2013..... My Best Bits

It's that time of year again when I trawl through the years photos, put them all together, find a suitable soundtrack and tag you all. Due to my lack of techie knowledge and severe dislike of Movie maker on windows 8 I shall be doing this year a little differently.

 When I look back on the past year I think it has been one of the better, well in the past 5 years anyway!!

I feel I have achieved so much on a personal level as well as physically.

I have made some good friends online, one I managed to meet up with in my hometown in the Summer, and have never felt closer to my Sisters and their Children.

The New Year began with the removal of the screws in my hip, something I was going into with slight trepidation and a bit of a 'what If it hasn't worked' mindset!! Well I had nothing to worry about as by March I had set myself up with a personal trainer and signed up for a walking marathon later in the year.

The training for the Marathon I originally dreaded, but as the weeks went on I looked forward to an evening of power-walking, especially combined with the beautiful Somerset sunsets.  I am blessed to live in such a picturesque part of the country, something which I probably took for granted in my younger years. 

February was a very special and emotional time for me.  Coinciding with Eating Disorders Awareness Week, I decided to publish a collection of blog pieces and poetry and donate the royalties to Somerset & Wessex Eating Disorders Association.  I am so grateful for all the support shown throughout this process, to Bee for doing endless hours of edited and to my friends for putting up with my constant 'going on' about it. 

So far the books has made over £100 for sweda. Not a huge amount I know (royalties are rubbish!!) but more importantly was the message being spread to others abut Eating Disorders.  I even managed a radio interview!!! 

A huge highlight of 2013 was being asked to be an Ambassador for Body Gossip.  This involves promoting the message of positive body image for everyone and has included being involved in their Flash-mob in London and also interviewing people for their body stories to be told in a stage-show at the South-bank.

Two people I interviewed were chosen for their stories to be told. I was gutted to not be able to see the show as was working, hopefully the show will get enough backing to promote it in 2014.  Throughout the interview weeks I heard so many unique, funny, sad and empowering stories, It was an unforgettable experience.

 My elder Sisters diagnosis and subsequent treatment for Cancer saw me travelling back and forth between Somerset and London most weekends during the Summer Months. I spent sunny days picnicking in the park, in the kitchen  making cake pops and evenings chatting, drinking wine and watching horror movies.

Thankfully after surgery and treatment my Sis is well again. It really shouldn't have taken something like that to contact each other!!

So a quick run down of my best bits of 2013, in no particular order.

• Publishing My Book.
• A radio interview on BBC radio Somerset.
• Meeting my friend Heather from America after 31 years.
• Body Gossip Flashmob.
• Meeting the Shoreditch Sisters W.I and interviewing them.
• Walking 26.2 miles for Cancer Research at night and meeting some wonderful and inspirational people.
• Doing a 5k run in Bristol and being showered in powered paints.
• Going to a cupcake decorating workshop ( sad I know)

Photos Of The Best Bits

So what does 2014 hold for me? No idea, but what I do know is there will be NO New Year new Me.  I will be the same person but taking on different challenges.  Starting January 1st I have set myself a blog post a day challenge.....  think I can manage it?  I hope so. 

See you on the other side.   Happy new Year xxxx

Wishing You All A Very 'Elfy' Christmas

Tis The Season To Be Jolly, Fa La La la La La La la Laaaaaaaaaaa

'It's the most wonderful time of the year,' 'Eat, drink and be merry,' are two of many expressions used at Christmas. For me Christmas is about family and friends, spending time with those you love and care for, along with having time off work mixed in with some wonderful food and a decent bottle (or three) of wine.

I will not forget those who are no longer with me......  Mum and Dad will be remembered, possibly with a few happy and sad tears. 

I will also be thinking of my friends who have lost loved ones over the past year. The first year is the hardest, but it does get easier. Remember the Christmas you had last year or the year before and smile. Keep that thought and they will be with you in your heart :)

I think about those in the Eating Disorder community who are still battling a dreadful illness. Christmas is possibly one of the worst times, food is just everywhere. Try not to focus on the food but focus on the positives of spending time with your loved ones. Speak to your parents/partner/friends and have a varied menu that you have some control over so you are not under too much stress. If you have a food plan, try and stick to it, It will be worth it. Have a buddy to help you out at parties, especially if you are confused about portion control.

 When you eat Xmas Dinner don't beat yourself up thinking you have lost control, remember you can be the one in control and by having lunch you have controlled your eating disorder. You have kicked its ass!!!

If you feel guilty afterwards and feel the need to purge, say to yourself 'this too shall pass.'  The feeling won't stick around forever, think distraction, distraction, distraction.

Text a friend, have a funny game of charades, take a walk and take in the peace of Christmas Day.

If you are on your own this Christmas think of all the things you like to do for yourself. Make the day about YOU, because you are important and worth the time.

Within all the chaos, noise, expense, mess and stress remember to take a little time for yourself. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope to catch you in the New Year.

Next Year I Will........



I am very good at making New Year resolutions, and even better at breaking them!! This year I was given a different way of planning resolutions by an online friend and I will do my up most to stick to them!

The idea being is that they are sustainable all year round, they are measurable and above all they are not a chore!! This list of resolutions will not only be fun to do, but will make a difference (I hope) to my life, my health and my relationships.

Here goes..........

1.  Write a blog post a day.

Just recently my blog has been neglected for many reasons. lack of time, lack of inspiration or just something more important crops up. I owe it to myself and those who have been following my stories to bring it back to life and give it the care and attention it deserves. Even just a few sentences, a quote or a picture can make a difference to someone reading or to how I am feeling. I may need to think ahead when I'm off on holiday but that can be worked on.

2.  Take a photo a day.

I love taking photos and sharing photos, often to the point I'm sure of boring others!!  Photos tell a story, they trigger memories and evoke emotions. Not sure yet if this will be incorporated in with my blog, I will have to think on that one.

3.  Have a date night with Hubby once a month.

Something we don't do enough of is spend quality time together on our own. We have plenty of nights in front of the TV but fall short on the dinners out, cinema evenings, long walks and weekends away. This is one resolution I am seriously looking forward to and hoping I can  motivate the other half.

4.  Eat dinner at the table with no TV at least twice a week.

Self explanatory really. Something we got out of the habit of when Toby grew up and started to fend for himself.

5. To have Toby, his Girlfriend and Son round to Sunday lunch once a Month and eat at the table.

6.  Write a letter to an online friend and post it every Month.

I have made lots of friends online from different walks of life and from around the World. I enjoy sending cards and gifts for Birthdays and Christmas but would love to write and receive letters. if anyone reading fancies joining in, let me know.

7.  Walk for an hour at least twice a week regardless of the weather.

8. Carrying on from number 7, train for the cancer research Shine Walk 2014 and beat this years time.

9.  Stop going into work early to get things finished.

Firstly, if I need to work more hours to get my work done my time management or the system is crap!! Secondly, I don't get paid for the extra time.

10.  Get up 30 minutes earlier for work and eat breakfast.

Are these sustainable? Will keep you up to date. bring on 2014.