Bats

Decluttering: 7 points so far. +3 so far today for clearing 3 more piles of discharges = 10. 2 more piles minimum to get through tomorrow before I can go on holiday with a clear conscience. +1 for 5 "new" discharges from last week, with a bonus +1 for getting them done before the holiday. Potential: +1 tonight for packing suitcase for holiday, +1 for packing weekend bag for stay with parents, +2 for putting all other clothes away that aren't coming with me on the trips. I'm giving myself +1 for clearing the carrots and onions out of the veg rack last night and making carrot, lemon and ginger soup that is now in the freezer - 0.5 for clearing veg rack, and 0.5 for having healthy meals to go in the freezer. (11) Another +1 for making courgette frittata - 0.5 for emptying salad drawer in fridge, and 0.5 for having a packed lunch tomorrow. (12) Let you know before I go away on Monday how the potential points went!

I'm heading off on holiday over the weekend, so will be off the air for a while. So: extremely well done so far! These challenges are being met ON TOP of having a life with children and husband. More power to your elbow! I will check in again when I get back, but: CARRY ON BEING AMAZING! PS congrats to hubby and good luck with the switch to night shift

Forgot to say - +1 decluttering at work: 1 pile of 5 discharges yesterday. meals so far this week: Breakfast 2/3 on plan, lunch 0/2, dinner 2/2. Exercise: 1/2 - delayed at work last night so sacked off gym. In my defence, didn't leave work until 1945. Sleep: 2/2 so far. Massive organising evening now planned for Thursday to get ready for a week of holiday. Think the gym might have to go that night, too.

Glad to have been of service in clearing that up! Had it again as left overs tonight. Possibly even better after it's had a day in the fridge. I find that with soup, stew and chilli as well - second day leftovers often actually better than the original. One more international food question to clear up - is cilantro the same as coriander, or different?

Hey angelblaidd - thanks for the interest and support! Running low on time before my curfew tonight, but will catch up propely with your efforts tomorrow! @Athena - Saw it on Masterchef Australia -well, the inspiration came from there. So, usual meat sauce for lasagne: onion, minced beef, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, salt, pepper, Italian herbs of your choice (we went with basil). White sauce: butter and flour for a roux, top up with milk,salt, pepper, scratch of nutmeg. For the layers, starting on the bottom, pumpkin slices, griddled to get bar-marks and start to soften, ditto the courgette (possibly zucchini in Australia - long green things, go in ratatouille?) - it went on the top layer, under the white sauce and scratch of parmesan. Middle layer was most faff, but also most fun - blackening peppers over the gas ring, then sweating them in a bowl with cling film on top (?gladwrap?) to get the skin off, opening them out into flat bits and scraping all the seeds out. On masterchef they didn't do pumpkin, they did aubergine (eggplant). For some strange reason, no aubergine at the supermarket this week. So I suppose I sort of stole the vegetable idea from the vegetarian lasagne on Masterchef, and converted it into sort of a moussaka, except Italian with beef, instead of Greek with lamb. Not applying for Masterchef, though - I am happy being an experimental home cook! Definitely nearly curfew now -go-to-bed alarm hasn't gone off - no battery left in mobile phone, just noticed time at bottom of computer screen -EEK! Love you all, will check you all properly tomorrow. *Hugs* and SHOOBIE - go to BED!

So, then: Week One Update #1: Eat This got better as the week went on. It was a slow start due to missing shopping at the weekend due to Skyfall. Organisation is key! So a lot of cupboard staple carbs got eaten in the first few days. But fortunately, cupboard staples included porridge: breakfast was pretty much covered, until I ran out of milk - 4/7 on target. Lunches less good, mostly sandwiches at work, and cheese toasties at the weekend, but at least swapped my chocolate bar for a piece of fruit, and my diet coke for water. Not a total fail, but the official meal count for lunches is 0/7. Quite impressed with myself with the dinners, at least once the shopping got sorted out. No points for bagels with cream cheese and salmon two nights, but Soba noodles with crab on Tuesday, omelette with mushroom, pepper, chilli and spinach on Thursday, *new recipe alert*Wasabi Sesame crusted tuna with oyster sauce green beans on Friday (AND hubby ate it too!), another new recipe Lasagne, but with grilled vegetables instead of pasta (thank you Masterchef Australia!) and finally, boar with sweet potato mash, peas and real onion gravy (not packet). So 5/7 on the evening meals. 9/21 on meals, but I'm going to give myself 50% overall for keeping up with 3 cups of green/herbal tea a day and fruit/yoghurt snacks instead of rubbish So, an A overall, but must keep on top of the meal planning/shopping and try to do packed lunches for work instead of raiding the shop! #2: Work This was a planned slow week for workouts as I was on-call 24h. I got in my BodyPump class on Saturday morning, which is what I had scheduled. It's not 100% of 4 per week, but it is 100% of the 1 workout I had scheduled. Going to give myself an A, especially considering the temptation to stay in bed with hubby on Sat am, doubly so, considering the week I had at work! #3: SleepThis was the BEST!! I am 4/5 for this week (up late last night writing a presentation for lunchtime today). I have a go-to-bed alarm (idea stolen from Kim Taura - credit where credit's due!) when I switch off my computer/TV, make a cup of herb tea, cleanse/tone/moisturise my face, get into bed and drink said tea before 11 pm. I have had much less problem getting up (except this morning), and even made it in early one day last week. I have managed to dress like a grown-up, and even put (minimal) make up on 5/5 work mornings (and it has been noticed, too!). OK, I still can't blow-dry my hair - but that's a genetic deficiency! I can really feel this part of the challenge doing me good already! (Take note, Shoobie, and persevere!) #4: Life (decluttering)As expected, this is the hardest. But also the most important. I have written out activity schedules for week 1 and 2 of the challenge - at the behest of my psychologist. I have also (mostly) been keeping a log of how my real activitites compare to the planned. I do well during the week (although to be fair, work is quite structured anyway) and the real-life log has been very useful in identifying some time-thieves I hadn't really considered before. And it has made me do small blocks of decluttering/housework in the evenings. Hubby noticed how different the living room looked when he arrived on Friday. And he didn't have to do a big pile of dishes before we could get dinner ready. Declutter points currently 6/50. 2 points if I pick all the clean laundry up off the bedroom floor and put it away, 1 point for each pile of 5 casenotes dictated, 2 points on Thursday for packing a suitcase and a weekend bag for holiday, 1 point for taking all perishables out of the fridge and donating them to parents on Saturday before we go away - a potential 12 up for grabs this week (at least that I can think of at the moment!) So really pleased overall - I'm calling it an "A" of a week. Slightly less pleased at the scales this morning - up 1 lb (14 st 3) and BF 43.6%. Will do measurments tonight and post later - but I had to dig out a pair of my "fat" jeans at the weekend - grrrrrr! Off to bodypump now though - MOAR workout! PS time scheduled on to night to go through everybody's updates - so talk to you all soon!

Cheers, AngelBlaidd and arcticMaiden! Not the whole office - that is a never ending marathon - worse than the Augean Stables!! Just the corner with the shelves where the notes live. That makes 35 inpatient discharges I have to deal with before I can start on the discharges of all the patients I've seen on call this week. I'm going to give myself +1 for each pile of 5 (usually takes about half an hour, depending on how thick the files are). I've set myself a deadline of close of business next Friday, because then I'm on holiday for a week. Any new patient discharges get done before then, it will be a minor miracle (!) and worth a bonus +1. Smoked salmon scrambled eggs were lovely this morning - but I miss the buttered toast to go with! Will let you know about the wasabi seed crusted tuna on the menu for tonight. Have a good one!

So halfway through week one. "New thing" enthusiasm still going strong, hence the daily posting. Eating finally starting to fall into place. Have had time to go shopping, and while I wouldn't exactly call it a meal plan, I have taken Angel's idea of putting ingredients together. Things stacked together in the fridge (egg and smoked salmon for luxe breakfast tomorrow, for example) and also in the cupboards (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts and sesame seeds for a version of schnitzel tomorrow night) Working (out) more problematic this week because I am on 24h call, but at least going to get in a body pump session on saturday morning. Sleeping going very well. I am 3/3 so far, and if I get off here in a minute or so, will be 4/4. Woke up spontaneously at 6.30 today instead of my usual 7.30, and translated that into a very effective extra half hour at work before everybody else. I am giving myself another +1 decluttering point for organising the various piles of casenotes in my office, into ward patients (on the shelves - no longer the floor) and emergency patients (on the spare chair). Next trick is actually getting them dictated, but they are sorted into piles of 5, which is the length of a tape, so - manageable chunks instead of an unsightly spreading mess. I also cleared the vetting list, and a pile of notes and results. Calling it a +1, making 6. Right, go-to-bed alarm just gone off, so see you all tomorrow! SHOOBIE: this is your go-to-bed poke!!!

Go-to-Bed alarm has just gone off, so I'll be quick - I have 30 min to wash face, brush teeth, lay out clothes for tomorrow and get into bed. Another +1 on decluttering - another pile of miscellaneous paper bites it! So that's 5 already. All at home though - must add some work points, but work is double-plus-crazy this week as I am on-call. Clean eating a little better today, but still way too much bread. I have however, made it to the shops, so this should change for tomorrow. No exercising as on-call, but have booked 3 BodyPump classes - Sat, Mon and Wed. So I'll get 1/4 for this week, but that was allowed, as I knew I would be on-call. 2/2 on being in bed by 11. Logging off now to make it 3/3! Onward, Rebellion!

Thanks Angel and Athena! Running total now 4 then (+1 for doing tax returns!) And will deffo give the "putting meal ingredients together" idea a go. This sounds like a plan! I am working on sort of "a stitch in time saves nine" - 10 minutes doing something now will save me 20 minutes in future/pain/anxiety. That and "breaking big things I can't do into small chunks that I can". So putting ingredients together for meal prep later covers both. Will let you know how it goes!

Another 2 declutter points, I think. (Running total 3) Picked up all the cups/glasses/dishes and washed them all (+1). Pile of mail/journals and CDs on floor -CDs put in rack (in correct boxes, no less!), journals put in pile with other journals from last night, mail chucked/for shredding/ to-keep pile on bookcase/to do pile on table (+1). Which creates another area to be worked through - the to-do pile on the table. But I have 2 sq feet of empty floor I didn't have before! Managed to switch off computer at 10.30 and be in bed for 11. (Doesn't matter the hospital called at midnight, then I woke up with a hypo at 2.15 am!) Still not quite Clean and Lean on the eating - with being on call, haven't had time to do a proper shop, so eating cupboard stuff (also known as bread and pasta!) - not really low carb! Right, go-to-bed alarm has just gone off. Logging off, going to wash my face, brush my teeth and chill before bed. It may even involve herbal tea. (At least I'm keeping up on the 3 cups of green or herbal tea - slightly Clean and Lean!) Goodnight.

50 declutter points? OK. I get one already today for sorting out the papers on top of the wine rack. Large amount in recycling basket, smaller confidential pile in the shredder basket, to be shredded at the weekend. Small amount of "stuff to keep" moved to top of bookcase (that is another area for later). And a pile of professional journals, which I have to decide whether I am really ever going to catch up reading, just rip out interesting articles, or recycle and just start reading the fresh ones as they come in. Forgot to post my starting measurements: Weight 14 st 2 lb (198 lbs) BF% 41.7 neck 15 in Bust 45 in Chest 38 in Waist 40 1/2 in Bellybutton 43 in Hips 44 in Biceps 12 in, Forearm 9 in, Thigh 21 in and calf 15 in. Day 1 off to a reasonable start. Up and out on time, wearing make-up (although hair still wet). Breakfast: porridge and blueberries as per Clean and Lean. (2 pieces of toast and rhubarb jam less so!) But cup of green tea. Work schedule not bad, but did "waste" 90 minutes reading NF this afternoon, instead of decluttering office. But left work on time, major tasks completed. Lunch and dinner not clean or particularly lean - again bread a major component. On-call this week, so begging off the exercise until the weekend - bodyPump catch-up on Sat am. But 1 decluttering point already, as above. I have 15 minutes more computer time before my "get ready for bed" alarm goes off - Thank you Kim Taura and Accountability Turtle! And a big, non-challenge WOOT already. The taking charge and decluttering challenge was inspired by receiving an unpaid tax demand for roughly twice my annual salary (I don't open mail when I'm not well) I have now completed 4 tax returns (including this year's - and it's not even the deadline until the end of January!) and the bill now stands at just over £10k. The real WOOT is that I no longer owe them - HMRC owe ME!!!! I wish it was included in the challenge, it felt like 50 points all by itself, but I think it is a big kick in the arse about the benefits of keeping on top of my stuff. Hopefully, it will keep me motivated - certainly my hubby is never going to let me forget! 6 minutes to go, and I still need to do my food log for today, so Adios, Amigos! Manana!

Hey, if you ever need someone to proofread a few pages...an outline that makes me want more! I will be watching with interest - I too have sleep issues and made them a goal this time. You are SUBBED, Skyfire!

Here it is, the third challenge for Bats. As to the thread name, it comes from a discussion with Athena during the second challenge. It regards perspiration levels during exercise. Inspired by Athena's ascent to goddess-hood, I am going to ascend to the next level of exercise-induced sweat - to become a Big Red Fire Engine! To achieve this, I am levelling-up my daily grind of Eat/Work/Sleep: Goal # 1: Eat. Adopting the Clean and Lean eating plan at least 50% of the time (meals rather than days) to earn +2 Con and +2 Cha. This involves cutting out/down the CRAP (caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol, processed food), more fruit, veggies, lean protein. I am easing in with the 50% - mostly to make sure it mixes well with my diabetes. I will keep a record of food eaten, weight, inches and BF%. I may even take photo's, and if I'm REALLY brave, actually POST them! Goal # 2: Work. Continuing twice weekly BodyPump classes because I actually like them (despite sweating like a beast!) Finishing the Heptathlon challenge at the gym (satisfies my competitive side!) - see the second challenge thread for a description. Joining the Core/Flexibility class - I needs me some Dex points! This will maintain my 4 workouts a week goal. +2 Sta, +2 Str and +1 Dex Goal # 3: Sleep. To stop my many sleep-disrupting activities at 10.30 pm. To have a bed-time wind-down routine. To be physically in the bed by 11pm. To be rested enough to leave the house by 8.30 and at my desk by 8.45 or before. This is a school-nights only thing, so Sun-Thu. +1 Wis and +1 Con Goal # 4: Life. Organising and decluttering. This is clearing my physical space and organising my head space so I can actually HAVE a life. This includes activity scheduling (homework for my psychologist). Initially to clear a giant backlog, but trying to get systems in place so I can function more efficiently in future. Remembering that the activity schedule also has to include FUN activities will be hard, as there is a pile of real life trouble that has to be organised out of existence first. But there is already my birthday party and a trip to Rome in the schedule during this challenge, so I'm giving it a try! The physical decluttering will be managed on Athena's points scale from the PvP. I am going to aim for 50 points, covering both home and office (and I should probably include the car, as well ... don't ask!) +2 Wis, +1 Con, +1 Cha Good luck to us all!

So, totting up the final scores: #1 Exercise. 15/24=best part of 60%. 3 points from possible 5:2 strength, 1 stamina #2 Diet and weight loss. Not so good on the diet, weight up, up, down, same, same, same. Maintained overall = 50%. 1.5 points from a possible 3: 0.5 stamina, 0.5 condition, 0.5 charisma #3 Health. Not too bad, 4/6 appointments made and attended. Calling it a B=75%. 1.5 wisdom, 1.5 condition #4 Life. 2/5 houses seen. 40%, call it a C. 1 wisdom, 0.5 condition. Total: Strength +2=4, Dexterity 0=2, Stamina +1.5=4.5, Condition +2.5=9.5, Wisdom +2.5=7.5 and Charisma +0.5=5.5 So going in to the next challenge, I will be a quarter dwarven human adventurer, with Strength 4, Dexterity 2, Stamina 4, Condition 10, Wisdom 8 and Charisma 6. The next challenge thread, in honour of Athena's graduation to the Warriors, will be "Bats: the big red fire engine"

Things have been a little nuts here, as you have probably all surmised from my lack of updates and absence from the forum. Work has been very hectic. Consequently, my mental health has suffered, leading on to a bit of a disintegration of the master plan. To be honest, I didn't even realise this was the end of the 6 weeks, until looking for my thread - that's how not-thinking-straight I am at the moment. On the plus side, I can recognise this in myself, and seek appropriate advice (sooooo not what I was doing 18 months ago!)- I have seen my doctor and had my medication increased for the second time in just over a month - now double what I was on before. Round up Week 5 #1. Exercise. BodyPump Mon and Wed. New routine on Wed, so change of weights as exercises and pace different. Warm up 5kg, Squats 15kg, Chest 10kg, Back 12kg, Tricep 5kg bar + 5kg plate, bicep 7kg, lunges 10kg, Shoulders 5kg bar + 1.5kg dumbbell, abs, cooldown. Tried for another heptathlon on Thu, but no gym staff available to validate times. So timed myself on individual components, after 30 min messing about "warming up" (read - hoping gym staff would notice me!) Still: row 500m @ lvl 6=2m 39s, kettlebell swing 30r@4kg=0m56s, elliptical 1k@lvl 4=4m20, Squats 30@10kg=0:49, Shoulder press 25@5kg=30s and cycle 1.5k@lvl 2=4m01s. However, without someone to egg me on, chickened out of the 1k run! 3/4 workouts=75%=B #2.Diet and exercise. Eating rubbish. Almost literally. Lost it - eating dry ceral as snackfood in front of TV, that sort of thing.Diabetic control slipping. Weight steady at 196 lbs. No loss, no gain=50%=C. But a C- at most on account of eating rubbish #3.Health.4/6 appointments made, 4/6 appointments attended. Do I get a bonus point for seeing my psychiatrist twice in the 6 weeks? Probably not, that's not something to celebrate really, is it? I'm going to say I'm nearer a B than a C, though. Slight cheat, but I like whole numbers. #4 Life. Hubby has been looking at websites. I haven't. On call this weekend, so can't make any visits either. No progress. Round up Week 6 #1 Exercise. Nul points, as they say at the Eurovision. F #2 Diet + Weight loss. Worse than last week, probably. Certainly my blood sugars have been off, up in the 20s, instead of between 4-8. Eating nonsense. Weight maintained at 196lb, amazingly. C for the week, but no net loss over 6 week challenge. #3 Health. Run out of time on this one. Cardiology and Dentist appointments still need to be made. On the plus side, did get an appointment in from the hospital for my diabetes as well - just need to make sure I keep it! # Life. Ditto running out of time on this one. Had planned to see some more places with hubby this weekend, but didn't get time to book anything through the week, plus kind of overtaken by events and had something else to do more urgently this weekend. F So that's me for this challenge. Good beginning and middle, less good end. But more than I would have done before NF - so there is a silver lining. Look out for me on the next challenge. If the meds kick in, I may well be unstoppable!!! Thanks everybody for all the support.

Thanks for the advice above, guys - trying to incorporate it into my routine. At least the dishes have made it off the floor and into the sink to soak - next step: actually washing the b*ggers! It has been quite a busy time with work - 2 of us in the department, and my opposite number was away last week, and will be away next week. Spending this week catching up on last week, and trying to get ahead for next week! Not helped by having to present some audit data this week that a junior colleague had said she would present, but then got stage fright. So no gym on Tuesday, I had to write the talk instead. But at least it went well on Wednesday! So: the roundup of week 4 #1 Exercise. 1 Bodypump (No Wed as in Glasgow and no Sat as in Halifax) and 1 heptathlon (which was +11 sec) 50%, that's a C for week 4. #2 Diet and weight loss. Weight static. Diet - meh! Boozy weekend away - although not as bad as it usually is - thanks Athena! Calling that a C - neither up (F) nor down (A) #3 Health. Another appointment attended, and rejoined support group as a wee bonus. That makes me 4/4, still need to sort out the dentist and cardiologist Calling that progress, at least a B overall so far, with room for improvement. #4 Life. Looked at some more websites with hubby, and getting updates by email from subscribed websites. Didn't manage any viewings on Monday or Tuesday - stuck late at work. No progress this week. Still 2/5 overall, though. Website time is now over, must go do more work - trying to be a productivity ninja on top of everything else! Will get back to you later with Week 5 update

Ditto what Athena said. My Mum kept her wedding dress, but it didn't fit either of us (me or my sister) when our big day came. But I wore her veil, and my sister's blue garter - nice bit of family history. Doesn't need to be your daughter, could be a sister or a favourite niece Over here, there are a couple of charity things to do with wedding dresses...there is a charity ball where all the women wear their wedding gowns, or recently there's been a bit of a fashion for doing (charity) marathons/runs etc in them - think it's one of the breast cancer charities. If it doesn't exist where you are, you could start one.... My auntie had hers recut into a dress and jacket, then dyed..but that was in the 60's..not sure if it's so easy now - could be a challenge for a local fashion college - sure I saw something like that on Project Runway (I watch too much satellite TV!!!!)

You don't suck! Your talents are maybe a little more developed in one direction than another, but that is NOT the same as sucking. (COI: I couldn't even come up with a CONCEPT, let alone complete execution!) This party is going to be GREAT, with or without zombie hand. Trust me!

So beginning of week 4. Bodypump attended last night. Heptathlon workout done this evening. 24min 43 sec. 11sec slower than my last attempt. BUT...no 4kg kettlebells for some strange reason, so trainer gave me a 6kg AND complimented me on good form! Then told me not to go so deep on my squats - I've been worrying I don't go deep enough. I thought I was doing really well on the treadmill - not scientifically measured, but felt like I did a higher proportion of running (for longer at a stretch) than last try (now that I have realised I can sort of run!) At the end he told me my running probably won't get much faster, so make up time in my transitions, on the bike, rower and crosstrainer. RRRRRR! determined to take at least 12 sec off on Thursday (get under my time from attempt 2!) But told my form is too good for a race like this. OK - without hurting myself, I'm sure I can go a little more shallow on the squats and kettlebell swings - maybe shave a fraction here and there! Spotted a poster for a new conditioning class starting - I think I may have found a fitness goal for the next challenge already...

Week 3 Roundup #1 Exercise: Missed Monday and Tuesday due to infection/antibiotics. Bodypump on Wednesday. Fell asleep on Thursday - infection catching up with me, I think. Hubby down on Friday night + late finish at work. Saturday: 9 am Bodypump (catch-up). Lazy Sunday. 2/4 = 50% = C Week 4: Bit worried about this week. Will miss bodypump on Wednesday (but see goal #3 instead) and going away for weekend, so no Saturday catch-up. Do what I can, and probably have to accept a B at best. Still, beats an F, doesn't it? #2 Diet and weight loss: At long last, I have lost a pound! Eating could still be better, missed out on a few packed lunches. But resisting the sweets and the late night snacking, or at least replacing it with fruit. A cautious "A", probably an "A-", could do better! Caution for the week ahead - up in Glasgow for appointments on Wednesday: take healthy snack food with me, do not be tempted by pizza/cake/both at the Beanscene coffee shop. Also a very boozy family weekend ahead, including a charity ball - so dinner out, cocktails and wine. Trying to work out how to cut back without a)being a piker or b)people assuming I'm pregnant if I'm not drinking. There must be a sage article from Steve about this! #3 Health: Attended GP and Practice Nurse this week. GP gently but firmly tore strips off me on Monday. Practice nurse on Thursday was better - I have been bled, had my eyes photographed and had sensation in my feet tested. I am now diabetically up to date! So that's 4/6 appointments made (Psych, GP, diabetes, counsellor) and first 3 attended.This week is seeing the counsellor on Wednesday afternoon, then staying on til the evening (but resisting the coffee shop!) for support group. I need to bite the bullet and email my cardiologist and phone the dentist. # Life: not only did I have hubby looking up properties on the websites, we actually got out on Saturday, and went to the village on the coast, which is just on the edge of my radius from the hospital. There are 2 new developments there, and we saw both! Each had 2 showhomes that we looked round, and picked up plans for the other designs that aren't available for viewing yet. Much discussion followed! Forgot hubby has an exam on Tuesday, so we didn't go out on Sunday as he had to study. 2 out of the 4 we saw are contenders, so I'm going to call that 2/5 done More updates on the websites to catch up on. Hubby staying Monday and Tuesday after our weekend away - is keen to do some more viewings on Monday night next week - just need to book them! So some ups and some downs. Completely missed the jump-rope challenge due to poor timing/not reading the rules properly. Can hopefully do better with next round of battle. Feel like I've made really good progress on goal #3 -quite proud of myself, feel kind of grown-up and responsible! Some things to improve on this week, but, we're all levelling up all the time, right?

So far, my good intentions for the skipping challenge remain unfulfilled. But I have made a space on the spreadsheet, so now I HAVE to put some numbers in it! Off to gym tonight for hepthathlon, and booked in for bodypump on Saturday morning (to compensate for sacking off on Monday.) Considering gym on either Friday or Sunday for another heptathlon to catch up to my 4 workouts for this week. Decided I'm going to count my nurse appointment as a Diabetes check, as my Dr has referred me on to the hospital, taking that decision out of my hands. So that makes Appointments booked: 4/6, Appointments attended: 2/6 Still need to book viewing appointments for properties at the weekend, and check the opening times of the showhomes - that may be an internet mission for tonight after gym. Let's not discuss my eating for now! I'll just wait until my weigh in on Monday morning. (But 3 out of 4 goals isn't bad, is it?)

No to downswing! Well done bumping, that's what we're all here for - imagine a big NF protest walk, with slogans against downswing! (At the very least, such a silly suggestion will hopefully draw a small smile!) (Depression - myself - but hanging on by fingernails, trying to get nose back over edge of cliff)

Skipping for round two - brilliant - I can pretend I'm a boxer! Feeling better today, but not up to a heptathlon yet. Sacking off again. MOAR antibiotics! Determined to get to Bodypump tomorrow though. Will pick up a skipping rope on the way home - I'll be level 2, thank you.

Week 3, Day1 Off to a good start. GP appointment at 8:50 this morning. But then...Got strips torn off me (in a nice way, but still scary) for neglecting myself so badly. I apparently haven't been to the practice since August last year (considering I have 2 chronic conditions, this is very poor), and I have a red flag against my name in their computer for being such a drop-kick about screening appointments. Then later, at work...Started feeling a bit ropey at work, urge to pee... I have been on the loo every 10 minutes all day...Benefits of working in a hospital: SELF-DIAGNOSIS! I have a urine infection. So a colleague has given me some antibiotics and painkillers, allowing me to struggle on at work.(Hip Hip flippin' hooray!) Finished up staying late, as well, dealing with a patient who should have been dealt with 4 days ago (Gnnhhh! grumble, grumble, flippin' subspecialists, grumble, wasn't like that in my day, grumble, grumble.) In a proper bad mood, went to chemist to get prescription, waited 45 min, still not ready, stalked out, I'll get it tomorrow, grumble, grumble. Sacked off BodyPump tonight as tummy still sore and running a minor temperature. Comfort food eaten, warm bed and more painkillers in my near future! So, a promising day went rapidly south after about 10 am, and is still on a downward trajectory (thought some gaming would cheer me up, but the site has crashed!). Off to bed in a grump, hope things are better after a good sleep and more antibiotics.