Pinch and a punch.....
.....hello January and .....
......hello 2026!!
I remembered to snap this photo, just as Sam was heading out the door to catch the bus. It would be my only chance to get a photo of us altogether, as Sophie would be back in Cardiff by the time Sam returned. But, I hadn't put up the banner...
...so we had to make do with Sam's Graduation photo!!!
It's tradition!!!
Sam spent New Years Eve in Bristol with Poppy.
Sophie, Jeff and I had a quiet night in, watched a film, then the fireworks and Big Ben!
It was far too cold to be celebrating outside!!
I wonder what's in store for us all this year.
Sophie? A new house, maybe!?! (it didn't quite happen in 2025)
Sam? A new job? Move to Bristol??
Me? Feel more energised and in control of the menopause!!!
Jeff? Stay fit and healthy! Inching ever closer to retirement!!
Good health and happiness all round and no dramas please x
Our travel plans are in place for the year ahead. Not as many trips as last year but we have our BIG Greek adventure in the summer planned, to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary.
Starting the 13 week countdown to Italy in April!
As always with a new year, come the fresh starts/plans/goals/intentions...
But no big start over here, more plodding on from where 2025 left off,
but with a renewed commitment for 'consistency'.
In August I returned from holiday vowing to make August count. And I did! It's usually a month of drifting, with Jeff home & now Sam in the mix too, but I set out routines for 'me' and I stuck to them.
But then September happened, a week in Corfu with Sophie, back to work in the gallery. October & gallery/ exam work and a few days in Cornwall, followed by half term and a trip to Lisbon. November is a birthday month with lots of jolly's/celebrations and then bang, it was December, 5 days in Italy followed by all the festivities.
So with the start of a new year, I draw a line on the past few months and move back to August (my August intentions) and will set up and commit to the routines that had started to make a difference.
Getting up at the same time every morning
Drinking a glass of water first thing
Stepping outside, awaken my circadian rhythm
No screens or coffee for the first hour
Doing my weights workout before I showered
Having breakfast of Greek yogurt, berries, flaxseed and walnuts
Limiting my coffee, introducing an afternoon mint tea
Staying hydrated with water
Eating fibre, protein, good fats meals
Walking after eating
No snacking, just three meals
Eating in a 8-10 hour window.
Same bed time every day
No screen time for the last hour
Reading every night
In August I returned from holiday vowing to make August count. And I did! It's usually a month of drifting, with Jeff home & now Sam in the mix too, but I set out routines for 'me' and I stuck to them.
But then September happened, a week in Corfu with Sophie, back to work in the gallery. October & gallery/ exam work and a few days in Cornwall, followed by half term and a trip to Lisbon. November is a birthday month with lots of jolly's/celebrations and then bang, it was December, 5 days in Italy followed by all the festivities.
So with the start of a new year, I draw a line on the past few months and move back to August (my August intentions) and will set up and commit to the routines that had started to make a difference.
Getting up at the same time every morning
Drinking a glass of water first thing
Stepping outside, awaken my circadian rhythm
No screens or coffee for the first hour
Doing my weights workout before I showered
Having breakfast of Greek yogurt, berries, flaxseed and walnuts
Limiting my coffee, introducing an afternoon mint tea
Staying hydrated with water
Eating fibre, protein, good fats meals
Walking after eating
No snacking, just three meals
Eating in a 8-10 hour window.
Same bed time every day
No screen time for the last hour
Reading every night
The menopause is killing me!
I have recently changed my HRT due to an episode of bleeding (all investigations are clear) but the dosage still isn't right, so first off a visit to the Dr's to get things sorted.
I got on the scales this morning and I weigh just a pound heavier than this time last year, but I feel 10 stone heavier!! I don't ache as much (something is working, one of the many supplements I take) but I feel tired, I feel 'heavy' I'm fed up of my eyes streaming, the new hot flashes and the fact that the night sweats have returned.
So this year is all about 'ME'.
I got on the scales this morning and I weigh just a pound heavier than this time last year, but I feel 10 stone heavier!! I don't ache as much (something is working, one of the many supplements I take) but I feel tired, I feel 'heavy' I'm fed up of my eyes streaming, the new hot flashes and the fact that the night sweats have returned.
So this year is all about 'ME'.
Feeling better, feeling healthier, feeling like the old me!! Its not about being thinner, although a few pounds off would be most welcome, but about feeling energised and happier in myself
'CONSISTENCY'
One thing I did set out to do last year and is something I do want to continue with this year, is reading. Such a simple thing, but one I have found really challenging to do over the past few years. My concentration and ability to remember what I had read, made reading a no go area. Thankfully, I have settled into a better routine and it's something I will actively keep doing in 2026.
I want to continue listening to my podcasts, keeping myself best informed about health and well being.
I will continue to support musical theatre, with 7 shows already booked in for the year ahead.
I MIGHT even try and learn a little Italian (no promises)
Whatever the year ahead brings, I hope it's one of good health and happiness xx
