It's almost time to make my ill-fated New Year resolutions. Every New Year's Eve I eat, drink and party too much. I wake up the next morning with my head in my hands saying never again. I then proceed to make a list of goals. I expect to achieve these milestones just because it's a brand new year. Sound familiar?
I've decided to think about my resolutions early this year before my mind goes hazy from too much drink and convinces me I can achieve anything just because I wrote it down.
In previous years I decided I would become fitter. I come from a family of runners - grandad, mum, dad and auntie. Unfortunately, I missed out on the running gene, much to the amusement of my family.
One of my greatest sporting achievements was never setting foot in the school pool. I became my sports teacher's favourite student. Not because I excelled in sports but because I could always be relied on to deliver his messages as I had forgotten my gym gear AGAIN.
Back in England my favourite sports class was cross country running. My friend Becky and I would lag behind the others until they were out of sight then head back to her place for a smoke and a coffee. We'd keep an eye on the road and tag on at the end with the stragglers.
It was all fun and games at the time but I paid the price later as an adult. I always have to work that much harder to keep up with my friends and family because my body has been trained to be lazy. I love walking and swimming these days and I'm becoming healthier all the time. Where was I going with this story?
Each year my parents run Round The Bays. It's a popular fun run around the Auckland water front. They ask me to participate every year. I think they ask me as a cruel joke but this year I am going to do it. My mother will probably think it's the best joke she's heard all year when I tell her. I'm not sure how much running will be done, it's rather difficult to restrain my bosoms but I'll definitely walk round.
I have in my hot hand the training schedule which looks quite easy actually. The hardest part for me will be being part of a huge crowd. I don't enjoy being around large crowds of people. I was discussing this point recently with some friends and we decided we could always do the walk on a different day - it's completing the goal which is important, not when we do it.
DAY 1
Today's training was a breeze. If I can keep up this regime, I'll be as fit as a fiddle in no time. Today was a rest day. I kid you not, hehe. What on earth does the expression fit as a fiddle mean anyway? How can a fiddle be fit? The mind boggles.
I've rambled on long enough. Wish me luck.
Happy New Year
Love KB
xxx
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Yes, the silly season is finally getting to me. Hope you enjoy my video.
I'll be heading to the beach for a while after Christmas. Have fun this festive season. Take care of yourselves and have a drink on my behalf.
Lots of Love Secret Santa
xxx
I'll be heading to the beach for a while after Christmas. Have fun this festive season. Take care of yourselves and have a drink on my behalf.
Lots of Love Secret Santa
xxx
Saturday, 20 December 2008
SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS - LATE
This week's prompt is late.
Earlier this week I accompanied a friend of mine to the Family Planning Clinic. This was the first time I'd visited Family Planning and I was curious to see what the place was like. I had visions of unwed mothers and unsavoury types loitering around. Very prejudiced of me I know but I thought this clinic was a place to go if you couldn't afford a visit to the doctor.
The place was different than I imagined; very welcoming and cosy. I approached the receptionist and informed her in hushed tones that we were here for the Family Planning Clinic. My friend and I sat ourselves down on the couch and waited. Two forty somethings sitting in the lounge with a couple of teenage girls. I felt rather out of place.
I sneaked a peak at the girls next to me while I read my magazine. They looked all of fifteen years old and absolutely terrified. I recognised the pained expression on one girl's face and remember years ago when I too was LATE. I felt such sorrow while I watched her as she entered the room, emerging a few minutes later with a brown paper bag and heading to the ladies room. Why don't they ever give you a bigger paper bag? Must be designed by a man. Sorry boys. She left the clinic a little later with tears in her eyes. She looked so young and vulnerable. Hardly able to take care of herself, never mind a little one. No doubt off to tell mum and dad she had a special surprise for them for Christmas. When you're so young, thinking you could be pregnant feels like the end of the world.
My friend and I were next in line. Our visit was very lighthearted and I managed to have the nurse in fits of laughter. Must have been a bit of a change from her usual visitors.
Maturity can make these experiences easier to deal with but I can still connect with that terrified girl inside of me. Knowledge has indeed made me wiser but I still make mistakes. How can we expect youngsters with no experience to make the right choices especially when they have all those hormones flying around? We can educate them and give them the right tools but in the end they will make their own choices.
Earlier this week I accompanied a friend of mine to the Family Planning Clinic. This was the first time I'd visited Family Planning and I was curious to see what the place was like. I had visions of unwed mothers and unsavoury types loitering around. Very prejudiced of me I know but I thought this clinic was a place to go if you couldn't afford a visit to the doctor.
The place was different than I imagined; very welcoming and cosy. I approached the receptionist and informed her in hushed tones that we were here for the Family Planning Clinic. My friend and I sat ourselves down on the couch and waited. Two forty somethings sitting in the lounge with a couple of teenage girls. I felt rather out of place.
I sneaked a peak at the girls next to me while I read my magazine. They looked all of fifteen years old and absolutely terrified. I recognised the pained expression on one girl's face and remember years ago when I too was LATE. I felt such sorrow while I watched her as she entered the room, emerging a few minutes later with a brown paper bag and heading to the ladies room. Why don't they ever give you a bigger paper bag? Must be designed by a man. Sorry boys. She left the clinic a little later with tears in her eyes. She looked so young and vulnerable. Hardly able to take care of herself, never mind a little one. No doubt off to tell mum and dad she had a special surprise for them for Christmas. When you're so young, thinking you could be pregnant feels like the end of the world.
My friend and I were next in line. Our visit was very lighthearted and I managed to have the nurse in fits of laughter. Must have been a bit of a change from her usual visitors.
Maturity can make these experiences easier to deal with but I can still connect with that terrified girl inside of me. Knowledge has indeed made me wiser but I still make mistakes. How can we expect youngsters with no experience to make the right choices especially when they have all those hormones flying around? We can educate them and give them the right tools but in the end they will make their own choices.
Sunday, 14 December 2008
SUNDAY SCRIBBLINGS - I KNEW INSTANTLY...
I KNEW INSTANTLY I was going to struggle with this prompt. I'm not a 'know instantly' kind of girl. I'm a ponderer, dweller, list maker, what ifer (that can't be a word). I'm sure you understand what I mean. Spontaneity is not my friend and I hate surprises. Anything spontaneous has to be arranged at least a week in advance and any surprise must be approved by me beforehand. I am exaggerating of course but only slightly.
I blame my mother. She is even guiltier of this than I am. Getting both of us to be spontaneous simultaneously is quite the accomplishment. Many have tried, few have succeeded.
I used to be embarrassed by this trait but now I accept it as being a part of who I am. Hubby has made it his personal mission to scare the shit...I mean surprise me on a regular basis. I'm pleased to say I'm getting more laid back each year. However, if he ever throws me a surprise party...I WILL kill him.
I blame my mother. She is even guiltier of this than I am. Getting both of us to be spontaneous simultaneously is quite the accomplishment. Many have tried, few have succeeded.
I used to be embarrassed by this trait but now I accept it as being a part of who I am. Hubby has made it his personal mission to scare the shit...I mean surprise me on a regular basis. I'm pleased to say I'm getting more laid back each year. However, if he ever throws me a surprise party...I WILL kill him.
Saturday, 13 December 2008
SEEK AND YOU SHALL FIND
Seekers are offered clues all the time from the world of the spirit. Ordinary people call these clues coincidences.
-Deepak Chopra
Until recently, I had never been a big believer in coincidences. I tried an exercise I found in a book. The idea was to write down and pay attention to coincidences for a week. For example, receiving a brochure in the mail regarding a course you are interested in, hearing a stranger give advice about the exact problem that's been keeping you up nights. That sort of thing.
I was surprised to have quite a long list by the end of the week. Not only did I notice them but I took action regarding some of them too. Now I'm wondering if these clues have been around me previously and I've missed them because I wasn't paying attention. Or, are they showing up because I am searching for them?
Hmm, very interesting.
-Deepak Chopra
Until recently, I had never been a big believer in coincidences. I tried an exercise I found in a book. The idea was to write down and pay attention to coincidences for a week. For example, receiving a brochure in the mail regarding a course you are interested in, hearing a stranger give advice about the exact problem that's been keeping you up nights. That sort of thing.
I was surprised to have quite a long list by the end of the week. Not only did I notice them but I took action regarding some of them too. Now I'm wondering if these clues have been around me previously and I've missed them because I wasn't paying attention. Or, are they showing up because I am searching for them?
Hmm, very interesting.
Friday, 12 December 2008
FLASH 55 - PERFECT GRAMMER
I found it difficult to remain stationery as my principle sweatly explained this. The principals should be straigh forward as I speak the language everyday. although perfect grammer escapes me, I loved to play with words. For example - you can say you pricked your finger but a different meaning is apparent if you fingered your ...
.....................................................................................
HOW MANY MISTAKES CAN YOU FIND?
Flash Fiction - Every Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss - If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.
Happy reading and writing!
Love
KB
.....................................................................................
HOW MANY MISTAKES CAN YOU FIND?
Flash Fiction - Every Friday, I compose a short story of 55 words - no more, no less. If you would like to join in the fun and games... post your story and report to the boss - If you're not interested in contributing a story, feel free to read the other entries. I'm sure any comments you have would be appreciated.
Happy reading and writing!
Love
KB
Thursday, 11 December 2008
BLONDE...KRAZY BLONDE
I've read a couple of scathing reviews of the new Bond film but I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were times I was certain I was watching scenes from the last Jason Bourne movie actually.
This movie was action packed, fast paced and surprisingly violent. I can recall only one of the usually included 'yeah right' stunts. Hopefully, Bond's days of flying down a mountain on a cello case are over.
In my opinion, the worst of 007 has been replaced but the old gems still remain. Daniel Craig is charismatic and totally droolworthy shirtless and M is as crabby as ever.
It's all good. Loved it!
LESSON FOR THE DAY
A two-hour motion picture uses around 3.3km of film.
This movie was action packed, fast paced and surprisingly violent. I can recall only one of the usually included 'yeah right' stunts. Hopefully, Bond's days of flying down a mountain on a cello case are over.
In my opinion, the worst of 007 has been replaced but the old gems still remain. Daniel Craig is charismatic and totally droolworthy shirtless and M is as crabby as ever.
It's all good. Loved it!
LESSON FOR THE DAY
A two-hour motion picture uses around 3.3km of film.
Monday, 8 December 2008
DIABETES ON THE RISE
My local rag informs me that diabetes is on the rise in cats and dogs.
"At the moment we have four cats and 10 dogs diagnosed with diabetes and on insulin," says a local vet.
Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination and eating more but appearing to lose weight.
Cats and dogs need insulin in most of these cases and an appropriate diet. The weight loss diet for cats has been dubbed the 'catkins' diet.
Yikes, sickening if you ask me. What are their owners feeding them?
I discussed this with a friend of mine who informed me her dog eats the same food she has for dinner. Erm, hello, he's a dog not a human.
I learned my lesson about giving Coco 'human' food. I fed her left over baked beans one night. The gas was nauseating. I felt like I was sitting on the edge of the bog of eternal stench. Even Coco looked embarrassed.
Oh dear
"At the moment we have four cats and 10 dogs diagnosed with diabetes and on insulin," says a local vet.
Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination and eating more but appearing to lose weight.
Cats and dogs need insulin in most of these cases and an appropriate diet. The weight loss diet for cats has been dubbed the 'catkins' diet.
Yikes, sickening if you ask me. What are their owners feeding them?
I discussed this with a friend of mine who informed me her dog eats the same food she has for dinner. Erm, hello, he's a dog not a human.
I learned my lesson about giving Coco 'human' food. I fed her left over baked beans one night. The gas was nauseating. I felt like I was sitting on the edge of the bog of eternal stench. Even Coco looked embarrassed.
Oh dear
KB THE RED NOSED BLONDIE
A sad soul can kill you quicker than a germ.
- John Steinbeck
Looks like Rudolph can be given the night off this Christmas Eve. I have blown my nose so many times in the last couple of days, the red glow lights up the night sky.
Back to bed for me.
*blows nose AGAIN*
LESSON FOR THE DAY
The bird that lays the largest egg in relation to its own size is the Kiwi.
- John Steinbeck
Looks like Rudolph can be given the night off this Christmas Eve. I have blown my nose so many times in the last couple of days, the red glow lights up the night sky.
Back to bed for me.
*blows nose AGAIN*
LESSON FOR THE DAY
The bird that lays the largest egg in relation to its own size is the Kiwi.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
CHRISTMAS AT THE BEACH
This week's prompt is TRADITION.
T oes in the sand
R estless minds start to calm
A nother lazy day
D iving into the ocean
I magination abounds
T oasted marshmallows
I ntoxicating moonlight
O pen fire to dance around
N ourishment for the soul
T oes in the sand
R estless minds start to calm
A nother lazy day
D iving into the ocean
I magination abounds
T oasted marshmallows
I ntoxicating moonlight
O pen fire to dance around
N ourishment for the soul
A FIRST
For the first time in my life, I've completed my Christmas shopping and posted all my cards BERFORE Christmas Eve. Woohoo!
Thursday, 4 December 2008
As many of you are aware, hubby is a pilot. Recently, tragedy struck the airline he flies for. Five of his colleagues and two German pilots were killed when the airbus they were aboard crashed into the Mediterranean.
According to French authorities, the plane broke up on impact and there is no chance of survivors being found. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined.
I am thankful hubby is home and safe. My heart goes out to the friends and family members of the men killed.
Each time I hear of a story like this, it reminds me how important it is to tell the people I love how much they mean to me.
Lots of love
KB
xxx
According to French authorities, the plane broke up on impact and there is no chance of survivors being found. The cause of the crash has yet to be determined.
I am thankful hubby is home and safe. My heart goes out to the friends and family members of the men killed.
Each time I hear of a story like this, it reminds me how important it is to tell the people I love how much they mean to me.
Lots of love
KB
xxx
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
HAPPY NEWS
Both of my step-daughters will be in town for Christmas. Woohoo!
G has been living overseas for 18 months. She phoned yesterday to confirm she is on her way home and she'll be bringing her new fella with her. I haven't seen her for over a year. I'm very excited.
She also informed me she had a very blonde moment. She will be staying with her half sister for a short time in Melbourne, Australia. Unfortunately, she booked a ticket to Melbourne, USA. The airline wouldn't refund or exchange her ticket. She's out of pocket 250 English pounds.
H will be home soon too. Her audition for the film went well. She was called back again last week and it's still a toss up between her and another girl. The director asked her if she would be willing to dye her hair red for the role. One of my favourite blondes with red hair - can't wait to see that.
She's also been working on a short film. She's been putting in long hours, 4pm till 4am, six days a week. She made contact with another director while she was working on the film and he suggested she apply for a position at one of NZ's top acting schools. She was accepted on the spot.
I'm very proud of both of the girls and looking forward to seeing them soon.
G has been living overseas for 18 months. She phoned yesterday to confirm she is on her way home and she'll be bringing her new fella with her. I haven't seen her for over a year. I'm very excited.
She also informed me she had a very blonde moment. She will be staying with her half sister for a short time in Melbourne, Australia. Unfortunately, she booked a ticket to Melbourne, USA. The airline wouldn't refund or exchange her ticket. She's out of pocket 250 English pounds.
H will be home soon too. Her audition for the film went well. She was called back again last week and it's still a toss up between her and another girl. The director asked her if she would be willing to dye her hair red for the role. One of my favourite blondes with red hair - can't wait to see that.
She's also been working on a short film. She's been putting in long hours, 4pm till 4am, six days a week. She made contact with another director while she was working on the film and he suggested she apply for a position at one of NZ's top acting schools. She was accepted on the spot.
I'm very proud of both of the girls and looking forward to seeing them soon.
Monday, 1 December 2008
PRISON BREAK IN
The third season of Prison Break has returned to our screens. I love this TV show. Not because of the plot, which is OK but because of some of the men.
These men have broken out of prison and are on the run from the law yet...
their hair is perfectly styled
their clothes are expensively tailored
their stubble is exactly the right length
even their sweat drips perfectly on their exquisitely toned bodies
They are drool worthy to say the least and all this beautiful grooming taken care of while being on the run for months.
Damn, if that's what prison inmates look like...let me in!
These men have broken out of prison and are on the run from the law yet...
their hair is perfectly styled
their clothes are expensively tailored
their stubble is exactly the right length
even their sweat drips perfectly on their exquisitely toned bodies
They are drool worthy to say the least and all this beautiful grooming taken care of while being on the run for months.
Damn, if that's what prison inmates look like...let me in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)