2017 PART EIGHT 18/02 -- 24/02

Half way through February already, not sure where this year is going but we are surviving 2017 and with plans in place for the next few months life is ok. 

Had a good weekend, out on Saturday seeing the family Briggs, that;s Julia, Paul and my god-daughter Annelise who having reached 13 years is still very entertaining and fun. 

Loved the company, it's always great to see these guys and even watching Saturday evening TV with Gary Barlow's "Talent" show was fun. Thanks guys you are awesome. 



Then instead of my usual long lay in on Sunday was up and out with family for a lovely Sunday lunch at a carvery in Old Windsor, we never do this now as a family and another feel good moment to get out on a Sunday instead of sitting at home. Hopefully will do this a bit more this year, big bruv paid but I'll aim to pay for all next time around. 

Got paid this week, spent it all, really pissed off now and this isn't getting better, how can I get through to end of this month now I really do not know. Might be ok for Cheltenham with Graham in March but May week off is beginning to look less and less likely. Help.

Work hasn't been great either, plenty off ill, I don't feel too good either and just want to end it all once again. Thank god I have some decent friends... 



Be there for a friend.

Friends can be the best support system of all. 
Here are some simple ways to be there for a friend:

• Donate your time. Uninterrupted listening time, whether in person or over the phone, is one of the best gifts you can give a friend.
• Be a reminder of positive things.
• Send a card, e-mail, text message or leave a voicemail to let your friend know you’re thinking about him or her.
• Offer to run errands or care for family members to allow your friend some time to relax.
• Visit in person when possible if a friend is ill or in need.

2017 PART SEVEN 11/02 -- 17/02

Another round of the Six Nations rugby this weekend and it's England taking on Wales across the River Severn in Cardiff later. A very close game, which England won 21-16 thankfully but no gloating to my Welsh friends. 

Our weekend started poorly as I seem to be stressing over nothing but work, it'll be ok (will see on Monday) but struggling to sleep at times and gives me a headache. At least on Saturday I managed to pop out in the rain and snow, picked up a few things then had a busy time of cleaning around and clearing out a few things. Feel better for that plus won a small amount on the horses and football which will help me get through the next week before being paid. 

Hoping that some of my friends are getting better this week, as they have been ill for a little while with this winter bug doing the rounds, all being well can get over to see Julia, Paul and Annelise on a Saturday night for dinner, chat and some awful Sat evening TV. But that said it's always a great night over there and I will look forward to that. 

Always good to have things planned to look forward to in life, even if it's just booking some days off and then planning what to do with them it can help take your mind off whatever is currently bugging you ... at least it works for me and I already have days off planned for March and May. 

Plan something to look forward to. 

Plan things to look forward to and you’ll always be looking ahead with optimism. Plan to meet a friend next week or month for lunch, dinner or a film. Plan a fun family trip for next summer. Plan a way to celebrate a forthcoming holiday or special occasion with the people you love. Plan a play date with your child. Plan to hike a mountain you’ve always dreamed of climbing or to visit an old friend or relative you don’t see very often.

Feeling good takes planning and forethought. But when you plan things to look forward to, even the anticipation feels good.

2017 PART SIX 04/02 -- 10/02

This weekend began with another visit to Hanworth Crematorium as it would have been my Dads birthday on Tuesday. Was not sure how I was going to feel but as always when I get there it's very nice and peaceful and I can spend some time there in reflection and "talk" to everyone, had a bit of a quiet moment with Mum, Dad, and Step Mum Christine who are all scattered there. The sun came out as I was ready to leave and I stopped only to pay my respects to the funeral cortége that arrived drawn by a pair of beautiful white horses accompanied by a white glass carriage. So sad, but also lovely too. 

The weekend also sees the start of the 2017 Six Nations and already a cracking first game with Scotland beating Ireland 27-22 which opens up things for the other teams, and then a scrappy win for England against the French 19-16. While a win is welcome and keeps the unbeaten run going the side are going to have to improve a lot in order to keep that run going when they face Wales next Saturday at Cardiff. 


Monthly goals and updates - February
As per last year we will take regular measurements of my stats and see that we are making inroads to our goals for this year too. Managed to drop a few of the pounds that I put on over Christmas, so almost getting back on track with a month gone, once Spring arrives will feel better and able to crack on with some swimming and more exercise during 2017.

Opening Weight at 1st Jan 2017 -- 22st 5lb 
Measurements (inches)
Neck -- 21
Chest -- 52
Stomach -- 56
Waist -- 46
Thighs -- 24
Biceps -- 17

Current Weight at 5th Feb 2017 -- 21st 10lb 
Measurements (inches)
Neck -- 20 (-1)
Chest -- 52 
Stomach -- 53 (-3)
Waist -- 46
Thighs -- 24
Biceps -- 17

Will update this again in early March and set some further goals looking ahead towards April-May.

2017 PART FIVE 28/01 -- 03/02

Writing up this week's issue as we say goodbye to January and it's been rather mixed due to the same old issues with money and betting. Lost the wins I made last week, so down for next months payday already and that's really rubbish and dumb but there's no one else to blame except me. And I have been really hard on myself once again, how I get through the coming three weeks I don't know now, and then I have to do the same again next month to get back on track. 

What's done is done though, we have to move on and just come up with a plan, we haven't completely ruining things for the year we just starting badly and need to reset things. 


On Saturday went out to see my great friend Sarah over at her place. Good afternoon in great company and so pleased I went out. 

Not only to see the family and to chill out but it also meant I met the latest member to their clan. Victor the dog who is awesome (pictured here with Freddie). He's only 11 months old, and a great big baby. The joy shines through on both Sarah and her boys too just so very happy for them all. 




Over the next week we will update our opening months statistics knowing that after putting on a few pounds over Xmas and New Year that we have lost most of this during January which is good. It's also a time I will be thinking of my Father as his birthday would be on 7th Feb. 

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Get help for chronic pain.

Chronic pain is a common problem affecting around 10% of the population. The impact of pain on daily living varies from minor restrictions to complete loss of independence. 

Chronic pain usually refers to pain arising from conditions which are not life threatening such as, lower back pain, arthritis and recurrent headaches, although many more types have been identified. 

According to the Pain Research Institute at The University of Liverpool’s Department of Neurological Science, chronic pain is more common among women and the elderly.

The best way to get help for chronic pain is acknowledge your pain, take it seriously and find a doctor who takes your pain seriously too.