New Coffee Lounge – Off Topic Only
Well as promised here is the off topic lounge
I wanted to create this so people could chat about every day things and have a break from the subject of anxiety, I always feel it is very important to have a break. It will also give people the chance to get to know others and share things about themselves.
There is only one rule and that there is no anxiety talk/advice etc, all other posts should be used for this.
Rather than keep searching here for this part of the blog just place it in your favourites.
Kettle is on so settle in
January 27th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Well I will go first and have a quick intro
I am 42 years old and live in Yorkshire. I have a partner, but no children, although she has 2.
Interests: Love rugby league, I go to at least 1 game a week and watch every game on the T.V, lost when it finishes
Other interests, I love spending time with friends and regularly go around to each others houses to watch football or meet up to play 5 a side, go to a quiz and share a few beers. I also love going out for meals, Italian top of the list. I also bowl indoors and outdoors and in the summer I am found on my bike or walking/running, I try and keep as fit as I can.
I also build websites on the side, but can’t say I enjoy this, I spend more than enough time in front of the computer and would much rather be outdoors.
That’s a bit about me to get things going
Paul
January 27th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
Hi, my name is Matt. I am 31 years old, I have two children 10 and 2. I am recently divorced and live with my parents until I finish school, wow that sounds depressing as I write this, lol. Hey paul can this be used as a dating blog too? lol. Anyways, I enjoy video games, hanging with friends, basketball, reading books that spark my intellectual side. I also love to write fiction stories and am currently writing a novel, probably won’t be finished for another thirty years the rate i’m going.
I like to watch tv shows like modern family and the office, for those of us in the u.s. that know what i’m talking about. I’m the type of person that doesn’t like to be bored so I try to do learn new things and also enjoy the outside. Well, there ya go, just a little about me, if anyone wants to know more feel free to ask.
January 27th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
Helllloooo
I’m 52 and live in Wales – I am married and have 2 grown up children and a grand daughter aged 2 . I spend lots of my time painting and I also do other crafts. I spend most days involved with this and family things. I enjoy going out everyday walking the family dogs. I used to write a lot too, mostly short stories and poetry but since taking up painting that has dropped off. I too, don’t like to be bored and find myself mostly being busy with looking for something to pull me in – I’m quite political although it’s more a case of being ’socially aware’ that party politics.
As I am writing this – although there never seems to be enough hours in a day – I think it’s time to add a few more things to my agenda, so i’m going to be looking for some fresh outlets, so hopefully 2012 will see some new things included in my ‘cv’ lol. ps I’m not keen on coffee Paul but a Guiness or a cup of tea yes please.
January 27th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
brings in a packet of HobNobs
Hellooo I’m Jackie and am in last year of my 30s! Where did they go? lol I live in sunny Jersey in the Channel Islands and even though France is only 15 miles away, have only been once on a school trip when I was 11! (must do something about that!)
I have two wonderful children, boy and girl who are 15 and 6 years old.
Interests are reading, being with friends and family, gardening, swimming and walking. There are loads of lovely scenic walks to go on over here and have recently read about some moonlight walks which I would love to do soon.
Fave telly programmes are of course Corrie and Eastenders
but love all the reality crap too lol and I do like a good documentary.
January 27th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Jackie… I am so totally jealous of where you live. What an amazing place. I was able to spend two weeks in Switzerland, France, and Italy last year and I can honestly say you should travel the 15 miles every chance you get. I live in the middle of the U.S., three hours due south of Chicago, surrounded by corn and industry. It can be boring, but there are great people here.
I, too, am in the last year of my thirties, recently divorced after 16 yrs. I am a director for an agency that serves adults with disabilities, but I’m trained and certified as a high school English teacher. I am a musician and I play in several bands. Here is a link to one of my band’s soundcloud pages where you can stream our music: http://soundcloud.com/larks-tongue … I am a horrible anglo-phile, though, and have been obsessing over the last Verve record (Verve 4). It’s pretty depressing and details a nasty break up… so maybe it’s not the BEST thing for me right now, but I love it. I read voraciously and run alot. I practice yoga and I’m vegetarian. That about sums it up.
Matt, where do you live? We could go out and meet girls… I’ll be your wing man.
January 27th, 2012 at 9:35 pm
My Name is Jerry, I am 29 years old and live in very sunny San Diego California. I have two sons, 5 and 2 and have been married for 7 years. I currently work full time in the health care industry and also go to school full time attempting a degree in Nursing.
As far as interest, I love watching comedies, love photography and playing the guitar. I must say, I also love wrestling with my sons and eating home made brownies with my wife. I also love discussing theology and reading a good book.
I’ve lived in the USA all my life but hope to travel abroad one day and see the glorious world we’ve been graciously planted on.
January 27th, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Hey Everyone,
I also have a very touchy parrot named Krammer who dislikes borderline hates Lucas with a fiery passion ( will go into more detail about this later ).
My name is Lisa , I am 29 live in Ontario,Canada. I share a home with my partner Lucas.We have a beautiful cat named Wasser who pretty much owns us.
I love animals and have years of experience caring for them. I love the outdoors and in the summer like to ride my bike and go to parks and places where there are a lot of trees and wildlife esp birds. I really like camping too. I enjoy reading and can burn through books fairly quickly. Favourite tv shows, Top gear UK !!, The big bang theory, Discovery channel and anything on the comedy network.I love art as well, sadly I haven’t painted in several years now, but aim to pick up my brush again. I love music I like to dance I also enjoy XBOX kinnect games. Socializing is my thing I really like meeting new people and conversing. I really like observing people too( in a non creepy way lol )
Anyways.. I could go on and on and on… Im a big talker!
ITS GREAT to meet everyone.
January 28th, 2012 at 7:47 am
Hi All – it’s been a while since I’ve been here so might as well do the introduction here and then post on the main blog! I’ll leave my name and location off (personal preference for privacy) but I am located in the Western United States.
I am 37 years old and single. I am a big fan of sports, primarily basketball. I spent a great deal of time involved in many aspects of the sport (fan, player, coach, official). On the side, I have recently decided to be more serious with my photography so trying to learn some of the more technical aspects of taking good pictures.
I watch a lot of stuff from sci-fi movies to comedies to stuff on the Food Network. As long as the stuff is entertaining, I’m all good. I’m sure I can go on but this is a good enough intro.
January 28th, 2012 at 11:33 am
Hello all – My name is Sydney (its not really, I pinched it from ‘A Tale of Two Cities’) but I do live in Cheshire. I am 65 and so please no loud music in here. Married with two daughters who in turn are married each with two children. Hobbies include playing golf badly and table tennis reasonably. More later perhaps when the room has warmed up a little
January 28th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Hello everyone.
I’m 26 and married with no kids (yet!) although I class my two dogs as my babies! Boo is a 3 year old Border Terrier X and Cedric is a 2 year old black pug. I love them to bits and love nothing more than going out on long walks to beach with them and my husband.
I live in a little coastal town outside Newcastle upon Tyne called North Shields, its right by the sea and I love it
I work for the BBC helping to deliver the Switchover Help Scheme to elderly and disabled people in the UK. I work in complaints so it can be stressfull but it keeps me busy and I have some great work collegues so we always have a bit of a laugh.
Intrests wise, I would say reading is my biggest passion – I love books and can’t stop buying them – my house is only small and they’re taking over!
I enjoy going to the cinema, out for meals and going to see bands. TV wise at the minute I’m loving Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad and Mad Men.
It’s so nice to meet people on here from allover the world
xxx
January 28th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Hi everyone
Rachel, I love reading too and got a Kobo Touch E-Reader for Christmas, it is brilliant!! Can get any book you want, anytime you want and I’m actually reading more than I was before lol
January 28th, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Hi everyone,
I’m Helen, I live my with partner Ian and my cat George, we live in Sale near Manchester. Have loads of interests, i love learning new things and am getting into the history of England at the moment. I love excercise and am currently pushing myself at the gym so i can run longer and longer distances. I like the challenge it gives me and I feel great when I have managed to keep going even when I want to give up!!
Outside of work I volunteer at a theatre, I have acted a few times but prefer being back stage crew where you get involved with the whole production, it’s great fun and you are learning all the time.
This lounge is a great idea, it is so nice to hear from people all over the world!
January 28th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Hi there.
I’m Ian, 42, a librarian. Married, no kids. From NZ originally but in the UK for 10 years now, haven’t been back in that time, don’t really miss it. I enjoy cycling and have just got into running (after being quite cynical of it for some reason for a while) and loving it, even in the cold, dark and damp of winter – so surely it must get better as thing brighten and warm up (?). Love swimming too – thought don’t get the impression that I am ’sporty’ in any way – certainly not in a Kiwi way (don’t like rugby or cricket, I don’t really follow any sport really). Last couple of summers have been exploring where to swim in the sea and rivers close(ish) to me. Loved fresh water (river) swimming as a kid back in NZ so happy to have discovered some places in Wales, not too far away.
Love good cinema, luckily my partner works at a library supporting supporting a culture and meda programme so ample chance for accessing this. Also love music, mainly experimental, improv, noise etc. – not your standard fare.
Great idea this.
Ian
January 28th, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Hi all – nice to meet you.
I’m Lynda, live in Watford, Herts. with my husband David. I’m a very energetic 63 year old, have a son & daughter, both married with 2 children each so i’m a very busy grandma. I work 3 days a week as PA to the Manager of a double glazing company (no, we are not the ones who phone you just as you sit down for dinner!).
I enjoy reading, walking and we’ve both recently discovered the joy of cruising and have been on 4 so far – just love it.
Like watching Corrie – all the storylines have humour which East Enders lacks and am currently enjoying Call the Midwife on a Sunday evening.
Well, that’s me!
January 28th, 2012 at 4:54 pm
hi guys,
must say this is a new way of communicating with everyone, love it !!!! my name is natalie i am 43, married to scott and have two very enegetic boys ethan and callum, aged 7 and 6…yes i was very busy lol x live in nottm england and work part time at a finance company. i love going to the gym, meeting up with friends and anything to do with my boys
x enjoy watching movies esp comedies my latest fav is the inbetweeners which unless your british you might not know what i am talking about, but well worth a look.
xxxx
its really interesting to finally get to know everyone, think i might pop here again for biscuits and tea.. ( as don’t like coffee unless it has some form of alcohol in it )
January 28th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Great idea Paul.
Some of these locations are making me feel cold… California
I’m in the UK and from the midlands. Will fill the rest in later, time to get another beer out of the fridge 
January 29th, 2012 at 5:32 am
Teresa Guiness is fine, one of my faves to. Hope Teresa does not mind me saying, but she is a very good painter, I have seen her work, very talented.
Jackie I am also a reality T.V fan for my sins
I think they are like marmite, you love them or hate them. I have never been to Jersey, but I have heard it is lovely. I went down to do some voluntary work in the Isle of Whight 2 years ago and I find it odd but great that people actually said hello to you in the street and also left their doors open when they were out, it was like stepping back 50 years.
We seem to have a few from the States here , amazing that people can be around the blog for years yet you know nothing about them or where they come from.
Well my partner is visiting family over the weekend and left me on my own, which led me to meet up with friends and have more than I should do and it is a Sunday hangover day for me, rare I get drunk these days so when I do I suffer.
I am also doing a tour of different retreats in the summer for 2 months in the Devon/Cornwall area, it’s like a working holiday and I will be visiting 6 different places, it is something I did many years ago and I have always wanted to do it again, you meet so many new people and have loads of different experiences, never been one to lay on a beach, so it is perfect for me.
Ian good job we have a librarian in the room with all the lovers of books here. That is one thing I missed out, I love reading and can’t have a bath without a book, I only come out when the water gets cold ! True crime is my favourite and autobiographys, not one for fiction.
TV faves is again crime and documentrys with a few comedys like Black adder, Fawlty Towers, Fools and horses etc
Right who has eaten all the biscuits?
January 29th, 2012 at 8:06 am
Yay so im the very first AUSSIE to post:):) im female and live in melbourne australia, its beautiful here ive never traveled overseas but would love to one day….ive got three kids 11,10,9,two girls and a boy.
i also have a two year old chihuahua named poppy who is just like a child too lol,im 32 i love reality tv especially the real housewives shows and i love anything where its weight loss themed real people batteling weight issues, i dont drink alcohole but love to keep fit and have lots of fun with my kids…it was 38 here today so we spent all day at the out door pool beautiful:)
January 29th, 2012 at 9:26 am
So Paul, when you say you build websites, do you build websites for businesses? Just out of curiosity, how do you build your sites? Hand code, or using Dreamweaver or other tools like that? I’ve hand coded my personal sites (basic HTML, not advanced) in my younger days. Don’t do it as much these days though my work is technology based.
January 29th, 2012 at 9:28 am
I forgot to note that it’s good to see a lot of States folks here too! I have to admit that it takes time to fully understand some of the “Queen’s English” by the Brits here. Fortunately, my boss is from the UK so it makes it a little easier.
January 29th, 2012 at 10:06 am
Gosh Paul you were up early or were you going to bed late!!! lol. Your tour of Devon and cornwall sounds fab – you know it is my favourite place and very inspirational too.
Sounds like we are a very globally mixed bunch on here and all with very intersting lives – a lot of very healthy people going to the gym and running and quite a few creatives. Like the idea of theatre work Helen, tell us more – sounds fun.
Lynda – yes i like Call the midwife, too. Had read the book which is not my normal type of book but could not put it down.
Jeff ‘wing man ‘ for Matt lol – maybe a long taxi ride home?
Ok time to get moving, Sunday or not – ducks waiting in the park for their breakfast.
January 29th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Teresa I had a cider sleep, which means I fall straight to sleep and wake up in the middle of the night and am wide awake ! Yes the visit of Cornwall last year had me wanting to go back, I am finishing in Penzanze, so that’s a new place for me.
DC I use a program that is easy to use and also Dreamweaver, I work alongside someone also, as my real skills are SEO, marketing sites and getting them high in google etc. I really hate building these days and tend to just do it for myself, people I know or people who pass someone on to me.
January 29th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Jackie – I am tempted to get an eReader like a Kindle but I love books so much! I guess it would solve my storage issues though.
It’s lovely to read about everyone on here, seems like we all have common interests like working out, walking our dogs and reading.
xxx
January 29th, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Yes dog walking top of my list too Rachel.
Rough morning Paul, lol – hope you had a good fried breakfast to mop it all up. Penzance is fab – I did a moonlit flit down there when I was very young! Worked down there for a short while – plenty of scrumpy round those shore too. Fabulous art galleries – and if you go to Penzanze you must go to Mousehole – only a few miles further down, some lovely galleries round there too.
January 29th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
@Paul – I feel a bit of a fraud, being a librarian, as I read very little, never have done. Even so I decided a couple of years ago to get with with Proust’s – In Search of Lost Time, the 6 volumes of which I finished last year. If I do read it’s mainly non-fiction.
Forget to mention I live in a small village in South Gloucestershire, England.
Just got back from a very, very cold cycle along the Bristol to Bath cycle route. At least the snow which was forecast didn’t arrive. I might think about a warm bath soon, think I’ll skill the run for today….
Discovered proper cider lately, and have my own on the brew after borrowing a friends press back in autumn. Just picked up some more lovely stuff stored in old whiskey barrels on Saturday – it has a lovely warm whiskey hint to it. Very rarely drink to excess I hasten to add.
January 29th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
HI MY NAME IS ELAINE AND I LIVE NEAR SHERWOOD FOREST IN NOTINGHAM . I AM MARRIED TO JOHN AND HAVE A SON JAMES WHO IS 29. I HAE TWO DOGS ALFIE A BLACK LAB AND FRANKIE A LURCHER . I LOVE WALKING MY DOGS AND LOVE HAVING DINNER PARTIES WITH FRIENDS XXX
January 29th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
Another dog walker Elaine! And another cider drinking cycler Ian, lol.
January 29th, 2012 at 9:01 pm
Hi everyone I’m Lucy. I live in Essex and I’m 23. I work for a big law firm in London. I think this is a great idea, I love hearing more about everyone! I love reading too.. can anyone recommend a good chick lit for me to try? I need a new book! Also love a good crime story! I also enjoy walking and watching Deal Or No Deal (sad I know)! does anyone have snow yet?? X
January 29th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
We had so many wonderful holidays in Devon & Cornwall in our caravan when the kids were young – such freedom for them & we met so many nice people. Paul – your holiday in different retreats sounds great & very interesting.
Ginger – all right for you in the glorious weather you are having – it’s freezing in this part of the world!
Teresa – i’ve also read the Call the Midwife book, really enjoyed it.
Have had all my family over today for lunch -13 adults and 4 children. Am just recovering! Looked like a bomb had hit the place by the time they went home, but wouldn’t change it for the world. That’s the pleasure about grandchildren – you can hand them back at the end of the day!
Hope you all have a good week
All the best
Lynda
January 29th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Lucy – i’ve just finished The Wedding Girl by Sophie Kinsella, so can recommend that if you’ve not already read it.
Ian hope you don’t ache too much tomorrow after your long cold bike ride- you could always have some of your cider to warm up!
January 29th, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Lynda
sounds like a busy day – hope you put your feet up to watch the midwife, lol
January 30th, 2012 at 12:38 am
Lucy: We have snow, although we haven’t gotten hit that badly this year. We only had a couple of weeks of really cold temperatures. Some great books to check out: The red tent by : Anita diamant , The time travellers wife, and one of my favs Beyond the sky and the earth by Jamie Zeppa it’s a memoir/travel such a wonderful book.
January 30th, 2012 at 11:31 am
I bring some chocolate fingers (dairy milk of course) to the lounge
There is no Snow down here, it’s going to be a a cold cold week though. Ian i know a good glass of cider when i try one, I am from Herefordshire originally 
That’s really great brewing ur own. I too need to start reading more, I tend to read half a book then put it down for a few months then forget what i have read, annoying habit. 
Hey i’m Rebecca, I currently work and live in Devon. I love exploring the outdoors when i’m off work, doing abit of walking along devon’s finest beaches, reading, socialising with friends I have made here. I love cooking at times and I can easily finish off a whole tub of icecream to myself. I do exercise alot including spinning, swimming and rock climbing. I am a registered nurse which I love, i work very hard and I have just been offered a new job 9-5 so very very excited
January 30th, 2012 at 11:48 am
Rebecca I am coming to Devon in the summer on retreats and finishing off with a holiday. Any suggestions of nice towns/place to stay/visit. I tend to like quiter places, but not too quiet, harbours/by the beach, with a lot to do around the area.
January 30th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Hi everyone, brings in some hot choc as its freezing out there today!!
Paul, its the same down here, everyone is really friendly and I’ve often left the doors unlocked many a time, but just through forgetfulness lol
As the Island is only 9 miles by 5 you can get a bit bored of the same places all the time but there’s nowhere else I’d rather be in the Summer on the lovely beaches
I see there are a few from Nottingham here. My hubby’s from there, St Anns, and we go over fairly often to see the family. I love it over there as it is such a difference to here. I love the hustle and bustle of the city and soooo much more for the kids to do. Hopefully going over for Easter if we can find some flights for under £600!!!! Yup getting off the rock is quite difficult sometimes.
Our summer holidays over the last 3 years have always been to Weymouth and staying at Haven Caravan Parks. Love that too but has got a bit samey so thinking of going somewhere a little different this year.
January 30th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Hi everyone I’m Shell. I’m 33 married with a 2 year old daughter and live in Staffordshire. Most of my free time is spent paying and running around with my little girl. Funny that once you have kids you don’t have to make so many excuses to be a big kid yourself again!!
Just on my lunch breaks so thought I would pop in for a cuppa and a rich tea x
January 30th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Hi Everyone,
My name is Anthony, I’ve been visiting the blog for the past few months, but this is my first post. I’m in my early 30s, from Alberta, Canada. I’m married with two daughters, one is almost 4 and the other is 4 months. Most of my free time is spent with the family, but hobbies do include snowboarding, hockey, cars, and golf.
Nice to meet you all!
January 30th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
Hi Teresa,
Theatre work is great fun indeed. I have done some very strange things in my time there. I was in a play called The Vagina Monologues and had to make four orgasm noises on stage! I have been a 16 year old girl who attends a boarding school in the 1930’s, a play called Children’s Hour and in March I will be a young girl again in the Arthur Miller play The Crucible; all about witchtrials and the consequences of children who lie. It’s quite a compliment really to play these young girls as I am 36.
The best thing though is working backstage as a team, you help to create and run a whole production and when the audience is happy and receptive it is the best feeling, all the hard work has paid off.
I would recommend anyone to get involved with theatre or anything in the community that is fun, it’s fab x x
January 30th, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Sleet this morning, don’t think we’ll get anything decent, which given the last two winters is perhaps a good thing.
Shamed into (re) starting a book I’ve been carrying around, but not reading, for some months (Proust – Jean Santeuil).
Add my bit into the current Devon (and Corwall) love. North Devon is where my partner’s family are from and our favourite part of England (and of course good beaches!)
January 30th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Helen – thanks for that, I really need to add something ‘community’ wise into my agenda and once the spirit feels into it I quite fancy that, sounds fun, especially the backstage bit. you seem to have performed quite a few and diverse parts, lol.
January 31st, 2012 at 12:00 am
Bringing a cup of coffee (decaf as after 4pm) and some more chocolate fingers:)
Hey paul, that’s great that your heading down South, there are so many lovely places to visit in Devon, I have lived here 2 years now and i am always finding new places to visit. Have you been to Dartmoor? Really beautiful place with some amazing walks. Friends came to visit me last summer and i took them to a pretty seaside village called beer(south-east), we hired a small engine boat and went exploring, there is no harbour there, boats are winched up the beach and fresh fish are sold near by. If you visit beer you might aswell stop off at Lyme Regis, this is an unspoiled seaside resort with a cobb harbour, this is in the south west of Dorset but worth a visit. I have plans this summer to do some more exploring with friends, I feel very previleged living here. I hope you have fun planning your hols
January 31st, 2012 at 11:36 am
Thanks Rebecca I will add them to my list of places to visit. I am currently still adding retreats to my list and have found one in Dorset to. It was suppose to be a tour of the country but as most were down that way it makes sense to just travel around that area and you wont find a nicer part of the country. It is also a chance to keep of the cider and get back to full fitness again.
Talking of that it’s time to get my coat on and go walking, as cold as it is out there BRRRRrrrrrrrrr
January 31st, 2012 at 8:28 pm
Hi Everyone, My name is Raj from Toronto Canada. I’ve been married for 6 years, no kids. I love traveling and martial arts. I’m a business development manager in the security industry. I enjoy working out which reminds me I have to get back on track with that lol. I hope everyone is enjoying 2012 and it’s a pleasure to meet you all.
January 31st, 2012 at 9:32 pm
Paul
Are you doing a charity run this year. I heard a rumour (probably via yourself) that you were and so I’ve started putting spare 5ps in a jar
February 1st, 2012 at 1:24 pm
No Sydney I was going to do one but not for charity, you have been more than generous in the past and trust me both anxietycare and anxietyuk were very grateful and it helped so many people.
But you can only ask people so many times and any in the future will just be for fun and fitness, times are too hard to keep asking people to dip in their pockets.
Just looking forward to my retreats now in the summer which should be around 10 weeks and some new places. I will keep updating twitter and the blog and have someone here to look after everything else.
Do you go away in the summer?
February 1st, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Paul :
We may be a bit preoccupied this particular Summer. My son-in-law is at present training for the priesthood (Cof E) and he and family will be returning from the North East to Cheshire to take up a deacon/curatepost in July. There is a house allocated and much will have to be done to make it habitable. Short term we are off for a Spring break at Boroughbridge (Ripon/Thirsk area).
Should anyone know this area and could recommend walks or visits to places of interest feel free to share them in the lounge
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Hi Everyone
Great idea Paul and its really nice to read and hear other sides to people and what they enjoy
I’m 27 and live in Essex with my partner and Cat. In my spare time I enjoy swimming, badminton, massages, yoga and meditation, cycling, films, dancing, fresh air walks and wildlife. I made myself sound fit, but I just do activities I enjoy not for fitness sake. I love cats. I work as a Careers Adviser and enjoy my job most of the time. I am close to my family and I love music, mainly indie, rock, pop anything on XFM on the radio mainly. I love Larry David’s curb your enthusiasm and the office when it first aired BBC. The amercian series Dexter is also brilliant.
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Hiya im Debbie im the big 50, i live in Portsmouth and am married to Dom and have 3 grown up children and a beautiful grand-daughter.
I love craft i am always making things, im mad on shabby chic, i love painting my pine furniture white with the old look, I also make celebration cakes including wedding cakes. (this has been put on hold as having a new kitchen fitted, very exciting, not for my husband who is doing it!)
I love the country side and enjoy walking my dogs and having a cuppa and a bit of cake in tearooms! Probably why im always on a diet! Oh and i like swimming. Theres not alot on tele i like at the moment i have enjoyed The Midwife and i have a thing for deal or no deal and The Chase…sad i know.
February 4th, 2012 at 9:55 am
Paul – Just wondered what these retreats are that you have mentioned? Sounds nice
February 4th, 2012 at 8:43 pm
So who’s got snow then. We’ve got a couple of inches and my young daughter loved it being pulled on the sledge
February 4th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Alas just pouring rain in Cheshire, Steveo – hope it doesn’t freeze
February 5th, 2012 at 11:19 am
It did !
February 5th, 2012 at 11:22 am
Its lovely and snowy here in Essex. Hope work is closed tomorrow
. Going to go out for a walk later and try to convince my partner to go down a hill on a tray!
Wishing everyone a peaceful and cosy day
x x
February 5th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
No snow here in Devon, spending my Sunday trying to do a teaching and assessing assignment- it is so boring!! Really need some motivation. A friend of mine said he would treat me to Waggamamas (Japanese food)after completion, if that won’t get me motivated nothing will.
Just rejoined the gym so hoping my blood supply will improve..
My feet and hands are consistently cold, may need to purchase some thicker socks
Hope everyone is good
February 5th, 2012 at 9:48 pm
hey everyone!
, i just cant help it i love teeth 
) , just passed my finals woo hoo and find out this week where my job for next year will be 
im sinead, im 23 i live in ireland and i am a final year dental student (i know i know dentists are horrible
i love my family to pieces come from a typical big irish one so love cooking food having big long dinners with lovely wine and beers and having the craic!-just realised theres people from all over the world on this page so that doesnt mean anything dodgy-it just means having fun!
i love reading swimming travelling noticed “ginger” is an aussie- i was in australia during the summer and i LOVED it!i’ll be back there in 2 years no doubt just as soon as i get the money together, what a fantastic beautiful vast country cant wait to visit it again, youre so lucky!
i love spending time with friends and am a pub more than a club kinda gal.i am currently single but theres potential with a lovely vet im seeing at the minute so we’ll see…watch this space, ill keep yous updated…:)
this is a great idea i love getting to know new people which is half the reason i love travelling so much
no snow here yet but its cold!typical student house though its always cold
February 5th, 2012 at 11:06 pm
oh one more thing im terrible at sports and hate exercising BUT am determined to get fit-keep the ol ticker in check-just wondered what people like doing to keep fit?fun suggestions much appreciated
has anybody tried this new dance aerobics thing zumba by any chance??it looks like it could be fun!maybe ill nab a suggestion/someone elses hobbie and give it a go…me exercising is a hilarious sight to see though…:D
February 6th, 2012 at 11:36 am
Paul – Just wondered what these retreats are that you have mentioned? Sounds nice
Jennifer there are many different ones that I am visiting, mainly for a week at a time, some you work part time as part of your accomadation, which keeps you busy and keeps costs down. Others you just stay for a week and are allowed to get involved in the community which maybe walks they go on, things they organise to do or just chill out in a libary or meditation room. If you google ‘retreat holidays uk’ you will find many and it will give you a better idea, a lot of it though is just going back to basics and mixing with new people etc.
Sinead I got my partner Zumba for xmas and she loves it and a fun way to get fit. I have always said with excerise you have to do something you like otherwise you will just pack it in. I love cycling and playing squash so I try to do these more than anything else but do add in the odd run, it is not my favourite but you feel brilliant afterwards.
February 7th, 2012 at 12:01 am
Hey Sinead, I have tried zumba before it is alot of fun but you have to be prepared to move those hips lol! My favourite workout is spinning, sitting on a bike and cycling to music, it really does keep the ‘ticker in check’. It is rather knackering though but worth it in the end. Body attack/ body combat are good fun aswell if you like dance
I tend to do quite alot of walking in Devon but i must buy a bike especially as i now can’t park my car at work and am sick of getting tickets on my car 
Paul it is so true about needing to do something you enjoy, it is just a case of finding that thing
February 7th, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Ok gonna try zumba,go back to pilates and start swimming again cos I love it-especially love sneaking some spa time too after I’ve done my few lengths
I’m going to see a play tomorrow night-very excited love going to the theatre 
I’ll let you’s know how it goes.Rebecca I tried spin and all my friends love it but I’m really stubborn-when the instructor shouts at me to up the resistance on my bike or to pedal faster I just get fed up and say nah I’m alright thanks and give up 
February 11th, 2012 at 11:05 pm
hi my name is angela, i live in birmingham im 42 years young
i have been married for almost 14 years, i have 3 children 2 of my own and 1 with my husband. i started to suffer with anxiety a few years back after a break down. i am slowly on the mend and am starting to feel alive.
i work voluntary for the british heart foundation and have done for over a year now.i helps with my confidence and talking to people. i enjoy walking, talking on my facebook playing on my youngest xbox with him haha…
im currently in training for a 26 mile walk called “the ridgewalk” im a bit apprehensive, there is no way i would have ever done anything like this a few years ago.. I totally understand what you mean paul about just getting on with it so to speak…
February 16th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Hello from sunny Kansas City!
My name is Melissa, and I am 34. I have a great husband, and two cute kids (boy-3 and girl-5), we have a dog too (Otis, the nanny).
I am a nurse, and also in school studying to become a Registered Aromatherapist. I love learning, reading, camping, photography, and being active.
I have often dreamed of the freedom of running. I ignored it for may years, but then finally figured that my body was trying to tell me something. So, I started this past fall. I have done two races (including one with my daughter). It felt so good that I decided to recruit others to run a 1/2 marathon with me in January at Disney. To go one step further, I started a blog to encourage others to get out their with their families and run!
I am glad to meet all of you. Have a great day!
February 16th, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Sinead:
I LOVE ZUMBA! I do it at least once a week. It is such a fun class, I know you will love it.
Good luck, and let me know how it goes!
February 27th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Hi everyone, are people starting to forget this blog is here already?
I am off work sick for the first time in months and months with a monster cold so am feeling a bit bored with daytime TV
Thought I would share the music im loving at the moment, in case anyone feels like listening to something new, Ben Howard, Band of Skulls, Black Keys and Maverick Sabre. All thier albums are good in my opinion.
PAUL – dealyed response, but wondered what types of retreats are they, working retreats, like a little commune or total relaxation retreats?
Hope everyone is ok and enjoying the nicer weather, for those in the UK
x
February 27th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Yes seems like everyone introduced themselves and then left
Time to stoke the fire up and pop the kettle on
Jennifer they are mixed retreats, some working full time, some part time and some none at all. I am going for about 12 weeks and will post any pics on twitter for those that follow me. Really looking forward to it as working from home can become very stale and you don’t get to meet anyone but the postman
February 27th, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Hi Paul
Yes, I think everyone had their cuppa and left. I liked your visual of popping the kettle on and light the fire, it made me feel all snug and homely. I am all settled on the sofa in my cosy front room ready for a lzy night of tv.
Yes working from home must be lonely. I would really like to write a paper for a PHD one day,but would have to accept that I would be on my own in a room for a year or two and put on lots of weight through being next to the kitchen and procrastinating.
12 weeks of retreat, wow that is a proper break. Good for you, I have always wanted to secretly run away live in a commune type place. What is your experience of these retreats? do you go alone or with your partner? I have been considering a intro young person’s Buddhist weekend retreat as I have been attempting to practice for years, but find the idea of a whole weekend daunting.
Can’t you not post the pictures on here, or will I have to take that leap and join twitter?
p.s The Homeland series that is on channel 4 TV at the moment is really good
February 29th, 2012 at 9:31 am
Hi there, I do pop in occassionally but indeed seems to have gone quite. Talking about what I like doing made me want to go out and do some of them!
Jennifer – what is your degree and hence your PHD interest?
I’m also fascinated by your retreats Paul, not sure it’s something I’d be into. I do find it amusing as I live in a small rural village, and tend to go on holiday in small rural villages to ‘get away’ . Not sure how much further ‘away’ I can get!
I joined twitter solely for Paul’s tweets and had resisted up until then. I don’t even own a mobile phone, and despite my work entailing this sort of technology can’t much embrace it myself.
February 29th, 2012 at 11:12 am
Jennifer says:
12 weeks of retreat, wow that is a proper break. Good for you, I have always wanted to secretly run away live in a commune type place. What is your experience of these retreats? do you go alone or with your partner? I have been considering a intro young person’s Buddhist weekend retreat as I have been attempting to practice for years, but find the idea of a whole weekend daunting.
Can’t you not post the pictures on here, or will I have to take that leap and join twitter?
I have that secret urge to Jennifer I have always been a hippy type person at heart and love the simple things in life and the idea of a fire and guitar on a beach stimulates me more than a night on the town.
One actually is a silent type budda place and they have you up at 6:30 ! I am just trying this though and it is only a week. I am just trying to get as many experiences as possible.
I am going on my own, it is a one off maybe next year a month if I enjoy it. My partner is pretty laid back and said if you want to do it then go ahead as long as I take her on a two week holiday at the end
February 29th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Hello everyone .. im Evelyn
Im from LOS ANGELES California
ill IM MARRIED with 2u children. I work as a manager at a jewelry store.. I love walking,yoga, but I would like to do something giving on my time off like to donate to charitys or so!. Im planning to go back to school 
ill sorry I forgot to mention im 29:) nice to meet u all
February 29th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
I wanted to add that I am in school to pursue a degree in Social Work, still have a little ways to go but I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years and have seen everything, so I enjoy helping others. I believe that’s the best feeling in the world is helping other people and contributing to making a difference. Right now, hooked on a star wars online game that is addictive, and I also love watching the tv show “The Walking Dead”. I mean, how awesome is that to have an actual show about people trying to survive a zombie apocalypse! I sometimes imagine what I would do in that situation, but i’d probably be a clint eastwood style zombie killer, young clint not old clint, blasting zombies everywhere. I even tried to name my two year old clint, but my wife hated it. Oh well, maybe next time.
February 29th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Hello – I think I may be the oldest person posting on here but so what. I live in Leeds and am just recently retired. I have 3 grandsons. Eldest is 16 and doing GCSE’s. The middle one is 12 and about to join the school for Birmingham Royal Ballet. It means leaving home so he will be greatly missed but what an opportunity!!
The little one is 3 in June but as he has Down Syndrome, a tracheostomy and is fed through his tummy his actual age is irrelevant. He is a happy little boy and it is still amazing he is ‘here’ as he has had major heart surgery with more to come. I belong to a book group, am chair of the local arts festival and love going to a local drama group for the over 50’s. Am run down with a recurring virus just now but hope to be out and about more each day.
March 1st, 2012 at 11:31 am
Doreen you are only 20 miles away from me
What sort of books do you like?
I never stop read and love crime and autobiographys, all non fiction really.
March 1st, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Hi Paul – I also meant to say that I belong to a national choir called ‘Rock Choir’ No singing skills needed and great fun. There are choirs that meet in Wakefield, Harrogate, Huddersfield to name but a few so if you fancy singing just go on their website. Or anyone else who reads this as there are choirs all over the country. Regarding books – I am more of a fiction person myself but the book group has led me to books I would not otherwise have read, such as crime. Kindle is my new toy as I can download books very cheaply so even if they are not so good, not much money wasted. Been a bonus whilst I have been unwell.
I have a son and a daughter both of whom live close by. She is the mother of the 3 boys.
March 3rd, 2012 at 7:37 am
I actually haven’t forgotten about it but dropping back in. Evelyn – nice to know a fellow Californian (I’m up in Northern CA). I think there was another lady that posted in the main blogs that was from CA too.
In any case, no big plans this weekend. I’m going to do my weekly basketball thing and maybe meet some friends afterward. Sunday, I might be house hunting and relax.
How about other folks?
March 5th, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Hi DCYL. You Americans may be interested (or not) in my weekend treat which was to see Joan Baez at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester. In my opinion her voice was better than when she was young – deeper and richer. The hall was packed and not just with oldies like me.
March 5th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
I have never really been interested in a kindle, just something about reading a book for me and not a device. I like the feel of the book etc.
Also Doreen I am the most useless singer ever, seriously nobody wants to be put through that !
March 5th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
I know just what you mean about holding a real book. And ones with complex plots don’t lend themselves to being read on a Kindle as just flipping back to remind yourself of something is much harder. However, as a quick way of getting a good read when at home it is perfect.
Being able to sing is not at all essential for Rock Choir. Somehow it just happens when in a group. Singing is another form of exercise from which many people who are feeling ‘down’ have benefitted. I may put something on other blog as that may be a more appropriate place
March 7th, 2012 at 7:34 am
Doreen,
I remember Joan Baez’s name though not particularly familiar with her. I’m a child of the 1980’s so you can say I grew up with pop and even New Wave music from the UK.
Also to comment on e-books, I wasn’t a fan. However, the ease of getting some books forced me into using my iPhone to download some books though I haven’t gone back to them recently. Have to be vague a bit as to keep this lounge off topic……:)
March 18th, 2012 at 11:26 pm
Paul says:
I have that secret urge to Jennifer I have always been a hippy type person at heart and love the simple things in life and the idea of a fire and guitar on a beach stimulates me more than a night on the town.
One actually is a silent type budda place and they have you up at 6:30 ! I am just trying this though and it is only a week.
Me too, mucking around in a group, playing music, chatting and relaxing is how I was brought up, so a fire, guitar and a beach sounds perfect to me too. I read once about a modern non religious commune is Gloucester in the Guardian and kept the article in case I did want to join them one day
Where is the Buddha type retreat if you don’t mind me asking and you posting the website? just curious.
IAN- Thanks for your reply last month,not sure if you will ever see this now, as I have only just seen your post. Everyone disappeared on here so didn’t expect another reply. My degree included reading Psychology, Sociology, Cultural Studies and Psychoanalysis – rolled into one degree. My dissertation in which I very proudly and surprisingly got a 1st for was about dance and youth cultures. Would love to do a PHD in something related to youth studies, therapy, mental health or people’s habits and addictions.
I think my dream would be to work for the Psychologies Magazine, writing short articles about various everyday psychological and cultural issues. Wow thats the first time I have really said that out loud. Thanks for prompting those self indulgent thoughts.
Do you have a degree?
Jennifer
x
March 19th, 2012 at 11:55 am
Jennifer -
yes I’ve a degree in Physical Anthropology (majored in, at that time in NZ you could put all sorts of things in your degree, which I did, from German to art history!), completely useless as a means of making money, but that’s not why I went to University (I’ll cut short rant on effect of £9k fees on University programmes/culture now in the UK…). That’s I guess why I ended up a librarian – qoute from Phillip Larkin I like to repeat, is that a librarian is what you do when you failed to do all the things you wanted to do and avoided all the things you don’t want to do! Also have a masters in librarianship. Can’t imagine going back to study now, but who knows.
An observation that I have is that ‘alternative’, hippy or whatever culture in the UK seems very hidden. Back in NZ people doing their own thing was just part of mainstream thinking, which makes it look more prevelant. Here it is much less part of the obvious culture, I’m not sure it is any less prevelant, just less obvious (now?), which is a great shame. Bring back the hippies. In the past I’ve always thought of myself as punk/industrial or whatever, but as I get older have realised that I definately belong more to the back to nature hippy camp, and realistically have always done. Still scathing of many of the tedious parts of that area though (won’t go into which for fear of offending anyone!).
Hope this picks back up again here.
Ian
March 22nd, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Ok I’ll chat to myself then.
Random stuff.
100km Audax bike ride in the weekend, forecast great and looking forward to it. I’ve done these before, but not for a while, longest was a 300k. Good fun except I am rubbish at following directions so tend to follow other riders which is fine as long as you have one, when I lose them I am horribly lost and have to retrace. Doing it with a friend who I suspect will be equally useless following instructions. I even polished my bike bell last weekend.
Can’t wait for swimming in the sea to start.
Listening to Emptyset 12″ of minmal techno recorded in unfinished wooden mansion (Woodchester) just up the road from me. Will go there sometime soon.
Can’t be doing with Kindles. Fine if people want to use them, but I am pretty stuck with physical objects (books, LPs, cassettes even!), something about something real, something with it’s own history. This does of course mean that my house if full to the brim, espeically as the library me and my partner work at has been having a big weeding programme and a large part of the withdrawn stock has ended up in our place!
Take care all (if there is anyone there)
Ian
March 22nd, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Hi Ian
I am here. Good to find out about you. Anthropology sounds interesting, I would have loved to study the isolated cultures type stuff, like the Tribe stuff with Bruce Parry, but that may just be a typical lay persons interpretation of what they think anthropology is
I like the idea of being a librarian, but was told my voice was too loud. Do you enjoy it? thats the main thing, never mind what the sayings are
Interesting what you said about NZ and the hippie culture, Where do you live now, in the UK?
I think we should set up our own ‘Hippie commune’ on here, spreading love and peace.
I can’t be doing with KINDLES either, you lose the feel and smell of a book, which is part of why I love reading. You can’t visit someone’s house and look through their kindle in the same way that you can browse through bookcases and chat about book.
Quick update
I have decided tonight that I am going to run the Race for Life for Cancer Research in a couple of months. Did it the year before last and was impressed that I did it in 30 minutes as I didn’t prepare and thought I was not very fit.
I went swimming after work today in an outdoor pool and it was lovely…ahh to win the lottery and buy my own pool
March 23rd, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Physical anthropology is more archaeology (which I didn’t do any of – no stone structures in NZ prehistory so looking at holes in which wooden posts once sat isn’t that rivetting) and biological anthroplogy which is human origins/evolution/migration etc which interest/ed/s me far more. I did do the social antropology side as well, which is what you describe and I guess I tend to look at (modern) things through that lens without really knowing about it.
I love being a librarian – that quote is both positive and negative. It’s a relatively easy life really.
I live just outside Bristol in a small village (if ever you’re passing….).
Yes, yes to spreading love and peace! I’m not being (that) sarcastic either We sure have got away from the important things in life.
Go for the race for life. I’ll sponsor you. I hardly ever train for anything (not that I really do ‘competition’ at all), sometimes I suffer for it but what the heck. Another modern ‘thing’ is that everyone has to be perfect at everything, do all the training, have all the clothes, read all the books etc. (I blame the internet – 15 years ago you just went out and did stuff).I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – YES to outdoor swimming.
Must off so it doesn’t seem like I spend my life here.
March 25th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Hi, I’m Jo. I’m 59 and live in Lincolnshire. I am married with one 33 year old son. I love animals and have one dog and one cat. My interesets are card making, jewellery making, painting, in fact anything craft related. I also enjoy taking photos of nauture etc. Nothing else to say really.
March 26th, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Hi Jo
We have friends in Lincolnshire at a place called Saltfleetby. Do you know it? We really like Louth being foodies and it is great for good fresh local stuff. To be honest though, I prefer Yorkshire as the countryside appeals more – the Dales and the North York moors are wonderful. Are you the same ‘Jo’ as I have had some exchanges with on the other forum?
March 27th, 2012 at 9:31 am
Hi Jennifer you ask
Where is the Buddha type retreat if you don’t mind me asking and you posting the website? just curious
Here it is http://www.sharphamtrust.org/barn/
March 28th, 2012 at 7:53 pm
Hi Doreen, yes that’s me. I have heard of Saltfleetby but don’t know it. I too love the country side more than where I live here on the coast. Yorkshire is one of our favourite places for holidays, along with derbyshire, my home county.
April 2nd, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Hi Jo – Saltfleetby is about 7 miles East of Louth quite near to the coast. I cannot remember the name of the nearest bit of coast to them but we walk on a big beach. We have also been to a seal sanctuary not too far away. We have in the past done some nice walking on the Wolds – at first I thought Lincolnshire was all flat but glad to have discovered some ups and downs. Not walking much at the moment due to a poorly knee but then as my daughter reminds me I am ‘getting on’.
Paul – if ever you are over in Leeds and fancy a coffee with a much older woman do let me know.
April 4th, 2012 at 8:12 am
Doreen we go walking in the wolds when the weather is nice!There are some very nice walks around here but it does mean a car journey to get to them. There is a big beach and seal sanctuary both at Mablethorpe and Skegness so it could have been either of those.
April 5th, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I think the seal sanctuary is called Donna Nook. Hope you manage some walking this weekend weather permitting. It has been glorious here today but as I have a bad knee I just pottering down to the woods at the bottom of the road. Although we live only 2 miles from the city centre we have protected woods and little lake a few yards away. The swans and ducks are very over fed being the school holidays
April 8th, 2012 at 10:34 am
Doreen I have heard of Donna Nook but not actually been there. Not done too much walking, it has been quite cold here. I am quite happy to walk in the field and wooded area nearby and on the beach on a nice day. Our dog just loves water and so looks forward to her afternoon paddles.I don’t do long walks now, I just get too tired. My husband likes to go further so sometimes takes himself off into the wolds. Have a nice Easter.
May 1st, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Hi Paul!
I have had anxiety ever since I was really young about health problems. My anxiety and stress levels had built up so high that I came in the depersonalization state. I was terrified, wondering what was wrong with me. It was extremely scary. I researched everything, went to psychologists, but NOTHING worked. I feel it was a miracle when I stumbled on your site, I of course bought your book.
A light bulb popped in my head when I read that you have you love and accept your anxiety for it to go away. No one had ever told me that. Pills just teach the body to baby it and in no way shape or form do people learn how to live with anxiety by taking pills. Honestly, i believe it makes it worse! I got off the pills when I found your book, and I began starting to heal my mind. At first it was hard, but Paul I have to tell you my feeling of pain in my mind and stomach has flourished. I am now beginning to feel like the huge black cloud has lifted off my shoulders and I am seeing the little bit of light. Of course my anxiety won’t heal overnight because I made myself so stressed out and built up for about 8 years. My relationship was almost ruined when anxiety and stress took over my life. I feel like a more lovable person now, I feel I don’t blame my problems on my boyfriend anymore. I beleived for the longest time that he would leave me for being like this, but he loves me so much that he wouldn’t give up. When I see how much he cares about me, It hits me in my mind that i shouldn’t be treating myself like this, and I need to start living life.
Your book has helped me greatly realizing the truth that I have longed for.
Thank you so much.
I know it won’t be a straight clean road to recovery, there will be bumps, but I definately won’t turn them into cliffs anymore.
-Lindsey
May 4th, 2012 at 6:50 am
Hi Lindsey – good to read your story but perhaps best to post it on the main blog. This is a chatty ‘coffee lounge’ where people exchange messages that are not about anxiety.
May 6th, 2012 at 9:53 am
Hi Doreen, I keep forgetting to come over here. I did ask Paul if he could make the coffee lounge more easily accessible, but I don’t know if that is possible. It is nice to have somewhere to chat about things other than anxiety.
Mind you I got stuck in a motorway ‘loop’ coming back as I didn’t know how to re program the sat nav.
I see you live in Leeds. When I was taxi driving a couple of years ago I had to bring some people there. It’s a good job one of the other drivers lent me his sat nav, because I hadn’t a clue where to go
May 6th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Hi Jo – yes it is a pity people don’t use this more. Yes, the inner ring road is a bit of a nightmare for people who don’t know Leeds. Lovely weather here today albeit rather cold in the wind. Having my gall bladder removed on Tuesday eek. So may be missing posting for a day or two
May 7th, 2012 at 7:07 am
I think people forget this is here Doreen, it’s a bit tricky to find, if you’ve not been on a while.
Not an easy thing for you to have to go through on Tuesday, with everything else, but I’m sure you will be fine. Take it easy when you get home again, and will look forward to hearing from you when you feel up to it. x
May 7th, 2012 at 11:56 am
Hi Jo – whereabouts are you staying in York? Have you got plans about what to do? A visit to Betty’s coffee house is a must albeit expensive. The railway museum is fabulous for those who like that sort of thing. Bring warm clothes unless we are in a heat wave as York can be quite cold because of the river.
May 7th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Hi Doreen, we are in the Premiere Inn on Blossom street North. Haven’t really made any plans yet, just looked at a few ideas. Ben might like the railway museum, but it’s not my cup of tea. I think we’ve been there many years ago when James was little. Betty’s has got mixed reviews on the internet, we will have to decide when we get there.
May 8th, 2012 at 3:27 am
i suffer from anxiety now i have loads of bad thoughts nd less i worry about them the less they come its very hard to not worry about them i struggle with being able to leave my house because i question reality i have so much self belief in myself nd am not ever gonna give up on fighting this i no its just a feeling but its harder to say then to do i have relized now from paul david that it is all related all my problems to my anxiety i thank u so much paul. people never give up never stop having hope all it is is a feeling i am going to do tht i am going to conquer this for my life my anxiety started because of lsd i had a trip where i nearly lost my mind was something i hope no one ever has to go through 20 hours of fighting batteling for the next day to come this was on the 25th of january im only 18 nd it was only 13 days after my birthday i dont see my friends as much i dont spend as much time with my gf but i try to find joy in myself in little things i didnt really notice food random thoughts dreams etc anything. just remmber every person who struggles with this will come out on the other side better than before stronger have more love for themselfs remmber we are people we are all strong nd to everyone we will all never give up. i understand what ur all going through nd u have my respect nd love for u batteling every day never give up.
May 9th, 2012 at 7:37 am
Hi James. I am sorry you have suffered so much. If you would like support, go to the main blog on the May post, that is where everyone shares their worries. This post is where we come to be anxiety free for a little while. You will be welcomed over there.
May 10th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Hi Jo – been past the hotel where you are staying a couple of times in last few days going to see my sister in York hospital. It is very convenient for all the sights. Maybe a trip on the tourist bus might help you decide what you would like to go back and see in more detail. I was at college there many years ago (mature student) and always thought how lucky I was to be in such a lovely place.
May 10th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Hi Doreen, sorry to hear you are not feeling so well today. it is bound to take it out of you, such an operation. You just take it easy.
Yes a bus tour would be nice I think, if the weather is good. I have mixed feelings about the trip as I did with London. It is an early train – 8.10am and I’m usually having a bad time at that hour. But I am looking forward to it too.
What did you do in college? I often wish I had done something more with my life. x
May 11th, 2012 at 11:26 am
Hi Jo – I had a pretty bad ‘do’ following my mother’s death in 1985 and had to give up work. Did some really good courses especially for women which made me decide to apply to college where I studies English and Social Studies, just for the experience really. The college was called ‘Ripon and St John’ and is on Lord Mayors Walk right near a section of the wall. It is now part of University of Leeds. I thought I was a very mature student at 39 but that seems young now.
May 11th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Hi Doreen, I can relate to that. I think my Mum’s death last September is what has triggered this off. I was ok dealing with the worry of her in hospital for all those months, and the funeral, but about a month later all the anxiety stuff kicked in.
Good for you for going to college. I left school at 15 and wanted to work with animals but it never happened really. I did a couple of stints on a farm, and boarding kennels, but they didn’t last. Then it was factory and shop work, and then life sort of got in the way! Not too long ago I discovered I could paint, mostly animal portraits, nothing spectacular, but I enjoyed. Lately though I have lost all interest. I’m hoping it will come back in time.
May 11th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Hey Jo, I’m into painting too, and photography. Like you I have lost all interest in that at the moment, but when you lose the fire, you lose the passion.
What I’ve done is replaced those things with physical activities that dont need much thinking about like walking,reading and gardening atm. I have always loved clothes, which is one of my interests I have retained. Having nice things to wear seems to give me confidence and feel a bit better.
My cat Alfie is currently curled up next to me as we speak actually, watching the one show.
I think it’s going to be nice this weekend, does anyone have plans?
May 11th, 2012 at 8:59 pm
My son aged 41 has invited all his family round for brunch on Sunday – that is his dad and I and his sister, her partner and 3 their sons. The middle grandson is back from his ballet school for the weekend so looking forward to seeing him.
Still VERY uncomfortable following my gall bladder removal – more so than when it was 1st done, so being very gentle on myself.
The weather here has been a mixture of heavy rain and wonderful cloudy blue skies. Tomorrow looks a good forecast so maybe get out for a short walk. I am more comfy up right than sitting hunched up in chairs.
May 11th, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Doreen, sounds like you have a lovely weekend planned with the family. Brunch sounds nice an easy, not too much work like a roast dinner! Sorry to hear about the gall bladder op, hopefully you’ll have your feet up and being well looked after. Ballet school sounds really interesting, I have always been fascinated by ballet, and soothing to watch.
We had similar weather here too today, and I hear tomorrow will be much nicer. I’ll be going for a walk too and meet up with a friend.
May 12th, 2012 at 5:55 am
Good morning Doreen and Charlotte. How is the lad getting on a ballet school Doreen? Sounds like you are in for a lovely time at the weekend.Hope the pain soon wears off for you, but as Charlotte says, get your feet up and be a bit pampered. x
Charlotte, I sometimes take my camera when we go walking, mostly it is photos of the dog playing in the sea I get though! The weather here has been changeable, but it feels a bit cool this morning. Shower for me next, then dog walking. x
May 12th, 2012 at 7:29 am
Hi Jo, you’re up early! I have awoke to beautiful sunshine this morning. Good idea about taking the camera with you. Mine is a big ol clunky thing as I used to be semi-pro, but I will deffo think about taking my standard smaller camera. I must admit I have been tempted to ask the neighbour if I can walk his dog lol. Hope your doing well Doreen and looking forward to the get together x
May 12th, 2012 at 9:02 am
Hi Charlotte, I am always awake around 5am(thinking) but try not to get up till about 6.30. I think the time on here is an hour out though!What sort of photography did you do? My husband used to be a freelance photographer but has been out of it for some years now. I don’t work now either. I have worked since leaving school, except for when my son was growing up. But I had to give up up after the car crash that set off the depression. When I recovered I did a stint as a taxi driver but gave that up as it was too much hassle.( My son is a taxi driver). I’m afraid jobs are hard to come by around here, especially at our ages. I am 59 and my husband is 64. I am sure your neighbour’s dog would enjoy a walk and it would be company for you. I have afreind’s dog on my knee at the moment, we are looking after her for the day. x
May 12th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Hey on here at last!
I’m Debbie, im the big 50 , im married and have got 3 daughters and a beautiful grand daughter aged 2, 3 cats and 2 dogs, oh and a hamster.
I have lots of hobbies, all craft but mainly I make cute mice and teddies in cute outfits, I also make wedding cakes and celebration cakes.
I don’t work at the moment due to anxiety blip but hoping to go back at some point.
I live in Portsmouth but would love to move to the country which we may do when my last daughter has left home….could be a while!
I would love to lose weight and be able to jog (bladder not too good) I’ve always wanted to jog I don’t know why! x
May 13th, 2012 at 5:40 am
Glad you got here Debbie. I am in Lincolnshire, on the coast but I have always wanted to live in the country too. I don’t want a big house but I would like a garden to potter in and space for animals that need rescuing. We have had one or two waifs here over the years, including two baby squirrels which I reared and released back to the wild. I’m 59, married and have one son, still living at home, and one dog and one cat.
May 13th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Debbie you’re not too far from me
sounds like you’re very creative. I would love to move to the country too, though I do spend lots of time walking in the woods and countryside, it would be better to have it on my doorstep. Hoping one day to meet the man of my dreams and start a family in a little cottage hah x
May 13th, 2012 at 8:55 am
Charlotte, you have plenty of time for that to happen. We all seem to have the same dream of living in the country. I think that if our lives are not what we would wish, then that could contribute to the anxiety stuff. I guess we have to try and accept our lives as they are if we can’t change them. I find that hard though as I don’t like where I live right now, but there is nothing I can do about it.
Debbie – have you heard of the Do Crafts website? You can chat to other crafters on there and put your work in your own gallery to show others what you have made.
May 13th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Jo, I wish I had more faith when everyone says I have plenty of time lol. I think I worry that as a woman I don’t really have that long to have babies, and as you get older it gets so hard to meet someone that hasnt been snapped up, and is perfect for you. I would totally agree that alot of my issues stem from what I think should be happening in my life, and not actually accepting it as it is, which in turn brings on this anx n depo more. Mayb we all need to work on accepting things more, it seems to get rid of all worries! (easier said then done).
May 13th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Well Charlotte my son is 33 and he isn’t settled with anyone yet either. I was the other way when I was young. I always said I wasn’t getting married and definitely not having children
It will happen, or it won’t, so best not to worry about it.It’s like trying to get out of this condition, the more you try the harder it is. You will meet someone when you least expect it.
Done a bit of pottering about in the back this morning. We have a tiny yard, but I am doing my best to fill it with greenery. Soon be time to take our dog (Meg) for her afternoon walk. Sadly the sun has gone now and it looks quiye breezy so it will probably be cold on the beach. Hope you are having a good day. x
May 13th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Which beach are you nearest to Jo?
It has got very windy up here today but the weather forecast isn’t too bad for York over next few days. Bit chilly though so bring your thermals. The river will be high as we have had loads of rain here over the last few weeks. There is a big wheel near the station which looks brill but you wouldn’t catch me going on it on a windy day. Are you getting the East Coast train from Newark or is there another service up to York?
May 13th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Hi Doreen. I’m in Skegness! The train is to Grantham at 8.10 in the morning. That and the wait for the main line train is the longest part of the journey. You wouldn’t catch me on the wheel in non windy weather
I’m not keen on heights like that, I have tried abseiling though, down a quarry and I enjoyed that. Are you in York then, cos I thought you were in Leeds?
May 13th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
No, I am in Leeds but I saw that the weather in York is much like the weather here over the next few days. Blimey – abseiling is not my cup of tea. Mind you, I used to think I would never go on a cable car but as it was the only way to get to the top of Table Mountain I made myself do it a couple of years ago.
My grandson is doing very well at his ballet school and really loving it.
May 13th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
The highest cable car I have been in was the one at Matlock, in Derbyshire. Table Mountain? Is that Africa?. I always wanted to go on Safari when I was a teenager
I used to have tap and ballet lessons when I was little (Aeons ago). I bet your grandson is having a wonderful time, I wish him every succes.
May 13th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
Jo, you were just like my nan
She said she didn’t want to get married or have children and she did! I think I need to adpot more of a don’t care attitude, I think men sense out the women who want the commited stuff and stay well clear lol.
To be honest i’m more keen to get over the boy and start being happier within myself more than anything! But hey, like you say, all in good time.
I love tiny gardens full of greenery, there’s actually lots you can do like hanging baskets and small tubs with lil tadpoles. Less maintenence too.
Enjoy your walk with Meg, the wind picked up here a bit too. I have just come back from a bike ride with Dad and absoultely exhausted ha-he has more energy then me! x
May 13th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Yes Charlotte I think that is the right attitude. My son is like that. he had a girlfriend and they moved in together but it didn’t work out so he came back home, and now he doesn’t care whether he gets married or not. He is not bitter, just relaxed about it. We have had a water tub in the greenery and a frog has come back a couple of years to it, although it only small. Now we are in the process of designing something bigger, if we ever get round to it.
Enjoyed the walk with Meg but it was a bit windy and made walking in the sand even harder, and I was ready for a sit down when I got home.
May 14th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Jo, I’m sorry to hear your son had to move out and come back home. Men do always seem to be a bit more head strong with break ups and it’s good to hear he’s relaxed about his future and getting on with life.
That’s sweet the frog keeps coming back, I would love to have a barrell like that in our garden. Nature always gives me good fuzzy feelings.
They say walking in the sand is a good workout! I think with anx n depo we seem to get tired alot quicker, I know I do. Hope you’re getting on okay in York x
May 17th, 2012 at 11:16 am
Hi Charlotte. My son is very laid back about most things, despite having suffered depression himself a few years ago. He can’t be serious about anything! He knows about anxiety too and when I asked how he copes with it he said ‘I just ignore it’ Wish I could.
We had a nice time in York and walked and walked. Went right round the walls, and down the river as well as exporling the city. I am ready for a rest now! x
May 17th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Hi Jo – what did you like best about York? I think you had reasonable weather, hopefully. Where did you eat out? Did you go into the Minster? looking forward to hearing about it