There are times when, even at 50 years old, I still don't feel like a real adult. Often this is when I see photos on social media of other adults I know who have matching tableware in the shot, art that they actually got around to putting in a frame, coordinated bedding or, in particular, an arrangement of houseplants. Owning multiple thriving houseplants is just showing off in my opinion. I have proved that I can succeed in keeping humans and pets alive but I wonder if that's largely because they would protest if I forgot to feed them or if they became too hot or cold. Neglect a plant and it wilts and dies, I have no patience with this kind of martyrdom. Nonetheless I decided to give it another shot. I bought a cheap selection of low maintenance potted plants from a well known Swedish furniture and meatball emporium. I also received a couple of plants from friends: the first a cactus (this person knows my limitations) and the second an orchid (these friends have grossly ov...
In the spirit of post-Covid abandon I went on two holidays! Both were to Northumberland, an area of the country that I feel so drawn to, that I am considering retiring there. Perhaps that goal will make it onto the 60 list. My first trip was at Christmas, to a static caravan with stunning sea views at Newbiggin-By-The-Sea. The caravan was cosy and comfortable, just big enough for me, the dog and the excessive amount of festive food and drink that I had transported up with us. I had found the accommodation on Airbnb and our host had thought of everything: a Christmas tree all lit up for our arrival, extra blankets, dog treats, a hamper of Prosecco and sweet and savoury treats, everything needed for breakfast and even binoculars for a closer look at the sea life right outside our window. As it turned out these luxuries were needed as the weather did not cooperate. It was wet and stormy for most of the week and besides the daily, blustery dog walk on the beach I spent the majori...
I was put on my first diet at the age of 3, staying in a hospital an hour from home where everything I ate was calorie-counted, so unsurprisingly I cannot remember a time when I didn't understand that I was too fat and that this was a bad thing to be. Since early childhood I have either been on a diet or cheating. Consequently I never eat just because I am hungry. Repeated restriction has given me a complex relationship with food: I eat to excess to celebrate, self-medicate or commiserate. Every emotion whether positive or negative is an excuse for a sweet treat or a takeaway. Then afterwards I feel disappointed with myself and decide to "be good" and eat better tomorrow. I have successfully lost weight with Weight Watchers, Slimming World, Slim Fast, Lighter Life, The Cambridge Diet, The F Plan Diet, Rosemary Conley, Atkins, Keto and Intermittent Fasting. I have joined gyms, counted steps, kept food diaries and filled in exercise logs and yet I am still very overweight. ...
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