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VOILA, I DID IT! SHARE YOUR SUCCESS

Ava

POSTED: Sun, 12/26/2010 - 8:00am

Objective (s) for 2011

As it's almost that time of year again (when we make promises to ourselves we seldom keep), I thought it might be a good idea to write down our objectives for the year (not promises) and revisit them later on to see how we're doing - then we can say 'Voila, I did it!'

Viva la Diva

POSTED: Fri, 01/06/2012 - 4:57pm So as part of doing things a So as part of doing things a little bit differently, I am allowing my self only a little time daily to journal. I am focusing on writing the highlights of the day. No more hashing out or focusing on what I need to do better, just simply stating what I did that was positive and what I am thankful for. I am adding a little square where I write down whatever I ate and letting it go. That simple accountability is usually all I need to get back on track. I have already gained so much inspiration form everyone here about doing things in a more positive way...now to reinforce them all.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/02/2012 - 10:01pm 2012 Objectives The thought that is foremost in my mind is "Peace".How does one achieve that?And I mean it at many levels,inner peace,local,and even world.I want to make a difference and perhaps focusing on poverty is the way to go in the broad sense.There are many organizations to join.Time to do a bit of research.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/02/2012 - 10:11pm P.S. My computer dumped half my message.I'll be back!

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/02/2012 - 10:53pm paragraph 2 The last 15 months have been very,very stressful.The new year appears to be following that trend,with people dear to me facing serious health issues.In order to take care of myself i.e.reduce stress and be well I have to have a plan I will follow.That is key.I care for others without a second thought.It must become that easy for me.World peace might be a simpler goal.:-))).Here goes..1.Get more sleep. 2.Move more..3.Eat slowly.4.Make my environment beautiful.Right now my bedroom is my project.I want a French,Mediterranean sensibility.Soft colours and a calm ,peaceful feeling.It will be a lovely retreat.Well,that's enough to going on with.OXO

Viva la Diva

POSTED: Mon, 01/02/2012 - 4:03pm Objectives for 2012: My goals are to do 40 different things I procrastinate doing or have never done. Mostly do do everything a little bit differently. Thanks for your inspiration...you kept me motivated in cultivating my own secret garden all year!

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/02/2012 - 9:08pm Hello My Friend The year ahead is a big one for you.I am with you all the way.OXO

Ava

POSTED: Sun, 01/01/2012 - 5:00pm Objectives 2011 objectives… So ladies, how did we all do with our objectives / goals for the past year? I managed to do many of mine, although there were some events in the year that I wish hadn’t happened at all (such as my Granny passing away and recently, dear Jane Packer - my mentor and trainer as a florist; and of course there were health worries with my OH and father; and problems with my sister - who luckily we got out of Tottenham just as the riots took hold.) We also decided against opening a shop in the end (all the hassle with the planning and the cost and the recession and (the final straw) - the greedy landlord, just led us to call it a day and leave it for now. Anyhow all in all, despite the down points, it was a good year; but I sincerely propose that 2012 will be so much better! Objectives achieved / 2011: Obj 1) Take up the piano – YES! And I was lucky enough to be given a boudoir grand plus I now have a keyboard too, complete with earphones for the benefit of the neighbours! I’ve recently bought a set of piano books the same as my Grandmother gave me when I first learnt to play. They go from grade 1-6, so I have plenty to practice with! Obj 2) To get onto a horse – YES! And I am in the process of buying a new one with monetary gifts from my wonderful other and inheritance from dearest Granny who would have wanted nothing more. Obj 3) Ballroom dancing – Partial success! My sister and I started Charleston classes earlier in the year and have been practicing Ballroom when we can. Tricky with two ladies and no leading men though! My friend (Ballroom champion) has been trying to teach me the Tango…this objective continues into 2012! We’ve stopped going to Ceroc for the moment as there is so much else we’re doing. Obj 4) Finish redecorating – YES! I finally finished the apartment, though it is now a mix of contemporary hotel, old English country house, Art Deco and world travels … rather than just Deco. I have all my books in my ‘library’ and I love my cosy corner where my desk and workspace is. It’s perfect for writing and for added inspiration, I have a chic hotel style desk / dressing table in the bedroom where I can plug in my laptop and enjoy the amazing views we have. I feel like I could be in a 5* hotel, anywhere in the world when I'm in there! Continuing from the 2011 list; We’ve been to so many places in the past year and have already booked a week at a time each month, for the next 6 months in either Cornwall / Devon / Yorkshire / breaks to London & Brighton (the £10 Travelodge & cheap Premier Inn rooms.) We’ve been to the theatre many times; including seeing War Horse just before Christmas (it was excellent I might add.) Learn more French; try another instrument; finish my book (this year I promise!) We’re looking at an around Britain trip this year as a charity event (my OH is organizing ex servicemen who have lost limbs, to paramotor around Blighty and raise money for good causes.) The next step will be a European one and then hopefully one to Australia. Guess who will be part of the ground crew?! At least I can write on the move :-) Basically ladies, I have achieved a lot in the past year. I still do all my pilates / yoga / zumba classes etc and exercise well and eat healthily. This year – I’ll be aiming for more of the same but with additional energy, synergy and a determination that (with it also being my 40th ), I will come out at the end of the year feeling fantastic and having achieved all the things I set out too. I know I am extremely lucky to be in the position I'm in. I've worked hard over the years to engineer myself into this position, where I am able to indulge myself in my passions. Bright things this year: two new nephews on the way; one any day now and the other in may! Have a good year ladies, and I will be sneaking in between writing and blogging to see how you all are :-) Ava.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Mon, 01/02/2012 - 10:46am As always ou comme d'habitude Ava ,you blow my mind.I will return to comment further and to share my plans.But my fav.bit from your goals is about your book.Brilliant.OXO

Viva la Diva

POSTED: Tue, 08/30/2011 - 10:48am I am thoroughly amazed and I am thoroughly amazed and inspired by everyone's 'progress'. Looking back my first year was all about the lifestyle, making the changes necessary to release the excess pounds. Funny how we do not realize the amount of time and committment that takes. Once the weight was let go, my family and I were able to pursue other hobbies. It takes a lot of time to learn a new way to live. Cooking takes time, as does cleaning and organizing. Anyway, currently, since our move, I have had a difficult time finding a routine that works. My son's schedule changes every couple of months and he is not driving yet, so I am doing the 'drop everything to run him around' routine again. He is also home more and needs that subtle supervision and reminders to stay on task. My hope is that once we get the kitchen completed I can find a more successful routine. For now I plan to walk twice daily and cook more consistently! I think I will also take a moment to see why I feel so off course...hmmmmm...I think it is because i am looking to achieve the old normal and need to find a 'new normal'!

meneia

POSTED: Sat, 09/03/2011 - 5:08pm A New Normal I think it is normal to try to recreate your old normal in a new location, but it never really works. These days, I tend to look at a new location as an opportunity to start fresh, and create an even better normal, by new hobbies, habits and even some new friends.

snorklee

POSTED: Sat, 08/20/2011 - 12:22am Hmmm..... Not sure I've done much different so far this year.... You've got me thinking... Still in a horribly stressful job. Still struggling with weight and smoking. Still haven't done much except work said stressful job, which takes up all my life. If I'm not there, I'm on call, and if I'm not on call (only 4 days a month off call), then I'm obsessing about not being there. I need to read everyone's accomplishments this year. It will motivate me to make the most of the 4 months that are left. Time to make those changes!!!

jas

POSTED: Mon, 09/05/2011 - 9:29am deb, picture Deb, your picture is beautiful. I love your gray hair. I loved Diva's words of a New Normal. I keep thinking for myself about how I can live life more fully, part of that feels like not filling up all my time every day with work and overscheduling...it also feels like taking risks to spend the money and go visit my best friend, yet I am scared...but what am I scared of?

snorklee

POSTED: Tue, 09/06/2011 - 8:04am Risks = Living Hi, Jas, Thank you. :) I know what you mean, about wanting to live life more fully. For me, my rut gets so comfortable that leaving it makes me afraid. I have to remind myself that leaving what is familiar might be scary, but it's what makes life... well... life. :) Since I flew out of my 24 year marriage a few years ago, which was totally terrifying, yet necessary, I felt like I had no "normal". My life was very chaotic, and I went back to old habits of being a hermit, clinging to work to keep me grounded, and also clinging to food for comfort. So... here I am, three years later, just that. A hermit who works too much and is overweight. :) But, more change is scary to me, too. I feel like I've had all the change I can handle. But on the other hand, I know I am stifling myself in the name of stability. And padding myself with the comfort of food. I feel like I've lost that risk-taking spark I used to have, a long time ago. I just feel so vulnerable now that I'm on my own, I guess. Diva's words about a "new normal" resonate with me too. Normal is just whatever we do everyday. Everyone's normal is different, so why not create a different normal that makes us happy? I love it. It's a risk to change our lives, but we have to live life, not just watch it go by. I just have to keep reading all the wisdom here, to keep reminding myself that I do want to live life actively, not passively. Cheers, Deb

meneia

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 5:23am Living Actively I just finished re-reading FWDGF, and one sentence that struck a chord with me was "In facing challenges, aim to be the master, not the subject, of your life." I'm about to be moving and changing jobs again, so I have lots of decisions to make, and I'm absolutely terrified. But I think it's important in this case that I make my own decisions, rather than just letting things happen, because that's not getting me where I want to be.

snorklee

POSTED: Wed, 09/07/2011 - 7:07am Meneia That's a great quote. It's very empowering. Being at a crossroads is scary, and so is leaving the familiar. You will do what's best for you. You're a strong person. :)

Marilyn

POSTED: Tue, 08/30/2011 - 3:06pm Deb That sounds one stressful job, I don't know how you cope, I know I couldn't. I can understand why you are still struggling with the eating and smoking. I don't smoke (now) but my weight goes up with stress. Comfort eating is my problem. I'll make the changes with you, girls together.

snorklee

POSTED: Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:31am Girls together Thank you Marilyn. When I'm stress-eating (or smoking), I'll think about the lovely helping hand that's stretched across the ocean. There's so much comfort in friends. :)

Marilyn

POSTED: Wed, 08/31/2011 - 11:46am Hands across the sea are really comforting. Good luck with the interview and well done in standing up for yourself. That's the way to go.xxx

Vintage1944

POSTED: Tue, 08/30/2011 - 11:12am Dear Deb PLEASE,leave that job stat.What a murderous schedule.You deserve better.Totally get the eating and smoking...immediate stress relief.Hellish side effects.You have such great talent,skills and courage.Time to apply those attributes to you.The year has flow by.I am trying to revisit the concept of time,see it as a continuum.Take the crazy pressure off trying to meet time lines.There is enough of that at work.TAKE CARE.OXO

snorklee

POSTED: Wed, 08/31/2011 - 8:35am Thank you, Jean... Some things have changed since I posted that about my job. I stood up for myself and was honest with my bosses about the stress, and now I alternate call on weekday evenings with the other manager, so that there are some days during the week where my sleep will not be interrupted. So... that's amazing, after two years of the constant on-call, I'll finally have a bit of respite. Other changes... I have a job interview today! So, we'll see how that goes. I will hate to leave the job I have now, because despite all the stress, deep down, I love it. But, I also have to have quality of life. So... wish me luck on figuring out my life. lol.

kit

POSTED: Fri, 09/02/2011 - 11:49pm Hi Deb! Best of luck with whatever you decide regarding changing jobs. I'm always looking but meanwhile have changed the hours at my office job (longer hours, less days) and try to never work 2 days in a row at the hospital (too much stress). So far it helps, that and an occasional "hooky" day. Husband and I goof off that day, the beach, a museum, a new restaurant etc. Take care of yourself! Tina

Vintage1944

POSTED: Wed, 08/31/2011 - 9:15am Dearest Deb You are wonderful.I am so proud of you.Good luck in the job interview.Let us know how it goes.OXO

meneia

POSTED: Fri, 08/19/2011 - 5:51pm Progress Report Following Ava's example, I thought I'd do a progress report. I'm still not taking great care of myself, but I am getting better. I am eating better and exercising more. I've lost almost 6kg now, while not feeling deprived and not exercising excessively. My house is still not that clean but it's not too bad. I'm working on developing routines to keep it looking good but it's been a slow process. I was still watching too much tv, so relocated the tv to the wardrobe in the spare bedroom. It's been a week and a half since I did that, and it's going well. I had it out one evening to watch a couple of shows, then put it back the next morning (although next week I'll know to put it back that night). I decided not to join the local symphony, but still play in a string ensemble once a week. I'm still doing the same job, and still stressed. Not really sure what to do about that one. I'm thinking of taking a few months off and doing a round the world trip, just to give myself some breathing room to figure out what I want to do. I am reading more. I haven't taken up a new hobby (unless running counts, and I don't think it does), and that's sad. I'll need to look into doing something new. The wardrobe cleanout is happening tomorrow... So all up not too bad. The main change has been the eating and exercising. But if that's all that I accomplish this year, I'll count it as a successful year.

Vintage1944

POSTED: Fri, 08/19/2011 - 11:21pm Excellent progress I think you have accomplished a lot.Be proud of yourself.You deserve it.OXO

Ava

POSTED: Thu, 08/18/2011 - 1:59pm Half yearly catch up - some objectives to tick off the list! As well as objectives already previously listed / completed or started, I've a few more to add:-) 1) We joined our local Ceroc dancing group (it's brilliant) 2) Tonight we join the local Charleston & Lindy Hop group 3) We're doing more visits to Cornwall, Devon & Wales 4) I have a Boudoir Grand piano 5) We've been riding (trekking - so not exactly competition level but at least I'm back in the saddle!) 6) I've asked my dearest best gay friend (who is a national Ballroom champion) to teach me to Tango...he will! 7) I've been learning French 8) I'm doing yoga & Pilates daily 9) Swimming three times a week 10) Visited more NT places / we've booked lots of trips to places around Blighty (thanks to the cheap deals from Travelodge) 11) We've been to the theatre more (and have trips planned) 12) I've been working on my book 13) We're still thinking about using our BA airmiles & Hilton points to go to the Maldives :-) In general - I'm keeping fit with lots of classes and outside exercise (walking / cycling etc) and eating well. I bought tap shoes the other week. Our apartment is partly redone but on hold since we've been trying to sort out the shop (which is proving a very lengthy process.) There are sailing taster sessions (and tennis and rowing) that we will be trying out next month. I've donated a fair bit to various charities and will continue to do so. All in all, a good first half! Hope you're all doing well with your objectives :-)

Marilyn

POSTED: Fri, 08/19/2011 - 5:46am No 12 I hope you realise you have a waiting list for your book before it is written. How are the shop/cafe plans going? I thought I crammed a lot into my life but you hardly have time to breathe. Make sure you have time to relax physically and mentally, you are still young and do not have to do everything at once, I hope you don't mind the advice.

jas	POSTED: Thu, 08/18/2011 - 7:32pm I enjoyed reading your list Ava...I love to dance also. Jas

Vintage1944

POSTED: Thu, 08/18/2011 - 2:33pm Incroyable!! Ava you are a true inspiration.All listed are excellent but #12 pleases me most.YAY!OXO

Ava

POSTED: Thu, 08/18/2011 - 5:48pm Dear Marilyn & Jean Thank you! It took a bit of getting back into but I am really getting there now. Part of the problem was that I kept coming up with new characters (for different novels) and that side tracked me from the main one I was working on. Also the T.V. scripts have had a new lease of life (also more ideas for other dramas which will have to wait for my attention.) It's crazy when you're lying in bed at 3am tapping away on your IPhone with new plots and ways to murder people! I've had some of my best ideas in the middle of the night - I've even woken up after dreams and thought they would make brilliant stories so have written them down! One of my weirdest experience was when I had sleep paralysis ... that was just so odd. Has anyone else here experienced that? p.s. the Lindy Hop / Charleston was a brililant night out (we've just returned and I thought as the FWDGF page was still open I'd see who had been on ... and it was you! Lovely to see you :-)

Ava

POSTED: Fri, 06/10/2011 - 2:07pm Well... I've ticked off a few objectives. When we were in Cornwall & Devon the week before last, my OH had a text from some friends of ours saying they had just bought me a Boudoir Grand Piano! OMG!!! I went to see it the other day (they're storing it in their library until we can arrange to have it taken up to our apartment). It has a beautiful mahogany patina and is dated between 1910 - 1930. Needless to say, I absolutely love it! I mentioned to them at the beginning of the year that I wanted one and planned to get one this year....but for them to just buy one and give it to me is something else! I had originally planned to buy digital ... sorry neighbours! (actually, the nasty lady from upstairs has just moved out ... so that's good!) I've also recently been horse riding (part of an objective) and tomorrow we're invited to our friends (of piano fame), Masquerade Ball where I can get in some of my ballroom dancing! I've bought a lovely ball gown from the charity shop and all the trimmings (Masquerade mask, long white gloves, pearls etc and I'm picking up a Marie Antoinette wig tomorrow). All good things must come to and end .... sadly last week my dearest darling grandmother passed away. At 85, she had a good innings, but I will miss my visits to her and our chats. The funeral is next week and I know she would love the flower wreaths I'll be making for her. I've been given a beautiful opal & diamond ring that was hers and will wear it. We will be playing a recording of her singing 'Messiah' in the Royal Choral Society along with Sir Malcolm Sargent at the Albert Hall. She was very proud to have been a part of that. We're also collecting for her favourite charities 'The donkey sanctuary' & 'RSPB'. I miss her, but I'm eternally grateful for all the time I've had the privilege of spending with her this past year. Oh ... but there is some good news - on the day I was given the piano (NB: my grandmother was a music teacher and piano was her forte), and the day they said my grandmother would pass away (she didn't - she hung on for another week whilst until my father flew in from Thailand), was the day I found out that my sister is pregnant .... ...but stranger things have happened! My dad is staying with us and had gone for a walk the morning my grandmother passed away. Because he had a stroke a few years ago - he's a bit doddery and gets lost easily. However, I thought he was down by the marina as he wanted some fresh air, but it appeared that he had wondered off. My OH took the car to see if he could find him (and also to go to Tesco to get something). We weren't obviously worried at this point. However, I was in my bedroom and decided to open the French doors as it was stuffy. I went out onto my balcony and I would put my life on the fact that I heard my dad calling help from across the marina (in the woods). I could hear clear as day, my name being called and 'help' - several times over. I ran out of the apartment, around the marina, across the conservation area, and fields, to the woods. I asked several people on the way if they could tell me where the shouting was coming from. They couldn't. They hadn't heard it. By this time I was panicking ... I hadn't picked up my phone and I had left the apartment door open as I couldn't find the keys. I kept calling out 'dad, where are you?' but could no longer hear the shouts. This worried me deeply, as I felt sure he must have fallen into the river and was drowning, or had broken his leg and was bleeding to death or something equally horrific. I told myself he can't have had another stroke as he had still been able to shout out. I ran into a group of women who asked if I was looking for my dog. I burst into tears (like a lost child in a shop) and said I had lost my dad. They immediately said they would call for an ambulance and the police ... each moment that went by, I worried about how I had lost time in not finding him, and how he would be suffering because I could not reach him. I was in shock. I told one of the women that I would have to wait before phoning the police ... what if I was wrong and he was at home? I'd be wasting police time. They said I should call them anyway but I had a nagging doubt ... even though I was worried that he lay dying in the woods behind me. I eventually ran back to our apartment (which can be seen from where I was near the woods) and decided that if he wasn't there when I got in, then I would immediately call the police. I told the women that I would wave to them from the balcony if he was there - otherwise they would phone the ambulance too. I ran up the stairs and the door was still open as I left it. I went in to find my OH and my dad drinking tea. OMG! I could have strangled him! I was in shock, out of breath and in a state! I waved to the women from the balcony - saying he was safe and all was well. I asked why he had been shouting 'help' from the woods and he replied that he had been in Tesco all that time as he had walked there (Tesco is the oppsoite way to the woods). My OH was in Tesco at the same time and didn't see him in there. My sister says it was my grandmother calling for me to help her. She died exactly two hours later. Weird eh?

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