Monday 30 June 2008

Friday 27 June 2008

Today's Lesson

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well.
At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone.. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up. Remember the five simple rules to be happy: Free your heart from hatred - Forgive. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen. Live simply and appreciate what you have. Give more. Expect less NOW ............ Enough of that dung . . . The donkey later came back, and bit the farmer who had tried to bury him. The gash from the bite got infected and the farmer eventually died in agony from septic shock.

MORAL FROM TODAY'S LESSON: When you do something wrong, and try to cover your ass, it always comes back to bite you.

Thursday 26 June 2008

Sound Advice

Had this sent to me in an email.
John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!' He was a natural motivator.
If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!' 'You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?'
He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or...you can choose to be in a bad mood. I choose to be in a good mood.' Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.
'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested. 'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.'
I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left work to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?' I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. 'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live..' 'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked. He continued, '...the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.' 'What did you do?' I asked.
'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.' He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude...I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' Matthew 6:34.
After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Wednesday 25 June 2008

Made It

Have felt awful all day, think I'm coming down with something (No, it's not man flu) Tonight I thought I wouldn't make it to the weigh in at my Slimmimg World class. I made a special effort and am I glad I did. Despite the mad night out at the weekend, I had another 2lb off.
Making it my twelfth award. (Award given at every half stone)
(No, it wasn't a big drum. Norn Iron Joke)

6 STONE REACHED

Tuesday 24 June 2008

Happy Looking Breakfast

Thought I'd share this really yummy happy looking healthy breakfast.
What You Need
1 x Weetabix
1 x 200g Tub Muller Light (Strawberry)
Some fresh Strawberrys
What You Do
Bung it into a bowl, mix it up and get tore in ...... Yummy


Monday 23 June 2008

Will It Catch On Here

Read this article about a new Lebanese restaurant, I wonder would it catch on here. Perhaps I should take an business plan to Ledu, What do you think?

Sunday 22 June 2008

On Yer Bike

Got home from the race day in the early hours. (Waiting for a taxi) Up bright and early, got the bike out and went for a cycle. I went down to the Titanic Quarter. I was met by two other cyclists (My daughter and son-in-law) and we had a leisurely morning cycle, weather was pleasant with a little skiff of rain now and again, but what a way to blow the cobwebs off .... Quite a few foreign tour coach's in the area today, I did wave but had no return waves. Perhaps I was waving in the wrong language?

Saturday 21 June 2008

A Day At The Races

Yes, I do know that's a title of a Marx Brother's film. Started the day with a coffee and a blueberry scone with jam in Deans deli Belfast.
Coach picked us up and off we went to the centre of excellence of the Irish horse racing fraternity, Down Royal Racecourse. The weather was awful. Into the champagne tent to settle for the day. It wasn't too long before the bubbly and the smoked salmon arrived and everyone got into the race day mode. Had a few small bets and I have to say I won enough to get another bottle of bubbly for our table. Brill day, but it was cold and wet ...... disappointed though I'd didn't win the days best dressed man, but then again, perhaps my Tesco suit doesn't get onto the fashion police radar!

Friday 20 June 2008

Friday at Last

I've been looking forward to Friday. Ready to start a weekend of fun and laughter, tonight off to paint the town (No specific colour, as I'm sure no mater what colour I'd pick somebody will moan) OK, I've to go to Makro for shopping (I am allowed to dream you know)
Tomorrow I'm off to the races at Down Royal for the Specsavers Irish Derby after my horse riding lesson last week I may get a mount ..... (Told you I can dream)

Hope to get a few winners at least ....

Thursday 19 June 2008

What a great night last night. Ages since I'd been on the underground. £5.90 for a daily ticket. Well worth it may I add. Went shopping along Oxford Street for some bling (If you need bling, go to Oxford Street) This morning I headed up to Mary le Bone High Street (As I've heard it called) and spent the morning looking at a computer screen (Just like I'm doing now) Broke for lunch and went to a little cafe for soup (Spinach and lemon) I was asked if I would like small or large? (Why is there never an in between) I ordered a large, when it arrived I would have described it as a trough of soup (Enormous) it was gorgeous....
Back to the training room to finish then on to Heathrow for the flight back. Got an earlier flight back (Thanks BMI) Now, this time it was an Airbus A319, got an aisle seat at the very rear of the plane (I thought, happy days, as you never hear of planes reversing into mountains) The only problem about sitting at the back, by the time I got the refreshment trolley passing it was 10 minutes to landing. I had asked the air hostess to pass a lemonade to a friend who was sitting about 6 rows in front of me (I could not do it as I was blocked in by the trolley. She nearly ate the bake off me "We'll be out of your way in a minute" -"Yeah I said and landing in 9" she did it for me..... Bless her

Wednesday 18 June 2008

An Eye Full

Had to go to London today. What a surprise I had when I boarded the BMI Airbus A320 at the Belfast George Best City airport to Heathrow flight and sat down. Seat 14F was the online allocated seat, I sat down and thought I'd been beamed up to business class. It's the first time since I've lost my weight that I've had to take a flight (On a plane)
The room I had was so unbelievable, I'd about a foot of strapping left on the seat belt, I had to pull the fold away table towards me and I wasn't elbowing the passenger beside me when I moved. It made me feel so good.
Anyway, I'd never been on the London Eye, so I ventured to the Westminster area and boarded. I wasn't disappointed even though the weather was dull. Compared to the Belfast Wheel ...... ahh ...... no comparison, the London Eye was brill. With a couple of friends, off to wagamamas we went for a nose bag, had so much great food, class of wine and good craic .... what else could one want?
"When it's not always raining etc etc"

Tuesday 17 June 2008

On The Road Again (Motorway)

After last weeks stop of the weight loss, I decided to go back to the start again. In the words of the Willie Nelson song I'm "On the road again" I had to go to a different Slimming World class tonight to be weighed as I'm off to England's capital tomorrow (Work) for that reason I will be unable to attend my usual Wednesday night FF class. (Sorry Sharon)

Tonight at Ann-Marie's class I had 3 lb off

5 st 12 lb (Nearly at my 6 st Target)

Monday 16 June 2008

Moderate Comments

Is there any knowledge brother (Or sister) out there that can tell me how to delete comments? Until I find out I will have to moderate the comments.....

Sunday 15 June 2008

Hello Ducky

In my blog on the 11th May I had a photograph of a duck on my neighbours roof.
Now another duck came to visit my roof. No idea where it was looking for but I live in a rather built up area so the only thing I can think of is it stopped for a rest before heading off to some sanctuary down the coast.

Checked the gutter's but no sign of eggs.

Saturday 14 June 2008

Something For The Weekend (7)

Michel's Jamaican Jerk Chicken (Really spicy)

What you need:
12 x Pieces of Chicken – Thighs, Legs or Breast
6 x Peppers – 4 Med/ 2 Hot, De seeded and Chopped
12 x Stalks of Spring Onions, Chopped
1½ tsp Cinnamon Powder
4 x Garlic Cloves, Crushed
2 tbsp Salt
1½ tsp Thyme
2 tsp Ground Ginger
2 tsp Black Pepper
½ tsp Ground Cloves
2 tbsp Allspice
1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
2 tbsp Olive Oil Fry Light
2 tbsp Soy Sauce
2 Limes, Juiced
4 tbsp Artificial Sweetener

What you do:
Place all the ingredients except the Chicken in a food processor or blender. Blend to form a nice smooth paste.
Remove Skin and any visible fat from chicken and score flesh length ways several times.
Dip each piece of chicken in the seasoning mix until fully covered.
Place all chicken in a freezer bag and place in the fridge overnight to marinate (or if you don’t have time to prep the night before, 30 minutes will do the trick)
Preheat oven to 200 c and line a Baking tray with tin Foil and spray with Fry Light.
Place the chicken on tray and cook for approx 20-25 minutes.
This recipe is also perfect for the barbecue and the seasoning can be used with all different kinds of meat.
I also recommend you try it with steak, pork or lamb. (Toilet roll in the fridge, just in case)



Friday 13 June 2008

Giddy Up

Well, I did last night what I've always wanted to do. That was to have a horse riding lesson. It was fantastic and I have to say, I'll go and do it again. (When the bruising on my backend goes away) I arrived at Birr House Riding Centre and was told my horse was called Barney. Off I went to get fitted out with riding boots and the most ridiculous looking safety hat I've ever worn. When I got to the stables Barney was waiting and already saddled up. I was introduced to him, given the reins and told to lead him to the outdoor arena. Then came the hard bit, climbing on. (The guy behind me fell off his horse while getting on) My turn came and I made sure I was getting on. The lead horse started to walk, the rest followed, around the arena we went with the instructor in the centre giving the lesson. It was such a great feeling sitting on the horse. After about 20 minutes the instructor announced we were going to trot (See, getting the lingo) To cut a long story short, at the end of the lesson I was able to take Barney for trot around the arena without falling off. Getting off Barney wasn't too bad, The lady instructor said (Honestly) I had to take my right foot out of the stirrup, lean to the left, and that I needed to lift my right leg really high to help me get my leg over. (I did smile at this point)

I think I'll need a cushion to sit on today.

Wednesday 11 June 2008

It's Happened

Just back from my Slimming World class, I'm please to say I have maintained this week. (Same weight as last week). The reason I'm pleased is, I had strayed off the plan last week more than I intended (Proves I'm human after all, and it did make Pauline smile) That was last week, this week I'm back and focused more, so we will see what happens at the weigh in next week.

Still the same at 5 st 9 lb off

BLOG BIRTHDAY TOMORROW

My blog is a year old tomorrow. I never imagined that It would still be going after a year. (Thanks Glenn) At the beginning the address was a .com, but I had to change it to a .co.uk. I didn't know (Until I was told by a knowledge brother) how easy it was to find out the owners name and details of a .com (Not a sensible thing to have when you are ridiculing people) not that I ever do!

I was thinking of binning the blog, but the hits are increasing. I'd really like there to be more comments, positive or negative (I can always delete the negative ones) But thanks to the like of Wee Dolly Bird (Whoever you are) who regularly comments.
I'll keep it going for a while longer, until I run out of something to say. (I could become a woman, then I'd have loads to say)

Don't forget to wish the blog Happy 1st Birthday tomorrow!

Tuesday 10 June 2008

Oh Please

Please please bring in to law that a person is only allowed to drive a SMALL car until they are out of their restriction. (Something similar to motorcycle age restrictions)
Today was a nightmare, I must have met every plonker who was out on the road. I have to say it was a wide range of plonkers from women in people carriers who have no idea how to judge the size of their vehicle, the weaver bird in the red TR7 (Mid-life crisis guy) to the old man in a black Fiesta on the Glenshane Pass (Going that slow I thought the flowers had fallen off the roof)

I was so glad to get back and parked up and away from the wheel.
I do hope I never get road rage

Monday 9 June 2008

Clean Cross Code

The City Council cleansing department are cleaning up the City which is great to see. I got this photo at the Ormeau Avenue / Bedford Street junction just as the cleaner was driving across the pedestrian crossing.... It was good to see the driver waited on the green man. Remember ye olde "Green Cross Code"

I think they now need to clean up outside the bars in the area where the smokers think the place is just an gaint ash tray for them.

Sunday 8 June 2008

Euro 2008

What a great weekend. Euro 2008 started and loads of football on the TV. Today I watched Croatia beat co-hosts Austria 1-0. Not a bad match but one of the things I love about these competition is the commentator's remarks. A class remark during the Croatia match was "There's no where to hide on this pitch" of course there isn't, it's an open field!
Tonight Germany had a good win over Poland I was thinking, not the only time this 100 years the Germans have walked over Poland......

Saturday 7 June 2008

Summer Saturday

Went into town today and headed to Victoria Square. Had a marvelous lunch in the Oyster bar @ the house of Frazer and forced a few glasses of champagne down my gullet and some oyster shots (First time ever) before enjoying a smoke salmon salad and finishing off with a cup of black coffee.
Dandered to the Fossil shop where my LSD picked a lovely watch out, which I enjoyed paying for (The tears have yet to dry up)
Off to Stanley's on the Antrim Road to get some meat for the BBQ. Wow, a great T bone for me and a fillet for my LSD.
Such a beautiful night, sat outside listened to the birds singing while the BBQ was heating up and thought this is what summer Saturday's are all about.
Got the chimnea going, wine open, music playing and settled for the night. I just love the summer......The mint Bailey's has also been finished. With regards to something for the weekend ..... who cares ?.......

Live every day as if it's your last, because some day you're gonna be right

Friday 6 June 2008

Army & Navy Store's USA

Since losing the weight my choice of clothing shops I can now shop in has greatly increased. I'm going into shops now that I've never dared to go into before. I went into a shop today to browse and there was loads to fit me (A real change) but nothing I fancied.
Bless my little swap duck, she said to me it will be great when we get back to Florida as you (Me) will be able to get fitting clothes in the Army Navy store.
It brought a tear to my eye as I remembered my childhood. My parents always got my clothes cheap from an army surplus store and at times it got really embarrassing, once I had to go to school dressed as a Japanese General ......

Broadband Down

No it's not a place in the Cotswold's but it was the state of my Internet last night. I have to say it's not very often that Virgin Media lets me down. Nothing worthwhile on the idiot's lantern so I got the laptop out to find my broadband was not working. I left it for a while then phoned a free customer service number. The usual press 1 for this, 2 for that etc etc. Then I got through to the automated broadband section that told me they had problems with broadband in the following areas (None of which was mine) The message also said that an engineer was on site fixing the problem, so at least someone else was getting help.
Ah well, back to the idiot's lantern. I went into the programs on demand only to receive a message on my Samsung 42" LCD Full HD lantern telling me this service is temporally unavailable.

I went to bed.

Wednesday 4 June 2008

Getting There

Well, last week I had just a half lb off, I know the weight loss has to slow down sometime but I was disappointed with last weeks result. I have been getting complacent lately and just relying on my eye judgement with regards to amounts that should really be weighed. I decided to go back to basics and weigh everything that needed to be weighed according to the plan. It worked with a weight loss of 3 and a half lb off this week, making the total now:

5 st 9lb

I was banking on my 5 and a half stone mark (35 Kilos) this week, so I got my weight loss in potato's and I could not believe how heavy the bags were, it's hard to believe I carried them about daily for years. (They were not wasted I gave them away at the Slimming World Club)

Roll on 6 stone (Or is it roll off)

Tuesday 3 June 2008

Gas Thief

Still on the theme of small time crooks (Strangely enough) I received this video via email. As a warning to all I thought I'd share it with you.

This type of crime really does call for the "Trunk Monkey" (What a suprise for the thief it would be)

Monday 2 June 2008

Small Time Crooks

SMALL time crooks and petty crime is a harsh reality of our world. Crime has to start somewhere I suppose but in my opinion when criminals get away with it they tend to move onto bigger things. I've been a victim of a house break in the past. Nothing genius about breaking and entering, just a smash and grab in other words. I read and article that was sent to me which appeared in The Sun (So it must be true) I have to say a LITTLE thought has gone into this crime, so beware or cautious of people with big holdalls? "Read The Sun Article"

I have an Idea!, perhaps the coach companies could install "A Trunk Monkey" on each coach?
I'd love one for my car....

Sunday 1 June 2008

Something For The Weekend (6)

Summer Flan

What you need
Fry Light
1 x Onion
1 x Green Pepper
3 x Spring Onions
4 x Eggs
250g x Pot Quark
7 oz /198g x Lean Bacon
1 oz /28g x Low Fat Cheddar Cheese

What you do
Preheat Oven 180C / GM4
Peel and dice the Onion
Cut bacon into bite size pieces
Deseed the pepper and chop
Slice the spring onions
Heat a pan sprayed with fry light and cook the onion for 1 or 2 minutes, add the bacon and green pepper and cook for another 2 minutes
Whisk together the quark and eggs, stir in the spring onions and bacon mix.
Pour into a 9in flan dish sprayed with fry light. Grate over the cheese and cook for 40 minutes or until golden and firm.

Serves 4 hot or cold (The flan that is)