Did I?

Of course I did! 

So we had a long weekend in a forest cabin, next to a loch. We took Libby a few times, and she loved it. This was Bella's first time, and yes, she loved it. I wanted to take a dip in the loch, and checked before arriving that it was safe. I was nervous because a) I presumed it would be freezing and b) I didn't know how deep it might be - I don't do deep. I tentatively stepped in and was delighted that it wasn't absolutely freezing. I plunged in, took a few deep breaths and off I went. It was gorgeous and I could stay in the shallow the whole time. I didn't really want to get out lol. I went in again the following day and it started to pour with rain. Typical! We knew the forecast was for rain most of the weekend and just packed suitable clothing so it was grand. Didn't mind the rain at all.

Once I had warmed a little it was time for the hot tub. Bliss! It was huge. Mark and I were relaxing with a glass of bubbly when all of a sudden a hairy black Labrador leapt over the side and plopped right in the middle - tail wagging and smiling from ear to ear. As quick as a flash Mark grabbed her and launched her out again. She didn't try that particular trick again! 

The weekend away was so deserved after working so hard in Isaac's flat before we left! Yes, that's the excuse I'm using for this wee holiday.

Would you like to hear my Gilly-isms of the holiday? 

- yet again I forgot to pack knickers!! Luckily, I spent most of the time in a swimsuit or wearing the towelling robe, so it wasn't too bad

- I had a glass of prosecco one afternoon when we decided to hop into the tub. As a good girl I tipped my drink into a plastic flute. Except once in the hot tub I realised that all I'd done was swap my glass flute for the other glass flute

- when we were driving there I was thinking about my Omaze subscription and all the amazing houses that I had failed to win. I suddenly had a inkling that I hadn't seen an Omaze payment go through. I logged into my account to discover that the subscription ended 18 months ago! No wonder I hadn't won a house. Mark lamented on the saved money, I just re-instated the subscription. Let's face it, you can't win unless you buy a ticket

- a week past Thursday when we got back from Inverness there was a card delivered by the postman. I recognised the writing, from my best mate Helen. Why has Helen sent me a card? I wondered, thinking it was just a card to tell me how much she loves me. As I was opening it Mark came in and asked me why I was opening my birthday card early? My birthday! I'd completely forgotten ha ha (denial maybe) 

It was my birthday Tuesday. I was off work and had a great day. Breakfast out, coffee with next door, family over for chip butties then drinks with next door to finish the day perfectly. Thank you to everyone who sent best wishes on Facebook. 

Take a lesson from the weather, it takes no notice of criticism.

Frou-frou

 

I have my grandma's tea set, which lives in a cupboard apart from one cup and saucer I drink my cuppa from. I decided to make afternoon tea last weekend. Not only to use my beloved tea set but because afternoon tea is delicious. I made cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam, cream and fresh strawberries, chocolate cake, mini swiss rolls and chocolate biscuits. Mark called it frou-frou, a starter before the main event. Isaac's face was a picture when I called him down for dinner. The heathens! I loved it and the boys ate it (Isaac tucked into a dry scone as, apparently, he doesn't like jam and cream. I was like 'oh my goodness, at least have it with butter!' Chilled Prosecco was served and we all ate sufficient in spite of Mark's complaining.

And now we're moving onto bowels. From frou-frou to poo. They say you shouldn't discuss money, sex or religion at a dinner party, and I'd add poo to that list too. Oh, and vagina's wouldn't be a great topic either. But this isn't a dinner party and I have broached the subject before, a few years ago. To keep my bowels lovely I take inulin. It's a white powder (is it wrong that that term makes me think of cocaine?) and is made from chicory root. It's something like 95% fibre and I stir it into my morning yogurt. Like cornflour just a little yogurt until combined. It's totally tasteless and keeps me going along nicely. When I don't take it I really notice a difference. I recommend. That's my public service announcement finished. 

Isaac's flat in Inverness is looking for a new tenant so Mark and I popped up to tart it up ready (Isaac was conveniently working). In less than 48 hours we've painted the whole place, including the living room ceiling. I've scrubbed the internal panelled wooden doors, cleaned the edges of the carpets and skirtings. We've cleaned the radiators inside and out and spray painted the bathroom one. Mark strimmed the front and back gardens (Isaac pays for factoring but they've done bugger all in the garden). The last tenant was a gardener and he left us 4 tons of tree waste - twigs, branches and logs which we burnt in two massive bonfires. We took crap he had left to the tip. He left a three piece suite in the garden and shed with a double bed and mattress - these had to be dragged out front ready for the council to collect next week. And we slept on a blow up bed in sleeping bags. I am absolutely knackered and ache all over! It wasn't fun but the flat looks amazing. It was going swimmingly until near the end when I did a Gilly-ism. I decided a patch on one wall needed another coat. I picked up the roller and off I went. It was weird and magnolia was a bit white in patches, but I kept going. When I'd finished Mark suggested I'd used the wrong roller. Oh yes I had, the white paint that we did the ceiling with. OMG! Had to wait for it to dry then do it again with the correct roller. And if you're wondering, yes, Isaac will be getting a bill from me lol. 

I'm ready for my next holiday. Have a lovely week and I'll see you next Friday.

Health nuts are going to feel stupid one day when they die from nothing.

Embrace the grey

 

So I had a few readers tell me they've looked for their specs whilst wearing them but only one friend had looked for her phone when she had it in her hand the whole time. Not quite as bad as speaking on it when looking for it, but I'll take it. Another friend tagged me on Facebook to a meme so someone somewhere has done the exact thing. 

I went to the hairdresser's yesterday, which I do every 4 weeks for my colour (sometimes just roots sometimes the whole shabang.) But a couple of days ago I decided to cancel the colour. My natural hair line is very silver grey which is a nice colour but I've no idea how grey the rest of my head is. So I plan on trying to find out! About an hour before the appointment Gill, next door, showed me a photo of her daughter's hair after she decided to stop dyeing her mane and embrace the grey. (Below picture) And I think it's stunning. If my hair is anything like that I'll be ecstatic. But as you can see (above picture) I've a long way to go. I'm think 2-3 years ha ha ha. PS if I look older I'll be reverting back to the bottle!

I finally joined Blue Light Card, as I work in care. Last weekend I was looking at the app, to see the sort of discounts I could get when I noticed a link for free event tickets. I had a look and there was a list of all different things, including tickets to see Bryan Adams. Anyway, I found tickets to see Mark Normand, an American comedian, in Glasgow. Sure enough I got 3 tickets for £2.85 admin fee. I thought Isaac might like to come with me and his dad, but, of course, he politely declined. So I asked Ellie and she was up for it! We (mainly Ellie) decided to make a night of it. We got a great deal on a nice hotel in the city through Itison, and we'll drink and eat and shop. What started as free tickets is now a more expensive night away! Ha ha. The forecast is very warm and sunny and we'll have a ball. I can't wait. Ellie is not too proud to spend her weekend with her parents! Especially when dad pays for the food and drinks! 

I have no news on my socks yet. But one of these days I'll shock you with a picture of an organised sock drawer. I bet you can't wait! 

Ooh, quick update on weight. For ages I was 10st 10lbs. Then I went down to 10st 8lbs which was nice. I put on a couple of pounds in St Vincent but they came off within days, with a little bit more. I was down to 10st 5lb but this went back on in Tenerife. So at the moment I seem to have settled at 10st 8lbs which is good, but another half a stone would be epic. But time will tell. 

Enjoy the sun and see you next week. 

Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from. 

Ridiculous

 

So, I have some weird thoughts sometimes and, you lucky people, I'm going to share them with you 😄

- when I watch crime TV (document or drama) and someone has been stabbed they often mention defensive wounds, when the victim has tried to grab the knife. And I just think, what are you doing trying to grab the blade of a knife? Think of your hands! But of course, this is ridiculous of me because obviously if you're getting stabbed you don't care about cutting your fingers!!

- you know the massive Lego sets that you can build into a spaceship and such like? Well, I think you should buy these ready erected, like an ornament. This is ridiculous because if you are into Lego the whole point is to build it yourself, and be, like, proud! 

- when I was dieing and always trying to lose weight I thought it was pointless to just lose, say, 1lb a month. This is ridiculous because after even 2 years you've lost 24lbs instead of just staying the same. 2 years passes fast. 

- then there's alcohol free alcohol. Even that is an oxymoron, and just why? But actually if you can find a nice alcohol free wine or beer then they are really good when you're trying to cut down or are driving. I stand corrected. 

- finally one that I haven't changed my mind on. If you are a vegan (and that's totally fine if you are) but why oh why do you want to eat fake meat? Eat all the naturally meat free foods you want but something that pretends to be a rasher of bacon or a burger that isn't, is ridiculous! You want something that's like chicken? Eat chicken, it's very like chicken. So says I.

My socks are still all over my bedroom, not quite got round to sorting them but I have done my wardrobe. I was sick of clothes sliding off the hangers into the floor so I treat myself to 50 velvet hangers (so cheap on Amazon). I got all my clothes out and re hung them and put all my winter clothes into a suitcase (or 2). It looks lovely and tidy. Socks will be next, followed by shoes.

I need to apologise to my son. Last week I wrote that he'd had egg on porridge as a substitute to toast, which is true. However, I found out that it was an actual recipe that he found. Savoury oatmeal with chilli a bit like American grits - so not quite as mad as I thought. Although I still don't fancy it.

Can someone sensible please, please, please tell me they have done this (otherwise I have really lost the plot). The other evening, after work, I stopped at ASDA. As I was walking through the carpark I rang my neighbour to ask if she needed anything. As she answered I suddenly realised I didn't know where my phone was! It had been in my pocket but no longer was. I started to head back to the car to check if I'd dropped it when I realised it was in my hand, at my ear and I was using it to talk to Gill. Now, surely someone else has done this too?? Please let me know. 

Have a great week. 

You can do anything,  but not everything.

Tired

 

I used to be such a great sleeper but now I really struggle. I'm mostly blaming the menopause as I've read it is a big symptom for most women. However, like some other things, I also wonder whether my op had some affect. You see, both kind of happened at the same time. My hair is thinner which is very, very common in both menopause and after bariatric surgery. The only difference is that it usually grows back after surgery and not after 'the change'. My hair has started to grow back now but will it go back to the way it was 2 years ago - probably not. Luckily, I've always had so much of it that even my hairdresser didn't notice my loss until recently. Anyway, back to insomnia. It's pretty rotten lying in bed twiddling your thumbs just hoping to sleep. I found a great BBC Maestro programme about sleep and I'm trying to follow the advice. The usual - no blue light before bedtime, dark and cool room, no caffeine after about 3pm etc. These I try to do. I also learnt some new skills. The most important is don't panic! Don't look at the clock (don't even have a clock), it's not about going to bed at the same time only getting up at the same time - no excuses, every single day. Don't hit the snooze, but get straight up and move your body! Get outside or into a bright room. Once you are getting up at the same time you just go to bed when feeling tired. The most helpful of these is not to panic. It's so easy to think 'oh my god it's 2am and I'm getting up at 7am, I only have 5 hours left to sleep'. The truth is that even on say 4 hours sleep it's not the end of the world. You can basically function. So I try not to look at the clock and worry about how late it is. I just chill and wait for sleep to come. A revelation! (PS you should remove yourself from the bedroom for a bit and do something relaxing, then return to bed when feeling tired again. But I haven't tried this bit yet - I'd rather be cosy in bed lol).

Anyway, I hope this helps or you've at least found it interesting. 

Something else interesting. My son has eggs on toast for breakfast every day. When I was on holiday they ran out of bread so Isaac had (wait for it) fried eggs on porridge! See picture. Apparently porridge is as bland as toast! Crazy boy! 

My readers numbers have gone down a little. It's a shame because I only write this to be read. If no one read I obviously wouldn't write here. I know I have my fans who read very quickly on a Friday morning but I do worry when readers go down. I guess some of it might be Facebook and their algorithms, or maybe people decide it's not their thing. I'm wise enough to know that some weeks are better than others. I rarely plan what I'm going to say and just make it up on the day! Which reminds me, one friend of mine thought I literally made this stuff up to be funny not realising that it's all true. All the daft stuff that happens is real. I'm just a bit of a banana. 

Anyway, if you enjoy this please come back again next week! I love writing my blog and would hate to stop. It keeps me sane lol. 

Those that don't move won't notice their chains.