Love…

It was hard not to get caught up in the Royal Wedding.  I had decided that I was not going to watch it as I really was not too bothered about it, but as M was away, he had asked me to record it on 4 different channels.  I had got on with my day and started the recordings at 9am and left them to it as they were running until 3pm.

I went out, got some shopping, and walked the dogs, did the vacuuming and cleaned the windows.  I decided to take a sit down and have a cup of tea, and turned the TV on, and got caught up watching the wedding.  Being a proficient lipreader (I am a little deaf) I found it even more interesting watching what Harry was saying to William, and then the clincher of him saying to Megan “You look amazing!”  It reminded me of the day M and I had our Civil Partnership 10 years ago after.  I thought we should renew our vows next year as we will have been together for 20 years.  It shows how one wedding makes you look at your life and appreciate the person you are with.

One of the main highlights for me was Bishop Michael Curry.  I read later that quite a few people on social media were talking about him going on too long etc., and I saw a lot of the congregation sniggering in typical British fashion but I was riveted, I loved what he said, enjoyed his delivery and his all-out passion.  For me, this is how the church should be, rather than our typical cold approach that really makes people leave in droves.  I am not a religious man, never have been and never will be as I do not believe in the dogma and control the church puts on people.  Religion has no consistency and Christianity seems to be a religion about Jesus, and not about the religious teachings of Jesus.  I digress, I thought what he said about love and fire was refreshing.  Then to round off a great sermon we had the amazing Gospel Choir singing “Stand By Me”, making it a fantastic and memorable wedding.  If I was a religious man I would have to go to the Gospel Church.

I look forward to seeing more of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and long may they be happy and not have to live through the indignity that the press put upon Harry’s Mum.

 

Weight Loss Challenge…

I am a little overweight and keep saying that I am going to diet, and half-heartedly attempt it.  Last week a buddy of mine who is overweight challenged me to do weight loss together and see who does the best.  I love a challenge and when I am competing with others I become quite bloody-minded.  So, the challenge is on, I have been logging everything I eat and drink, and am sticking to about 1200 calories.  I was thinking of going lower as this would have the best result, but I think 1200 is about right as I do not want my body to go into starvation mode.

I have been looking at the 5/2 diet, but the idea of fasting for two days really does not inspire.  This weekend I have been a little naughty, but I am keeping track of my calories and determined to stick to it.

One of the problems I have is that I love my food.  Although I am not a big eater, I do love to eat all the wrong things, like cake, puddings, sweets (candy) and jelly sweets like Haribo.  I also love to drink full-fat milk, and gallons of it by all account.  Milk is my biggest weakness if I am being honest.

M has decided to join in with the weight loss too, so that will be good.  I am just hoping I can drop weight faster than my mate as I would hate to lose the challenge.  My start weight on Monday was 14 stone and 3 pounds (200lb/90.7kg).  At the beginning of the year I was 14 stone 8 pounds, and did a diet and lost a decent amount of weight, but then it went to the wayside, however, I have more reason to do it due to being challenged.  Once I have lost my weight I intend to build some muscle.  I would love to have a six-pack, but not sure I will ever get to that, but as the saying goes ‘Dream Big & Aim High’

I will update here as I journey into my challenge.  My friend J was incredibly overweight, to the point of being clinically obese, and dare I say it dangerously close to having a heart attack.  She has documented her weight loss challenge on Instagram and it is amazing to see the change.  Although I will not be displaying my fat gut for you all, as I don’t want you to feel sick, but I may, if really successful do a before and after pic.

So, here goes…