Just Gilly

  We cancelled our gym membership ages ago. Mainly because we weren't going enough, then we couldn't go at all cos it was shut, then it was open but you had to book to go! But we've converted our snudge (my son mispronounced snug when he was little) into a gym. It has a gym ball, a medicine ball, weights, step, rubber bands and yoga mat. We also have a cross trainer on order (hubby's birthday present to himself) and I've used said gym three times this week. Go me! I reckon I'll have burnt at least 30 calories! So on Monday I'm starting my challenge. I've decided to go all in and I shall be giving up chocolate, sweets, biscuits, cake and ice cream. All things nice. I am not giving up alcohol, yogurt, custard and cheese scones (hint hint Mr B). I did wonder what I could give up in April. Any ideas? Sex? Well my husband will tell you I gave that up years ago! Of course that's not true (ask my boyfriends). Swearing? This is a maybe. Baths? That would be ...

I was reading the magazine supplement in last Sunday's newspaper. The editors letter at the beginning (yes I do read this) was all about valentine's day. She doesn't really agree with the forced romance of 14 February and prefers spontaneous all year. I kind of agree. When I was first married I told my husband not to get me flowers on my birthday, our anniversary or valentine's day as they are half expected on those days. I'd much rather have flowers out of the blue, unexpected and a surprise. Of course all that happened was that I never got flowers again! Though after a decade of me mentioning/moaning/nagging that he never gave me flowers I got a big bouquet of flowers on one Christmas morning with a promise to buy me flowers every month of the year. I loved this because it was romantic. And well, my husband d oes not do romantic! He hasn't a clue! Any romance he manages is accidental. I could give him instructions and notice that I'd like him to do somethi...

  In spite of the weather I would like to inform you that the start of spring is closer than the start of winter. We're over half way there. The daffodils have started to show through the earth. The days are getting longer and in only 6 weeks the clocks will go forward an hour. Warmer weather is due next week so we have lots to celebrate! Traditionally, with spring comes cleaning! I clean with a bone in my leg. My mum told me that no one lies on their death bed wishes they had done more cleaning! And I have a husband who takes to the cleaning with more zeal than I. Hooray. But de-cluttering is something that I am truly bad at. The intention is good but the actual is so lacking! I can appreciate the feeling of serenity after a jolly good sort out but my natural hording prevents any euphoria. I understand the ethos of getting rid of things you don't love, don't need or don't use. But I can't! I want to, I really do. But I'm held back because it was a gift, or has ...

  So I've not and can not make my bed when I get out but I've found a compromise. I plump the pillows and add the posh pillows and cushion, so it's kind of half made. If I do go back to my room after more than an hour I will make it properly. There's so many articles online, about why I need to do this. Google it 😃 So it's so lovely to have dry January done. I have had wine, and bubbly, and gin, and Cointreau! And now it's sugar free February. Most of you will have seen that I'm signed up for the British Heart Foundations March challenge! I couldn't ignore it! And my mum and son convinced (bullied) me to do both months! This one is no added sugar (except valentine's) and March is no chocolate, sweets or fizzy drinks. It will be super hard but I hope very worthwhile. I want to get through and over my cravings. Then maybe I might lose weight! If possible, please sponsor me to give me that support. But more importantly sponsor me to give a little bit t...