socialising & exercising

the 2 go well together.

I am impressed I got up early, finally put the dry washing away.  Walked to the shop for milk early enough to have cereal for brekkie before park run, took husband to the PO for the parcel that turned out to be my curtains.  & made it on time for parkrun.  Few people there I knew, & joined them outside the café afterwards.  Ran up the hill both times, even with walking some of it I still made a reasonable time (better than my first time).  & the barcode I laminated scanned ok.  & because I was with the club runners we did some stretches at the end.

I also finally put my washing in.  Went to the beach with a friend & played on  the outdoor exercise machines.  Had fun.  There's a tarot meeting tomorrow to look forward to.  A few conversations with friends (online) tonight.

Plenty of chill time today too.  & a tiny bit of tidying up.  I love my life, my home, husband, the fact that I have so much freedom / ability to do what I want.

Space to Breathe

Yesterday: I managed to get the most important things done - the two orders I needed progressed for the boss to sign, & took my final piece of paper to him just as he was leaving so I got my signature.  & I got my 10k steps.  Collected a parcel from a neighbour who I'd posted a card to a while back, she was telling me she was made up by it :-)  I still have my login for Silvercloud, it was interesting looking back at some of it. & I made some progress on the tags / categories on Wordpress.

Today: I got a couple of documents written, I made a little clearing in my mound of work.  I took a deep breath & made a start.  I am proud of myself.  Husband did something for me that I've not managed to get round to all week.  I got my 10k steps.  Workmate has made a great start on the holes for the swing.  Breakfast was good - the bacon was so crispy!  & the canteen staff were really pleased I had change.  & I helped someone by just turning up, apparently a little conversation jogged her memory.

today

lunch with a friend
sunny
kept up with the whirlwind
remembered to breathe
training went well - interesting discussion
meeting was enjoyable too - pleasant chatting with people I don't normally spend time with
wrote the list to continue the work tomorrow
boss answered request to talk by appearing at my desk after his meeting

good day

Building on yesterday's success, I got those documents progressed further.

I am also impressed with myself that the project the boss asked about was the one that I'd just finished the report for & had taken to show him.  It feels like luck & I'm pleased with myself, I should start saying it's organisation ;-)   The meeting seemed to go well.

Had a couple of successful meetings.   Had a good day at work.

Enjoying the cool today too.

Remembered hay fever tablets when we went shopping.  Found new curtains.  Husband remembered WD40 for me.  & we were talking about quiche & frittata & omelette at lunch & he made frittata for tea - yummy :-)

Productive

My work day flew over quickly.  A meeting got cancelled which meant I could concentrate on the documents I was writing, & phew!  I got 2 of them finished.  Took on a third document which will hopefully be easy to do this week.  I do like being able to just crack on & get things done.  Plus dinner was a really good laugh today.

It's a 700 steps round trip (there abouts) to the other building, I finally remembered to track it!  Worth knowing for slow step days.

A document going round for signature is more than halfway round, I think the hard bit's over.

I'm using my sore shoulder to remind me to keep better posture, & I didn't aggravate it today.

Relaxing

More reading in bed, well cuddled while reading in bed 💕

Remembered to go to the shop while it was open, & they had a bag of large hay for the bunnies.  I love having the bunnies.  

Then took husband for lunch.  I am trying to train him it's ok to ask for lifts, "please take me to BK / do you fancy coming to xx for lunch?"  rather than just hinting at me that he wants a burger.  Equally not to say we have to go to the shops but to ask if we can.

I have put a couple more things in the charity bag & worked my way through a pile of papers.  I am actually thinking I can keep a few surfaces tidy! This is major progress.  I have written my blog for today.  I am so enjoying having a blog.  Also that it's a hobby not an obligation.  There is a nice little community there.

I've also decided I really like colouring quotes so I've ordered some motivational quote colouring books.  I am pleased with myself over the decluttering I've done so far, & I like the motivational quotes for work, even if no-one else ever looks - they cheer me up :-)

Lazy mornings

My favourite, I was awake early & read.  Husband's arm around me.  I'm enjoying the book.  Thankful to the friend who first introduced me to that author.  My mentee has also recommended some good books.  Books that otherwise I'd never encounter.  Even books I've been recommended that I dislike have added something.  & those ones I can easily give away - hey successful decluttering!

The sofa is still just a sofa.  The stairs are still just stairs.  I'm hoping that stairs will lead the way for the rest of the house - once cleared they remain cleared, we'll see ;-)   glad that I am slowly gaining order.

Husband gets energised at the other sites, it's good to have him home & positive about work again.  Found a friend on linkedin, she's job hunting & has a good profile.

Have loads of fruit, & the supermarket was empty when we went.

No obligations, I can go back to bed to read or nap.

Nap & recovery

Thankful that I can decide at 9am that I want the afternoon off & be allowed it.  Glad I managed to catch my boss & ask him.  Also that the things I had planned for today fell into place quite easily.  Discovered a mistake I'd made before anyone else did, no big deal & easily corrected.  Had a good laugh with another department today.  I like that work is laid back / informal enough to allow us that.

Remembered this morning that a workmate is moving house today & I hadn't signed the card!  Asked one of my other workmates if they'd given him it yet, 👻 she had it in her drawer forgotten about.  Am relieved I remembered, & that I reminded her.  It's now signed & ready to give him.  am pleased for him that he's finally moving.

Was feeling wiped out, thankful I noticed & took care of it.  Came home & had a nap, I knew when I got in the car that coming home early was a good choice.  Recognised that I was struggling. Not sure why, but then I don't need to know.

Been blogging, am enjoying the community.  Husband's home tonight.

Mostly work

• I had a good day, remembered to pack a book in case there was no-one to have lunch with.  Thankfully I had lunch buddies, & the canteen was quiet.  Managed quite a bit of fruit, & resisted chocolate at work.

• Quietly cracked on with documents.  I got a report drafted, just got it finished at hometime, then a few mins over to put it into progress.  Got to the point where I need to talk to people to progress much else.  I am impressed I can get a report drafted in less than a day, helps to the feeling of productive.  I got to upgrade my daily entry from "started" to "drafted". Even though I stayed a bit late I had a good drive home.

• I made a couple of decisions about it, & rather than dither & ask opinions I made the decision.  Then the boss walked past so I took the opportunity to check I was right.  I was right 💪, I do so love being right.  Am really pleased with myself about making the decisions too.  

• Deciding to stay home & chill rather than go out for dinner with friends was a good choice.  Chill time, & a bit of tidying up before husband's home tomorrow.
• Husband's home tomorrow!

• Friend has an interview.  Fingers crossed.

Naps are good

Got up early cos I couldn't sleep (rather than just lying in bed) & did some yoga, also posted on my step accountability.
Got to work early & started on my targets from yesterday.  Had a couple of idea about how to measure the last target.
Had a good chat with lifeboat guy on the way up to the briefing.  The briefing was better than the previous one, & they seemed to've taken suggestions on board.
Came home from work & had a nap, then got to pilates in time for a good spot for both me & mate.

Finished the film, & nearly got these finished in time for curfew ;-)

Good day

A meeting that I wanted to be in a better mood for was postponed til after a meeting that would get me there (the better mood).
I explained my work, my overall strategy & some of my achievements to a visitor & that helped me realise how sh** hot my work is, & she was complimentary about what I'd done. I'm thinking she's be a good contact / networking opportunity.
Again, left later than I should've & still got to work on time.

Remembered to do a bit of extra prep before the meeting, & it was well received.  I have identified some issues, & how I will address them, & managed to get some training agreed to.  Actually I managed to get all the training I requested agreed in principle.  I also had a positive input into my targets, & might manage to drop some of the pointless / irrelevant ones.
Also managed to bring up a few questions conversationally & get my boss's input without having to directly ask.  I mean I get to tell him what I think, or what the options are & what I recommend, or what I'd like to do & see if he agrees.  We're getting friendlier (more conversational) again. & I have managed to get my boss to agree some boundaries to my job.

Got home in time to sweep the lounge & put the table & throws back before friend arrived.  Dinner went well & I have left over garlic bread for breakfast which fits in well with an in-joke from today with a work-mate.  Had a fun, sociable evening, & things sound to be going well for her. Pleased she was coming round, it prevented me staying late at work.  Working late's a bad habit I should avoid.  Plus the jeans I shrank the other day fit her perfectly apart from the length so she's taken them to wear with boots.

I'm back

I had a laugh with a few people at work, & I remembered to ask the new girl about her house.
I remembered to take a book cos I was thinking I'd be alone at lunch, thankfully not - a crowd of chemists joined me.  Also had a chat with one of the workmates who I rarely get to catch up with these days.

I had a nice social conversation with my boss when we met in passing, & once I settled into my work the time flew by.  I explored a new bit of the software that was interesting & included it in my procedures.

Was awake ridiculously early and managed to get back to sleep, had another welcome doze after husband left.  Managed to get a shower & even though I was running late the traffic was light so I got to work on time.

Am excited about running training cos I'm going to check out my new Garmin!  Hopefully that's the motivation I need to be more consistent with the running.

Decided to use a calendar at work to keep track of timings, & found a really handy free printable.  Should be on track for all my deadlines now. & the target I was thinking of setting myself for next year turns out to match the timeline I'd already agreed to.

Relaxing Sunday

Got to the café in nice time, had a little read of my book before the others arrived.
A combination of good chat & the cards.  It's a leisurely place, better than the usual venue.

Friend was pleased with my reading, as was I.  It was a really positive answer & a definite yes. I was a good reminder of how fond I am of the cards, & I enjoy reading them.  I even read with her deck & gave a coherent answer.

Treated myself for my birthday, it was still on offer & I got the last of my preferred colour.  Plenty of parking at the shops & no traffic jam.

Have been disciplined (mostly) with food today.  Tea in the café instead of hot chocolate, & no cake.  Stories I sent to a friend cheered her up & she's getting out of hospital & going home tomorrow.

Remembered milk for work tomorrow, & the flavoured water husband wanted.  & I found my purse when I needed it to go out with earlier.  & the cash machine had cash in, & I remembered to get fuel in the car, & the shop had hay (I still have an emergency supply).

I was well cuddled last night. Husband is well trained, even in his sleep I can grab his arm & pull it over me 😍

A new follower has been through & liked loads of posts on my other blog.

Parkrun no. 2

• I woke up early & was in good time for the parkrun, & saw to the bunnies before I went.
• I feel virtuous for the day & am likely to get my 10k steps
• Met a few people from the club so had a nice chat beforehand.  
• Started slightly nearer the front & started off at a faster speed than my normal.  Settled into a decent pace with a guy from the club & he kept me going when I was flagging.  
• & talked me into a sprint finish!! Didn't know I had that in me 😲  plus we didn't get passed, there was someone right behind.  
• Got to run up the steps both times for this one, an ambition fulfilled.
• & someone had been round with chalk & put smilie faces & love parkrun & similar messages around.
• bacon butties & a cuppa after!
• The weather was good to us, it was cool and dry with a little wind - those are the best conditions
• New PB! (I beat last time by over a minute)
• Just about got myself up the stairs when I got home, means I gave my all in the run / finish 😅
• I remembered my hayfever tablet & spray 
• I'm loving the phone pocket in the leggings, way more comfy than the arm holder though I was pleased with that at the time
• Husband cooked lunch & has cleaned a little
• I've done enough to feel like I helped
• I parted with a top I've known for years is too small & never wear.
• 
  

the usual

Yesterday:

1.  I made it to training, on time, people to talk to.  & even though it's the format I dislike they've modified it so it's slightly better.
2. The guy arrived & was useful
3. Home early enough to eat before training
4. washing machine arrived & husband sorted it out
5. remembered I did a dad-style catch of my friend's kid when we were out the other day.  I was well impressed with myself & he avoided getting hurt

Today:

1. turned up early enough for breakfast
2. sorted out some of out instrument issues, the visitor seemed pleased he'd come, & I managed to show him our dev centre
3. remembered to get myself an academic diary to record work achievements
4. Chinese & wine with husband, always enjoyable, plus I did a little bit of tidying up
5. are looking forward to a relaxing weekend, did enough wandering at work to get my 10k steps so I don't have to disturb husband from his gaming to take me walkies
6. the rabbit hutch & run (& the bunnies) were fine through the wind yesterday

Work days

Lunch was a good laugh, as it quite often is.  I have good workmates.
Work was very quiet & I nearly got one of my documents finished, & I sent an email that I've been thinking about for over a week. I feel like I'm making progress.
One of my work mates was having a grumpy day & I cheered her up with just the mention of bubble wrap, thankfully because I know another workmate dislikes the popping of it immensely.

Think I slept better last night too.  I wrote the cards last night & got them posted this morning on the way to work.  Was on time for work too!
(posted from 13.06.18)

Washing

I managed to get the washing line back in the ground, just as well I didn't manage to put the spike out when I took the line down the other day.  Phew too that I hadn't taken it to the tip.

The washer's getting replaced this week while husband's here so he has time to sort it out & get it working.

I've got the Father's day cards & stamps.  I'm going to write & post them now, thankful it's still light & there's a post box near.  & I have shoes & a coat so I can go out.

The neighbour called round with cauliflower bits for the bunnies.  The bunnies enjoyed them.  They are healthy happy bunnies, so soft & fluffy to stroke & very tame.  Also unconcerned about things, they're not fussed by noise or by the kids out screaming & yelling.

I gave someone advice about their CV & they've taken it onboard, it reads & looks much better now. I also have some plans with friends soon, all is well :-)

Today

Today I am reminded of more things I take forgranted.  I have a lovely massage therapist who's a 10 minute drive away, & the chat is a huge part of the "treatment".  That I don't have to sacrifice to afford things like that.  The car is reliable.

I've taken husband to work early enough to avoid the traffic (whilst still getting a lie in) & am now ready to face my day.  The cake I made (which was fun to make) was well received at work. A benefit of taking husband to work on my day off is that the cake made it in too ;-)

I'm enjoying a leisurely morning & am off out with a friend in a bit.  Exercise & company & outdoors, a great kind of day.  I have friends.  Friends who enjoy doing similar things to me, & that I can just be with, enjoying their company.

More later :-D

ETA: I had a fab day with a mate.  I managed to peel my grapes when her kids weren't around so they'll never know.  We had a fab catch up.  I have an idea for my next blog post, based on being in situations by choice.  It was sunny, & stayed dry for us.  We just had enough change for the carpark & left 5 minutes before the expiry time (great prediction on the timing!)  the play area was empty enough for us to have our choice of apparatus, there was a little assault course that was big enough for us adults to play on.  I got to go on the swings!  The nest swing by myself, all of us on the caterpillar swing, & then the normal swing by myself, a well deserved break as everyone else was in the loo.  I got to encourage her, give her food for thought without an opinion, & just remembered to send her the link to my blog.  Turned around grumping at husband, he let me explain that it's not really him I'm grumpy with.  Thankful that he gave me a chance to not be grumpy, to reset & start over. Thankful he's easy to make up with.  The washer arrived while I was out (meaning the car wasn't in the way).  It's bedtime, my bed is cosy & inviting & I can go now & get back into my weekday routine. 

Happy & content

• I figured out how to over-ride the timer on the washing.  Such a simple little thing but I am so impressed with myself & it's set me up for the day. Sometimes I wonder if I too easily just ask someone else.  A little reminder that I'm capable, & I can still figure things out.
• I'm up early(ish) through choice, & husband's already suggested he'll cook bacon later 😻
• I use heart smilies a lot when describing husband.  He is the most fantastic person I've ever met, & I will adore him forever.  I have several friends who say they love the way I talk about him, & that my eyes twinkle when I do.  I wish that for everyone, that they have someone who makes their eyes twinkle, & that they have someone that thinks that way about them.
• I am surrounded by hobbies & things I like to do.  I have enough room for everything, husband is happy enough to live in the clutter.  I love that he's laid back enough to just let everything be.
• I love early in the day. I love lying in bed too, but I love the potential that a fresh day has to offer.  I have time for hobbies, & fun, & chores if I fancy them.  Equally it's my day to use as I choose, & I love that I have that choice.

So thankful for everything I have.  I can feel the happiness radiating from me.  I feel so blessed with everything I have.

fab day

Got up early enough to shower & do the bunnies before heading out.

Arrived just one time, mate was easy to spot & we caught the rest of the crowd on their way in.

We were first on the course & it was such a good laugh. Other people didn't turn up until we were nearly round so for most of the game we had the course to ourselves.  All of us enjoyed ourselves & there're plans for a repeat.  The men tolerated the shopping afterwards for longer than I expected, and workmate bought me bubble wrap as a present.  It's one of my favourite things.  Also got to choose some really cool post-its as a present from friend.  Husband bought & washed strawberries, they're sitting in the fridge in a bowl - so accessible, so easy to take one every so often. & he bought so many that he'll never notice if I eat a few ;-)    actually husband is happy for me to eat the fruit, that's why he prepares it ready to eat.

Remembered to get the bunnies hay, & there was some in stock.  Got them cleaned out & they're happily running around.  Got to the beach with friend, it was good to talk to her & spend time together.  She's really loving her new job.  We walked along the pier (I've never been along that one before, must remember for next time photo mate is visiting) & had a good walk in the sea & along the sand.  The sand was so warm, I'd forgotten how much I enjoy that.

& I'm just done for here for 10pm & tech-free wind down!

Space

I have the time & space to chill, I took advantage of that today.  Husband took a day off too so I didn't have to be disturbed by the alarm or by him getting up (or by taking him to work), & I had a lovely relaxing morning.  Reading, & thinking about what I was reading.  I like blogging about the books, it encourages me to think about what I'm reading, & makes it easier to go back over those thoughts.

Bacon for breakfast, a worthy reason to finally get out of bed.  How spoilt I am that husband does the cooking, & he makes things how I like them too.  More relaxing as we watched a couple of episodes of the latest series we're into.  I'm thankful of the variety, of finding things we both like, thought provoking topics sometimes, the opportunity to discuss.

& then onto heroes, there's a card game we enjoy, & what else would we use the dining table for.  The set-up we're currently playing is a good one, it looks really tough but actually we've beaten it twice (or 3 times, I've forgotten how many times we've played).

Thankful that I have the days to take off work for relaxing, no demands on my time.  & I have found a surface I can use for my jigsaw!  I just need to clear stuff off the table in the spare room, hope we have no visitors staying over until it's complete :lol:

I ordered a new colouring book, then instantly went & did some colouring.   I'm going to break my 10k streak today & I'm ok with that (phew).  Sometimes it's worth losing just to prove it's ok to.  That would be like being wrong occasionally or making a mistake.  These things happen & it's good to be in the habit of accepting that.

Today I have written paragraphs instead of bullet points.  I like that I can write.  I like the variety that surrounds me.  Loads of my favourite things await me over the next few days, & / or have been indulged today.  I am glad I have the opportunity for self-care, the ability to recognise when I'm starting to wobble & the resources to right myself.  Today has been important for that.

Chill

A meeting I was too busy for was cancelled, my other meetings were interesting & productive.

I managed to turn "I'm too busy to take tomorrow off" into "this is why I need to take tomorrow off".  Thankful that I have plenty enough work to keep me in my job whilst having no immediate deadlines. Thankful too that I find my work interesting, there's plenty to learn.  There's enough challenge to keep me interested & developing and it's just tolerable - I am holding steady.  & I recognise when I need a break.

Solved a work issue with a simple glance, instantly noticing what was wrong.  Husband made me hot chocolate without being asked (he's so sweet).  Enjoyed playing cards with him.  & snuggling on the sofa.  It's a treat being married. I keep remembering how lucky I am, how awesome he is.

I have a cosy inviting bed & I'm off to enjoy it now.  Goodnight,

C25K

• I had a reasonable day at work, (actually I made some progress I'm secretly proud of.  Even if no-one else sees the benefit, I do), & I've moved some of my documents into the signature queue.
• Also took care of some little annoyances, some well timed
• I've got Friday off, & so has husband, a long weekend with Monday off too.
• I am looking forward to the lie-in, reading in bed!!
• remembered to email the nurse
• made it to the couch to 5k finish, got to cheer the finishers on,
• found the people to stand with,
• got my finishers medal (cos of the park run I did on Saturday)!

• & husband's making me hot chocolate!  

Success

I had a good meeting with my boss, I was prepared, had the prompts & relevant info.  It went well.  Smooth.  He seemed pleased enough.  I managed to explain sensibly what'd happened & that led onto a conversation of something else that I had in hand.

I went looking for the IT guy & had walked nearly to his office when I met him coming down to see me.  Glad I didn't have to remind him, & I got him to sign some paperwork.  & it was sunny & I got in a decent walk. Site is pretty, there's a wild area with flowers & trees & I love getting to walk through it, especially in good weather.

Husband took me walkies & I got my 10k steps.  & now he's made me hot chocolate 😍  My knee's a little sore so I have a great excuse for not doing any strenuous exercise.  & I like my walkies with husband, we had a good chat about work.

I also had a decent chat with the team leader, she's taken on some actions, & I've passed over a mini-project of decisions that weren't mine to make.

Lunch was a good laugh, I'm glad I work with good people & we have that banter.  I spent a lot of today thinking, & some of that thinking was thinking that my head was going to explode cos of all the thinking.  Workmate sent me a message to check I was ok, I think my thinking face concerns him.  His face concerns me 😜

Timings

• Helped husband fix a problem at work
• encouraged him to do something in his trouble shooting that he wasn't going to bother with
• got a new plan because of it 
• I like being competent in front of husband, I got to suggest something else too & he agreed I was right
• meeting was cancelled and I was in the middle of something else so it worked out well
• intercepted the document that I need to discuss before it's issued
• got a list ready of a few things I need to discuss with the boss in our next meeting
• prepared & ready
• my favourite bread was fresh out of the oven when we got to the food shop, too hot to slice, or even to be out on display. Crusty & lush
• I sat in the car ripping mouthfuls off as husband went to maccyD for his dinner.
• I resisted all the temptations he put in front of me, & made it to running
• I'd eaten the bread early enough to get through running with a stitch or getting ill
• I managed the running sections, & I'm reconfirmed that the slower pace doesn't suit me
• had company for the run, & got talking to someone new
• 15k steps, am still on my 10k streak

The Magic

I am enjoying my blogging experiences.  Another of my blogs has followers & I read their blogs & comment & sometimes we have conversations.  It's an interesting way to get talking to new people, & interacting with people I'd never otherwise encounter, & probably getting exposed to viewpoints I'd never have come across too.  The same with the types of books I'm reading now, it's been a while since I've read fiction.

I am thankful for books, & blogs.  For the physical space for all my books, being able to read, to buy them in the first place.  That there's always something on hand, within reach.

One of the bloggers I follow was sharing her experience of having a gratitude journal, & it reminded me of "The Magic" by Rhonda Byrne.  & that's led to conversation with another friend.  I am thankful I have people to talk to about my ideas, some insightful friends who make me question my thoughts & opinions.

I'm meeting several other friends today.  & I've just joined the running club facebook group.  Thankful for the friends I have, & the people I get to interact with online.  

Thankful for the car, the ability to get out.  That I live so close to the beach, & open spaces, woods too.  That I know people to share these places with.  There are times I feel so thankful I could burst, I can feel it overflowing from me.  Thankful for the people around me & throughout my life who have set me up so well.

Parkrun

Just in case....  last night I got my barcode printed, directions sorted, clothes set out for the morning, even got ready plasters & trainers.

I was awake early & reading a book, & decided yes I will!
Enjoying my book, made notes for my blog, I love reading in bed in the mornings.
I got up early enough to see to the bunnies before I went, so I did & away I went, leaving husband in bed. Uneventful drive, 15 mins down the road, met some people, & got myself to the start. Painless activity.

Managed the run better than I expected, ran the whole way except for the first go up the stairs where loads of people in front were walking.  Came home to husband cooking bacon, & he'd found a Simon Sinek talk we'd not seen before (googled it, new book out in October).  Then shopping (& he bought me milk) & we've been playing heroes, all is well :-)

Did my 7 minute workout for today, shower (food's always a much higher priority for me) & then yoga methinks.

Success

I feel successful today, I am in a good mood, husband's home!!  He's cuddly :-)
& he'll be home for my birthday.
A meeting went reasonably well, & I made more progress than I expected.
I also caught up with a few other things.

Remembered to get hay for the bunnies, & the shop still had some.
Bacon butty with workmates was good, & I retrieved a mate's bike lock.  Another friend came with me & it took both of us to release it, thankfully we did.

I have plenty of milk, hmmm hot chocolate ;-)