New Year Resolutions!!!

I have started to meet the challenges of my resolutions.  I decided to define them over 3 months and then review as I feel it is unrealistic to take them beyond this timeline.
Bearing in mind the overall considerations to be taken into account in my last post….here are my objectives……

1. Health - keep up 4/5 trips per week to the gym; maintain weight by monitoring weight weekly; keep alcohol consumption to weekends
2. Beauty - cleanse face nightly - sometimes get lazy at doing this properly; 
3. Wardrobe - clothes cull on items not worn for 2 years 
4. Hobbies - complete 3 oil portraits; update blog every 2/3 days

Not an extensive list I know but not meant to be as in this way there is a chance of ticking the boxes at the end of 3 months!

Have you decided on your resolutions?

pre work on New Year Resolutions…..

Before I firm up my New Year Resolutions I am trying to build in in some sensible considerations……

* Remember your resolutions are yours… don't try to include others who may not wish to be part of your commitment

* Limit  "activity" time replace by "productivity" time….. reduce non productive stuff like Facebook, twitter to say 1/2 times a day. Don't waste time playing games …….replace with exercise, projects, interests, hobbies….. career objectives…..

* remember time is yours - does not belong to anyone else - you decide how you use it…..

* spend time on those who truly love you………..

* Limit interaction with those who cause you angst even though you have to accommodate them from time to time for family/work reasons.




next ………important resolutions and measures……..

end of another year!!!

OK…Christmas officially over,  time to examine the state of mind….state of body……lets start with the latter….



Over the last couple of days at the gym we have had the usual influx of new people at our gym.  Over the past 30 years the gyms I have belonged  to - I have seen the same pattern emerge.  Conscience driven individuals decide at this time of year to take stock and be proactive - admirable.  The downside to this is that really overweight people embrace an unrealistic schedule. I see large men and women exercising using equipment as if they are being chased by a pack of hounds.  After 10 minutes many give up sweating profusely and looking decidedly ill.  They then talk with friends exchanginging thoughts on how hard they are working and disappear to the refreshment area where they have a full strength latte…..

I am not trying to be self righteousness but realistic. To sustain any sensible exercise plan you have to know yourself and develop a programme which works for you. The secret is then to make sure you can establish a regular routine which realistically can form part of your lifestyle.

From my experienced observations February marks the decline of the number of new December members who say things like "its a waste of time".  What they need to realise is that there is no quick fix.  Don't kid yourself that you are working hard - 10 minutes of little effort is not a workout!  Talk to the trainers at your gym and work out a regime which will work for you no matter how small…..a little and often will work wonders …..

welcome present!

We had a delightful meal with my son and his girlfriend Wednesday evening in Notting Hill.  It was a small homely Italian venue - excellent food - only downside was that we had to pay cash……..

Afterwards we exchanged presents……but before I expand on this…. just a few comments on logistics which I am sure will strike a chord with everyone…...

Christmas presents challenges for all families in terms of who you go to on Christmas Day.  My daughter and her boyfriend for years split in 2 directions for Christmas to spend time with their respective families.  This was not at the insistence of either set of parents but something emotionally both children wanted to do.  Now we have Christmas Eve and Day with me and Boxing Day and the next couple of days with her husband's family.

With my son he is still going through the arrangement of Christmas Eve with me and Christmas lunch and Susie goes to her mum. I love having my son her but also feel for his girlfriend. Again I have never insisted and I know there will come a time when things will be different.

My daughter who has a 4 and 2 year old has also subtly talked about them having Christmas at their home one year…….  my view is that you go with the flow we are all reasonable people and will sort out so that we all feel comfortable.  The trouble is for all families is that we all want to be together. For the moment we just need to get through this Christmas :) and worry about the future ones later !

Must be wonderful if you have an enormous house and can accommodate all!

Getting back to presents Susie wanted to see my face as I opened her present to me…… I was absolutely delighted with her choice as she knows I like to have very feminine  unusual things in my handbag………………

What I found particularly endearing is that the present showed that she really knows me and even more importantly….she cares…….. just perfect!!!

so here is my new stylish designer pen !!  It is http://www.campomarziodesign.it/ProductsSite/

"12 Angry Men"

J










just seen "Twelve Angry Men" at the Garrick Theatre - it has had excellent reviews and certainly we were not disappointed.  I always find it fascinating seeing famous actors at close quarters - particularly those who have been part of the catalogue of credits we viewed when young.  One of these most notably is Robert Vaughn who I remember so well from "A Man From Uncle" - seems a lifetime ago.  Robert Vaughn is sadly showing signs of decline and looks all of his 80+ years but still gives an excellent account of himself.

Martin Shaw also superb.  I did worry about how he would portray and American but needn't have done so - all carried very well as was the performance of all the others including Jeff Fahey and Nick Moran.

see extract below from link
 http://www.boxoffice.co.uk/arts-and-theatre-tickets/plays/twelve-angry-men-tickets.aspx?gclid=COGLrpiUvbsCFTDMtAodTyEAxQ

the classic 1957 Sidney Lumet movie that featured Henry Fonda in a starring role is one that is remembered fondly by movie lovers everywhere but what few may know is that it is based on a teleplay that screened on US television earlier in the 1950s and its subsequent stage play from 1955. Now audiences in the West End will be able to witness this stage production once again as the Garrick Theatrewelcomes a star cast in Twelve Angry Men.

Whereas that iconic movie featured Fonda alongside Jack Klugman and others, the Garrick play will feature Robert Vaughn, Martin Shaw, Jeff Fahey and Nick Moran among the cast members. So as well as re-exploring a classic story it will also offer the opportunity to see some high profile actors on the stage.

Twelve Angry Men focuses on the jury of murder trial. Following the court proceedings we witness as 12 jurors retire to deliberate on the case of a young boy accused of murdering his father. At first it seems as though this is going to be an easy decision to come to but thanks to the thinking of Juror 8 it is clear that there is more to it than meets the eye. Perhaps they won’t be able to make it home soon after all.

Robert Vaughn is a veteran actor whose work has spanned the stage and screen on the other side of the Atlantic. His credits include movies like The Magnificent Seven, The Bridge At Remagen, Bullitt and BASEketball, among others, as well as stage productions of The Real Inspector Hound in the US.

Meanwhile, Martin Shaw is also a veteran actor, albeit a British one, and his work has included television shows like Inspector George Gently, Judge John Deed and A&E, among others, as well as stage work like The Country Girl at the Apollo Theatre and An Ideal Husbandat the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Twelve Angry Men follows the long-running Rock of Ages at the Garrick Theatre when it opens at the venue on 11th November 2013 (previews from 7th November 2013). The show arrives in the West End on the back of a UK tour.

so much to do……..

Well Christmas is nearly here and preparations are well under way!  Decorations are up, presents mostly wrapped and final food list ready to buy!

To think we do all this for really one day, although I appreciate some extend this period and continue feasting!!.  We cater for 12 - something I really enjoy having my family around me and sharing anecdotes past and present.

My 2 little grandchildren are so excited and still appreciate Father Christmas and can't wait for Christmas morning and their presents.  I used to love this time with my own children and with your grandchildren you can experience it all over again.

Then the follow up  visiting relatives and delivering presents  which in itself is hectic and challenging with so many people having the same idea heading for the motorways.

The one day in all this melee that my husband and I appreciate is Boxing Day which is our day.  We really enjoy all the festivities on either side of this date but there is something very special about total relaxation and quietness and time just for the two of us. We savour the comfortable silence and potter around doing nothing in particular - heaven :)

weight loss update

I have reached my 7 lbs target……..  phew!!!  Celebration!!!!!!