Well 2011 is over and what a year it has been!

I can't say it's been a fab year, set against the backdrop of austerity, blooming coalitions and the cuts, one  must not forget the cuts!  Still  I must give thanks to the good and merciful Lord who has been so steadfast in my life! 

There have not been too many stand out moments, the news was always bad, full of killing, robbing and natural disasters!  The riots in August around this Britain where i am currently residing, as far as I am concerned highlighted the major ills running through this  society, thus making it clear that this Government actually does not have a clue, they are a very pampered lot, far removed from the ways  and desires of ordinary folks! It's only God that will save us, so all of you please , your best prayer voices forward please.

On my homeland front, there were  apparently free and fair elections (a debate to be had else where!) and people were able to do their bit and vote! My friend Kemi put it aptly when she said  all one can do is do God's work and remember the power of our words, and as such pray positively for our beloved Nigeria and the powers that are ruining her!  I reach out though to those who have lost loved ones in the terror attacks that have happened, including the one at  the united nations building, the more recent one in the market at Maiduguri amongst others! All instigated I understand by the group 'boko haram' who are clearly intent on destruction!  I have faith that they will fail, that is the only option isn't it? 

On a personal note most of you will know that for me this year I have done nothing much if I have not raved  about Tae  Kwan Do, Slimming World and one must not forget my love of the dance!! Yes, I have been going to the ball every Wednesday for some time now and I have been loving it!  Am really looking forward to it all starting again. 

I thank God for the love I share with the people I am honoured to call my family and friends. There has been no greater blessing than this and it surely makes all the trials and tribulations of this world worth my very best efforts! 

 I pray for all of you that as the new year comes in, you will have lots of love in your lives and all the goodness that comes with that.  I hope you are all blessed with good health and prosperity , indeed may all of your heart's desires be realised.


God's words!  - Jeremiah 29:11 
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)"



Much love and a happy new year! 
Nike xx
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Racist or not Racist..

I just have to comment on this argument that is occupying our airwaves at the moment,  because I have found myself forever shouting at the TV, internet or any other medium in which I am reading or listening about the latest race issues.  Just a little opinion though! Let me start by posing a question. Does the use of racist language mean that the person using it is racist? 

It may seem like a silly or obvious question. Let me use a fictional example. Who watched the film Rush hour with Chris Rock and Jackie Chan? Remember the scene, where they go into a snooker bar, with Chris rock hailing his mates, hello my niggers, and what does Chan do? He copies what he believes to be an example and goes wading in with the exact same phrase (funnily enough he couldn’t seem to pronounce the world properly) and then is confused when they all round on him, were they right to round on him? Was he actually being racist?.  I remember laughing my guts off at this. Look at the real life example of Ron Atkinson; he was so sent to Coventry for calling or referring to a player as a lazy nigger! This is the same manager who can be credited with nurturing and increasing the number of black players in top flight football. At a time when racism was much more overtly practised. Some people live by the mantra of actions speak louder than words but that did not save big Ron, and in fact it had a really bad effect on him. (Not substantiated, happened to catch him in an episode of celebrity Wife Swap) In my mind, to be racist one has to actively and consistently behave in a particular way towards a person purely motivated by their race. It means not giving a person a job because they are of a particular race one does not like; it means abusing someone just because of their race or indeed attacking them because of their race and so on and so forth.  Clearly the incidents that have been reported in the news shows just how different and how emotive the subject can be.  These  incidents were all provoked by actions other than race, but ended up becoming embroiled with race issues as arguments ensued. That notwithstanding all the stuff about Sepp Blatter, John Terry, Jason Gardner and Luis Suarez with Patrick Evra reveals how differently people see things and that they draw the line between wrong and right in different places. I have my opinions about all of these, but the most stupid one was Jason Gardiner being told he was racist because he tweeted that he had been robbed by two black youths. So far as I know he was mugged by two black youths so how is that racist?  I admit that had the youths been white, he may just have said he was robbed by two youths, but in the grand scheme of things how the hell does this make him racist?  I need someone to explain it to me, as I personally don’t get it. That brings me on to John Terry, do I think he made racist comments to Anton, probably, does that make him racist? Probably not!   These are quite interesting cases, because they all work in industries that have different rules of engagement to those of us in normal jobs. That is why despite John Terry being under investigation the FA seems to think it is ok, that he still wears the captain's armband for England. I understand the argument about innocent until proven guilty, but like I said, it appears to be different rules.

There has to be some perspective on this, yes racism exists, and in some cases it's devastating a la the Stephen Lawrence killing and there are probably incidents in bullying in schools and indeed work places, and it needs to be stamped out. But does that mean that every little thing that comes out do with race has to end with someone being brandished a racist?

Britain is such a diverse place and our attitudes are to be lauded the world over, but in the end if we continue on the path we are on now we will end up living in a world that can be compared to one where we have become immune to every single form of antibiotics!

msnikkidee's 12th November 2011.. a day in the life ....

The BBC is making a docu drama.. Britain in a day.  They wanted everyone to participate by filming themselves and posting it up to YouTube, well I am not willing to do that, but I did think it would be a good idea to make a record of the day.  No videos though, well not my own anyhow.

9:30 ish, woke up later than normal to the sound of the burglar alarm. which in our house only means one thing..the electricity has gone off. Bummer! I would like to say that I sprang out of bed with nifty feet, but you know it would be a lie! After replenishing the leckie, I make coffee and go back upstairs fully expecting that himself will still be sleeping but where the burglar alarm did not wake him, the alarm on my phone does! ( hmm so what would happen if there was actually a burglar, hmm).  We now partake in what has become a bit of a Saturday Morning tradition over the last few weeks and watched our sky plussed edition of XFactor USA!  Very good, leaves the British one in the wind... really but for my on any side of the pond, it pulls at my heart strings.. It seems that in America they are not fans of groups either. I would love to work that out, really. Anyhow we like Chris Rene in our house, as well as Astro..  The problem with the the American X factor is that they can all sing, and put on a performance, there are not joke acts, no one to dislike.. have you heard Melanie Omaro or Leroy Bell. The latter is a fantastic example of why you should never give up on your dreams!

It would be fab to see some collaborations between some British X- factor artistes like Misha B and Chris Rene and a sing off between Little Mix and Lakoda rain!

12:10- Well before you know it, its lunch time, and yes surprise surprise it was really hunger that alerted me to the time, so had to interrupt American X-Factor to utilise my wonderful culinary skills! After that, can you believe I had a nap, something i have not done for ages, at least not since my clubbing days! 

 I woke up watched a bit of the Republic Of Ireland's Euro qualifier in which  Robbie Keane scored. He has such a funny celebration run, it really did make me giggle. 

4 ish, was hungry again, believe it ( I attribute it to slimming world- it gets your furnaces going!) Watched all of the England V Spain game ( well bar 10 minutes when I popped out to the shops to buy stuff). I have to talk about it, I enjoyed it in a funny sort of way, Spain was Spain, ever patient, ever possessive of the ball! Somehow though it was England who got the goal early in the second half and they proved that they could defend for 90 mins, ( cos even the first half was defend, defend defend). I accept that it may be a boost for the team, but it was by no means a show stopping performance ( well) by England and they cannot do that for a whole tournament and expect to win, am pretty certain they watched the  last world cup!  I heard on the radio at some point that it would be very easy, what with all the talk about the alleged racism case against Terry and the poppy wear no wear chatter, to forget that England do play football as well and to me that is the 64 thousand dollar question.. can they or can't they is it just bad luck that they have not won a major tournament since 19 God knows when!

Evening

The Akiti went out to visit his Godson and I was left with the remote control  and X factor UK. It was good this week, as it was full of drama what with the demise of Frankie Coccoza's journey on X factor and the subsequent return of another act, not to mention some technical hitches. In the end it was Amelia Lily that came back, but I would have liked two shoes.  It makes you realise who subjective and personal such a show is. Apparently Amelia got 48% of the vote not bad eeh.. So we like what we like only some people put their money where their mouth is.. So apart from the occasional CD purchase or Itunes download I am definitely an armchair supporter!

Well my Saturday was not really that extraordinary, I was in my house all day, bar 10 mins in the local shops, very lazy. None of my normal activities anywhere in sight, although to be honest It would be a special case if I were to go to Tae Kwon Do on a Saturday, or indeed dance class, but there were no parties, no real shopping to talk of indeed no visitations all normal Saturday activities usually.  As you can see there was no need to video we are a normal family from Luton Bedfordshire and would have ended up on the cutting room floor. Good!

People Just Don't get it!Facebook squabbles, Slimming World and Liverpoolfc

I just have to tell you about some of my experiences this week, as they have been exhausting but exhilarating all at once! Having been gently  reprimanded about my timekeeping at work I took to taking   ultra early trains ( at least by my standards), much to my chagrin! I have now declared that I hate commuters, they are so nasty and selfish! You may want to see my earlier post: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/msnikkidee titled Its official.  Along with my pet hate of commuters lies those people who tell you, that you don't have a life, and that you are stupid because you like to play games on line, on facebook in particular. Well thank you very much for the insult , but according to my mother, I am a woman of substance, indeed I believe that.. you may not, but who do you think you think you are? Some kind of superstar? ( even superstars use some form of social media I'll have you know) After all, it is you who doesn't know how to set your settings so that you don't get notifications from or invitations to games from your friends, it is your choice not to participate with those things on social platforms, that does not mean that those of us who do are stupid, or to use your words don't have a life! I find that statement in any context very insulting and offensive, so how very dare you! Ok rant over ( for now). I suppose it is normal or logical to get grief from people who do not like or have a limited understanding of social media, or generally from those who do not have respect towards other people's choices! I say the world is big and beautiful enough to accommodate all of us and our different version of life!


Now I move my attention to my continual love of slimming world.  I had a lovely lunch date this week with my lovely friends Marian and Wunmi. It was going through the menu, with me muttering, oh what am I gonna have, too many syns in that, too many syns in this and so on and so forth, that brought it all on, I mean; I was told that I am not following the plan, I am not doing this, do you eat enough speed foods? I was half way through trying to respond when I remembered that actually this is one of the great things about Slimming World compared to other diets or eating plans, is that it accommodates dates with lovely people! The lady who was going on and on, has a sister who is a slimming world consultant..but as far as I tell that is where the knowledge stopped.  She did not understand how unique Slimming world is in it's approach and that it can be adapted to suit any lifestyle. It is an exemplar in diversity! You choose your own journey and make your own destiny. I love the tag line 'because you are amazing'. It re-inforces what my my mum always told me.. I am a woman of substance... check out the plan at www.slimmingworld.com.

All I will say about my next favourite issue of the week, is that Mr Kenny Dalglish, had better realise quickly that Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson are not yet capable of being the dream team. We all know what a little wonder Luis Suarez is though. I believe we have to respect all opponents, but we also have to beat all those people our rivals are beating. I mean, why do we always seem to struggle against newly promoted teams, where the mancs don't, Arsenal don't and neither do Chelsea or spurs.  Statistics from the BBC website about our records with  Swansea are: 

• Swansea have never beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the league.
• Liverpool are unbeaten in six matches, their longest run since manager Kenny Dalglish returned.
• Liverpool have won just three of their last 11 matches against newly promoted sides
• This was the first time in 16 visits that Swansea have kept a clean sheet at Anfield

So come on boys, you know what needs to be done... 

Milling Around!

I have been milling around today... I had to leave the chores to their own devices, so we all know what I will be doing tomorrow! Its amazing, though, I knew I loved my car, but after my big let  down of Friday morning its now in the garage! Imagine that, today is the day I would have ordinarily been out and about buying meat, buying fish, buying any thing else that i fancied cooking for the week, or running errands or whatever, we all have Saturdays so am sure you get my drift... then why did I just sit around my house doing nothing, moping as if my best friend had left me high and dry...well basically because to an extent that is what happened. After all, on a Saturday,  my car is generally my trusted companion..( yeah sad I know)

I had stuff to do, but could not face any of it... somehow I feel that my indomitable spirit had deserted me. Or maybe I used a lot this week! Yes I will not revisit.  Well I have not heard from the wonderful Honda Dunstable today, am not amused, so they will not be working on my car until Monday...so you all know that I will not be concentrating at work on Monday... well I suppose I will have to call on my integrity to ensure that does not happen.

Well I did clear some space on my sky+ disc, by watching bouquet of barbed wire, my gosh I forgot how dark that story is! Damm good acting though I would really recommend it. I read the book many years ago and I think this did it justice.  

If you are wondering why I have the video, on this post, its because watching it was   best 10 minutes I have had today..I would love to be able to break multiple things, boards etc  with my feet... I just had to share.....I shall be revisiting this video again!!! 

I have to mention my that  my love of slimming world marches on, so far today have had a fab day.. I must have a quick mention that I was disappointed that my Liverpool did not win today, I swear that I jinxed them, they were winning, they were playing keeping the ball, then i start watching and look what happens..hmm but John Rudd was fab though... so was suarez...

The Road leads to Bristol, April 2012 Part 2

Wow,  a quickie here, have to say..was not sure I was going to keep my own promise to myself, talk less of to others, but OMG, went to Tae Kwon Do today..first day back after having heard my sad little fate of not getting my Grade.  Am still overwhelmed to be honest, I have had such lovely comments from my friends and family.  It was an enjoyable class, but what was really nice, was that my instructor did mention that he has not known of many students if any who have come back to class, the first day after a negative result.  and that it showed indomitable spirit... wow... that was so nice... and I really appreciated it.

Am looking forward to getting on track with my training.... will keep you posted.

I must mention that I went to my slimming world class yesterday, and I had a maintain..so I was well pleased after the poor eating choices I had been making all weekend.

The Road leads to Bristol, April 2012 Part 1

If I said that I was not bitterly disappointed, I would be the biggest liar on the planet! In case you are wondering why is because after all the hard work, the leaving work early and all that mallarkey, I went for my black belt grading yesterday, and believe it,  the results are out today and unfortunately for me (or the TAGB depending on how you look at it) I did not pass this time.

I am actually quite sad, as I worked really hard, extra classes, sometimes in places as far away as Stratford upon Avon! Having been there though, my desire to be a black belt is greater than ever! So the routine starts all over again.  This attempt has cost me a lot...not just in petrol and hotel money, ( or indeed the grading fees) but there's also the diet..yep you guessed it I did not make sensible choices... it was fish and chips for dinner on Fri night, and worse, I had a pint of pear cider, which apparently did not agree with me, and I woke up in the night,throwing up and all that...too many syns, let's see what the scales say tomorrow night. I shall so not be amused am sure as I am certain to have added a few pounds on, oh and it has also cost me a new iphone charger, as I left mine in the hotel and oopsy daisy they cant find it! How much does it cost for a new charger? see what I mean, all that expense and no belt.

Well the next grading is in April, 2012 and I shall be booking my hotel right now.

All that whining done, I have to say that to be honest I did enjoy myself, I know I gave it my all, I could not have done any more, well except in my line work, that was I have to say on the diabolical side! I think though its because I over thought it, as in trying to get my foot shapes right and all that.. I did well in my theory, though.. 5/6 what a pity that does not give you a belt..he hee... well for now I will continue to be a 1st cup as we are called and wear the black tag belt. I may even enter a competition.
So now am gonna rest, but from Tuesday I just have to up the anti whilst waiting for the feedback!!!

Inanity and the Girl: The Essential Slimming World Survival Guide

Inanity and the Girl: The Essential Slimming World Survival Guide

Go Nadal go!

This blog is usually reserved for dieting and footie, but today I feel compelled to dump my disappointment regarding today’s Wimbledon Final result!

I am not going to be as graceful or as sporting as Nadal was in defeat…I absolutely cannot stand the fact that Djokovic is No 1 and even worse that he beat Nadal in the Wimbledon final. Yes I know that all you 9jas will be shouting yeah, bad belle..bad belle..well yes I admit it, in fact I will shout it from the roof tops… I have bad belle that Djokvic won!  I don’t like the man, I feel he is arrogant and all that screaming and chest beating winds me up…

I know that this is not a logical reaction as if you don’t get the ball over the net, and past your opponent you can’t win…its not rocket science.  This did not happen for Nadal today…   and it was not even the best tennis match.

I was a late starter in Tennis, I got into it during the 1980 Wimbledon, and immediately fell in love with McEnroe! Had to listen to the final on the radio as we were on the way to a Biology field trip and Mrs Copley our teacher in charge was not for tennis! I mean that had to be the case as this was the epic final of Borg v McEnroe… confined to on one minute off the next on the radio…well that notwithstanding my love affair began!!!! I loved McEnroe, I loved his outbursts, I loved the fact that he seemed to be able to serve an ace at will in fact I just loved him, I think the next man I loved was Stefan Edberg, followed by Andre Aggassi, Pete Sampras. Not to mention Goran, Invan, and even  Michael Chang. These were really likeable characters who played lovely tennis in their own ways. I was always upset when my favourite lost, but mostly I would be able to say fair dos. Not today though, I am sorely disappointed.

I realise that when it comes to our sporting heroes we like who we like.. My brother in law only likes Federer, and will not admit that he just does not like the others particularly Nadal! He feels the need to justify by saying he does not like how Nadal plays, (I could not understand the technicality of this despite several explanations) furthermore he actually went on to say that Nadal does not take his opponent along with him..sorry last time I looked, tennis was a competitive sport. Am pretty certain he would be happy about today’s result. My colleague too loves Federer, his tennis is beautiful, Nadal’s is ugly, Federer has the whole Package, he is stylish and has better manners on and on she crooned.  That’s fine they are entitled to their choices, but I find it interesting that these Federer lovers feel they are superior for their choices and that is what really guiles me! 

My Defining Moments from the football Season 2010/11 in no particular Order.

These are some salient points that got my attention during this season.  I found it to be very exciting we have had a roller coaster year but I am hoping for great things next season.

NO 1 Rafa leaves

Rafa leaves Liverpool 3^rd June 2010 they said it was by mutual consent. Maybe it was, but it did not bode well. Don’t get me wrong, it was time, his tactics were not working, but who was going to be appointed.  The timing was off, there were big fat calls for the nasty H & G to go, how could they sell the club with an incumbent new manager in place and so on, then Roy Hogdson was appointed on the 1^st July. I was not happy with this, it just did not add up and I was convinced that Hicks and Gillette were up to something. My husband told me time and time again that it was the man RBS had put in charge of Liverpool that had done that. My friends at work tried to tell me that it was a good idea, give him a chance they said, I tried really I did but could not get over the fact that we, the mighty Liverpool were in the relegation zone and the Hog as I referred to him seemed to think it was ok to use the words Liverpool and relegation in the same sentence.  I watched and followed with dismay over the next few months while my beloved reds yo-yoed from one flimsy result to the next under the Hog!

NO 2 Liverpool V Arsenal 5th August 2010 (1-1)

The sun was shining, Anfield was full, we as in my hubby and I sat on the sofa ready, anticipating. What a match it was going to be. Well was it an omen of the months to come,  Don’t get me wrong, it was a good match, but Arsenal equalised in the 91^st minute through a Pepe Reina own goal. Some how though it just seemed to be the beginning of the bad and the ugly where Liverpool was concerned.

No 3 Everton V Liverpool   17^th October (2-0)

This was a fixture we had not lost in 25 years I think, we were appalling, but that was not the worst of it, the Hog said that eh, were not that bad, we had an unlucky break. He did not make any changes until the 76^th minute (give or take) how was that supposed to affect the game. It was as if we were watching a different match. This result actually gave David Moyes the opportunity to think that they had the quality to match us.

NO 4 Hicks and Gillette..finally go  (15^th October 2010)

What can I say about this except good riddance to bad rubbish and welcome to NSEV and John W Henry!

No 5 finally The Hog is relieved of duties (8^th Jan 2011)

I was in Nigeria with my family when this new broke and I cheered, cheered again then cheered some more.  The reign of King Kenny begun again!

No 6: Fernando Torres betrayed us, but we got Suarez and Carroll as well as £50m

My feeling on this issue was well documented at the time.  See http://msnikkideesdiary.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html  I still get mad whenever I think of it though, and am glad he only scored one goal for the rest of the season and Chelsea ended up with nadda.

No 7: Suarez scores in his debut Liverpool verses Stoke ( 2-0)

How fitting that Suarez scored in his opening match, while the Judas Torres did not! Brill!

No 8 Chelsea at Stamford Bridge: 6^th Feb (0-1)

Well talk about just desserts. Thanks to Daniel Agger, who accidentally on purpose bashed Torres in the mouth. Someone in the crowd yelled “job done” hee hee.. See my blog post

http://msnikkideesdiary.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.htm 

No 9 Liverpool V the Mancs 6^th March (3-1)

Well you know I just love it, I mean really love it when we get one over the mancs. They think they are so superior and they are dammed arrogant too.  Watching that match, it was quite clear that like the pundits, (yes that lot!) they fully expected to walk it! They really underestimated us.  Well good for them, and as for that Nani, he is the best actor, he should have had an Oscar for his performance on this day. Don’t get me wrong, Jamie’s tackle was not good but the diver still had the ability to chase the ref and only started crying when he realised that it was a yellow card as opposed to a red! Ha ha Good for Dirky and his hat trick and as for Suarez…hmmm

No 10 WBA V Liverpool 2^nd April (2-1)

Some would say that this is the revenge of the Hog. I would say that the scoreline flatters WBA. Lets leave it at that!

No 11 April 2011

The month of April 2011 was a good one for us. Must give a special mention to Arsenal on the 17^th. What a match end to end footie, drama so on and so forth, but guess what no goals, lots of stoppage time though and Van persie scored a penalty in the 98^th Minute. Well Arsenal thought they had it wrapped up, my nephew was in tears, it was drama all round, then would you believe that in the 102 minute dirt kuyt scored from the penalty spot equalising. Wow.. Mr Wenger was not amused, in fact he was so mad he refused to shake King Kenny’s hand, as if it were his fault, anyhow Kenny showed him!  I thought it was just desserts really.  City were not up for it and we thrashed them 3-0 and believe me, we could have had more and unlike when they beat us at Eastlands the scoreline was well deserved. We also beat Birmingham 5-0 and Maxi got a hat trick. who knew??!!!

No 12 KK made permanent manager yaay (12^th May)

Sense, no brainer, could it have been any other way, enough said!

No 13 Wolves V the Mancs 5^th Feb (2-1)

Like I said before..I love it when the mancs are not happy!

No 14 Newcastle V Arsenal 6^th Feb (4-4)

Arsenal became the first side to throw away a four-goal lead in the history of the Premier League as Newcastle fought back to draw 4-4. Incredible. It was an amazing thing to watch as a neutral!

No 15- the Olympic stadium Stratford (11^th Feb)

West Ham winning the bid to use the Olympic stadium in Stratford much to the disdain of spurs who mounted a judicial review..hmmm Envy in the premiership why am I surprised?

No 16: England fails in its bid for the 2018 World cup hosting rights. (Dec 2010)

I don’t care what anyone says it stinks, I was really routing for England.. I just don’t believe it was honest and fair.

NO 17- Champions League Barca V Arsenal 8^th March (3-1)

8^th March Barcelona v Arsenal Arsenal were out played by Barca by a mile, with van persie being sent off, but that’s not the best bit mr Wenger still thinks that they would have won, despite the fact that in the history of the champions league they did not have one single shot on goal! Amazing Arsene takes the meaning of delusion to an exceptional new level.

No 18 Sacking, Sacking and more Sacking

Chris Huyton, Sam Allerdyce, Roberto de Mattio, , the one who should have gone mr Avram grant only went on the last day after west ham were relegated and one who should have stayed Carlo Ancolotti   It stinks in a normal industry the tribunals people would be even more busy than they are now.

No 19: Rooney told Fergie he was the new boss

Wayne Rooney showing Alex Fergie who is boss… I mean that could only be the reason he said he wanted to leave and then signed a new contract worth a reported £250k a week and then stayed

No 20: Barca V the Mancs Champions League Final in Wembley 28^th May (3-1)

Barcelona gave Manchester United a Master class in how to play football, the Champions League Final 28^th May 2011.  The lead up to this match was incredible. Oh Fergie can do this,Fergie can do that, Barca are not unbeatable and so on and so forth. Well I watched with utter utter glee as Barca showed them how it was done. They were made to look ordinary really. Personally I don’t think it needed to have been like that.   Fergie got his tactics wrong; he is beginning to behave like a dinosaur. And did you see his hands shaking, he was vexed.  I think that he overestimated the ability of his team based on the fact that there are not many teams in the premiership that stand up to them. So good for them. We have won it  5 times.

Am so excited, and you know what, I just cant Hide it!

Why, am sure that you are wondering..  well had a weigh in today, and not only did I lose 5&1/2 lbs but I got my 2 stone award and my club 10! The latter being when you have lost 10% of your body weight! The point at which you begin to feel the benefits within yourself and your health. One thing I have definitely noticed is that I am much more agile and that helps in tae kwon do and general day to day life!!

I have been going to Slimming world for a year now, and its taken all this time, but in all that time I have never lost that much in one week! I felt like dancing honestly, dancing and even more dancing… am still feeling it. For a while now Cathy has been spouting the benefits of scan bran, apparently back in the day when slimming world was just starting out, it was compulsory part of the diet, its extremely high in fibre and as such you get all the benefits associated with such a food, am pretty certain that I don’t have to tell you what those are. That is what Google is for!  So my point is that I embraced that and have trying the scan bran in many different cake modes. I also have been eating a lot of beans, as in Nigerian bean which we all know has the same effect!   The best plus side of this is that I actually have enjoyed this, and once again it goes back to the Slimming world ethic of eating healthy tasty food that you can relish and not feel as if you are being punished for previous over indulgences.

I must give a quick shout out to my beloved reds, we are flying now under king Kenny, and can you believe it we are now up to 5^th vying for a place in Europa Cup. 

Until the next time then!

Yippee….. Liverpool 50m Chelsea 0, Nike 3 fat 0!

OMG, yes that acronym again!  Did you all see the footie this weekend?  43 goals… a record in itself, not to mention the record set by Arsenal being the only team ever in the premiership to concede a 4-0 lead! With all that said, my focus was really tickled on Sunday when my beloved Reds travelled to Stamford bridge for the clash, that was the nearly the only footballing conversation all week! Well I have to say that I am over Mr Torres now, I have just about stopped wanting him to break his leg…well I did not really wish him bad, but I was really really peed and disappointed with him, but you know what? God is good…. There was so much hype over the Chelsea v liverpool match and every single pundit bar none, said Chelsea was going to win… well blow them all for six…weren’t they just proved foolish. Kenny the King  pulled a blinder…. And even the torres himself had the audacity to go on Chelsea tv and say that we caught them by surprise, I think not, it smacks of under estimating us. Him and his new team mates expected they were going to walk all over us..well go on you reds, didn’t you show them what you were made of, and indeed Chelsea looked limp and Torres debut was very uninspiring. Interesting though that nearly all the other people who went to new clubs scored on their debut.  Ha ha ha ….serves him right!  I could go on and on, but its all been written in all the papers, on all the blogs not mentioning facebook and twitter. This has to be said though… £50 million pounds dictates that Torres must step up to the mark, but am so happy that it was not against my beloved Liverpool.

Well I have to be honest, am well pleased with myself. I lost another pound this week, nearer and nearer towards my goal.  Not so long ago, I went into the coffee shop in the station to buy a coffee. I paid, then brought out my canderel! Well the shop keeper who I get along with quite well, so thought that was funny and went on and on about how being that I was tall and big boned ( that old chestnut!) that I would not be able to lose weight. How funny, he like the pundits underestimating  Liverpool, underestimated me  I have lost weight three times in a row now and am feeling well pleased with myself. I will have at least two fish dinners this week to consolidate. So people wish me well.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Torres or Judass??

I am heartbroken, I have to be honest! I can't believe it, am in  shock, I mean how could this happen,  i feel so betrayed am so hurt  and confused! ok so am exaggerating, but I will be slow to love  
another footballer the way I loved Torres! And that's the truth!

Well he wanted  to leave and he has left, but his timing sucks! It's almost as of has been taking lessons from Michael owen! How to hit them on the break! And it is on the break as we are on the rise  looking forward so we were totally blindsided, and for some, hitting you on the break is a strategy! (a la Inter-milan v Barcelona in last years CL final) it's cruel real cruel a game killer sometimes!

We always know that no one person can be bigger than the club!  So  
they who want to leave must leave! Who though, holds the keys on the  timing????? Like I said we were blindsided!

We are steeped in tradition and history! Will that be found in  Chelsea! Hell No!

Will he be loved there the way he was loved on the Kop?!  Hell No!

Will he be king of the Bridge as he was king of the Kop? Me thinks  not!

Only God knows what the future holds for him! I hope its good

  It remains to be seen if Mr Torres does well at Chelsea - but I can't get it, ( There may have been a few broken promises, granted and the  allure of money) and that's what has been messing with my head! My husband says I am obsessed! He thinks I fancy him ; ha ha that is so funny- but really I was completely taken by him  his flair he seemed different to  others and he is good looking  more fool me, never again will I love a footballer as I loved Fernando!

The bright new no 9

 I do say welcome to Andy Carroll, am pretty certain that he is going to be fantastic addition to our club and am looking forward to his debut.
Well now I must concentrate in my diet, my  ITIL course & exams and of  
course my desire to do my black belt grading!