Day 57 (phase 2) - Feeling good

I have been away on a conference with work and have had many comments about my 'change' which have made me feel great, boosted my confidence and have reminded me of the many benefits of getting my life under control.


I have indulged in more food and drink than I should have so my weigh in will be interesting this coming Tuesday. Also, my regular gym exercise has lapsed a bit due to circumstances (me)

Well, what is the bad/good news? I gained 2.6 lb and was told off for letting my exercise regime slip and I know I have been letting the diet slip in one or two small areas. Going into week 8, I have to try some 'trigger' foods so it is important get a grip! I promise myself to do so.

This song is SO appropriate to how I feel now about me and my life. This has to be my current signature tune ad it is from an artist with a fabulous and unique style and voice, Nina Simone. If you have never heard this song, seek it out and enjoy the beauty that is 'Feeling good':

Title: Feeling Good
Artist: Nina Simone
Album: I put a spell on you
Year : 1965


Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Reeds driftin’ on by you know how I feel

It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom in the tree you know how I feel

It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don’t you know
Butterflies all havin’ fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That’s what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good

Day 44 (Phase 2) - One step forward (welcome back Kevin!)

A day overshadowed (for me) by the news that Kevin Keegan is to return to Newcastle as manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce. Great news and an instant response from the team with a 4-1 victory over Stoke City (OK I know they aren't premiship) in the FA Cup.

I am starting to get the hang of this eating and drinking lark and managing to eat plenty whilst (hopefully) maintain my weight at an acceptable level. On two meals a day now and finding this easy to manage and still eating plenty of fruit.
Weigh in for week 6 revealed I had gained 0.1 of a Kg so no real change.

This song is deducted to all of those who have read this blog and offered me support as well as those friends and family who have give me positive feedback on my journey and and kept me motivated.

Title: One step forward

Artist: Paul Young

Album: Secret of association

Year: 1985

I'm sending you these letters across miles and miles of water.

Tell Stevie that I saw his friends and mother that I love her.

Well, I know I haven't been here long and I know it seems much longer

but every letter you write back makes me a little stronger.

Everybody here has seen as many years as me.

It's only now they realise what they are here to see.

So I'll take my pen and I'll write you a note and send it off in a letter

and we'll hope that writing these troubles down will make me feel better.

One step forward or one step left.

I raise my gun and I take my aim.

I'm just a pawn in the government's game.

The first day I was posted was the longest I have known.

I can't believe the bitterness the human heart can show.

The hatred of another is a blindness in their eyes.

All I do is stand between them wondering why.

One step forward or one step left.

I raise my gun and I take my aim.

I'm just a pawn in the government's game.

Little boy stand with stones in hand and cold eyes of steel.

I wish I could throw my rifle down and tell him how I feel.

Well, I know I haven't been here long and I know it seems much longer

but every letter you post to me makes me a little stronger, stronger.

Day 37 (phase 2) - And I believe.....

Well another week of fruit and food. Enjoying both my cooking and my eating, but more importantly being in control of both.

Starting to understand how deal with the new lifestyle, partly mental management and partly just realising whether I am hungry or not.

Loving the fruit and after a weigh in find I have lost 1.5 lb this week. Amazing, probably don't to lose any more. Must eat more!

Now for a positive song expressing where I am in terms of my future and my own self esteem. Things are going well and I feel a change is starting to happen which will have long terms benefits for my health, my life and my happiness.

Title : I believe
Artist: Tears for Fears
Album: Songs from the big chair
Year : 1985

I believe that when the hurting and the pain has gone
We will be strong, Oh yes we will be strong
And I believe that if I'm crying while I write these words
Is it absurd ? Or am I being real
I believe that if you knew just what these tears were for
They would just pour like every drop of rain
That's why I believe it is too late for anyone to believe


I believe that if you thought for a moment, took your time
You would not resign yourself, resign yourself to your fate
And I believe that if it's written in the stars, that's fine
I can't deny that I'm a Virgo too
I believe that if your bristling while you hear this song
I could be wrong or have I hit a nerve ?
That's why I believe it is too late for anyone to believe


I believe that maybe somewhere in the darkness
In the night time, In the storm
In the casino
Casino Spanish eyes
And I believe, no I can't believe that every time you hear a new born scream
You just can't see the shaping of a life
The shaping of a life

Day 30 (Phase 2) - Can I tell you about my life...

I guess a week of some indulgence has to have an effect so this week I gained weight for the first time in four and a half months, a massive 1/2 pound! Oh well, having a little drink and stuffing myself stupid on fruit was worth it. :-)

Will keep going as my overall weight is good and I am starting to enjoy food and my overall diet.

As it is the start of a New Year, I have decided to go for one of my favourite songs. This is a rather sad song about a man who has everything but doesn't have the one thing he wants most of all, which is the love of a woman. I see many parallels with my own life in this song except I have been lucky enough to find my life partner.

Title: Man of the world

Artist: Fleetwood Mac

Album: Greatest Hits

Year: 1971

Shall I tell you about my life

They say I'm a man of the world

I've flown across every tide

And I've seen lots of pretty girls

I guess I've got everything I need

I wouldn't ask for more

And there's no one I'd rather be

But I just wish that I'd never been born

And I need a good woman

to make me feel like a good man should

I don't say I'm a good man

Oh, but I would be if I could

I could tell you about my life

And keep you amused I'm sure

About all the times I've cried

And how I don't want to be sad anymore

And how I wish I was in love