Resolutions - Goals for 2010

We used to have an entire blog site devoted to goals but somehow it fell by the wayside. I think the last entry was in February. But it is now time to trot out some new goals for 2010. The noughts have gone by very quickly even though they spelled disaster for me (I lost Malcolm in 2006) from which I am still trying to recover. At a practical, measurable level I plan to lose some weight. I was doing okay with this until Xmas struck. I haven't gone back to where I started but I am headed in that direction. Eating all the left over sticky toffee pudding with cream this morning hasn't helped. I have also joined a gym and my goal is to go three times a week (Mon Wed Fri). I hired a personal trainer but he has turned out not to be very good. I paid up front so I have to keep him on for another seven sessions. Then there are the less easily measured goals. These have to do with activities around depression from which I suffer a great deal. I'm going to be starting CBT next week and I hope it helps. It seems to be a very well regarded therapy so I shall do my best.

On a more positive note, I spent Xmas in Brighton with Alison, Sian, Harry, Pat and John (Sian's parents). The girls made a wonderful meal of Beef Wellington and lots of trimmings. I gave Harry a garage for his car collection and I think he likes it. The girls and Harry came up here yesterday for lunch and the Gees were here as well. Today is Adam's birthday (7). He remains unbelievably cute and sweet and nice. My birthday present for him is going to be a day of treats; i.e. shopping, movie, dinner at a noodle restaurant and an overnight. I feel so lucky to have him in my life. I'm going down to the farm for his birthday tea this afternoon and then I have book club tonight (Larry's Party).

Another party

One of my neighbours had a drinks party tonight. She has recently moved here from North Oxford. Her children were at Phil & Jim all those years ago when Rachel was there and we had previously worked out that Rachel had taught one of her sons. Lots of her No. Oxford friends were there and I think about half the room had grown children who had been taught by Rachel back in the good old days. Then I talked to a woman who remarked on my surname which is still Pike. She said that her ex husband was the nephew of a woman called Pat Pike. This is getting really freaky since Pat Pike was Malcolm's first wife!! I suppose it's inevitable in a town the size of Oxford. I enjoyed the evening very much. She served champagne and good nibbles. I think I shall cultivate a friendship. Is that crass and self serving?

Elisabeth's birthday

I went to a birthday party last night with Elisabeth. She will be 95 on Monday and going strong. I think everyone who came except me was an Alexander person. Alexander is a technique for realigning the body which gives you better balance and more strength. Maybe I'll give it a try but I'm more partial to Pilates. I'm also thinking of getting back into Tapping. Anyway, the party was terrific. I met some wonderful people whom I will definitely want to see again. We ended the evening with about five women sitting around talking about being divorced and the effect it has on one's own life and the problems it presents with one's friends. I felt so good being with people who know where I am. Quite a few of them seem to have gone to the Oxford High many years ago; back in Mary Warnock's time. I told them about Alison's run in with the terrible French teacher who couldn't seem to understand that there were girls with divorced parents who needed two permission slips instead of one. Not that Alison was one of them at that time but she could grasp the big picture. Anyway, it was lovely to have the chance to wish Elisabeth a happy 95th. She is slim and active and puts me to shame so maybe there is something in the Alexander thing. She is the last living student who was taught by the original Alexander.

Harry's Birthday

It was on Sunday the 13th. He was two so he didn't actually understand what was going on but he knew he liked it. His grandparents, John and Pat and aunt and uncle, Mark and Emma and cousins, George and Martha came over from Eastbourne and, of course, I was there. We drank champagne while he opened his presents and then we all had tea and birthday cake. After the Eastbourner's left, we collapsed somewhat. Harry went to bed and we juvenile adults watched the final of X Factor. We were pleased that Joe won. Alison wants to be his mother and I could handle being his grandmother but we may not get the chance.

Who was the clever clogs who put Bob the Builder on top of my cake?
I bet it was my Mummy Sian(she was letting her inner artist out).



What happened to my candles? Did I blow them out? And what's with the singing? Let's eat!



I let George have a piece of my cake even though he tried to blow out my candles.



Mummy Sian enjoys the same TV shows that we do so we let her watch with us.




I am wearing my killer Bob PJ's and getting my nightly fix of Upsy Daisy.

After the party

As suggested in last post, I am in recovery mode today. Actually, I'm feeling fine. Everyone left on time (8pm) and that made it very easy. People seemed to be having a good time so I think it was a success. Chloe and her friend came to help and they were marvellous. I showed them where things were and they took over and did a superb job. I'm wondering if I could hire them to run my life for me.

Picture from back patio - I spotted this spider's web and wondered if I could capture it with my camera.

Party time (almost)

Today is Wednesday and my party is on Friday. I thought some people wouldn't be able to come but, not so and it seems that I will have about 40 people. Those of you who know my house are crossing your eyes. Also, I am having my kitchen painted this week!! Have I lost my mind? I'm so much calmer than I used to be that I'm not particularly worried. Chloe and a friend are coming to be the helpers and servers. They are young and fit and competent. No worries. I shall have lots of wine and nibbles and hope for the best. I will have Saturday to recover and then off to Brighton on Sunday for Harry's birthday (2yrs).

Taking Myself in Hand

Today has been a good day. I started off this morning with my interview at SeeSaw. I think it went quite well. SeeSaw is a volunteer organization which provides help for children who have experienced the death of a family member. You can't just tell these people that you are going to come along and do it. They have a very thorough vetting process to determine whether or not you would be suitable. I will know in a couple of days if I have been chosen to do the training which lasts about three months and even then you can be dropped if it doesn't seem that you would be able to handle it. I will know in a couple of days if I have passed the first round.

Then this afternoon I went to my new gym for an induction session. This boy who looked to be about twelve showed me around and instructed me on the use of the machines. He's actually in his 20's but they are all so young. Then a man in my age group asked me if I would like to hire him as a personal trainer. He is legitimate and I decided to have a go. The reason is that if I have someone who is expecting me to turn up, I'm much more likely to go. I have been having trouble with my right leg and after an xray of the hip, the GP announced that my problem is age related and is a result of wear and tear. How old and ugly is that! Anyway, I know that I must do something about my non-existent fitness level so here I go.

Then I trudged home in the rain and will spend this evening getting ready for a dinner party tomorrow evening. The menu: shrimp and asparagus starter -- coq au vin with new potatoes and veg --blueberry tart -- cheese board. Doesn't that sound good? Two of the nice things about coq au vin is that it can be made ahead and people can drink either white or red wine because although it is chicken, it is made with red wine.