Picture this

I don't often look at the bits and bobs on the Blogger Dashboard, but something caught my eye today.

Have you checked out Blogger Play?

I've just been sitting transfixed watching a slideshow of pictures that are currently being uploaded to Blogger. It felt slightly voyeuristic, but hey ho...

Magical evening

We've just got home after seeing Slava's Snowshow in Woking.

It defies description and really is something to be seen and experienced for yourself. Slava is a clown, but if you're not a clown fan (I'm not), don't be put off. There are no exploding cars or pratfalls here. There is hilarity and pathos, enchantment and excitement, bewilderment and just sheer joy. You will never have seen anything like this before.

The show is currently touring the UK, but not for long. If you can, go and see it.

Before your very eyes

As you know from my previous post, I have joined Slimming World having made the decision to once-and-for-all do something about my weight.

I need to 'go public' with this, so I keep motivated, but I don't want to turn this blog into a tedious record of the ups and downs (hopefully mostly downs!) of my weight loss 'journey'.

I don't even want to call it a journey, so forget I said that.

Anyway, I've started another blog here to record my progress and to log any thoughts on the process, if I have any.

Feel free, but not obligated, to drop by now and again.

Ducks in a row

I've been concentrating on things elsewhere lately - trying to get some form of order in my life. I've been frustrated by the disarray in all areas of my world, so I decided to put things right. I've got a way to go yet, but I've made a good, positive start.

I thought I'd start with work. If I was on top of things in my job, that would take away a lot of the stress I've been feeling. Once I'd made that decision, it all went very smoothly. Coincidentally (or by fate...?), someone recommended a time management book to me, so I thought I'd adopt its principles. I like to have a system to follow. It doesn't really matter what the system is, but I like to have a set of rules. I've adapted them slightly for my own needs, but I'm no longer feeling overwhelmed and I've gone from a frightening 4,000 emails in my Inbox to emptying it every day. And to get myself a healthier work/life balance, I've been leaving my computer at work every day, hence the lack of blogging lately. I'm going to get back into the posting habit in my spare time, rather than using it as a procrastination technique. Good!

What next?

I have to take myself in hand, so I've joined a local Slimming World group. I had some success with Slimming World years ago, so I feel confident in the way it all works, but it still took me a good few weeks to psyche myself to decide to go. Then a few more to actually go. But a week in, it's all come flooding back - red or green days, 'a's and 'b's - and I'm happy that I've kicked my chocolate and snacking habits, and I've even stopped taking sugar in my tea. Not bad going.

Mum and I have resurrected our resolution to go for regular walks, and I'm going to make an effort to get out at lunchtimes. Just half an hour, three times a week, should be achievable, shouldn't it?

OK - I've told you all now, so I have to stick to it. I'll keep you posted on my progress (whether you like it or not!).

Next on the agenda is to get to grips with my domestic arrangements. I'm fed up with being fed up with my untidy house so, once again, I'm planning to follow a system. I'll give myself a few weeks to settle into my new eating and exercise habits, then I'll be on it...

So, if you're still with me, apologies for the dull post. I just needed to get all this stuff 'out there'.

Normal service will resume... Any time now.