It's okay to worry

Tuesday 31st March 2020
Happiness keeps you sweet.  Trilas keep you strong.  Sorrow keeps you human.  Failure keeps you humble.  And courage keeps you going. 

Don't Stress - Don't Worry - Don't think about it.

Easier said than done isn't it, I know so many of my members are stressing out about things with all that's going on, I've heard them talk about their worries in the virtual workshops and I've seen them post things on Facebook.  People are worrying about their health and the health of people they care about.  Of course there's financial worries at a time when so many aren't able to go to work, and when you can't sleep at stupid o'clock in the middle of the night these worries are always there to keep you company and occupy your mind.   Then stress joins you in bed and decides a threesome would be a good idea so asks anxiety to come join in too!   Then we lie there with these thoughts going round and round, thinking the same thing over and over and you've got no chance of getting back to sleep.  

When that happens I heard a good suggestion on Saturday we could use, I've done it before but for ideas not concerns, I've just never named it.  The Worry List!  yeah have a piece of paper and a pen at the side of your bed or you can do this in the daytime, time isn't important, getting the stuff out of your head is.  The Worry List is getting all that stuff out of your head, all that stuff that's stressing you out, causing you to feel anxious, yeah, it can even be done when you're not feeling stressed, that gives you a comparison of how differently you feel when you're feeling out of control.

Just write down what you're worrying about, then ask yourself questions like, is it in your control, is it your responsibility, what can you do about it if anything to help solve this or find a solution.  Just writing down your worries without asking the questions will help.  

So an example could be.

I wake in the night hear mom coughing and I worry she will get this awful virus and die.
Is it in my control - partly!  
Is it my responsibility - yeah I guess it is really.  
What can I do about it?  Well I can continue to stick to the stay home - stay safe - protect the NHS rules.  I'm only going out to walk the dog, making sure I wash my hands when I get back.  I can't do no more.   

It works, having just typed that, it's made me feel better, made me realise I'm doing all I can in this situation.  I'm not saying I won't still worry when I walk back in the door that I've bought it with me, because some muppet walked past me too closely when I was out but I do think it's good to get stuff out of your head and acknowledge what you're feeling.  You could also then talk about the things on your worry list with others, a proper shared and all that.  I definitely witnessed how talking about stuff helps in our virtual workshops last week.  

The cycle of anxiety, stress and depression can be truly overwhelming at times. Writing a worry list is something that you can do that feels productive, instead of letting it all consume you, find solutions, acknowledge where there isn't one, and ask for help, we all need some at times.

Now I'm off to get ready for a busy day, I've got two virtual workshops today, links available in the Connect groups on the WW app, really look forward to catching up with my Tuesday crew. 

My Virtual Workshops this week are; 

Tuesday 8.30am  (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

Tuesday 5.30pm (supporting Elle on this one) (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

Wednesday 5.30pm (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

Thursday 8.30am & 5.30pm  (link in Dudley & Walsall connect group)

Saturday 9.45am (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

Here's to noticing the positives today, 

Lu you, mwah

Love me 

Making the most of what we've got.

Monday 30th March 2020
A satisfied life is better than a successful life.  because our success is measured by others, but satisfaction is measured by our own soul, mind and heart.

Another pound off for me, I'm 12st 12lb now, it's gone up and down a lot already this year, started the year at 13st 1.5lb, then it went up 13st 4lb after my birthday and now it appears I'm handing lockdown and working from home quite well because I've lost 2lb since it started, so long may that continue, the weight loss, not the lockdown.

Once I'd weighed myself, this was the conversation I had with mom, that started our day!😃

Mom shouts to me in the kitchen, "Have you got our Bev's phone number?"

Me "I am Bev mom, but what were you going to say, if you called me?"
Mom "I was gonna ask you to come take me home but we are home aren't we".
Me "yeah we are, I'm just gonna go get your bag from upstairs"
Mom "oh good, its heavy though, be careful'
Me "why's it heavy, you been pinching stuff cos you thought you were somewhere else!"
Mom "Yeah, I love how you know me so well".

We're just getting on with doing what we do in this house and trying to smile and laugh whenever we possibly can. Wonder what she pinched from herself.

She's been much better having me around all the time, only had a few wobblies and the tablets the dementia doctor prescribed last week seem to have helped with her sleep too I think, so this all helps to keep my stress levels lower.  She is missing seeing my sister though, she's just gone past and waved at her through the window, it's really lifted her mood and made her smile.  I think when all this is over, we're all going to appreciate our loved ones more for sure.  I never used to be a hugger but I hug mom and give her a cuddle at any opportunity.  I ruffle her hair too, but she tells me off for that, say's 'don't mess my hair up you, I've just brushed it', that makes me chuckle cos she's a scruff like me.

I tried to spend all day giving mom my attention yesterday, my phone pinged way too many times with messages that have been forwarded from elsewhere in the end I put a post on my timeline asking people to stop sending them, it's lovely and all that having people think about me and care but I'd rather they post those things on their own timelines, tag folk if you feel the need.  There's nothing nicer than getting a message personal to you and words that have been written by that person, not copied and pasted.  I had one yesterday saying, 'have left a bag of crisps hanging on your door knob for your mom', how thoughtful was that, mom loves her crisps and I can't keep up with her demand at the moment lol, although I did get her to eat scrambled eggs on toast yesterday, we both had them  actually all through of us, Alfie loves scrambled eggs.  After that I just picked at stuff, never did cook that liver, so I'm going to cook it this morning and get the dinner ready for an early lunch.  I'm not going to eat big meals if I'm not hungry and I'm not hungry because I'm inactive.

Changed my mind about the different colour blanket, I sorted the colours and couldn't handle the idea of them all being together so instead I've wanted to use the green baby wool I'd bought for ages and I'm thinking green reminds me of nature and being outside so I started doing a pattern I'd fancied having a go at for a long time, the African flower 

I'm loving them, just thinking any of my friends reading this who have got as far as a granny square, you could do this, especially if you check out Bella Coco's video to show you how.

I managed a natter with my bestie yesterday, she's still working as a post, please, please, please don't order unnecessary stuff at this time, they've got enough to be doing and they're as scared as anyone being out there and having to interact at work!  It was so good to talk and have a natter though, texting and messaging is great but hearing a voice is the next best thing to being in each others company.

Well I have to get some work done today, my dog wants a walk and this is no different to any other Monday for me as I wouldn't be going anywhere anyway.  I did forget to put the clocks forward until my other bestie mentioned it at lunchtime the clocks in the living room have to be changed manually, not that I'm looking at clocks much unless it's a virtual workshop day, which is tomorrow.

Here's to making the most of what we've got, appreciating those we love and care for and making it as great a day as we can.

luv ya, mwah

Love me xx

Quiet Sunday all round hopefully

Sunday 29th March 2020
Friends pick us up when we fall down, and if they can't pick us up, they lie down and listen for a while.

Looking out the window thinking what a lovely morning, how this time last year I'd have been going on a long walk with my brother and his dogs, not today, I haven't been able to do that for a while because of mom but now no one can really do it can they.  Everyone is getting ready for a day in lockdown, except those wonderful people going to work to keep this country going.  It's all a bit surreal isn't it, I've just said to my bestie, I don't feel much different probably because I'm still working (if in a different way) and I'm used to being at home, mom is my main priority, but I'm aware that so many are anxious out there about what is going to happen, I try to live in the now, in what I am in control of.  My virtual workshops this week have made me realise we all handle situations differently, I do wish I could make everyone feel better and make their stress and anxiety go away, yeah that's the super power I'd like to have, I really don't like seeing people scared or anxious and being unable to make it right for them.  All I can do is listen and be there for them as best as I can, we're all in this together and that's what will get us through it.   After yesterday's workshop I also decided I wouldn't post anything else about coronavirus on my Facebook timeline, if people want to know what's going on they can go to the BBC news website or similar and find it out, all this 'news' all over social media is stressing people out more than they already I, that's what I picked up in the Virtual Workshop yesterday so I'm not going to add to it.

88 members were in our virtual workshop yesterday, it was quite the busy morning, I spent some time beforehand helping members with the technology of getting on zoom, it was a cracking chat.  Vicky my bestie started trending on Connect with her post, so if you haven't already, please go follow her and like her post from yesterday (lawrencevicky) let's get her even more likes ;)

I thought I'd have all this energy to get stuff done working from home, not having to commute or load and unload my car and set up the workshop room, but I haven't.  I reckon I'm working more hours just in a different way but weirdly I'm drinking less wine - that's surprised me for sure.

I did cook a proper meal yesterday, salmon and roast peppers with cauliflower rice, gonna make liver and onions with mash today, Alfie, will love that, can you believe he ate my peppers yesterday!

In normal life, because normal life still goes on, mom had a difficult day yesterday, Alfie got aggressive too last night when I tried to move him off moms side of the bed!  YAY, because that's why I need a rabid dog to add to dementia dog.  I'm enjoying my crochet still though, I'm working on a lovely pretty pink baby blanket, that's gonna keep me going for a good while and today I'm going to start playing with another idea.

I thought I'd make a LOCKDOWN LAP BLANKET ;) in lots of different colours to match my moods or lift my moods, I have so much double knit in all different colours that I can use up, then when all this is over, it'll be a reminder of how important it is to take care of myself and those I love and how important all those people and things in life I take for granted really are!   I can't wait to get drunk with my besties and go for a curry.

Right, moms up and downstairs now, Alfie will want a little walk too, here's to a very calm day I hope for all of us.

Mwah, luv ya.

Love me xx

Are you taking care of yourself?

Saturday 28th March 2020 
A friend is one of the nicest things you can have & one of the best things you can be.

Pooh talks so much sense, if you've never read his books, do it whilst we're all shut in, he makes me appreciate the simple things in life.  He's also available on the free stuff from audible right now Winnie the pooh
The house at Pooh Corner

There are lots more too, I might listen to Beatrix Potter as I've never read the book, if you've got kids it could be part of their learning too but enjoyable!  https://stories.audible.com/start-listen 

Well this is going to be a strange weekend for a lot of you in lockdown, it doesn't feel much different for me if I'm honest, since mom got real sick, I've not been able to go anywhere, so much for my one outing a month to keep me sane, lol at least I got that meal out in February and we'll get the money back at some point from our Theatre tickets. 

I am really looking forward to our Virtual Workshop this morning, it was buzzing last week, 9.45am, links in the Wolverhampton Group on the WW app, if you're not already following me, my username is BLONGSDEN.

Well I watched Wayne's World for the first time yesterday, I also finally got to see Rocket Man, wouldn't choose to watch either again, I did laugh a little at Wayne's World but Rocket Man wasn't what I expected at all! 

I did relax though, still on my phone a lot but it's keeping me engaged with my member and my friends so that's my excuse there.  

Food was the first thing I thought about when I woke up this morning but surprisingly it was just a thought that I need to eat some vegetables today and a proper meal.  I had some melon yesterday, it was still good, two weeks after the use by date!  I'll have the other half this morning, finished off the fresh yogurt, but then the rest of the day I just picked at cooked meats and had those ribs on their own.  This is not a healthy diet!  Today I'm going to have fish of some sort from the freezer, I know I have a red pepper left, there is some cauliflower rice in the fridge if it's still okay to eat I'll have that, if not I'll maybe have some pasta.  I will make a decent meal though, I was shattered and ready for bed by 8 last night, mom wasn't impressed I wanted to go up but I'm waking at 4am so it's about right to be tired by then.

My routines shot isn't it, I'm not having to leave the house at 7.30 to go to work, after loading my car with all my stock.  I'm just having to be good to go for 8.15 in front of a computer screen, heck its a 9.45 start this morning so I'll in no rush at all, as long as I'm sorted for 9.15, it's all good.  I'm so glad we're talking routines on the virtual's, it's really helped as a reminder to get some kind of routine sorted even if it's different to what we had before.  I'm going to take my besties advice and think about my 'beauty' routine, the importance of looking after ourselves isn't just about what we eat, it's about grooming!  I'd normally have a massage each week so instead I think I'll have an indulgent bubble bath and use body oils to keep my skin soft.  If you've got used to sitting around in your scruffs and you can't remember the last time you washed your hair or put your make up on, my bestie V recommends these things,  

💕Beauty with V 💕

Every day I want you to choose 1 or more of the below and let me know what you have chosen to do. 💙Boys join in too💙
If you need any help, give me a shout 😁

1. Do your hair. Brush it, wash it, style it 👩‍🦱

2. Put your make up on. (If you dont wear make up put a slick of lip salve on your lips & run your toothbrush through your eyebrows - trust me 😉)

3. File & paint your finger nails. (Toes too? Maybe tomorrow 🙂)

4. Put hand cream on. (I know my hands are feeling dry after all of the anti bac gel)

5. Check your feet - especially if you are diabetic. On a serious note we have mentioned in our virtual workshops about enjoying some daily exercise. Your feet will develop hard skin as a form of protection which can feel uncomfortable - file them. Look for any changes such as corns, veruccas, ingrown toenail.

6. Put cream on your feet. (Even if you only have some hand cream! Then pop on some fluffy socks) 🥰

7. Exfoliate your body once a week. This will remove dead skin cells revealing new soft skin. Do this in the bath or shower. Theres no right way to apply, just rub it on & rinse 🛁 Did you have a set at Christmas you have been meaning to use?

8. Moisturise your body. Perfect after exfoliating to nourish the skin.

9. Cleanse the skin morning & evening💦 This isnt just to remove make up. It removes dirt, grease & grime your skin has produced in the day 🤢 Ditch the soap & use a cleanser. If you're a novice any brand will do. Unsure of your skin type? Go for sensitive. Soap alters the ph levels of our skin leaving it dehydrated & feeling tight which leads to premature aging 😱

10. Moisturise your face morning & evening. This keeps us hydrated, keeps the wrinkles at bay & if you are going to apply make up, it's the perfect base!

If you have any hair or beauty questions that I haven't covered, give me a shout. Lots of love, Vicky x

She despairs of me as I'm not good at all this stuff, but I've got better, I try to remember to do the number 9 & 10 thing, she helped me with what I needed to use, even gave me instructions on how to use it lol, maybe this weekend when I have that bubble bath, I'll do number 5, 6, 7 and 8 too.  I've been doing number 4 with all this hand washing.  Yeah it's no good taking care of the inside contents if we don't look after what it's packaged in is it!  

Follow Vicky on Connect, I think her tag is lawrencevicky (I'll check when she's awake) she's going to start using it more now we're virtual, she doesn't know it yet but she will when she reads this.  I want us all to start using it more, it's a great, positive community and we're all in it together. 

Right, mom's just gone downstairs, so I'm off to take her stuff down and make her a drink, give her a bit of fuss.  

Stay positive, take care of you and yours, be safe. xx 

Luvs ya, mwah

love me xx 

We can still talk!

Friday 27th March 2020
Don't worry about things you have no control over.

I had quite a busy day yesterday, I'm still working of course, just in a different way.  Two amazing virtual workshops, proving WW is so much more than stepping on a set of weighing scales!  The support, empathy, understanding and love being shared via screens on computers, phones or tablets moved almost all of us to tears yesterday morning, myself and Hayley who was my Co-host were so full we couldn't read what was being written in the chat box.  At a time when things are so uncertain, having the chance to talk to others who understand is priceless and I'm loving being part of it.   They really are my lifeline right now, keeping me connected with all those people who are so important to me, I know it's my job working for WW but the people I meet through my work, I don't treat as 'customers', they become my friends.   Another reason I want as many to log in as possible is so I can see they are okay, with all that's going on, I'm obviously concerned for their health and wellbeing, I have so many wonderful members, it's impossible for me to contact them all individually quickly, this is a quick way.  I'm actually sat with tears in my eyes now, I think this is the first time, I've actually stopped and given myself a moment to realise, I might actually lose people I care for, anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a thinker, I just deal with the now, it's the only way I can cope with mom and her disease.  But I dreamt about all this last night, it was horrid, then I was woke by mom coughing, I mean seriously, you only have to hear a cough and you assume don't you.  The truth is though mom coughs a lot anyway because of her stomach problems, her hiatus hernia causes her issues.  Right tears wiped, back to not worrying about things I can't control.

I had to actually get in my car for the first time in a while yesterday to go and get a prescription for mom, then I went to collect it, there was a queue outside, most sticking to the distancing, I asked 'is this the queue for the chemist' as no one was talking, after joining it, me being me and unable to be quiet said, we can talk to each other you know, we're just not allowed to fondle one another!  It seemed to work and a few of us had a bit of a chat.  I was there almost an hour, it was the only in face real human contact I'd had for a fortnight that lasted longer than saying thanks for dropping off my loaf!   The girls in the chemist were working none stop, they both looked shattered, let's remember not just the nurses but everyone who's a key worker at this time and probably working harder than ever, those posties, the supermarket workers, all of them, be nice and polite and thank them!

I don't normally work on a Friday other than to do a little paperwork, so today I'm going to try and spend most of the day with mom as I usually would do after a busy Thursday, I will be offering to help those members who are struggling with the technology of it all, managed to get a few more to work out all the buttons on their phones yesterday, it might take ten minutes for each one but it's more than worth it when I see them pop up in the virtual chat later in the day.  I've never been more grateful for the technology we have now.

Yeah I'm feeling a lazy day today, I'm even going to have some sticky ribs for my dinner, they've been in the fridge for a fortnight (good sell by date on them thankfully), I'm sure Alfie will help me eat them!  I'm going to eat the last melon and hope it's still edible beneath the skin, it said use by 7th March so we shall see lol.

There's a lovely frost going on out there, I hope it means we might get a dry, sunny day, I'd love to convince mom to sit outside for half hour, get a bit of fresh air, can but try.

Okay so I want as many of you on my 9.45 virtual workshop the morning, me and Elle make a great double act.  You can access the link in the Wolverhampton Connect group on the app, it's in the pinned post at the top of the page.  If you have any problems doing it, contact me, give me a call or message me, I'll talk you through it, try it out today to make sure it works, they you'll be good to go tomorrow.  Let's end this crazy week on a high shall we, let's make it a great day, let's connect with each other, I MISS MY TRIBE!

Mwah, luv ya

Love me xx

Are you emotionally eating?

Thursday 26th March 2020
How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.

I know everything different right now but we can still wake up in the morning and be positive about the day ahead.  I've had a good sleep, mom's good at the moment, Alfie's even just played his favourite game with me and that hasn't happened in a long time, yep I'm focusing on the good stuff that's going on rather than, well you know what....

Last night I had a virtual workshop (if you've attended one don't forget to do the feedback form 
WW Virtual Workshop Feedback Form ) 31 lovely members all interacting, I'm loving them because I'm meeting new members I've not met before, got to meet Ron for the second time as he was on my Thursday night one last week, he's a lovely chap and has lost 6lb over the last two weeks after being on a plateau for a while, proving these strange times don't have to mean we all give up on taking care of ourselves.  It's more important than ever right now to take care of YOU and yours and help others where you can.  

I was going to have pizza last night because it's in the fridge and use by today, but I wasn't that hungry so I decided to have it today, I'm not going to eat just for the sake of it and I'm not as active as I usually am so I don't need as much food.  Portion sizes definitely are important right now but so is actually paying attention to whether you're actually hungry or not, also if you think you are, is it physical hunger or head hunger.  

With this emotional, stressful time we're all going through right now, emotional hunger can give us yet another problem to worry about, for so many of us overeating, comfort eating is our go to when we have emotional and feelings we are struggling with, one member on the virtual workshop last night admitted that is definitely her, it was lovely to see her actually as I haven't seen her for a long time because she attends another coaches workshop.  How do we tell the difference, how do we handle these feelings and stop ourself looking for happiness and solutions in the fridge or biscuit barrel?  

What is head (emotional) hunger ?(just in case you need reminding!)  
It comes on suddenly, an urgency for something and doesn't care when you last ate - head hunger will hit at anytime.  You will probably crave a particular food, something sweet or savoury but then again it could be a desire just to eat anything and everything.  You want to eat it right away, you're not willing to wait.  This kind of hunger is associated with stress, anger, anxiety and other strong emotional or triggered by activities such as tv watching, seeing someone else eating a specific food then you want it.  You'll usually eat it mindlessly, not even tasting it and a lot of people feel guilty afterwards.  

It doesn't sound much fun when you read what it is does it!

Now physical hunger is a completely different thing, it comes on gradually and builds, it's directly related to when you last ate.  If you're truly hungry you'll eat an apple or something equally healthy.  You can usually wait to eat whilst you cook something.  It's easier to stop when you're full if you're eating for hunger.  

I love to eat when I'm hungry, I tend to taste the food more and enjoy the experience. 

The more thought I put into the meals I eat, the less I struggle with emotional eating because I'm satisfied both physically and emotionally by the delicious foods I have to look forward to eating.  Food is such an important part of my life, so I try to ensure I'm going to enjoy everything I eat.

How can you handle head hunger?  Keeping a food diary helps, use your WW app to track everything you eat planned or unplanned, track it all, be honest with yourself on what's going on with your eating habits right now.  Distract yourself, call a friend, read a book, find something to do - I know these things are changing right now as we're all on lockdown but there are other things you can do, jump on a virtual workshop and talk about how you're feeling.  Test to see if it's emotional or real hunger by having something 'healthier'.   Just remember if you ignore it for long enough it will go away, but if you don't face the emotions you're trying to ignore, they will hang around and possibly get worse.  Know that it's okay to experience all emotions, especially at a time like this, there is no right or wrong way to be feeling.  If you feel like you could cry, hell go ahead, have a sob.  If you're worried about how you're going to cope financially, overeating isn't going to help your budget, but getting out a pen and a piece of paper and doing some figures, or having a chat with some will help. 
If you're thinking how am I going to stay fit when I can't get to my gym, don't see how many doughnuts you can lift, get looking for other ideas of how to get healthy in the house.  

TALK, don't keep stuff in, if you're struggling with your eating right now, talk to your WW coach, get in the virtual workshops and share those feelings, make sure you're on Connect on the WW app, in your Facebook group and interact with others.  We're a community, we're a family, WW is my tribe!  I love you all.

Mwah, let's have a great day, I'm going to be online at 8.30 this morning and 5.30 tonight, links in the Dudley & Walsall Connect group on the WW app, if you're struggling with the technology give me a call and I'll talk you through it, or message me on Facebook or post in the group, we have the technology - let's use it.

Luv you


Love me xx

Staying Positive here!

Wednesday 25th March 2020
If you can't do anything about it, then let it go.  Don't be a prisoner to things you can't change. 

Let's start today with a positive, I've just transferred £220 from my account to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, thanks to the hard work of my lovely helper and friend Carol putting together a pamper kit and raffling it off, and also to Angie, Bonnie and her dad for making drinks and toast in workshops, all the money from this goes to a different charity every month and despite only having a 2 week month before my workshops went digital, we still managed to raise that fantastic total, so thank you to everyone, it's really, truly appreciated. 

After what was a wonderful workshop yesterday morning, I took Alfie out but as he refused to walk, I threw him (not literally) back in the house and when for a walk myself, it was great to get a bit of fresh air and a brisk walk but I think that'll be the last one for a while as my daily walk will be with Alfie and he will be allowed to walk as slowly as he wants, or even just lie on the grass, it's his time after all!  

Next I got my cook on, quinoa was going to taste good, that was my plan and it did, I was chuffed, I added a chicken stock cube to the water I put in the quinoa and cooked it according to the packet.  Meanwhile I fried up the last of fresh stuff in the fridge that was going to walk out, there was a few slices of bacon, onion, green pepper, I had some frozen sun dried tomatoes, I'll buy those again when we're able to get back to normal and do online shopping!  Mixed it all together and yes, that was delicious, now I know I like it, I can cook this a lot more, I have 2 more full bags, they sell it in Aldi too - bonus!

Next I wanted to use up the cauliflower I'd got, I'm lucky enough to have eggs, when mom and I went for that drive before the lockdown, I past a house that had some outside for sale and there was a dozen in there, I was proper chuffed and mom loved that they were outside in an honesty box.  I've posted the recipe on the post of my WW app Connect account.  Why not here?  Well I'm going to be completely honest here and say because I want you all to follow me on the app, WW pays my wage and I want to keep my job, I need members to watch my virtual workshops (thankfully they are) but I know lots of my members aren't. 

 So if you haven't already, go and find me on Connect, and start following, I need your support as much as I'm here to support you.   These cauliflower cheese and onion cakes are off the scales and 2 for 1SP on blue and purple plan, 1SP each on green, absolute bargain. 

If you're still trying to figure out all this virtual just, these images will hopefully help, or ask for help, we can help you!

to get to browse groups you may need to scroll to the right on your screen.  I'm running virtual workhsops in both the Wolverhampton and the Dudley & Walsall group.  I'll be running a 5.30pm one in the Wolverhampton group today.

If you've not been a member for a while and feel like you need some support again, WW are offering 25% off for your first month, so you can give it a try, it works out at £3.91 a week (See offer terms)  I think I'm worth that, you get access to all the online virtual workshops, and me = bargain! 

The NHS are doing a marvellous job as is everyone who's still going to work to keep this country functioning, from the bin men to the police to the supermarket workers, you're all amazing.  The NHS are asking for volunteers, could you help?  https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS 

Right I better try and get Alfie to go up the garden with me, he doesn't understand all this does he!  Let' do what we can to another great day and be healthy.

Catch ya tomorrow.  

Be Careful, Be Kind, Stay In and Wash Your Hands.  

Luv you, mwah

Love me xx

  

Don't stand so close to me!

Tuesday 24th March 2020
The most important work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home. 

Well yesterday when I was out walking Alfie, I was still stumped to see people walking and/or standing shoulder to shoulder, even those outside the chemist, who's obviously said on 1 in shop at a time, were stood a foot apart outside!  I passed a local lady in her electronic wheelchair who's obviously on the 'vulnerable' list and I asked should you be out, her reply "probably not but I'll be okay", I'm afraid my response wasn't as polite, we all need to start doing as we're told.  DEEP SIGH!

Mom watched all the morning tv stuff yesterday and even she started ranting, so I recorded a bit lol; https://www.facebook.com/bevww/videos/10157700901270862/  She was over the moon when I read all the comments on it, her words were, 'That's made my day, have I gone global then?"  Love her I do.  We then spend a few hours watching YouTube videos on the tele and singing along to everyone from Kenny Rogers to Tom Jones, I enjoyed her why she lasted, I'm used to the switch being flicked and her mood changing now, I know it's the dementia causing it.   If you haven't already add me as a Facebook Friend (Beverley Longsden)


Just in case you didn't see the Boris announcement last night, these are the new guidelines; 

The government guidance says people should only leave home for one of four reasons:

• Shopping for basic necessities such as food and medicine. Shopping trips should be as infrequent as possible
• One form of exercise a day such as a run, walk, or cycle. This should be done alone or only with people you live with 
• Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person. This includes moving children under the age of 18 between their parents' homes, where applicable. Key workers or those with children identified as vulnerable can continue to take their children to school
• Travelling to and from work, but only where work absolutely cannot be done from home

Even when following the above guidance, people should minimise the amount of time spent out of their homes and should keep two metres (6ft) away from people they do not live with.

The government is also stopping all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies - but funerals will be allowed.

My Alfie ain't gonna be pleased!  But if this is the only way to slow this all down, then this is what we must do. I for one do not want to contribute to overloading our NHS and help this disease spread!  

What can you do?  You can join me for my virtual workshops via Connect on the WW app, you can attend as many as you want too.  I'll be on at 8.30am this morning, here are all the ones I'll be doing this week; 

My Virtual Workshops this week are; 

Tuesday 8.30am  (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

Tuesday 5.30pm (I'm supporting Elle on this one) (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

Wednesday 5.30pm (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

Thursday 8.30am & 5.30pm  (link in Dudley & Walsall connect group)

Saturday 9.45am (link in Wolverhampton connect group)

What was your day like yesterday?  I used my day to do a bit more cleaning, check me out, I did a deep clean of the upstairs bathroom, then I sorted and cleaned my food cupboard, doesn't it look tidy. 

I've got plenty of the basics so I can manage a good few weeks with what's in there and my freezer, bread will be the only thing I'm likely to need but I even have some of that in the freezer for moms toast.   I'm going to find things to do with that quinoa, what I did the other day was edible but it wasn't amazing, so I need to get looking because I want to use it and not waste it.

OH GUESS WHAT!  I know I said I wasn't going to and I went two whole weeks, but I've stepped on the scales and I've only gone and lost a pound over the last 2 weeks.  I'm really pleased with that because it shows I've not gone off the rails with all that's going on and not going out to work isn't affecting the scales either. 

This week's virtual workshop is all about routine and I'm really looking forward to those, I might even jump on one as a member myself, this is my chance to go to those coaches workshops who I've always admired and wondered what they'd be like :).  I also love that Elle and I are on a couple of workshops together because we work really well together and I've known her forever.  

I am missing my members, faces keep springing into my head who I haven't heard from since this happened and I do hope they sign into the virtual workshops this week, I'll be trying to get in touch with some throughout the week, I'm trying to do what I can, only so many hours in the day.  

Okay today I will mostly be working but I also think I'm going to experiment with that Quinoa stuff again, I will make it enjoyable and not just edible!  I'm thinking some kind of muffins using those WW cake cases I bought, I'd be able to snack on them and maybe even get mom to eat a couple, something healthier than her crisps and biscuits of choice. 

Anyways, time to get ready for work, I'm on at 8.30 and I need to walk Alfie mmm, or maybe I'll try and get him to hold off till later so he doesn't notice we're not going out 3 times like we have been doing whilst I've been home.  

Here's to a great day!  Catch ya tomorrow.  

Be Careful, Be Kind, Stay In and Wash Your Hands.  

Luv you, mwah 

Love me xx

Starting a very different kind of week

Monday 23rd March 2020
Tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to sit down & be quiet! 

Well that was the weirdest Mothers Day ever wasn't it!  It was a very confusing day for mom and she's had a rough night too, she's got dressed to get up and woke me up at least 3 times.  One minute she understands why her kids couldn't visit, the next minute it was all stupid, as tough as all this is for all of us at least we aren't living with that disease too!  I do wish folks would practice the social distancing that they've been asked too, I couldn't believe what I was seeing on the news last night, they might get the virus and recover but the people they pass it on too may not ;( 

To lift moms spirits my brothers all recorded her a short video, I did the same of her watching the videos and posted them all on my Facebook page to make others smile, we've got to do everything we can to lift each others spirits right now.  We also Facetimed Terr

I also did a Facebook live in my WW group for my members, it was good to interact with them, it's better in the Virtual WW Workshops because I can see them too.  I'll try to think of other ways to support them in the coming weeks as I know WW have said April 4th but I'm thinking with everything that's happened over the last week, it could be longer ;( 

I don't have any kids but I am truly grateful to all those going to work in schools today so that other key workers such as nurses can continue to do the jobs they do so well.  

It's really difficult to know what to write, I'm not going to lie, my moms behaviour, my behaviour around my eating and drinking, it all seems pretty petty in comparison to what's going on out there. 

But do you know what, life goes on (hopefully!) so for now I'm going to focus on what I can control, not what I can't.  I'm going to focus on the positives of the circumstances, like being able to spend more time with mom, being able to do those jobs around the house I never get round too, I will do some of that today, I did nothing but sit with mom yesterday. 

I did make a chicken dinner yesterday, it wasn't my usual plate of variety, I just had chicken, roast potatoes and tinned green beans and roast onion.  I'm focusing on what I have got not what I haven't got.  There's a fresh cauliflower still in the fridge, well when I say fresh it's a week and a half old, but I'll be using that today or tomorrow if it will last another day, I'll check.  I think I have a couple of peppers too, I'll check what's in the fresh drawer and see what I can do with it.  I've got stew today, it'll be lush after sitting in the fridge for a couple of days nom nom.

Yeah today I will empty the kitchen cupboard, that's a job I'll enjoy doing for sure.  Ooo if this does go on longer, I'd re-oil my work surfaces too.   

It's all very strange isn't it, I know a lot of people are feeling anxious, but I do know as a nation we are proud and strong (well most of us! Some are morons but I think the good outweighs the bad) It's a time to check in on each other but also if you're feeling like you need support, reach out, let others know how you're feeling, we can all support each other through this time.

For now we need to listen to the guidance of the Government and the NHS to play our part in all this;

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Also think about others and how it's affecting them, my bestie is a postie and she's told me people are just ordering loads of crap, you do not need to be ordering 3 pair of shoes - you're not going anywhere for a while!  They are fearful of the same dangers as us, the post right now should be being used for important stuff like medical supplies and other vital stuff. 

Catch ya tomorrow.  Be Careful, Be Kind, Stay In and Wash Your Hands.  

Luv you, 

Love me xx

Our Virtual Workshop was a huge blast!

Sunday 22nd March 2020
You don't inspire your teammates by showing them how amazing you are, you inspire them by showing them how amazing they are!   My team are truly amazing! 

I've been overwhelmed at the support that's been offered to me and mom over the past week, so many amazing people in my WW world, we really are quite the team!  I was also blown away by the turnout on our Virtual Workshop yesterday morning 9.45 Wolverhampton Connect Group, 70 members took the time to log in and interact, supporting and motivating each other.  I logged on half hour early to help those of my members trying to get their heads round the new technology and was amused listening to my regulars doing exactly what they'd do in their normal workshop, chatting and catching up and generally having a giggle.  It might have been a new and different kind of normality but it really was special to be in that virtual world with them all after being home all week.

There's also lots of information on the WW app and website, here are just a few links,

A dozen things to do with....

6 easy stay on track means using clever storecupboard essentials

Think outside the scales

Why you should drink a glass of water right now

How to stay healthy

Mothers Day today and a different kind of one for so many this year, moms just opened her cards, she didn't have a great day yesterday, was almost on fast forward all day, then crashed and burned about 5ish, thankfully we went to bed at 8 and she seems to have had a better night, so hoping that'll improve her day.  Of course I had a better night too because of mom, I only woke once at 1, then we got up at 5am.  Here's to a calm day for mom, I'm going to do a Facebook live for my members this morning, then I plan to do some chilling today, although I might clean a bit, we'll see.  I am going to make a chicken dinner, I know I made a beef stew yesterday but that'll keep till tomorrow and it'll taste amazing then too.   I need vegetables and I want to eat the fresh stuff that I have left before they start to turn. 

I've just realised the first thing I did this morning wasn't look at the virus stats, that's a good sign that I'm not stressing over it quite as much now, I actually spent the first hour of today catching up on WW information and paperwork online, with so many changes there's so much to read and make sure I know.

Kenny Rogers passed away yesterday and he was a big part of my childhood, his music was played an awful lot in our house, when mom saw it on the news, we asked Alexa to play some of his tunes and we had a good old sing song, will maybe get Alexa playing some tunes today and get mom signing again if I can.

However you intend to spend Mothers Day, take care of you and yours, take this social distancing seriously, don't ignore it, we don't want our NHS overwhelmed and unable to cope, we don't want to lose loved ones and if we ignore these rules, that's quite possible!  If you really want to see your mom, talk to her on your phones and stand outside her front window!  Or FaceTime them xx 

If you have to go to the shops, as was said on tv yesterday, 'Be responsible when you shop and think of others.  Why not join me in my challenge to use what I have, let's stay away from the shops for as long as possible and use up the store cupboard stock, I appreciate there's certain things like bread and milk but let's give it a go and give those that have generally not got stuff chance to go get theirs. 

Let's take care of each other by staying away from each other.  

Luv you, 

Mwah xx