The daffodils are blooming and Xmas and New Year already seem like dim and distant memories... yet it is still only the first week of January.
Since moving house last year, blogging has taken a back seat to the long emails I write regularly to my mum to let her know how I am getting on. Exercise has also taken a back seat (most recently to an unhealthy preoccupation with the vast selection of entertainment on Netflix). I intend to remedy both of these situations.
I will still email my mum (and just try and tear me away from season two of An American Horror Story) but I will make time to sit at my computer and write. My husband has entered me into my first triathlon (not counting the tandem triathlon that we did together back in Shropshire) which is a huge motivation to get out running, cycling and swimming... so that takes care of the exercise deficiency.
I have already completed my first timed 5K run of the year (although I'm having to pinch myself that that actually happened) and although it was, what some would say, a pitifully slow 38 minute 5K, it was still 5K and it was a start. This blog post is probably the literary equivalent of a 38 minute 5K, but again, it is a start.
Happy New Year x
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exercise. Show all posts
Friday, 8 January 2016
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Pancake to Plank
I find it hard to get excited about pancake day - I am not particularly keen on pancakes and I don't particularly enjoy making them. However, my little Addy had enough enthusiasm to compensate for my lack of it.
Pancake duty usually falls upon my husband. He makes a terrible mess but the kids love it. Unfortunately, he was working late last night leaving me holding the frying pan.
My first attempt was an unappetising, crumpled ball of stodge but I surprised myself by getting into the swing of it. I perfected my wrist action for the tossing and was soon producing thin, golden specimens to be proud of. They looked so good, I even ate a few myself.
Addy was thrilled by it all, consuming far more than I thought possible for a little slip of a nearly six year old. I turned a blind eye to the quantity of sugar she was spooning on with the lemon juice!
So with pancakes done, it was time to think about the tradition of Giving Something Up for Lent. Last year, instead of giving something up for Lent, I made the decision to add something new, something positive. I chose a running target, committing to Run Forty Miles for Lent. It worked really well for me. It was a powerful motivator and I exceeded my target.
This year, sticking with the same model, I have chosen a target that should help to build my core strength and get me back a little more comfortably into my favourite skinny jeans (which is the One Small Change I am allocating to March). It isn't going to be easy. I am going to Plank forty minutes for Lent.
For anyone unfamiliar with what it means to plank, I am referring to an exercise whereby you are basically in a press up position but resting on your forearms. You then hold that position (making sure that you are not sticking your bum up too high) for a minute - a torturous minute. By the end of those painfully long sixty seconds, you will feel the muscle exertion in your whole body. Now that has to be doing you some good!
I have attempted to Plank before, most regularly when I was taking a weekly pilates class. It usually ended in me collapsing in a heap at about 45 seconds.
I am anticipating that my Forty minutes for Lent will be completed in 40 x 1 minute planks - one per day. I am hopeful that they will get easier as my body grows accustomed to the effort required. I am even more hopeful that I will start to see the benefits in terms of a flatter stomach. The skinny jeans are ready and waiting!
Pancake duty usually falls upon my husband. He makes a terrible mess but the kids love it. Unfortunately, he was working late last night leaving me holding the frying pan.
My first attempt was an unappetising, crumpled ball of stodge but I surprised myself by getting into the swing of it. I perfected my wrist action for the tossing and was soon producing thin, golden specimens to be proud of. They looked so good, I even ate a few myself.
Addy was thrilled by it all, consuming far more than I thought possible for a little slip of a nearly six year old. I turned a blind eye to the quantity of sugar she was spooning on with the lemon juice!
So with pancakes done, it was time to think about the tradition of Giving Something Up for Lent. Last year, instead of giving something up for Lent, I made the decision to add something new, something positive. I chose a running target, committing to Run Forty Miles for Lent. It worked really well for me. It was a powerful motivator and I exceeded my target.
This year, sticking with the same model, I have chosen a target that should help to build my core strength and get me back a little more comfortably into my favourite skinny jeans (which is the One Small Change I am allocating to March). It isn't going to be easy. I am going to Plank forty minutes for Lent.
For anyone unfamiliar with what it means to plank, I am referring to an exercise whereby you are basically in a press up position but resting on your forearms. You then hold that position (making sure that you are not sticking your bum up too high) for a minute - a torturous minute. By the end of those painfully long sixty seconds, you will feel the muscle exertion in your whole body. Now that has to be doing you some good!
I have attempted to Plank before, most regularly when I was taking a weekly pilates class. It usually ended in me collapsing in a heap at about 45 seconds.
I am anticipating that my Forty minutes for Lent will be completed in 40 x 1 minute planks - one per day. I am hopeful that they will get easier as my body grows accustomed to the effort required. I am even more hopeful that I will start to see the benefits in terms of a flatter stomach. The skinny jeans are ready and waiting!
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Special K Cracker Crisps
Since I've been running 3 miles three times a week, my appetite has increased. There is also a sense of I've done all that exercise so I can eat whatever I want. Sadly, this is not true. I am definitely noticing that my trousers are a little tighter.
I do not want to go on a calorie controlled diet but I am being more mindful of what I eat and if I can make some lower calorie substitutions to get my weight down before the excesses of Christmas, I will.
I was very happy to be offered some New Special K Cracker Crisps from Kellogg's to review.
The bag of salt and vinegar crisps in my larder waiting for me to pick up and eat in a moment of need contains 135 calories and 12% fat. In contrast, a 21 crisp serving of Special K Cracker Crisps has only 95 Calories and 3% fat. A considerably more virtuous snack. But do they hit the spot or leaving you wanting?
The Cracker Snacks come in individual bags or 100g boxes and are available in three flavours: sea salt and balsamic vinegar, sweet chilli and sour cream and chive.
I was sent 100g boxes of the salt and vinegar and sweet chilli varieties.
I am not a big fan of sweet chilli so I opted to sample the salt and vinegar. It did feel more like opening a box of cereal than a packet of crisps but the contents quickly pushed thoughts of bland breakfast food out of my mind.
The flavour was good and strong as I would expect from a crisp. The texture was much more like mini poppadums, which I really liked. I was surprised how good they were. Unfortunately for my resolve to eat more mindfully, over the course of the day I ate far more than a 21 crisp portion. The open packet was just too tempting!
I am planning to serve the sweet chilli crisps with a dip next time the family are all together. I think they will be ideal for that ... and a guaranteed way to reduce your calorie intake is by sharing!
I do not want to go on a calorie controlled diet but I am being more mindful of what I eat and if I can make some lower calorie substitutions to get my weight down before the excesses of Christmas, I will.
I was very happy to be offered some New Special K Cracker Crisps from Kellogg's to review.
The bag of salt and vinegar crisps in my larder waiting for me to pick up and eat in a moment of need contains 135 calories and 12% fat. In contrast, a 21 crisp serving of Special K Cracker Crisps has only 95 Calories and 3% fat. A considerably more virtuous snack. But do they hit the spot or leaving you wanting?
The Cracker Snacks come in individual bags or 100g boxes and are available in three flavours: sea salt and balsamic vinegar, sweet chilli and sour cream and chive.
I was sent 100g boxes of the salt and vinegar and sweet chilli varieties.
I am not a big fan of sweet chilli so I opted to sample the salt and vinegar. It did feel more like opening a box of cereal than a packet of crisps but the contents quickly pushed thoughts of bland breakfast food out of my mind.
The flavour was good and strong as I would expect from a crisp. The texture was much more like mini poppadums, which I really liked. I was surprised how good they were. Unfortunately for my resolve to eat more mindfully, over the course of the day I ate far more than a 21 crisp portion. The open packet was just too tempting!
I am planning to serve the sweet chilli crisps with a dip next time the family are all together. I think they will be ideal for that ... and a guaranteed way to reduce your calorie intake is by sharing!
Find Special K Cracker Crisps in the Crisp Aisle of all major supermarkets and convenience stores for a retail price of £1.99 per 100g box (60p for individual bags)
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
My parents are stars!
For as long as I can remember, my dad has been prone to problems with his back and knees. As a younger man, it made him irritable but it didn't stop him from doing the things that he wanted to do and being the strong man my mum expected from him.
Ageing can be cruel.
My dad is a proud man and for a very long time he refused to admit that there were things that he really should not be attempting to do any more. Gardening, climbing ladders, getting in and out of the loft, even getting out of the car when space was restricted - all these things could leave him in agony. Perhaps hardest to admit was that he could no longer walk very far.
I was so pleased when he made his life a little easier by applying for a disabled badge. It meant that he could park close to the shops and go to the bank again without too much of a struggle. And the world didn't collapse in on itself just because he accepted his disability.
Maybe as a result of his time serving in the army, my dad has always had a very upright posture. He stood over six feet tall, stuck his chest out and held his head high. Boyfriends I had in my teenage years did find him quite intimidating and his very existence could pour cold water on any potential lust fuelled fumbles.
Over the years, my dad's height noticibly diminished. His legs bowed out and he began to stoop. He still maintained the larger than life air that he has always carried but his physical presence no longer matched it.
My mum is fond of saying that she Believes in Fate and one day through a chance meeting, Fate lead my dad to a weekly exercise class designed to improve strength and balance. Dad completely embraced the opportunity. Each week, he gave it everything he had and practised at home. Before long he was enjoying praise for being the star performer in the class and helped other people who were less able. Mum was always there to support him. They made new friends who have given them a focus to their social life. They both seem happier and more positive. Dad is always keen to show off his moves for anyone who will watch!
The difference the exercises have made to my dad physically is amazing. He is standing taller, he can straighten more, his flexibility has improved and he seems to be able to manage his aches and pains better.
Recently, they were asked if they would be willing to take part in a video to demonstrate the benefits of the exercise programme to other members of the medical profession. Dad was like an excited kid and mum was already composing her Oscar acceptance speech. They loved it. Yesterday, mum rang me to tell me that the video was now available to view on YouTube.
I felt so proud watching my parents (Jill and Stanley) on the short film, endorsing something they both totally believe in - something that genuinely has enhanced their quality of life.
Friendship, camaraderie, routine, gentle exercise, praise and the odd film crew have certainly proved to be vital ingredients for my parents health and well being.
Ageing can be cruel.
My dad is a proud man and for a very long time he refused to admit that there were things that he really should not be attempting to do any more. Gardening, climbing ladders, getting in and out of the loft, even getting out of the car when space was restricted - all these things could leave him in agony. Perhaps hardest to admit was that he could no longer walk very far.
I was so pleased when he made his life a little easier by applying for a disabled badge. It meant that he could park close to the shops and go to the bank again without too much of a struggle. And the world didn't collapse in on itself just because he accepted his disability.
Maybe as a result of his time serving in the army, my dad has always had a very upright posture. He stood over six feet tall, stuck his chest out and held his head high. Boyfriends I had in my teenage years did find him quite intimidating and his very existence could pour cold water on any potential lust fuelled fumbles.
Over the years, my dad's height noticibly diminished. His legs bowed out and he began to stoop. He still maintained the larger than life air that he has always carried but his physical presence no longer matched it.
My mum is fond of saying that she Believes in Fate and one day through a chance meeting, Fate lead my dad to a weekly exercise class designed to improve strength and balance. Dad completely embraced the opportunity. Each week, he gave it everything he had and practised at home. Before long he was enjoying praise for being the star performer in the class and helped other people who were less able. Mum was always there to support him. They made new friends who have given them a focus to their social life. They both seem happier and more positive. Dad is always keen to show off his moves for anyone who will watch!
The difference the exercises have made to my dad physically is amazing. He is standing taller, he can straighten more, his flexibility has improved and he seems to be able to manage his aches and pains better.
Recently, they were asked if they would be willing to take part in a video to demonstrate the benefits of the exercise programme to other members of the medical profession. Dad was like an excited kid and mum was already composing her Oscar acceptance speech. They loved it. Yesterday, mum rang me to tell me that the video was now available to view on YouTube.
I felt so proud watching my parents (Jill and Stanley) on the short film, endorsing something they both totally believe in - something that genuinely has enhanced their quality of life.
Friendship, camaraderie, routine, gentle exercise, praise and the odd film crew have certainly proved to be vital ingredients for my parents health and well being.
Saturday, 23 June 2012
J is for Junk to Funk, Jazz Band and Jogging
One of the suggestions put forward for a J Alphabet date was a romantic 'jog for two' down on the canal towpath followed by a well earned jug of Joules Pale Ale at our local brewery. I was slightly relieved when a well timed 'Junk to Funk' event came up at the school two of my daughter's attend featuring performances from the Jazz band that they both play in. I bought two tickets!
The Junk to Funk part of the evening was a fashion show. The jubilee inspired fashions were created using recycled materials and modelled by the girls who had designed them. Some of them were quite impressive - others seemed little more than ordinary clothing with union jack napkins pinned to them but it was still lovely to see the girls strutting with increasing confidence as the audience showed their appreciation with clapping.
On display at the front of the stage were two incredible Junk to Funk creations. The fantastically talented Kirsty Warner (a name to watch out for) whose photographs I have featured on this blog, had made a jacket out of teddy bears that she had purchased in charity shops. Just as a faux fur jacket it was beautiful but she had incorporated teddy heads in the design which made it look quirky and almost evil in a Cruella deville sort of way - completely original in concept and perfectly executed. The talent continued to scream out in the shape of a futuristic dress made of coke cans which looked part robot part fish. I'm not sure that sharp edges wouldn't rip your flesh to shreds if you actually tried to wear (and move in) such a garment, but it was visually stunning on the mannequin. This piece was created by the son of my dental hygienist. I actually can't wait for my next appointment so I can tell her how much I loved it (before I have to open wide!)
Although the event was named for the fashion show part, the majority of the evening was a musical showcase. The much loved, long serving music teacher (who also teaches my girls piano and has become a family friend) retired recently. We wondered how anyone could fill the shoes of a teacher that had become such a fundamental part of the music department, and indeed the school as a whole, but judging by the success of the evening, the replacement is doing a wonderful job. My girls adore him and my first impressions during the brief meeting I had with him when I brought Taylor's drum kit in to set up earlier in the day, were very positive. Since taking the post, he has formed a Jazz Band and a Glee club, both of which delivered performances.
The show opened with a lively samba drum piece leaving no doubt that proceedings had well and truly begun.
The jazz band featured my Taylor on drums and Charis on piano (she was very excited to be playing a grand piano even though it was possibly the most battered and un-grand grand piano I had ever seen). All of the members had clearly worked hard to achieve a level of competence in a style that, for my daughters at least, was different to what they were used to. However, with members of staff taking leading roles, it did somehow have the feel of a vehicle for frustrated teachers to live out their musical legend fantasies! Despite that, it was very enjoyable (although I must try and teach Taylor to stop pulling unflattering 'concentrating' faces as she drums!)
There were several solo singing performances, the majority of which, Charis accompanied on piano. I have listened to her practising these accompaniments at home (in fact she broke a low C string on our piano during one particularly enthusiastic session) but I was absolutely amazed by her performances on the night. It wasn't just that she played the pieces practically note perfect (I think I did detect one or two tiny mistakes), it was the way she supported the soloists, subtly emphasising notes when the singers went off key to help them find the melody again, keeping the timing and allowing the vocal to shine. She never once sought the limelight. In her very unassuming way she delivered what was needed.
I have so much respect for my daughter. She has a maturity, poise and confidence that totally belies her tender 15 years.
I didn't take my camcorder. Recording something necessitates watching the action through the screen (unless you have a well placed tripod or don't mind the inevitable 'drift' that you get when not monitoring hand held equipment). I hate how that detaches me from the moment. At the expense of having the recordings, which I would have loved, I stayed completely in the moment. On balance, I think I loved that more! Plenty of people did video. This is footage of Charis on piano and my niece on guitar singing Rhianna's Take a Bow (taken by Ella's mum - my sister).
A highlight of the evening for me was when Taylor's boyfriend, George, took to the stage with his theatrical friend Ollie for a 'showbiz' performance of Me and My Shadow. George has one of those voices that has lovely tone and timbre but doesn't co-operate in terms of staying in key! It didn't matter that it wasn't the greatest vocal performance of the night. For me it was definitely the most entertaining. Performed with panache and swagger, it provided me with much needed comic relief from the emotional roller coaster I had been on watching my girls. I could see Taylor watching her man with pride and embarrassment in equal measures.
During the interval, there was a raffle. After my success in the 'I' date raffle, George's mum (who was sat with us) said she wanted some of my luck because the first prize of £100 in Argos vouchers would be very nice. Would you believe it? She won first prize!! What's more, my number came up too!!! I won a trip to Wolverhampton Races. It is all a bit of a mystery because there was no information provided with the tickets but I'm sure we'll work it out! I had a big smile on my face and congratulated my husband on his raffle ticket buying skills.
The show overran the advertised finish time and daughter Ivy who was babysitting the little ones was waiting for us to get back so she could go to the pub with friends. I left my husband to wait around to pick up the drum kit and bring the girls home in the car while I made a hasty exit and ran home.
I had a really good time on my J date and I even incorporating some of the Jogging that I was trying avoid.
When my husband got home with the drums, the girls, the 'Shadow' (or the 'Me'!) and a mountain of chips, I had recovered from my impromptu marathon enough to enjoy a greasy supper and a bottle of bubbly to celebrate the end of Taylor's A levels and a successful night.
For my 'K' date I am going to insist on something more intimate that does not involve a raffle. Any suggestions?
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Working back to fitness with Zumba
This time last year I was a regular at the gym: signing up for classes, running on the treadmill, working out with weights. However, when my annual membership expired, I couldn't quite justify the renewal expense.
Even with the best of intentions, the amount of exercise I was doing steadily declined.
The lack of exercise coupled with bad eating habits that have lingered from Christmas have left me feeling podgy and sluggish. It was definitely time to take action.
I joined a Zumba class.
Last night was my first experience of Zumba.
I had heard lots of good things about Zumba. I already learn latin dance on which it is inspired but I still wasn't sure what to expect. I can honestly say it was the most fun I'd ever had in a room full of sweaty women. There was a lot of hip action and shimmying and influences from all different styles of dance. I loved it.
I was suffering with a bit of an achey back on account of doing a lot of bending and lifting in the garden over the weekend and having rather too many nights of bed sharing with my chicken pox suffering children. It did make some of the moves difficult for me so I didn't push myself too hard but I could feel it doing me good.
My back is feeling much better today and I can't wait for next week when everything is functioning more as it should and I can give the class 100% effort.
Another happy consequence is that I haven't been tempted to indulge in bad snacking at all today.
I am fully committed to Zumba my way back to fitness.
Even with the best of intentions, the amount of exercise I was doing steadily declined.
The lack of exercise coupled with bad eating habits that have lingered from Christmas have left me feeling podgy and sluggish. It was definitely time to take action.
I joined a Zumba class.
Last night was my first experience of Zumba.
I had heard lots of good things about Zumba. I already learn latin dance on which it is inspired but I still wasn't sure what to expect. I can honestly say it was the most fun I'd ever had in a room full of sweaty women. There was a lot of hip action and shimmying and influences from all different styles of dance. I loved it.
I was suffering with a bit of an achey back on account of doing a lot of bending and lifting in the garden over the weekend and having rather too many nights of bed sharing with my chicken pox suffering children. It did make some of the moves difficult for me so I didn't push myself too hard but I could feel it doing me good.
My back is feeling much better today and I can't wait for next week when everything is functioning more as it should and I can give the class 100% effort.
Another happy consequence is that I haven't been tempted to indulge in bad snacking at all today.
I am fully committed to Zumba my way back to fitness.
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Scoot n Pull
Everyone wants their children to be healthy and have an active lifestyle. I never like to discourage my daughter when she asks to take her scooter to the park but I know that she will tire and I will end up carrying it. I was intrigued by the Scoot n Pull which promises to eliminate this nuisance. I was sent one to try out.
The Scoot and Pull is really just a strong strap with a D loop and a handle. You put the strap around the vertical bar of the scooter, thread it through the D loop and tighten to secure. It is then ready to pull your child along on their scooter when their little legs have had enough of self propelling. It is as simple as that.
The strap is really easy to put on and off (which is vital because it would be a potential hazard to leave on when not in use). The handle part is comfortable to use and it is brightly coloured.
As a bonus, looping the handle over back wheel of the scooter whilst the Scoot n Pull is still attached effectively creates a carrying strap (although this did not work on our scooter because the wheels are unusually large and chunky).
For us, there was an additional bonus. Unlike my son, my daughter doesn't seem to have much of an intuitive grasp of steering. When I am pulling her along, she can concentrate solely on the steering (which hopefully will allow her improve enough to not grow up into one of the cliched 'women drivers'!)
The video shows how we got on when we road tested our Scoot n Pull on a trip to our local supermarket. You will see that it is a very simple but effective device that did exactly what I needed it to do.
The Scoot and Pull is really just a strong strap with a D loop and a handle. You put the strap around the vertical bar of the scooter, thread it through the D loop and tighten to secure. It is then ready to pull your child along on their scooter when their little legs have had enough of self propelling. It is as simple as that.
The strap is really easy to put on and off (which is vital because it would be a potential hazard to leave on when not in use). The handle part is comfortable to use and it is brightly coloured.
As a bonus, looping the handle over back wheel of the scooter whilst the Scoot n Pull is still attached effectively creates a carrying strap (although this did not work on our scooter because the wheels are unusually large and chunky).
For us, there was an additional bonus. Unlike my son, my daughter doesn't seem to have much of an intuitive grasp of steering. When I am pulling her along, she can concentrate solely on the steering (which hopefully will allow her improve enough to not grow up into one of the cliched 'women drivers'!)
The video shows how we got on when we road tested our Scoot n Pull on a trip to our local supermarket. You will see that it is a very simple but effective device that did exactly what I needed it to do.
For more information on Scoot n Pull visit www.scootnpull.co.uk
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
1lb Closer
I have not been fantastically virtuous on my diet this week, nor have I had time to fit in much in the way of exercise. However, the scales are now hovering at 10st 9lbs which puts me one small step closer to my target weight. I can only attribute my minor success (if my kids are reading this STOP NOW) to an upturn in the frequency and duration of bedroom activity (kids - I did warn you!!!).
As a weapon in my war against the wobbly bits, sex is definitely one of my favourites.
My new strategy for the coming week is, as well as sensible menu planning and drinking lots of water, to have plenty of early nights.
As a weapon in my war against the wobbly bits, sex is definitely one of my favourites.
My new strategy for the coming week is, as well as sensible menu planning and drinking lots of water, to have plenty of early nights.
Friday, 24 June 2011
Hedgetrimming for Salvation
Any #Momentum mums reading this will surely understand how easy it is to fall off the diet wagon.
I have been sticking to my menu plan for the week, preparing home cooked, nutritious healthy meals and thoroughly enjoying doing so. However, this did not stop me having a monumental wobble involving a certain chocolate bar famously made in Slough and named after the fourth planet from the Sun. I can't even bring myself to type it I am so ashamed. Curse Morrisons for having them on special offer and curse the children for not finding them in the larder before I did.
To alleviate my feelings of guilt and hopefully undo any potential weight loss sabotage I had decided to put myself through some gruelling gym activity today but as the sun was shining and the garden was desperately in need of some attention , I decided to pay my chocolate, caramel and nougat penance in the form of hedge trimming instead.
My garden has a LOT of hedges.
Sadly none of them lend themselves to anything creative and quirky in the best topiary fashion. The most exciting one is a rough sphere, the rest are... well, hedge shaped. One stretch is waist height - easy. The majority I can just reach by extending my arms as far as I can (which always makes me feel nervous when I am wielding a power tool that would rip through flesh as easy as it annihilates thin branches). I have a beech hedge that I can only reach the top of by standing on a step ladder and over extending (even more terrifying) and a monstrous Lleylandi that reaches virtually as high as Jack's beanstalk. I would need to have over indulged on the entire Mars factory output to feel moved to tackle that particular beast.
There is a part of me that hates destroying all the vibrant fresh new growth that is striving to restore natural chaos to my order but then it is oddly satisfying to be the master of your own little world and beating that unruly privet back into neatness and symmetry.
My hedge trimmer is not exactly girlie in design. It has a big old blade and it is HEAVY. I have to take regular breaks to stop my fingers seizing up with the exertion of holding down the slightly awkward 'on' lever and the safety lever. When I stop, I can still feel my arm muscles vibrating at the same frequency as the cutting blades. That feeling can last for a long time after the final hedge has been trimmed.
Is it worth it?
I am not sure if I have worked all my major muscle groups with the right combination of cardio vascular exercise or even used up a fraction of the empty calories that I consumed in weakness, but I do feel less guilty and the garden looks hell of lot better!
I have been sticking to my menu plan for the week, preparing home cooked, nutritious healthy meals and thoroughly enjoying doing so. However, this did not stop me having a monumental wobble involving a certain chocolate bar famously made in Slough and named after the fourth planet from the Sun. I can't even bring myself to type it I am so ashamed. Curse Morrisons for having them on special offer and curse the children for not finding them in the larder before I did.
To alleviate my feelings of guilt and hopefully undo any potential weight loss sabotage I had decided to put myself through some gruelling gym activity today but as the sun was shining and the garden was desperately in need of some attention , I decided to pay my chocolate, caramel and nougat penance in the form of hedge trimming instead.
My garden has a LOT of hedges.
Sadly none of them lend themselves to anything creative and quirky in the best topiary fashion. The most exciting one is a rough sphere, the rest are... well, hedge shaped. One stretch is waist height - easy. The majority I can just reach by extending my arms as far as I can (which always makes me feel nervous when I am wielding a power tool that would rip through flesh as easy as it annihilates thin branches). I have a beech hedge that I can only reach the top of by standing on a step ladder and over extending (even more terrifying) and a monstrous Lleylandi that reaches virtually as high as Jack's beanstalk. I would need to have over indulged on the entire Mars factory output to feel moved to tackle that particular beast.
There is a part of me that hates destroying all the vibrant fresh new growth that is striving to restore natural chaos to my order but then it is oddly satisfying to be the master of your own little world and beating that unruly privet back into neatness and symmetry.
My hedge trimmer is not exactly girlie in design. It has a big old blade and it is HEAVY. I have to take regular breaks to stop my fingers seizing up with the exertion of holding down the slightly awkward 'on' lever and the safety lever. When I stop, I can still feel my arm muscles vibrating at the same frequency as the cutting blades. That feeling can last for a long time after the final hedge has been trimmed.
Is it worth it?
I am not sure if I have worked all my major muscle groups with the right combination of cardio vascular exercise or even used up a fraction of the empty calories that I consumed in weakness, but I do feel less guilty and the garden looks hell of lot better!
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