The Cheerful Soul

I wish I could say that the cheerful soul was me but...it isn't.  Not quite yet, anyway.

I did, however, recently get taken to a famous-ish restaurant (if you watched the BBC's The Restaurant series, you'll know what I mean) .  And that was particularly wonderful and it definitely cheered me up.  The food was fabulous (although I didn't adore my chicken but I do think that is more to do with my vegetarian leanings coming right back at me, to be honest), the atmosphere was idyllic summer evening (calm, relaxing and very warm) but the staff, by far, were the best thing.  They were lovely.  The kind of staff that make eating out a real treat.

I didn't watch the programme(s) but I do wish the couple running The Cheerful Soul every success; hopefully, with Raymond Blanc watching over them, they will survive the recession and positively thrive.

In case you're wondering, I had Pea, broad bean and mint soup to start (yummy):

Followed by Warm roast chicken ballotine, fresh garden salad, tarragon dressing:

You really could tell that the vegetables had been freshly picked - the taste was astonishing.

Anyway, it's back to business on all fronts.  Today I got back on my bike - literally.  I think it must be a year since my accident in London (when I was knocked off) and I haven't been too keen to get back into the saddle, as it were.  Of course, I DID ride my bike in the capital, after the event, but when I no longer needed to commute, I stopped cycling.

But I really enjoyed most of the ride today - apart from the main road bit and then I got super nervous - so that was a major hurdle tackled.  

I also went to a gym.  Not a fancy posey gym but somewhere for proper sporty folk.  I don't know whether it was Lesley's tales of the velodrome or what but I need to find somewhere to exercise that I will commit to. It hasn't helped that I haven't lived at home for 90% of this year but, even so, there can be no more excuses! I am doing a free trial at the new gym and already I think it's better for my skin; the place is properly ventilated and I found that I could last for longer on the treadmill without breaking out and wanting to scratch for England, as it were.

The silence has been due to one thing...the big d for depression or a down in the dumps dip.  Fellow bloggers were urging me on (thank you, thank you, thank you) but I just didn't have the ooomph to get typing.  But there is a definite correlation; no blog, no sense of perspective, no solidarity, no support.  I get an enormous amount from reading other people's take on this weight-loss/management malarkey. Sometimes it feels like a huge burden - of course, that's when I actually allow myself to feel as opposed to wiping out any feelings altogether.  By eating.

The weight hasn't crept back on; it's pole-vaulted its way back onto my frame - mainly on my stomach and hips. So I've gone back to being extremely chunky in the waist area...

Of course, this has not happened by osmosis.  I let it happen.  Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.

There is much more to say but I just had to write something - hey, anything - to get back into the groove. Note to self - do NOT let this slide.  Note to bloggers - thanks for keeping me on the right side of sanity in the past few weeks.  Blogging is one of the simplest and most effective ways of staying accountable.  People who know EXACTLY what you are going through can point you in the right direction and there can be no "well, it's easy for them" retorts.  Readers of this blog have it any which way but easy.  Particularly on the weight loss/weight management front.

So, I'm back in the saddle.  Let's hope I stay there.

Comments

[Lesley]

Great to see you back. I love the title of your post. Really gutsy when you're dragging yourself back out of that hole. Good luck with the exercise, I'm sure it'll help both with dropping some lbs and with cheering you up, it always works for me.

What is it I say now??

Keep it up chuck!

Lesley xx

[Coley]

Nothing of any use to say except to send a hug. You sound pissed off, you have every right and I know you'll sort it out. Try not to turn your pissed-off-ness against yourself. You've put on a bit of weight - you haven't murdered anyone. xxx

[Peridot]

Welcome back!

I'm sorry you've had a tough time but it's much to your credit that you always pick yourself up and get back on that wagon. Hope the new gym works out for you and helps you feel more in control.

love
Peridot x

PS No pic of pudding? Did you not have any? (sharp intake of breath)

[Account Deleted]

So glad you are back. I know how hard it can be with the big D. don't forget we're always here to listen!!