I got back home and started to tackle the ironing, cue the ingenious thinking of my husband - ooh you're making space in the ironing pile - I know I'll change all the beds, get them washed and dried and then you can iron the bedding as well! - gee thanks, so it was a never ending mission, in fact I still haven't finished it all now and I'm signing off for an early night because I have to get up very early tomorrow for a special day out!
So continuing good luck to all my fellow Juneathoners, we're half way there now, only another 15 days to go!
I started the morning with another weigh in, nothing to report, the scales have neither gone up nor down this week, neither have my measurements changed but I do feel like my jeans have a little more room in them or is that just wishful thinking?
So after the weekly trip to get the shopping I got back home and started to tackle the ironing, cue the ingenious thinking of my husband - ooh you're making space in the ironing pile - I know I'll change all the beds, get them washed and dried and then you can iron the bedding as well! - gee thanks, so it was a never ending mission, in fact I still haven't finished it all now and I'm signing off for an early night because I have to get up very early tomorrow for a special day out!
So continuing good luck to all my fellow Juneathoners, we're half way there now, only another 15 days to go!
Friday, 14 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 14,
Today was a non starter, Squiggle crawled into our bed at 3.30am and by 4am I was wide awake listening to the dawn chorus, and hubby and Squiggle snoring. So I decided to just make use of this very early morning me time to catch up on some telly watching - I was just too tired to do anything else.
I managed to get through parent & toddler club thanks to copious amounts of coffee and after a quick wander into town to get Squiggle his Friday gingerbread man fix, it was back home to retire to the settee.
I was so tired that I couldn't even eat my half of the pizza that hubby brought home for tea ( suppose that's good in a way ) So today will be marked down with a black cross - must try harder tomorrow!
I managed to get through parent & toddler club thanks to copious amounts of coffee and after a quick wander into town to get Squiggle his Friday gingerbread man fix, it was back home to retire to the settee.
I was so tired that I couldn't even eat my half of the pizza that hubby brought home for tea ( suppose that's good in a way ) So today will be marked down with a black cross - must try harder tomorrow!
Thursday, 13 June 2013
#Juneathon - Days 11, 12 & 13 - Hospital, hospital, hospital.
OK bit of a catch up post and admission that I have been slacking a bit for the last 2 days but made up for it today!
Had plenty of trips to hospital so far this week and still have one more to go, so had plenty of wandering around the hospital grounds but nothing too strenuous. I'm well underway now with my psoriasis treatment, I've had 2 appointments so far this week for the light treatment and also 2 appointments for the short contact dithranol. I'm slowly getting a tan and have a healthy glow about me ( but is that down to all my walking?) however my skin is looking pretty red and is itching like crazy, I could quite easily take a scouring pad to my body just for some satisfaction! I have one more visit tomorrow for the light treatment this week and then the weekend off.
Today I've been in for my endoscopy to try and sort my insides out. I can't believe it's been 3 years and 3 months since my pancreatic attack and I'm still not 100%. So I was summoned to the hospital for 8am, great, I don't normally surface out of bed till 9am! but I went and was called in to go through the checks and questionnaire before the procedure, "so why are you here?" asked the nurse, "do you want it in layman's terms or shall I dress it up for you? - I sh*t myself" I replied, hmm might have to reword that on the form. Then came my favourite part - trying to put a cannula in so they could administer some sedation. After trying to find 4 different veins and failing, another nurse was called in. By this time I'd decided against being pricked and poked anymore so opted to just have the throat spray and go for it.
The throat spray had a very weird taste to it, it reminded me of a minty banana milkshake, as soon as I'd swallowed it I was put in position, spectacles removed and we were off. I wouldn't say it was unpleasant just hard work trying not to retch when it's the body's involuntary reaction to something being shoved down the throat. Other than gagging and drooling and managing to get spit in my eye thanks to how I was lying on the bed, the procedure went fine. A few biopsies were took so now I just have to sit and wait for the results.
As I wasn't sedated I was able to leave as soon as my mum came to get me. I decided to take the opportunity of her baby sitting Squiggle to go out and get some fresh air, so I went on a 3 mile walk, with an 890 foot climb up to the highest point in town. Did the whole round trip in just over an hour without managing to give myself a coronary!
So I think I deserve my spot on the settee in front of the telly tonight, might even treat myself to a biscuit!
Had plenty of trips to hospital so far this week and still have one more to go, so had plenty of wandering around the hospital grounds but nothing too strenuous. I'm well underway now with my psoriasis treatment, I've had 2 appointments so far this week for the light treatment and also 2 appointments for the short contact dithranol. I'm slowly getting a tan and have a healthy glow about me ( but is that down to all my walking?) however my skin is looking pretty red and is itching like crazy, I could quite easily take a scouring pad to my body just for some satisfaction! I have one more visit tomorrow for the light treatment this week and then the weekend off.
Today I've been in for my endoscopy to try and sort my insides out. I can't believe it's been 3 years and 3 months since my pancreatic attack and I'm still not 100%. So I was summoned to the hospital for 8am, great, I don't normally surface out of bed till 9am! but I went and was called in to go through the checks and questionnaire before the procedure, "so why are you here?" asked the nurse, "do you want it in layman's terms or shall I dress it up for you? - I sh*t myself" I replied, hmm might have to reword that on the form. Then came my favourite part - trying to put a cannula in so they could administer some sedation. After trying to find 4 different veins and failing, another nurse was called in. By this time I'd decided against being pricked and poked anymore so opted to just have the throat spray and go for it.
The throat spray had a very weird taste to it, it reminded me of a minty banana milkshake, as soon as I'd swallowed it I was put in position, spectacles removed and we were off. I wouldn't say it was unpleasant just hard work trying not to retch when it's the body's involuntary reaction to something being shoved down the throat. Other than gagging and drooling and managing to get spit in my eye thanks to how I was lying on the bed, the procedure went fine. A few biopsies were took so now I just have to sit and wait for the results.
As I wasn't sedated I was able to leave as soon as my mum came to get me. I decided to take the opportunity of her baby sitting Squiggle to go out and get some fresh air, so I went on a 3 mile walk, with an 890 foot climb up to the highest point in town. Did the whole round trip in just over an hour without managing to give myself a coronary!
View from the top of the hill,
can just make out the reservoir in the middle of the picture
So I think I deserve my spot on the settee in front of the telly tonight, might even treat myself to a biscuit!
Monday, 10 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 10
Slightly miffed, angry and scared about tonight's walk.
I had all good intentions and set off with my Walkman blaring in my ears. I thought I'd try a different route tonight to inject a bit of variety into it.
I set off all well and good and headed to the park and managed to to see not only a Kestrel,
There is also a Kingfisher and apparently a fourth which I have yet to find, but I felt myself being followed by a young man in a hoodie looking very dubious, so I had to make a quick exit back onto the main road. I then ended up feeling quite anxious and skeptical of every person I walked by, it really did put the frighteners on me. I can only do serious walking at night when Squiggle is being put to bed, otherwise it would just be a lazy stroll during the day, and unfortunately the town where I live isn't one of the safest places in the country, I'm going to have to rethink my routes or try and get out as soon as Mr H. gets in from work. I'll have a little sleep on it and see what happens tomorrow.
So I only managed to cover 1.65 miles but it was still a good 30 odd minute walk with not much of an incline to tackle tonight.
I had all good intentions and set off with my Walkman blaring in my ears. I thought I'd try a different route tonight to inject a bit of variety into it.
I set off all well and good and headed to the park and managed to to see not only a Kestrel,
but a fox as well
There is also a Kingfisher and apparently a fourth which I have yet to find, but I felt myself being followed by a young man in a hoodie looking very dubious, so I had to make a quick exit back onto the main road. I then ended up feeling quite anxious and skeptical of every person I walked by, it really did put the frighteners on me. I can only do serious walking at night when Squiggle is being put to bed, otherwise it would just be a lazy stroll during the day, and unfortunately the town where I live isn't one of the safest places in the country, I'm going to have to rethink my routes or try and get out as soon as Mr H. gets in from work. I'll have a little sleep on it and see what happens tomorrow.
So I only managed to cover 1.65 miles but it was still a good 30 odd minute walk with not much of an incline to tackle tonight.
Rod Stewart - Live the Life Tour
I was privileged to receive 2 complimentary tickets from Show Film First to see Rod Stewart live in concert on Sunday night at the MEN Arena in Manchester! WOW! Speechless! OMG!
I still can't quite believe I was there - it was amazing!
My first impressive moment was getting the tickets and finding that they were in the first block on the right hand side of the stage, which was amazing in itself because I've only ever had tickets on the left side of the stage, trivial I know but I knew this was a sign of a good night.
The support act for the night was Moya a singer songwriter from London, and although the acoustics and sound were not very good, she was a very good singer, and I thought she did a great job of opening the show.
After a quick set change it was time for the man himself to make an appearance, having front side seats we were able to see him come on stage before everyone else and we were very excited.
Rod opened the show with Can't Stop Me Now and proved that yes even as an old rocker - you definitely cannot stop him at all. The night was filled with laughter, dancing and a few poignant moments as we remembered the soldiers fighting in various wars.
As Rod came back on stage after a quick mid way costume change, his belt snapped, and bless he couldn't apologise enough for the interruption, so as a treat he agreed to sing an extra song for us all at the end of the encore and sang Stay With Me. So the full set-list for the night was:
I still can't quite believe I was there - it was amazing!
My first impressive moment was getting the tickets and finding that they were in the first block on the right hand side of the stage, which was amazing in itself because I've only ever had tickets on the left side of the stage, trivial I know but I knew this was a sign of a good night.
The support act for the night was Moya a singer songwriter from London, and although the acoustics and sound were not very good, she was a very good singer, and I thought she did a great job of opening the show.
After a quick set change it was time for the man himself to make an appearance, having front side seats we were able to see him come on stage before everyone else and we were very excited.
Rod opened the show with Can't Stop Me Now and proved that yes even as an old rocker - you definitely cannot stop him at all. The night was filled with laughter, dancing and a few poignant moments as we remembered the soldiers fighting in various wars.
As Rod came back on stage after a quick mid way costume change, his belt snapped, and bless he couldn't apologise enough for the interruption, so as a treat he agreed to sing an extra song for us all at the end of the encore and sang Stay With Me. So the full set-list for the night was:
- Can't Stop Me Now
- You Wear It Well
- This Old Heart Of Mine
- Twistin' The Night Away
- Rhythm Of My Heart
- The Killing Of Georgie
- Tonight's The Night
- Forever Young
- The First Cut is The Deepest
- Have I Told You Lately
- Brighton Beach
- I Don't Want To Talk About It
- Finest Woman
- Sweet Little Rock & Roller
- Soul Man ( sang by the backing singers as Soul Girl )
- Hot Legs
- You're In My Heart
- Maggie May
- Baby Jane
Encore:
- Sailing
- Do You Think I'm Sexy
- Stay With Me
Just before the end Rod distributed about 50 signed footballs kicking them into the audience at the same time as he was singing, we weren't lucky enough to grab one but the man two rows behind did!.
The concert was brilliant and I really enjoyed myself and the fun continued all the way home as my mum and me sang along to a Rod Stewart CD in the car! - I can't wait for the next concert.
#Juneathon - Day 9
I'm going to make this short because I want to do a separate post on what happened yesterday, it's far too big to share with my Juneathon post.
Anyway yesterday's exercise included a lot of walking around Manchester city centre whilst doing a spot of retail therapy, laughing at the ridiculous prices in some of the higher class shops, and catching some sun outside the corn exchange before spending 2 hours bopping away with my mum at a complimentary....... Rod Stewart concert !!!!
Anyway yesterday's exercise included a lot of walking around Manchester city centre whilst doing a spot of retail therapy, laughing at the ridiculous prices in some of the higher class shops, and catching some sun outside the corn exchange before spending 2 hours bopping away with my mum at a complimentary....... Rod Stewart concert !!!!
Saturday, 8 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 8, weight loss & magpies
Well the first thing I did this morning was to weigh and measure myself to see if I had actually lost anything during my first week of Juneathon. I was quite nervous about standing on the scales because I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with a 3lb weight loss and 3cm off my boobs and waist considering the large Pina Colada I'd had the night before and the large meal on Wednesday I thought that was pretty good going.
As it was very sunny, I decided to slap the sun lotion on and play with Squiggle in the garden, so today's exercise was just plenty of running around enjoying the sun an fresh air.
Decided to finish the day off with our first BBQ of the year. Now normally I'm led to believe that BBQ's are Man things, the women tend to do all the running around and preparing the salads and buns and then Man just comes burns the meat and leaves. Not in our household, I wouldn't trust Mr Homer as far as I could throw him with a BBQ, so it was all down to me, and, well, it was a success. I can report no food poisoning as of yet!
Whilst having our food we were entertained by 2 magpies trying to attack a cat, they were at it the other night but I didn't have my phone to hand but luckily I did tonight so I've managed to capture a little video of them taunting it!
As it was very sunny, I decided to slap the sun lotion on and play with Squiggle in the garden, so today's exercise was just plenty of running around enjoying the sun an fresh air.
Decided to finish the day off with our first BBQ of the year. Now normally I'm led to believe that BBQ's are Man things, the women tend to do all the running around and preparing the salads and buns and then Man just comes burns the meat and leaves. Not in our household, I wouldn't trust Mr Homer as far as I could throw him with a BBQ, so it was all down to me, and, well, it was a success. I can report no food poisoning as of yet!
Whilst having our food we were entertained by 2 magpies trying to attack a cat, they were at it the other night but I didn't have my phone to hand but luckily I did tonight so I've managed to capture a little video of them taunting it!
Friday, 7 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 7
Yet another busy day, started off with taking Squiggle to Jumping Beans Parent & Toddler Group, it was such a lovely sunny morning that we all decided to let the kids play in the garden. Had to laugh when it came to snack time, all the boys sat round the table looking like old men in a beer garden drinking their juice!
Afternoon was spent doing a Safe & Sound training session with The Salvation Army so I can now help out with the kids club as opposed to just being a visiting parent, I'm going to be Arts & Crafts Specialist, so best get my thinking cap on and come up with ideas that small people can get involved in. We usually just do colouring in but I'm wondering if they're old enough to do something a bit more crafty, they are mostly 2-3 year olds and some of them do go to nursery so I presume they do crafty stuff there? - I guess I won't know unless I try. I have decided that next week it might be fun for the kids to plant sunflower seeds and have a little sunflower growing competition between them.
Evening walk was executed with an ulterior motive because we'd run out of milk so I had to amend my route to go past the Spar shop but I still managed a good trek up the hilly streets of my town. I managed to do just under 2 miles in just under 40 mins, had a fantastic sunset when I was coming home, which I did try to take a photograph of but I don't think I saved it right on my phone because I can't find it now!
Afternoon was spent doing a Safe & Sound training session with The Salvation Army so I can now help out with the kids club as opposed to just being a visiting parent, I'm going to be Arts & Crafts Specialist, so best get my thinking cap on and come up with ideas that small people can get involved in. We usually just do colouring in but I'm wondering if they're old enough to do something a bit more crafty, they are mostly 2-3 year olds and some of them do go to nursery so I presume they do crafty stuff there? - I guess I won't know unless I try. I have decided that next week it might be fun for the kids to plant sunflower seeds and have a little sunflower growing competition between them.
Evening walk was executed with an ulterior motive because we'd run out of milk so I had to amend my route to go past the Spar shop but I still managed a good trek up the hilly streets of my town. I managed to do just under 2 miles in just under 40 mins, had a fantastic sunset when I was coming home, which I did try to take a photograph of but I don't think I saved it right on my phone because I can't find it now!
Thursday, 6 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 6
Well I'm sorry but I couldn't stay in on a day like this and to be honest I couldn't be bothered exercising, so in accordance with the Juneathon rules and still being active I went to the seaside and built sandcastles!
Totally against the hospital rules of staying out of the sun, I slapped on my high factor sun cream and went out for a family day, 4 generations of family went on a day trip to Blackpool!
We had such fun, the sea was deceivingly blue and the tide had turned so we bedded down on the steps and left Squiggle to go and paddle in the pool that had formed, we weren't fully prepared as we forgot a towel, but decided that we should dry off quick if we were just paddling our toes.
Overall we had a fantastic day and had ice cream before coming home, so I think I will definitely walking again tomorrow.
Totally against the hospital rules of staying out of the sun, I slapped on my high factor sun cream and went out for a family day, 4 generations of family went on a day trip to Blackpool!
We had such fun, the sea was deceivingly blue and the tide had turned so we bedded down on the steps and left Squiggle to go and paddle in the pool that had formed, we weren't fully prepared as we forgot a towel, but decided that we should dry off quick if we were just paddling our toes.
Nice & dry, just paddling my toes
Unfortunately Squiggle decided he wanted to do more than paddle and subsequently launched himself into the pool and drenched himself from toe to head! My grandma just looked mortified not knowing what I was going to do, fortunately I have a sense of humour and just laughed it off with my mum and Thomas who thought it was hysterical!
Overall we had a fantastic day and had ice cream before coming home, so I think I will definitely walking again tomorrow.
Wednesday, 5 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 5
So today I had a leisurely stroll around the hospital before having my first light treatment session. Unfortunately the sun was shining today so when I got home I had to watch Squiggle run around the garden from the comfort of my dining room. I know I should be glad that the hospital are trying to treat my psoriasis, but condemning me to a Summer indoors when it's the first time the sun has shone in ages...well of course I'm not happy!
Unfortunately Squiggle is too young to understand why 'Mummy' can't play out in the sunshine, so I admit I did go into the garden for an hour in the late afternoon and had an hour of playing tig chase and running around after him.
Then unfortunately all my hard work this week was probably undone with a 3 course meal in a Mexican restaurant with 2 rather nice virgin colada slushies - I had the short straw for driving!
Still I can't complain, I haven't gone back to lying all day on the settee yet!
Unfortunately Squiggle is too young to understand why 'Mummy' can't play out in the sunshine, so I admit I did go into the garden for an hour in the late afternoon and had an hour of playing tig chase and running around after him.
Then unfortunately all my hard work this week was probably undone with a 3 course meal in a Mexican restaurant with 2 rather nice virgin colada slushies - I had the short straw for driving!
Still I can't complain, I haven't gone back to lying all day on the settee yet!
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
#Juneathon - Day 4 & psoriasis update
I don't think my body knows what's hit it, I woke up again this morning still aching, not my stomach which I thought would be the main culprit - due to me having split rectus abdominis muscles ( split abs or tummy muscles to you & me ) following my horrendous post natal adventure, but my shins, they just felt rock hard and every step I took hurt!
Well I managed to get up and dressed and get to the hospital for my pre PUVA/UVB assessment for my psoriasis. I've had the treatment before but never been called in for a pre assessment. I still had to fill in the same questionnaires as last time but this time they have a hand held light machine that was put on my skin for about a minute. I was told this is so they can test how much light therapy my body can withstand when I first start ( presumably it means I can start off on a higher/longer setting which will help reduce the overall number of sessions I need - I will ask about this tomorrow when I start my course ) I just need to see if I wake up with a burnt square of skin on my back! Although this treatment is a good thing if it clears my skin, it couldn't have come at a worse time, the problem is whilst I am having it, I cannot go out in the sun - and yes you've guessed it, the good weather is set to continue for the next few days, so I either cover up or I stay indoors and that means I can't chase Squiggle!
Still onward and upward as they say and back to the challenge, I can proudly report I did my 2 mile walk again tonight and even shaved a few minutes off my time, completing it in 39 minutes.
Well I managed to get up and dressed and get to the hospital for my pre PUVA/UVB assessment for my psoriasis. I've had the treatment before but never been called in for a pre assessment. I still had to fill in the same questionnaires as last time but this time they have a hand held light machine that was put on my skin for about a minute. I was told this is so they can test how much light therapy my body can withstand when I first start ( presumably it means I can start off on a higher/longer setting which will help reduce the overall number of sessions I need - I will ask about this tomorrow when I start my course ) I just need to see if I wake up with a burnt square of skin on my back! Although this treatment is a good thing if it clears my skin, it couldn't have come at a worse time, the problem is whilst I am having it, I cannot go out in the sun - and yes you've guessed it, the good weather is set to continue for the next few days, so I either cover up or I stay indoors and that means I can't chase Squiggle!
Still onward and upward as they say and back to the challenge, I can proudly report I did my 2 mile walk again tonight and even shaved a few minutes off my time, completing it in 39 minutes.
Monday, 3 June 2013
#Juneathon Day 3
Oh my, I woke up stiff as a board this morning, every limb was aching, it took me a while to haul my body out of bed - much to the annoyance of Squiggle who wanted to go and play in the park at 7am. I swear sometimes I think that child is not mine - where does he get his energy from? certainly not me or his dad!!
So I was contemplating having a restful day today, I know, I know I'm only 3 days into my challenge and only done one real day of exercise but considering I usually spend anywhere up to 12 hours a day sitting/lying on the settee I think I'm doing alright ( she says with raised eyebrows )
The weather has helped immensely today, that coupled with Squiggle wanting to play out, so I've been in the garden again today, put in a couple of new plants in the front garden and then spent the afternoon playing football and tig chase in the back garden with Squiggle, and to be honest I've loved it - heck I even did a bit of running in the garden when he was chasing me. So I can put my hand on my heart and honestly say I've had an active day which all counts towards the Juneathon.
So I was contemplating having a restful day today, I know, I know I'm only 3 days into my challenge and only done one real day of exercise but considering I usually spend anywhere up to 12 hours a day sitting/lying on the settee I think I'm doing alright ( she says with raised eyebrows )
The weather has helped immensely today, that coupled with Squiggle wanting to play out, so I've been in the garden again today, put in a couple of new plants in the front garden and then spent the afternoon playing football and tig chase in the back garden with Squiggle, and to be honest I've loved it - heck I even did a bit of running in the garden when he was chasing me. So I can put my hand on my heart and honestly say I've had an active day which all counts towards the Juneathon.
Sunday, 2 June 2013
#Juneathon Days 1 & 2
So I received an email inviting me to join in with this years Juneathon and decided why not take up the challenge.
Basically you have to do some form of exercise every day, log what you have done and then blog about it, so Jog, Log & Blog. Really it is a running challenge but participants can do anything from running to swimming to cycling so long as they do something everyday.
I'm not going into this lightly I know its going to be hard for me but I really need a kick start to getting my fitness levels back up - I've been on the mend for the last 3 years following my pancreatitis and although I am now looking my old self, I've yet to get my fitness & stamina levels back - I still occasionally get knackered walking up the hill ( well a slight incline ) from my mums house to mine!
Now my body currently isn't designed for running or even jogging so I am opting for walking and a dance workout courtesy of my Xbox Kinnect and Dance Central 2 & Dance Central 3.
So in true style I started Juneathon by doing diddly squat, but have more than made up for it today.
This morning I did a 50 minute routine on Dance Central 3, I've spent an hour and half working hard in my garden this afternoon cutting a tree down and this evening I went for a walk and did 2 miles in just over 40 minutes, so I am very pleased with myself.
Now if only I had a bar of chocolate to celebrate with !
Basically you have to do some form of exercise every day, log what you have done and then blog about it, so Jog, Log & Blog. Really it is a running challenge but participants can do anything from running to swimming to cycling so long as they do something everyday.
I'm not going into this lightly I know its going to be hard for me but I really need a kick start to getting my fitness levels back up - I've been on the mend for the last 3 years following my pancreatitis and although I am now looking my old self, I've yet to get my fitness & stamina levels back - I still occasionally get knackered walking up the hill ( well a slight incline ) from my mums house to mine!
Now my body currently isn't designed for running or even jogging so I am opting for walking and a dance workout courtesy of my Xbox Kinnect and Dance Central 2 & Dance Central 3.
So in true style I started Juneathon by doing diddly squat, but have more than made up for it today.
This morning I did a 50 minute routine on Dance Central 3, I've spent an hour and half working hard in my garden this afternoon cutting a tree down and this evening I went for a walk and did 2 miles in just over 40 minutes, so I am very pleased with myself.
Now if only I had a bar of chocolate to celebrate with !
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