Belated review of Harrogate Turkish Baths
Apr. 10th, 2007 12:17 pmI have been meaning to write this up for a week now, but have only just got round to it.
( The review )
Displacement activities
Oct. 28th, 2006 04:09 pmMy lack of motivation for study is alive and well. So I have finished a scarf, made apple crumble, leek and cheese tart and lemon curd tarts, exercised and yoga'd.
I will make a serious effort to do some study tomorrow - really ;-)
I will make a serious effort to do some study tomorrow - really ;-)
( Insert rant here )
Decide for me
Oct. 13th, 2006 08:46 pmI have been trying to improve the condition of my feet, by removing the hard skin etc. However, after last weeks blister episode I have been advised to toughen my feet up.
So, should I keep using the creams on my feet or not?
So, should I keep using the creams on my feet or not?
A good weekend
Sep. 4th, 2006 09:04 amMainly because I had a visit from ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ninox and a_pawson - which meant I had to be social (and surprisingly enough I enjoyed that) . It was great to meet a_pawson at last, having heard so much about him
I was espeically pleased that ninox loved Leeds' Victorian architecture as much as I do - there don't seem to be many of us who do. It was so great to see them, and I hope we can get together more often.
I am so impressed that ninox is going to Aber again this week, as I am still so far behind with my module. Maybe this will be the kick I need (not that I got much done this weekend, but never mind)
Also the holiday plans are finally taking shape. Hotels and buses are booked (Megabus again), and Morrisons very kindly provided me with a bogof voucher for Thorpe Park, and one that we might use to go to Warwick Castle. Final hotel details will be worked out at knitting tomorrow.
I have started the looking after myself regime and made good progress on the Knit and Purl cats for Mum. Also managed to eat quite healthily for once, despite having all you can eat Chinese for lunch.
All in all I am quite happy with my weekend - which in itself made a nice change.
Well today was a write off
Aug. 29th, 2006 05:42 pmBut the rest of the weekend has gone well, study wise. I feel less worried about where I am - although I still have to figure out that assignment. I shall look at that next weekend and see if I can get my head round it.
I was not, however, pleased to find out that I may have migraines. I really don't need any more health issues than I already have
I was not, however, pleased to find out that I may have migraines. I really don't need any more health issues than I already have
Books, buses, and bathing Anteaters
Jul. 31st, 2006 07:00 pmFriday was not a good day. Not only did I get confirmation about the lack of an interview (see below), but I spent far too long on the not-very-megabus. Oh, and I didn’t eat enough, or the right things, or take my tablets, so completely messed everything up.
I did get some feedback on the application though, so I can use that on the other 2 jobs I am going to apply for.
( Getting Home )
The Cost of Shopping
Jul. 15th, 2006 04:57 pmWhy does healthy food cost so much in this country?
Today I went to Morrisons (which I don't think is as cheap as it used to be) and did a small shop of mostly healthy stuff (yes I am still trying to stick to the new regime) and my bill was 1/3 of what the people in front of me paid - and they had a mountain of stuff!
To make matters worse, the bill was 1/2 of what I paid in ASDA for my *really* big shop a fortnight ago - and that shop included a blender and a sandwich toaster.
It is so frustrating to realise that I would be less skint if I only ate the crap that is bad for me
Today I went to Morrisons (which I don't think is as cheap as it used to be) and did a small shop of mostly healthy stuff (yes I am still trying to stick to the new regime) and my bill was 1/3 of what the people in front of me paid - and they had a mountain of stuff!
To make matters worse, the bill was 1/2 of what I paid in ASDA for my *really* big shop a fortnight ago - and that shop included a blender and a sandwich toaster.
It is so frustrating to realise that I would be less skint if I only ate the crap that is bad for me
... and whine about the weather.
As those of you who have seen my pictures from Aber will know we had glorious weather for the whole week. So I come back to Leeds - and it rains, sleets, hails, and this morning my ears were so cold, they hurt. I hear on the traffic reports and see in the paper that there has been snow in the South East.
So, what happended to spring?
Oh, and I haven't dared weigh myself, even though I discovered I can read and use the step machine at the same time (100 steps last night- go me!)
On a more positive note, I have now retrieved my parcels from the Postal Orifice, and I even walked up there this morning (exercise, in the cold, I was being very good), so I have my KnitPicks pattern (thanks Kate and Ryan - baby blanket will be restarted this weekend) and my scissors from JoJo.
Also, I have been asked to be Hwitmearum's LHE Officer, which is very cool
As those of you who have seen my pictures from Aber will know we had glorious weather for the whole week. So I come back to Leeds - and it rains, sleets, hails, and this morning my ears were so cold, they hurt. I hear on the traffic reports and see in the paper that there has been snow in the South East.
So, what happended to spring?
Oh, and I haven't dared weigh myself, even though I discovered I can read and use the step machine at the same time (100 steps last night- go me!)
On a more positive note, I have now retrieved my parcels from the Postal Orifice, and I even walked up there this morning (exercise, in the cold, I was being very good), so I have my KnitPicks pattern (thanks Kate and Ryan - baby blanket will be restarted this weekend) and my scissors from JoJo.
Also, I have been asked to be Hwitmearum's LHE Officer, which is very cool
Yoga Update
Mar. 22nd, 2006 06:41 pmWell I have now completed the first term of the Yoga class, and I can't wait for next term to start as I am really enjoying it. I think it is helping a little with the weight loss, and it is certainly helping with the posture and back pain. I am sure the breathing will come along in time (especially once my sinuses are sorted) - although last nights attempt at alternate nostril breathing was an unmitigated disaster! My nose is apparently unfamilar with the concept that it can be used for breathing through ;-)
It has now got to the stage that I am seriously considering modifying my garden design so that I can incorporate some yoga space, as I am short of space indoors (I have no room to do a lot of the twists), so I can do more practice in the summer.
I have picked up some good leaflets from my teacher, so between those and the DVD I bought a while ago, I should be able to keep going over the break.
As a bonus, there is a real chance that work might pay for the yoga through the 'Learning for Life' scheme !
It has now got to the stage that I am seriously considering modifying my garden design so that I can incorporate some yoga space, as I am short of space indoors (I have no room to do a lot of the twists), so I can do more practice in the summer.
I have picked up some good leaflets from my teacher, so between those and the DVD I bought a while ago, I should be able to keep going over the break.
As a bonus, there is a real chance that work might pay for the yoga through the 'Learning for Life' scheme !
Some progress and some successes
Feb. 20th, 2006 10:29 pmYay! I have purple back again!
I have not made any progress at all on Mum's present, as she was here all weekend, which meant I couldn't work on it.
We did get my dress made for York though (thankyou Mum) and as my green linen dress still just about fits, I should be ok <fingers crossed I get through kit check>. There wasn't enough fabric for a sash, which on the one hand is a shame, on the other hand is probably going to stop me looking like a sack of potatoes tied in the middle (and yes, the dress is brown....). I have just finished pinning the hems, and should get them sewn tomorrow or wednesday. I don't know if I will get any of the embroidery done though, as I have to get on with the knitting olympics scarf.
Speaking of which, the scarf is progressing - slowly - as this weekend reinforced my inability to count and talk at the same time. Which will be interesting if I do have to take the scarf to York ... It might be done in time. I also need to choose what I am doing next (well when I have finished the cushions), and it will have to be something easy again, if I am to take it to Aber with me.
The Physio is very pleased with the progress I am making, and I don't have to see her again for a month, which is good. I am also really convinced it is work that is causing the problems, as I was a lot better at home last week, despite napping in awkward positions in my armchair, than I am after less than a full day at work. Not that anyone at work cares .... <sigh>
Lunch was a success yesterday, and Blue was the model of doggy good manners - a perfect guest. Perhaps I can try some more ambitious entertaining when I have the table in the garden this summer. This makes me feel almost grown up, I am not sure I like this.
I am still at a stall with my study though. I will set myself the target of settling to it after York. I have enough credits for the study school - and I hope to have this module done not long after the study school anyway - if not by the study school
I have not lost any weight since last week, but I have also not gained any. All bets are off for next time though, as I know I won't eat well at York.
I have not made any progress at all on Mum's present, as she was here all weekend, which meant I couldn't work on it.
We did get my dress made for York though (thankyou Mum) and as my green linen dress still just about fits, I should be ok <fingers crossed I get through kit check>. There wasn't enough fabric for a sash, which on the one hand is a shame, on the other hand is probably going to stop me looking like a sack of potatoes tied in the middle (and yes, the dress is brown....). I have just finished pinning the hems, and should get them sewn tomorrow or wednesday. I don't know if I will get any of the embroidery done though, as I have to get on with the knitting olympics scarf.
Speaking of which, the scarf is progressing - slowly - as this weekend reinforced my inability to count and talk at the same time. Which will be interesting if I do have to take the scarf to York ... It might be done in time. I also need to choose what I am doing next (well when I have finished the cushions), and it will have to be something easy again, if I am to take it to Aber with me.
The Physio is very pleased with the progress I am making, and I don't have to see her again for a month, which is good. I am also really convinced it is work that is causing the problems, as I was a lot better at home last week, despite napping in awkward positions in my armchair, than I am after less than a full day at work. Not that anyone at work cares .... <sigh>
Lunch was a success yesterday, and Blue was the model of doggy good manners - a perfect guest. Perhaps I can try some more ambitious entertaining when I have the table in the garden this summer. This makes me feel almost grown up, I am not sure I like this.
I am still at a stall with my study though. I will set myself the target of settling to it after York. I have enough credits for the study school - and I hope to have this module done not long after the study school anyway - if not by the study school
I have not lost any weight since last week, but I have also not gained any. All bets are off for next time though, as I know I won't eat well at York.
A rambling stream of consciousness
Feb. 11th, 2006 11:28 amFirst things first - I hate my
sinuses! I still have the stinking cold I was off work with yesterday,
and now the inflammation in my sinuses is making the remains of my
abscess hurt <ggg> The sooner I get an ENT appointment the
better.
I have finally started the cross stitch, so I feel a little less stressed about that, although I have no idea yet if I can get it done and framed in time. A lot of that depends on what happens when I go looking for the 'other' framers that I can get to by bus. I do feel so much better for having started it though. I have also started my knitting olympics project, as the winter Olympics are now underway. I was wondering if the scarf was 'too simple' a project, but I had another look at the pattern, and each bit is 54" long, so that is 162" of knitting in total - that is a lot of knitting, especially with everything else I have on at the moment.
This weekend is primarily going to be a study weekend, as I am way behind (what is new) and this is starting to weigh on my mind a little. I really don't know why I am having so much trouble settling to this, as I am actually enjoying this module. I also need to sort my CILIP membership, but it is looking like that will have to wait until Mum is here next weekend.
My Aunt and Cousin are definitely coming for lunch next Sun - so that is another thing for me to worry about, as there is so much I need to do to make the house fit for visitors. Not to mention working out what on earth I can cook. Ah well, enough wine and all will seem well!
Speaking of cooking, the cookbook I won from the Scwarz webiste has finally arrived. I have won: Great Indian Feasts by Mridula Baljekar. What I wasn't expecting was that I also got 6 jars of spices as part of my prize (this may have been mentioned in the original competition, but that was 3 months or so ago, the email I got about 6 weeks ago telling me I had won certainly didn't mention any spices), I got: Ginger paste, Garlic paste, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric, Garam Masala and Hot Chilli Powder, none of which I had in, so I am really pleased with this. It certainly made my morning. Although I don't really need the garlic, as I still have about 10 heads that my Uncle grew. Maybe this will all kick start my cooking again - I really do need to eat better as well, especially if I want to keep losing weight.
I just had a letter from the library, they claim that Stictch N Bitch is out of print, but I have just checked with the suppliers we use at work, and they disagree. I also have a feeling I have seen it in the shops recently. So I shall check Borders on Monday and go hassle the library about this on Wednesday. Even Amazon thinks it is still in print. I don't mind paying for an interlibrary loan - I do mind that the library can't seem to find out the most basic information (not to mention I really can't believe that Stitch N Bitch is out of print, what with the upsurge in knitting at the moment)
Back to the knitting - apparently there is a really good haberdashers (that does buttons, something I have had difficulty getting), not far from my cousin's husband's shop. She could have told me .... I shall have words about this on Sunday (well only if the shop is any good - Mum and I may call in on Saturday if we can).
Finally, today my Grandad would have been 87 - so this update is dedicated to him.
I have finally started the cross stitch, so I feel a little less stressed about that, although I have no idea yet if I can get it done and framed in time. A lot of that depends on what happens when I go looking for the 'other' framers that I can get to by bus. I do feel so much better for having started it though. I have also started my knitting olympics project, as the winter Olympics are now underway. I was wondering if the scarf was 'too simple' a project, but I had another look at the pattern, and each bit is 54" long, so that is 162" of knitting in total - that is a lot of knitting, especially with everything else I have on at the moment.
This weekend is primarily going to be a study weekend, as I am way behind (what is new) and this is starting to weigh on my mind a little. I really don't know why I am having so much trouble settling to this, as I am actually enjoying this module. I also need to sort my CILIP membership, but it is looking like that will have to wait until Mum is here next weekend.
My Aunt and Cousin are definitely coming for lunch next Sun - so that is another thing for me to worry about, as there is so much I need to do to make the house fit for visitors. Not to mention working out what on earth I can cook. Ah well, enough wine and all will seem well!
Speaking of cooking, the cookbook I won from the Scwarz webiste has finally arrived. I have won: Great Indian Feasts by Mridula Baljekar. What I wasn't expecting was that I also got 6 jars of spices as part of my prize (this may have been mentioned in the original competition, but that was 3 months or so ago, the email I got about 6 weeks ago telling me I had won certainly didn't mention any spices), I got: Ginger paste, Garlic paste, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric, Garam Masala and Hot Chilli Powder, none of which I had in, so I am really pleased with this. It certainly made my morning. Although I don't really need the garlic, as I still have about 10 heads that my Uncle grew. Maybe this will all kick start my cooking again - I really do need to eat better as well, especially if I want to keep losing weight.
I just had a letter from the library, they claim that Stictch N Bitch is out of print, but I have just checked with the suppliers we use at work, and they disagree. I also have a feeling I have seen it in the shops recently. So I shall check Borders on Monday and go hassle the library about this on Wednesday. Even Amazon thinks it is still in print. I don't mind paying for an interlibrary loan - I do mind that the library can't seem to find out the most basic information (not to mention I really can't believe that Stitch N Bitch is out of print, what with the upsurge in knitting at the moment)
Back to the knitting - apparently there is a really good haberdashers (that does buttons, something I have had difficulty getting), not far from my cousin's husband's shop. She could have told me .... I shall have words about this on Sunday (well only if the shop is any good - Mum and I may call in on Saturday if we can).
Finally, today my Grandad would have been 87 - so this update is dedicated to him.
Mammoth Update
Feb. 1st, 2006 06:44 pmQuite a lot to say this time as it has been a while since I updated.
Work is well ... work. Mostly things have not improved in the slightest, and I don't think they will as long as I remain in my current position. I was looking to leave this year, but now I have had a possible research project suggested, which sounds really good. So I am a little torn.
Study is going slowly, although I am enjoying this module a lot more than the management module - it is jsut getting back into good study habits that is proving very hard. Again, I am getting more support for that at work (somewhat indirectly though)
On a more positive note, I have lost 6kg/12lb from my heaviest weight - which I am really pleased about. The Yoga is going well too, so <fingers crossed> my health should finally be on the up! I have even done a little Yoga at home, which might start me exercising at home now too (especially as I have exercises to do from the physio too).
The knitting is coming along nicely, and I should be able to get to both 'Stitch 'n' Bitch' meetups this month, as there is no Yoga next week. Speaking of which, despite my recent defection from the Gwerin, I have decided to join Team Wales for the Knitting Olympics:
Why not? I qualify under their rules ....
I have still not started the cross-stitch I need to have done, and framed, by Mothers' Day, as my motivational issues are spilling over into that too. I really shall have to get a move on with that after the weekend.
I am also more determined than ever to learn to crochet, as I have had some great crochet books out from the library recently.
Work is well ... work. Mostly things have not improved in the slightest, and I don't think they will as long as I remain in my current position. I was looking to leave this year, but now I have had a possible research project suggested, which sounds really good. So I am a little torn.
Study is going slowly, although I am enjoying this module a lot more than the management module - it is jsut getting back into good study habits that is proving very hard. Again, I am getting more support for that at work (somewhat indirectly though)
On a more positive note, I have lost 6kg/12lb from my heaviest weight - which I am really pleased about. The Yoga is going well too, so <fingers crossed> my health should finally be on the up! I have even done a little Yoga at home, which might start me exercising at home now too (especially as I have exercises to do from the physio too).
The knitting is coming along nicely, and I should be able to get to both 'Stitch 'n' Bitch' meetups this month, as there is no Yoga next week. Speaking of which, despite my recent defection from the Gwerin, I have decided to join Team Wales for the Knitting Olympics:
Why not? I qualify under their rules ....
I have still not started the cross-stitch I need to have done, and framed, by Mothers' Day, as my motivational issues are spilling over into that too. I really shall have to get a move on with that after the weekend.
I am also more determined than ever to learn to crochet, as I have had some great crochet books out from the library recently.
First Post
Jan. 21st, 2006 10:56 amI am not sure how good an idea this is, but several friends have been on at me to get a LJ, so here I am.
This year did not get off to a good start, so I made 2 resolutions:
1: Sort my health
2: Keep in better touch with people
This LJ is part of resoultion 2. Mostly I will be talking about my degree - MSc(Econ.) Library and Information Studies, distance learning from the Universtiy of Wales Aberystwyth - and my crafting, which at the moment is cross stitch and knitting.
I have not done any study yet this year, as I have had real trouble settling to it, but I need to get a move on with it, finding the motivation is hard though. I seem to finally be getting some support from work though, which makes a change. Pity I am not getting the same support about my health - especially as they are the main cause of some of the problems.
Craft wise things are a little better, as I have done my first stitching of the year (card for my Mum, pic to follow) and have signed up for Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics, for which I will be making a scarf. I know this doesn't sound much of a challenge, but it is three thin scarves that are to be plaited (Platied Scarf from Home by Debbie Bliss), and I do have to study as well. Not to mention I am still a very new knitter.
Healthwise things are looking up, as I have seen the Doc, and started Yoga. I have also lost 1/2 stone since the beginning of the year (not in a healthy way, but lets gloss over that).
Thats all for today, chores and study are calling.
This year did not get off to a good start, so I made 2 resolutions:
1: Sort my health
2: Keep in better touch with people
This LJ is part of resoultion 2. Mostly I will be talking about my degree - MSc(Econ.) Library and Information Studies, distance learning from the Universtiy of Wales Aberystwyth - and my crafting, which at the moment is cross stitch and knitting.
I have not done any study yet this year, as I have had real trouble settling to it, but I need to get a move on with it, finding the motivation is hard though. I seem to finally be getting some support from work though, which makes a change. Pity I am not getting the same support about my health - especially as they are the main cause of some of the problems.
Craft wise things are a little better, as I have done my first stitching of the year (card for my Mum, pic to follow) and have signed up for Yarn Harlot's Knitting Olympics, for which I will be making a scarf. I know this doesn't sound much of a challenge, but it is three thin scarves that are to be plaited (Platied Scarf from Home by Debbie Bliss), and I do have to study as well. Not to mention I am still a very new knitter.
Healthwise things are looking up, as I have seen the Doc, and started Yoga. I have also lost 1/2 stone since the beginning of the year (not in a healthy way, but lets gloss over that).
Thats all for today, chores and study are calling.
