Category Archives: Thoughts

Anyone know where the reset button is?

Reset switchAnyone around me or unfortunate enough to keep in touch on Facebook or Twitter you’ll know I’ve been under the weather lately and moaning about it. A lot. Coz I hate being sick.

It started as an annoying headcold about 3 weeks ago that just would’t shift which is out of character for me. This time last week it all got ickier with swollen tonsils threatening to morph into scarlet fever and feeling completely miserable.

A week on and coming to the end of a week’s supply of anti-biotics I’m still feeling quite manky. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken any so I guess I’ve forgotten what they do to a body but reckon it can’t be just down to that.

I knew I had veered off the tracks a little a few weeks back and swore I was going on a no junk no booze detox for the duration of Lent at least. Energy was lower, the headcold had arrived and my skin was going to the dogs. But now I’ve realised it’s simply got to happen.

Time to hit reset. My GP told me my immune system is pretty fried so that’s number 1 to get back on track. Time to start eating healthier, getting outdoors more and taking proper time out. In short a fairly substantial lifestyle revamp.

It won’t be easy but I’m going to give it my best shot and hopefully build myself up in all ways for Ken’s challenge of “30 days of home cooking” in April.

If anyone’s got any tips I’m all ears!

A landmark day

Finally time to have your say. Get out and vote today if you can – there’s many around the world who dream of the chance to do so in their own country.

Conf 2 Sat morn_4180
Getting political at the Labour Party National Conference 2009

If you didn’t get a polling card just go to your polling station with photo ID before 10pm.

It’s also 2 years to the date since Joe Rospars gave “a talk” on his work on Obama’s campaign aka the launch of the new Fianna Fáil website. I wasn’t impressed. Neither was another blogger that I bumped into there called Darragh Doyle.

How time flies. Happy Friday.

Look, mummy – no float!

Some rights reserved by terren in Virginia

Lesson number 2 came around very quickly. So quickly I barely got my bit of practice in 2 nights previously which turned out to be invaluable despite how stupid I felt splashing and coughing by myself much to the amusement of the (what I’ll for now politely call) “onlookers”.

To rob a soundbite from the fabulous This Is Pop Baby‘s production Alice in Funderland, “there’s no cliché without fire” and yes it seems that practice makes perfect. Or at least helps you on your way in this case.

I’m shocked that little over 2 hours into the 6 hours of beginners lessons the floats have been abandoned and my fear of water has subsided significantly. It helps that there’s a lack of a deep end too :)

I’m now at the stage I was when I last tried to learn about 15 years ago. I never got the hang of turning to breath but I’m hoping it’s down to the lack of opportunity to practice. Some people have laughed at me when I say I can’t swim having grown up on the west coast but I challenge any of them to even go knee deep without going blue all over.

It’s a fascinating learning experience. I’ve realised that most of it is a psychological battle rather than a physical one. Like if you’re exhausted after only one length it’s not purely because you’re unfit, it’s because you’re going too fast rushing to the other end to get up to breathe. And a bit of water in your mouth, nose and ears is fine – you’re not going to drown!

Fingers crossed we all get through another week as optimistic and with as much enthusiasm to nail it!

Week 2 verdict: practice makes practice makes practice makes it better :)