Counting my blessings

Now I’m back at work, I realise how much I miss the blog as part of my way to stay on track. Twas only a longer than average weekend, but had so many thoughts running through my head that I kept thinking I must share that, or I wish I could write about that. Now I’m back, have realised that I’ve forgotten quite a bit, but at least this shows that the exercise is making me consider things carefully in many different ways.

I remained true to my word and stayed sober and had a lovely time. Friday was one of those eves when your face hurts at the end from laughing so much! We girls hadn’t been together since 2 of us left Cobra in January 2007, so there was a lot of catching up to be done. The food was divine (I grossed the others out ordering oysters followed by steak tartare) and the other 2 shared a bottle of red whilst I mainlined the sparkling water. I have invented a new trick whereby I make a note of the time I have to leave on a bit of paper before I go out. It’s a mental reminder and if I stick to it, I can be home and dry before the goodbyes get awkward. It’s no reflection on the company, but it’s a useful exercise in being disciplined.

I left them at 11.00 to get the last train home so they could go on somewhere for a nightcap without the chief party pooper! That said, it felt so good to have a genuine laugh without the wine and I was still smiling to myself on the way home. In addition, we had a frank and honest discussion about women and their habits. 3 professional females who, to all intents and purposes have no ‘issues’ so to speak of, confessed their weaknesses in light of my explaining the pledge I had taken. I shall spare you the detail but it only adds to my belief that I am far from alone and always only one step away from sinking back into my own quagmire of confusion.

On Saturday K and I went to a beautiful concert in Smith Square. Tchaikovsky and Brahms with an amazing pianist called Idil Biret. It was stunning and as we wandered back through Whitehall after the event, I felt a true sense of peace and calm. The effort from the orchestra (all amateurs and civil servants by day) the audience who (in many cases) had clearly turned out to support friends and family and the beauty of the venue was all memorable. Am already looking at the next ones in the schedule to book!

Sunday was girly shopping on the King’s Road with A. Perfect Sunday stuff and I didn’t notice the time pass. I even bought a summer dress and managed to make it not black! A lot of people have remarked that of late, my clothing has been gloomier then ever. I have always fallen back on black as a staple, but it could be considered a reflection of my mood, if I am forever shrouded in dark and voluminous fabric. I am now the proud owner of a multi-coloured dress in red and russets, which should lift my mood when I wear it. K was very impressed and has nominated A as my official shopping partner for her wise choices!

Monday was pottering as I had taken Tuesday off to do chores, though acupuncture was less of a chore and more of a precursor to my later appointment at the dentist! Not that I had anything to worry about, and my dentist made me laugh at the mention of me having needles stuck in me. He winced and said he could never do that (in spite of spending his every day injecting other folk. Priceless!)

Back to the grindstone today and yet more resolve. In addition to my 3 things to be thankful for, I am taking up a good habit and dropping a bad one every day. It’s like an exchange system, which stops me from doing what I’ve always done and going into ‘healthy living’ like a bat out of hell, only to exit it as fast when the time is up. Stealth is my new watchword!

Today I have:
- Taken up drinking 2 litres of water
- Given up biscuits!!
I have always been dehydrated since childhood (long story I think going back to my refusal to take milk at birth) and have no real sweet tooth, yet find myself dipping into K’s stash with alarming regularity. Until he invaded my space (in the nicest possible way!) with his sweet goodies, I was never tempted, but now that it is there I need to stay strong!!

As for my thanks, they are:
- The fact that it’s A’s birthday and she’s had a lovely day. That really matters to me as much as her;
- That my healthy lunch was delicious and good for me in equal measure;
- That I have a job! When I see/hear stories of all those who haven’t I am only too aware that, in spite of it’s drawbacks, it’s a blessing. Honest guv!