Keep on walking!

Well we managed another walk today. Not very far, just across the common and back by the pond that was restored after the 2012 Olympics.  The common was used for the police base during the games and part of the agreement was that the pond would be restored.

Lots of steps!

Since my last blog hubby and I have managed 2 walks. We walked on Tuesday and again today. Just out and about in our local area and just over a couple of miles each time but it's a start.  I was especially pleased we kept to our plan today as it was quite a miserable day.  We'd agreed to do a walk at the weekend and the rain forecast for yesterday arrived as promised.  Today was supposed to be much better but it turned out to still be horrible although it didn't rain.  Wellies were needed as the common was very muddy.

The plan is to walk at the weekend and maybe fit another walk in during the week.  We'll see how we get on.

Tomorrow we're both back to work after a two week break.  It's not going to be easy.

Positive thoughts! 

Will this be the year?

Happy New Year!

Hopefully I'm starting as I mean to go on by doing something productive and that I enjoy.  Looking back over previous blogs done around this time of year and even during this last year maybe that's a bit optimistic.  I always seem to have good intentions but they don't stand the test of time.

One of my friends posted a very good blog about time and how easily it is wasted especially using social media and phones.  I fall into that trap far too much.  I don't sit on my phone for ages - it doesn't have too many apps on it but laptop and I-pad not to mention rubbish TV take up big chunks of my  time.

The rot needs to stop but at this time of year when it's dark in the morning and dark by the time I come home from work it's hard to be motivated. But I am going to try really hard.  I have my hubby on board this year.  We both want to lose some weight and have a healthier lifestyle and my work life balance definitely needs to improve. Maybe together we will get there.

Now we have an empty nest we only have ourselves to organise so that should make it easier.  We have had a good restful holiday and we have lots to be thankful for.  I'm sure there are still going to be many times when I feel overwhelmed - work is difficult and I know it with get worse before hopefully getting better. There is lots to be done in the house and sometimes it's hard to know where to start. 

I've decided my mantra has to be "positive thoughts" whenever I start to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Failing that I might just have to picture the object causing the problem (usually a person) on a dartboard with a handful of darts poised and ready to launch at them!

Whatever happens I'll be taking one step at a time.

This ageing thing.

I'm getting old. Well of course I am although the correct phrase would be getting older. We all are. Every second of every day.  But sometimes, like when your godson turns 18 you are reminded of the process.  

We went to a lovely family party for his birthday yesterday but it was a reminder of how quickly those 18 years have passed. But by virtue of a photo wall we could also see all the things he's done during that time.

Nick's mum was there and she hasn't been well lately. By the time she went home she seemed unwell again but it was difficult to tell how much of it was due to exhaustion.  She is 86. Old. But still mentally alert although physically frail. But she loves to see all the extended family and sometimes tries to stay too long at these things.

I think we can all be guilty of that, frightened of missing anything.  Although some things, for example your children's drunken behaviour, is best not witnessed.  Watching all our children and their cousins developing into fine young people is a blessing. But suddenly we find ourselves as the older generation and it doesn't always sit well with me.  Where did the time go? How much time is left? What should I be doing with my time.

A crossroads is approaching.  I used to enjoy my job and look forward to going to work. I'm not able to say that at the moment. For lots of reasons. But it is not a nice feeling.  So that raises questions. Should I change jobs? Scary, as the grass may not be greener elsewhere. Should I retire? Financially it could be viable but I'm not sure I'm ready for that.  I think I need to give things time and see if they improve. Change is a scary thing.  We've had enough this year already with the first marriage in our immediate family, another being considered and the empty nest to contend with.  

I just need more time in the day to get everything done but this time thing - it's all rather elusive.