The book is This is [...]]]> I have a book which I have barely started reading. I’ve had it for a while now and it’s the book I end up taking with me to wait before my doctor appointments, which means I haven’t gotten very far. I’m eager to read it but just haven’t found the time.

The book is This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin. I haven’t gotten to the good parts yet, I am still on Chapter 3 or 4, but I think about the implications of music on our bodies, brains and emotions and how it shapes us as a person all the time.

I may have mentioned this before – I’m one of those people who could not live without music. I can’t imagine a world where there is no music, bands, concerts, singing, drums, etc. It’s such a huge part of who I am that I wouldn’t be me without it.

The music I love, that I really connect with, moves me from the inside out it seems. I love that. It’s like it’s always been there as a part of me, but now I’ve found it and we are reunited. It fills empty spaces and makes me more than just me -like when you meet someone and you connect straight away, on every level, and it’s like you were destined to know them and to be a part of each other’s lives.

My taste in music is seemingly random at times. I will listen to anything just to hear it and if it makes an impact on me it will be with me forever.

I love going to live shows because you feel the music, just don’t just hear it, you really feel it and you are with people who feel the exact same way and love it just as much as you. Everyone becomes the same then, and everyone is a part of something much bigger than just themselves for a while. And nothing is more important than singing your heart out and being in the moment.

Our whole lives should be like that. Living in the moment and connecting with everything around us.

I am still working on my mega post, I need to sort out photos which I’m hoping to do this [...]]]> I have been loving the short weeks I’ve had the last 3 weeks. I definitely think 4 day work weeks are the way forward. It will bring more balance to everyone’s lives. Think about it people!

I am still working on my mega post, I need to sort out photos which I’m hoping to do this weekend at some point. Lately I just can’t bring myself to sit at my computer for very long when I’m home. I’d much rather do anything else.

I’ve been a very naughty girl! I haven’t been to the gym in weeks. Quite a few weeks actually, I think 3 or 4. I’m not sure exactly how long it’s been, just that it’s been far too long. To be more fair to myself than I should be, I have been busy. But that is no excuse!

I also haven’t weighed myself in probably closer to 6 weeks. When I thought about it I couldn’t quite believe it. I hadn’t even thought about it. I did weigh myself this week. There were no major surprises, no gains (or losses either…). But now I’m serious (again).

My old Wednesday Weigh Ins will be reinstated next week. I want to lose 15lbs (just over a stone) by the end of November. It’s 5lbs a month roughly and should be achievable.

So what’s my plan? Well, I’ve not been horrible with food, in fact I’ve been pretty damn good recently. That will definitely continue. I will go to the gym, at least 3 – but will aim for 5 times – per week in the evenings starting next week.

Of course, then I’m on holiday for a week. During my holiday there will be a lot of swimming, some walking and other various calorie-burning activities.

Once I’ve returned from holiday, a tanned, relaxed goddess, I will start getting up earlier in the mornings and doing cardio before work. I’m going to alternate boxing and running to start with. I don’t wince at the thought of either activities so they are nice places to start for now! Plus back to the gym 3-5 times every week. And eating really healthy.

I also want to start walking at the weekends, with Hubby. He’s started playing squash (I’m so proud of him) and this is always a lovely time of year to get outside as it starts cooling off. Even if we just walk around the estate for 30 minutes, it’s something active and outside. We need more of that.

If – no not if – WHEN I do it I will hit my short term goal (finally) of 200 lbs. I know I’ll feel better for working out and have more energy and be happier and let’s hope it helps me through my usual Autumn depression this year.

Oh and, I can buy a super new outfit to wear to the 30 Seconds to Mars concert at the end of November. It’s good to have an event to look forward to, and new clothes!

Obviously I am very busy and important.

Actually, I have been busy. It feels like since May I haven’t had any rest. But after mid-September things will calm down for about 6 weeks and then get crazy again.

There is lots to write about.

I just need to write [...]]]> I haven’t posted in over a month. Really?

Obviously I am very busy and important.

VIP.

Actually, I have been busy. It feels like since May I haven’t had any rest. But after mid-September things will calm down for about 6 weeks and then get crazy again.

There is lots to write about.

I just need to write it.

I’ll get back to you…

Ever have a mood where you need music – meaningful and very loud and you just can’t get enough?

That’s me right now.

I’m currently listening to The Pretty Reckless EP on billboard.com before it comes out Tuesday. They are my current obsession. I think they are amazing and Taylor Momsen is awesome. It’s [...]]]>

The Pretty Reckless

Ever have a mood where you need music – meaningful and very loud and you just can’t get enough?

That’s me right now.

I’m currently listening to The Pretty Reckless EP on billboard.com before it comes out Tuesday. They are my current obsession. I think they are amazing and Taylor Momsen is awesome. It’s loud, hard punk/rock and something I can really get into. Especially in my current mood!

Seeing as it’s nearly midnight and Sunday I should really be in bed right now but I just wanna stay up all night listening to music. I miss being able to do that. I have to say being a working, responsible adult sucks a lot of the time.

I spent last weekend recovering from the girly night with friends, which was the best night I’ve had in a long time! You know it’s a good night when a boy ends up dressed up like a girl.

I managed [...]]]> It feels like I haven’t posted in ages… Probably because last week had a lot going on.

I spent last weekend recovering from the girly night with friends, which was the best night I’ve had in a long time! You know it’s a good night when a boy ends up dressed up like a girl.

I managed to get to the gym 3 times (including early yesterday morning) and run twice, plus got a boxing session in.

I was social after work.

I booked tickets to see Band of Skulls in October!

I finally weighed myself and discovered I’ve lost almost 3 lbs in almost 3 weeks.

I managed to stay mostly within 1400 calories/day this week, without even paying attention.

I am feeling more confident about myself than I have in a very long time and it’s showing.

Oh and found out that Ben Browder is at London Film and Comic Con next month and SQUEEEEEEEEEEE! <3 him!

Overall, it was a really good week. I am hoping for a repeat this week. Looking forward to next weekend already when we have a visitor, one of Hubby’s friends from work who I’m very much looking forward to meeting!!

I’m feeling motivated and energetic and quite pleased with myself. I ache from working out, but it’s the good ache, when you know you are doing good things. I’ve noticed a huge difference already in my waist and legs and arms so here’s hoping I have great results on the 25th when I weigh after a month at the gym!

We saw John Mayer at Wembley Arena on Wednesday. He was AH-MAZ-ING. [...]]]> That was my week in a nutshell. Back in Feb we booked the week off to see John Mayer in London and then visit Brighton. It was perfect timing and a very much needed break and I’m glad we still have tomorrow off to recover!

We saw John Mayer at Wembley Arena on Wednesday. He was AH-MAZ-ING. The first time I ever realised who he was it was really late one night and I was flipping channels on telly. This was probably 6-7 years ago now? Anyway, there he was on Austin City Limits and his guitar playing mesmerised me. Then he played Why Georgia and I recognised it from the radio and that was the start of my John Mayer love affair.

I have to say, his music got me through so many bad times over the next few years. Music is therapy for me and John Mayer is definitely one of my preferred therapists. I love all his stuff, but the first few listens of his newest album, Battle Studies, didn’t win me over. Now, the more I listen to it the more I love it. I’m so glad I finally got to see him live and if it wasn’t for the very tall person a few rows in front of us it’d have been perfect. Tall people should not be allowed to stand in front of shorter people.

Brighton was good. We stayed at the Royal Albion and I’ll never stay there again if given a choice. But it was right next to the pier and we spent a fair few hours playing arcade games and acquiring lots of tickets. In the end we ended up with 666 tickets and got ourselves a poker set.

We did a heck of a lot of walking and going up and down 4 flights of stairs in the hotel (the lift was too slow) so I’m suitably exhausted but not so much that I’m in pain. My legs ache a little bit but it’s an ache that reminds me they’ve been used a lot and is a good feeling.

We had a yummy dinner at a pub, The Devil’s Dyke, with a friend and his girlfriend. The views from that pub are astonishing and I nearly fell over in the car park (after only 1 and a half ciders!).

The journey back from Brighton via London today was harrowing (for me anyway) and I’m so glad to be home. I’m now all caught up on Dr Who (I am in love with Matt Smith) and I watched Up In The Air which was very good and I can see why it got such rave reviews. It’s such an amazing film and I thought George Clooney was very endearing and he reminded me a bit of my dad in it.

Whilst in Brighton I decided that restaurants are horrible, especially with their love of adding chips/fries/whatever you want to call them to any meal on the menu. So my goal for June is to cut out chips. And crisps. We’ll go ahead and say that’s my monthly challenge for June. I managed to go all day Saturday without eating any, substituting them for baked potato or mashed potato when we ate out.

I don’t think this goal will be too hard. It certainly won’t be for the first few weeks. I’m so sick of eating out and having crap food for now that all I crave are fresh salads and veggies. I start at Curves on Tuesday after work, too, and back to my 5k training tomorrow!

Here’s to a healthy June!

Yesterday I drove down to the coast and spent the afternoon with my lovely friend. We had lunch and saw Prince of [...]]]> I am really enjoying my week off. I haven’t thought about work once yet and I’m not stressed out. I’m enjoying the beautiful weather, BBQs, time with Hubby and freedom and it’s only Tuesday.

Yesterday I drove down to the coast and spent the afternoon with my lovely friend. We had lunch and saw Prince of Persia and drooled over Jake Gyllenhaal. He’s so gorgeous (sorry Hubby!).

Today I had my appointment at Curves. We went through the fitness assessment, where my beginning weight is officially 218lbs. The girl was really nice and she took me around a few of the machines so I could get a feel for how they work and what the pace is. I think it will be kinda tough to start with, but I’m sure I’ll manage to kick butt in no time. If I’ve learned anything over the last 5 years it’s that I’m a very strong person and can do anything I put my mind to. My first workout will be Tuesday night after work. I’m really excited about it.

Tomorrow we’re off to London and then Brighton on Thursday. I’m looking forward to seeing Brighton and relaxing.