Project Mortgage Neutral Begins

ajmoney

I have decided to get a pair of pyjamas and fluffy socks, a book (still working out which of the ones on my list but maybe fiction instead of all the non-fiction I have been reading), a journal as I feel this is going to be crucial to me moving forward and a packet of sweets that I can enjoy while watching something on Christmas eve.  A lot of the festive traditions I have are from growing up and my time with my husband and while I don't want to erase what has gone before I would like to introduce something for me now.  This Christmas box/present to myself is maybe it.

Walking is going well, I have another one to do this evening around the edge of track while the tri-club are training in their bubbles - I have been asked to go along and do this so they can support me.  I will be well over 70 miles by the end of the day. 

Paspatur

For a book can highly recommend Shuggie Bain which won the Booker Prize

ajmoney

I think I might slowly be coming out of the strange place I have been in since the end of last month as I am sitting making notes and planning for next year.  I am trying to stick to my promise of not asking anything of me until the end of the year though, if my plans still have me fired up in a couple of weeks then I figure they are right for me.  I still don't have the drive to clean my house so not pushing anything too fast but sheets are in the washing machine so it is a start.

savingholmes

Glad you are being kind to yourself. I have just finished for Xmas and am feeling flat too

Viking_mfw

I was really interested to hear of the cold showers in Meltdown - I have been reading about the Wim Hof method but I don't think his book is out til next year. He also has cold showers - actually as a prep for ice bathing *shiver*
I highly recommend The Thursday Murder Club as a good Christmas novel. Usefully available cheaply in supermarkets!

ajmoney

Viking_mfw said:

I was really interested to hear of the cold showers in Meltdown - I have been reading about the Wim Hof method but I don't think his book is out til next year. He also has cold showers - actually as a prep for ice bathing *shiver*
I highly recommend The Thursday Murder Club as a good Christmas novel. Usefully available cheaply in supermarkets!

I have seen many outdoor swimmers who rave about the Wim Hof method to be able to swim.  I am undecided on it, I listened to a podcast from him the other day and he actually says you shouldn't do the exercises before swimming or heading into open water which makes me think it is more to change your mindset rather than the breathing in the water. 

ajmoney

Today is the last walk of my charity challenge, I have 8.97 miles left to walk and have a route planned which will definitely cover it.  I am having a takeaway to celebrate this evening and plenty to watch on the television to make sure I chill out.  I am going to keep walking but will happily shorten the distances.

Viking_mfw

That's amazing - a lot of miles walked there!

ajmoney

And my challenge is complete. 100.01 miles in 10 days taking 29 hours, 58 minutes and 19 seconds.  No wonder I feel tired.  It is like my feet know they can rest now as the soles are really sensitive right now.  I am joining a couple of friends for a swim at 3.30 and then home to shower, get a takeaway and enjoy my planned evening of tv.

I will still be walking as I need the focus to get me through leave but I definitely won't be walking as far.

ajmoney

I am awake far too early, I have slept terribly over the last few days but I am trying not to fret about it.  I decided to get up, make a cup of tea and sort my meal plan and shopping list for the week ahead.  I have been doing really well with only going shopping on Sunday's and buying extra milk through the week but with Christmas falling on Friday and the trials and tribulations happening afterwards I am unsure about this.  I don't need any meat as I bought what I needed for Christmas a few weeks ago so it is just lunch stuff and fresh food but I need to double check if the shops will even be open next Sunday.

Today is a bit of a cooking and prep day.  I am going to make my red cabbage for Christmas Day, I also need to marzipan and ice my cake, I hope I haven't left this too late.  I have never done it before so I am sure it will be a source of stress, I don't even know where to find marzipan in the supermarket!  I am sure there are other things, I had planned to bake a lot of goodies but with everything that has gone recently I just haven't had the energy to even think about it so may end up buying bits and bobs.  I would like to give my next door neighbour a couple of baked treats with his card though as this will be his first Christmas alone.

I usually cheat making gravy but after watching masterchef recently I thought I would try and make a decent one to go with my duck on Friday but when I serach for duck sauce (what they call it) it only comes up with the chinese style one and that is not what I am after.