WEEK TWENTY ONE 21/05 -- 27/05

Been trying to chill out and relax while focusing on some upcoming events. Still have a few demons though, but sleep is improving and my routine is much better. 

Wish I could stop worrying about things that actually do not really matter, though isn't that true of a lot of us out there. It comes and goes and when I am keeping busy and getting out it is really ok, it's only when you have time to sit and do nothing that your mind can race away with things. So try your best to keep busy ... 

This week I've a few days off and going to Sandown Park races with my brother for his birthday, not got too much cash but will get out all the same. Then the Friday also off to enjoy a nice long weekend, see a few friends, catch up on the gossip and have fun. 

Having already changed my diet and eating habits as well as cutting down on my drinking I've also looked into my coffee intake which used to be quite severe. 


Cut back on caffeine.

Coffee tastes great and it’s safe to drink in moderation. But too much caffeine can make you irritable. It can also upset your stomach and disturb your sleep. Medical experts recommend that you consume no more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day. That’s the equivalent of about two cups of brewed coffee.

Start feeling better today by moderating your intake of coffee, tea and soft drinks with caffeine.

Make the most of your commute.

Use your commuting time to relax, feel good and make the transition from home to work and back. Whether you drive yourself or are on public transport there are a number of things you can do with this time, I've commuted into London for the past 6 years now and it's time you would want to spend being productive to help take your mind off the dullest part of your day.

  • Listen to books on tape. You could listen to a novel, language tapes or an inspirational recording. Many public libraries have audio books and regardless of whether you are interested in the story if you get one that is narrated by your favourite actor (e.g. Stephen Fry / Rik Mayall (RIP)) you are going to enjoy the experience so much more.

  • Be a discriminating listener. Avoid radio shows that make you feel annoyed and that waste your time.

  • Spend some time in silence. Revisit your day, think about what’s ahead and be at one with your thoughts.

  • If possible, commute with someone you like one or two days a week.

  • If you can, take public transportation. Use the time to read and reflect on your day.

During the next week I could be breaking my alcohol regime as I've off to Wembley to see my team AFC Wimbledon play Plymouth Argyle in the League Two play off final. This takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May. 

Come on you Wombles. 

WEEK TWENTY 14/05 -- 20/05

Not had the greatest of weeks, which I won't go into this time around, just need to work through some things and try to get back on track. Though the situation did make me look into what we can all do to make things better for ourselves, some is common sense, some takes us down a different path. 

So this week I want to make a start to look at some simple ways we can all try and change our lives for the better. They may seem obvious but it's worth spelling them out again as it took me a while to take them on board, but the changes I've made this year are helping me and so I ask ... 

How good do you really feel?
Let’s begin by answering the following ten questions.

1) Do you have regular health check-ups?   YES  /  NO

2) Do you exercise for at least 30 minutes 4 or more
days a week?   YES  /  NO

3) Do you eat balanced meals?   YES  /  NO

4) Do you get close to 8 hours of sleep most nights?   YES  /  NO

5) Do you follow your doctor’s advice to stop smoking,
lose weight or limit your consumption of alcohol?  YES  /  NO

6) Are you often irritable or short-tempered with
people you care about?  YES  /  NO

7) Do you have frequent headaches or stomach aches?   YES  /  NO

8) Do you feel sad or down very often or cry for
no reason?   YES  /  NO

9) Do you often feel too busy and “stressed”?   YES  /  NO

10) Do you have social, medical or financial worries
caused by drugs, alcohol, gambling or shopping?   YES  /  NO


The fact is, we could all take better care of ourselves—physically and emotionally. For some of us, that may mean getting more exercise, losing weight or eating a healthier diet. For others, it may mean learning how to make time for the people we care about or learning how to manage stress so we have the energy to meet the challenges that come our way each day.

What are some of the things you can do every day to feel better in your life? Look back to the questions on the quiz for some answers. If you answered “No” to any of the first five questions, these are the areas to work on with your physical health. If you answered “Yes” to any of the last five questions, these are the areas to pay attention to with your emotional health.

Only by being honest with ourselves can we really take action and move forward with our lives. 


Now that I got that off my chest I can once again look at one of the goals I set myself for this year, and have been for a weigh in at hospital with some pleasing results there. 


Opening Weight at 1st Jan -- 23st 6lb 
Measurements (inches)
Neck -- 22
Chest -- 54
Stomach -- 57
Waist -- 48
Thighs -- 27
Biceps -- 14


Revised Weight now as at 14th May -- 22st 1lb
Measurements (inches)
Neck -- 21
Chest -- 53
Stomach -- 54.5
Waist -- 46
Thighs -- 26
Biceps -- 15.5

So that's another 9lb lost this month, which is a big lift in what has been a difficult week. Also pleased that my blood pressure is much lower too so we are making gains as planned. Have to recommend getting a blood pressure monitor to keep track of things at home, some of the ones available on line are very good. 

Not a big amount of change elsewhere but the waistline is going down as my clothes are much looser especially in the trousers, still working to get down to another trouser size, though have had to get new belts and drill a few extra holes in a couple so that's good too.

Nice to end with some very good news and happy to see progression with tops also too big for me now and down another size there too, what started off as a low and negative period has actually turned around into a positive situation. 

Have a good week. 

WEEK NINETEEN 07/05 -- 13/05

Here we are week nineteen already, the year is really flying by but it's been an entertaining one so far and we've plenty to be looking forward to in the coming months including trips to York and a weekend break to Great Yarmouth.

AFC WIMBLEDON 1 - 0 NEWPORT COUNTY

Over the weekend we had the final football match of our League Two season and although the play off place was already secured it was nice to have another win albeit a fairly dull game. 

I went done to the crematorium as hadn't been for a few weeks then spent some time down by the river in Hampton Court, not stayed long it was nice to be out in the sun and remain chilled. Since I was hoping to have gone out Friday but once again that got cancelled -- beginning to think it's not worth the hassle but I can't really say that if I'm honest, I will just have to be stronger and not let this situation wind me up so much. 



I've looked at a number of things while having counselling sessions and one of the important things I have followed is to make sure I get outside a lot more. It really helps. 



Spend time outdoors. 
We spend most of our lives indoors. 
But being outdoors has many health benefits, from breathing
fresh air to taking in the sun. A little sunshine feels great, can help lift feelings of depression and is a great source of Vitamin D, as long as you protect yourself with sunscreen. Being outdoors in good weather also encourages physical activity. 

Try to spend time outdoors as often as you can.
• Read a book or newspaper outdoors during your
lunch break or go for a walk.
• Do gardening. It’s rewarding, good therapy and a
great workout.
• Go camping, hiking or take nature walks with friends
and family.

I shall be having another weigh in and checking blood pressure figures too, all looks good so far but still plenty to do as we go through the rest of the year. Updated figures will be published next week. 

Have a wonderful week yourselves, thinking of all my friends and family, enjoy the sunshine. 

WEEK EIGHTEEN 30/04 -- 06/05 (inc. MY BIRTHDAY)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME!!

Celebrating my 40th birthday (again...sssshhh) 








Really had a wonderful few days off work, would have mentioned that last time going out racing at Ascot and a trip to Brighton too was on the cards, well we did all that and bit more. I really love having these days off and the weather has been very generous too so always out and about. Slightly sad that most of it was done alone, though my brother and nephews came out on Wednesday I really wanted to see someone who is still very special to me but alas they don't what to know nowadays though the messages are mixed at times. 

Even so I did manage to keep things going and had a lovely few days over the weekend, shopping, lunch down by the river and generally feeling very happy about things too. 

Also helped that I had some money aside to enjoy the days with too, this is improving slowly as well and the next job on the cards is to plan some days off for end May and June. 

Had some results back from recent Dr's appointments, generally good news, heart rate and blood pressure are much lower and in an acceptable range, the big bonus was losing over stone and a half in weight and that will be something I am to keep progressing with during the rest of the year. 

Looking ahead will enjoy May, work will be busy but at the end of the month have another few days off and going racing to Sandown Park with my brother for his birthday. 



Also planning a long weekend away to York for June and will get the trains and hotel booked up this month so that it's in the diary. 

Small victories are the way forward this year. Still having a few dark moments but the good outweigh the bad so far. 

Will recap measurements soon. Have a good week all.