Next step

With a couple of days spare I decided me and my dog would have a trip home to Newcastle. Had a lovely time. I even resisted going to the Metro Centre! Shock horror. I didn't go to the Angel of the North - this pic was taken a few years ago - but everyone recognises that it represents Geordie land!

So my comfort zone this week? Many of my girlfriend's would think driving 292 miles to my mum's house is comfort zone pushing in itself. I've been doing it for years now and I don't mind a jot. I love to drive so that helps. I played an audio book and the journey flew by. No, this week I had an interview!! And I had to give a 10 minute presentation! Gulp! I think it went well. I did my best. I would really like the job but I just need to wait and see. The job I do at the moment was a very satisfying and worthwhile position! Helping people is definitely my forte. I'm ready for the next step, and my colleagues understand why. As you all know I am sociable and friendly and wonderful (yes, this is just in case an interviewer happens across this ha ha) and I feel I can offer so much more.

So I was watching Lorraine on ITV, well it was Christine actually not Lorraine. In fact it was Dan Wootton, on Lorraine, with Christine instead of Lorraine! Are you with me so far? And he was talking about a programme that had been on about Scarlett Moffat. She broke down talking about her weight issues. And Dan agreed, stating that he also has a lifetime battle about his weight. And I thought that it was so true and so sad! Those of us, and there's quite a lot of us, who have weight problems do have a lifelong battle. Sometimes it feels like it consumes us. That we are defined by our size and our almost permanent dieting! Why do we do it? Is this the life we want? What if we stopped battling with ourselves? Could we actually be content and happy? Would anything (and I mean our weight) be any different? Is this constant struggle saving us from being even fatter? If we weren't fighting with our bodies could we then accept the way we are and embrace it? This sounds idyllic - but the simple answer is NO! No we can't. I can't. You can't. We can't. The battle will continue, sadly, until we eventually just give in!

Nee one is porfect, but being a Geordie is close!! 

Christmas is coming!

So what have I been up to on my first week off work? Writing Christmas cards. I kid you not. Now those that know me well will be shocked as they're thinking they don't ever get a card! The truth being that I am incredibly bad at doing my cards. I usually leave it so late that I run out of time and then it's Christmas Eve! Oops. But there are a group of people who always get a card and that's my 'family by marriage' down south. My in laws make an annual trip down the road and take the cards with them (saves a fortune on post) and not doing them is simply not a option. This year was no exception although I was writing them at 8am Saturday with my in laws leaving at 9am. My mum in law had to provide the cards too as I obviously didn't have any!! I did get my breakfast though lol.  So if you would like a card this year just ask my mum in law and she'll make sure it's done! And, for your information it's only 68 days believe it or not!

My comfort zone? Apart from writing Christmas cards in October? That spider. It was in my utility sink and the size of my palm! Now my normal technique for picking up a spider is shouting very loudly "SPIDER!!" And my husband grabs it and throws it out the door. So I wanted to be a brave piglet and grab it in my hand. But I couldn't! Now I do have history. Once in B&Q there was a small spider, though ugly (think tiger crossed with a toad in the reincarnation of an aracnid). My check-out operators were flapping so I just picked it up and took it outside. And the bloody thing bit me! It was hanging on to my finger!! I thought I was poisoned and about to drop dead!! So,anyway, I really tried to pick up this huge thing but I failed! I did manager to grab it once I put rubber gloves on, if that still counts? Ha ha.

So I've not been thinking about food at all. On one hand this is good because I've not been thinking about all the things I want to eat, and ultimately do eat! But the other hand I have eaten non 'slimming' foods. It's been great I have to admit. Maintaining this weight has been a joy but let's face it I need to knuckle down and lose another stone! Maybe next week I'll start?

It's ok to struggle but it's not ok to give up on yourself or your dreams!

Can't be all bad?

I'm sorry this is so late - I think the first time in 3½ years?! I just wasn't capable of writing, I couldn't see for all the tears pouring from my eyes. I'm not going to bore you with the details because, let's face it it's boring.

However this is what I found (eyes left) when I did a home visit for a client this morning! Now all can not be wrong in the world when there are puppies!! In this case half a dozen 5 week old King Charles Spaniel!! They were adorable. I put one in my handbag as we were leaving, but the owner spotted me and actually demanded him back! How rude! He fitted just fine on my bag thank you very much.

You've all done so very well resisting to emoji or reply on the group what's app/messenger! I know how easy it is lol. But can you imagine your phone pinging or ponging or chirping 50 times on a Friday morning. Or in my brother - in - laws case, 'I'm too sexy for my shirt' playing 50 times. I'm kidding bro!

I'm not sure of this blogs future. It's been weeks since I hit the heady heights of 129 readers! Lol. Seriously the numbers have dropped. Not sure my new system is working as well as Facebook. Either that or I really am boring! Maybe I've just ran out of things to say? My diet is poo so it's not even like the contents are what it says on the tin! So now I have extra time on my hands I'm going to endeavour to test myself with new wild and wonderful things (does learning to use the washing machine count as wild? Or wonderful?) And hopefully interesting blog content. So hold on tight and strap yourself in - one of my adventures will be climbing into the loft, alone and by myself! Thrilling! Gilly the brave piglet!!

Be the reason someone smiles today.

Changes

Hello. My name is Gilly and I'm a Gemini.

You get 2 for 1 with me. Apparently I'm gentle, adaptable and affectionate. I'm also nervous, inconsistent and indecisive. I like music, reading and chatting. I dislike being alone and being confined. It's fascinating because I do agree the all the Gemini traits though I certainly don't read my daily horoscopes as that would be mental. So I've looked up another random zodiac sign - I'm loyal and sympathetic but I'm insecure and suspicious! This is me too! So is that me proving zodiac signs are rubbish? I don't know but I do have faith. The above is just a tiny snap shot. The more I read the more I believe!

Everybody knows they should count their blessings. And whilst we may not go to bed and write down 3 positive blessings from the day, I think we all know what's good in our lives and what's bad. I have often felt very lucky - my family who are healthy and love me, extended family who are well and and love me, some brilliant and loyal friends who love me, my gorgeous dog (you've guessed it) who loves me! Family, friends and pets whom I love. A job I love, holidays and a home I love. Now if I was to lose any of the above then I guess my job is the best option. I've had a harsh and disappointing few weeks. My job has been snatched from me due to no fault of my own. I've cried and been angry but acceptance is a blessing!

Part of the process of getting from sadness and frustration to acceptance and contentment has been scrutinising other elements of my life. I have some family members and friends who are having a tricky time of it and supporting them, mainly through chat (see Gemini above) has a therapeutic affect on me and my issues. I've been looking closely as my relationships - who of my mates/acquaintances are actually genuine and loyal (see wrong sign above - it's Cancer btw)? I'm very happy to say that I have some amazing friends. The comfort they have given me is priceless! Others may slip into the other category which is also very needed and necessary for me, and I'm not dissing this. And a few will slip away and I suspect neither of us will notice.

I thought you'd like to know that I raised £150 for Macmillan through my coffee afternoon! Whoop whoop!

Gemini are a perfect example of the golden rule. They will treat people how they want to be treated until you give them a reason not to.