After six months of looking after a new-born child and all the ups and downs that brings to a parent, it was time for a break. That break lasted the whole of July. Some of the time in Germany visiting the in-laws and time in Sweden at our little holiday cottage. I seemed to think that this would mean a break from being a parent and I got a bit upset when I realised that the babe was on holiday with us too. Nevertheless it was still a good break and possibly the only one that we’ll have this year. The weather was not too great but was fantastic when we returned home on the 21st of July.
The weather stayed like this for almost 2 weeks and for nearly all of that time I remained in a holiday state of mind. In spite of teaching classes both in yoga and computers, it was as though my to do list had been wiped clean. Obviously I had put no pressure on myself to achieve any goals so the progress report is for intents and purposes an academic one. Still, let’s see how I did in the month of July.
Riding a minimum of a 100 miles a week
With all the driving that we did during our holiday I would have been lucky to have even come close to a 100 miles in a month let alone in a week.
Pilates
I’m still doing “the hundred” but not every day. It has become incorporated into my yoga sessions and I have been using the core in various postures. And also in everyday life, especially when lifting the baby. Quite handy when you’re tired.
Meditation
The path of good intentions. What the hell happened here? I don’t know. What about my late night sessions before bed? I started falling asleep. I had to find a slot, then I found one and now I need another one. Perhaps I should teach more?
My own yoga practice
Without actually planning a slot I seem to just grab the mat and get on it. I think it’s because I feel that I really need it like a glass of water on a hot day. After a long car journey you need some yoga even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. So some of my sessions have been short but they have been quite consistent. Sometimes I want to get back to where I was with my practice but that was then and I am a different person now with a different body and different needs.
Bike rides
Some lovely rides in Sweden of course. A 30K ride, a 40K ride and a 50K ride. During all of these rides it was not necessary to stop or to unclip from the pedals. A real treat compared to riding in the UK. My poor bike had been sitting in the shed for almost a year.
Ebay sales
I spend so much time coding and re-coding my auctions. It’s a blessing and a curse knowing how to code. My plan of just creating a one line auction flies out the window. Perhaps I’ll still try Freecycle instead.
Svenska
Being in Sweden did give me some practice but only a little. When I returned to London I met with a Swedish friend to work on my conversation skills. Even though this one has been struck off the list I may actually do a bit more of this as I’m finding it fun again. I’m also planning to visit the cottage again in September.
Learning PHP
I did quite a bit last month but this month I did very little except for some reading about creating classes.
Relaxing & fun times
I did Sudoku which I haven’t done in a long while. A great time waster and a must for generating that holiday feeling. I also read a novel, the same one I’ve been ploughing through this year, The Brothers Karamazov. I find it hard to just take the time to read a novel when my to do list is quite full.
Computer off day
The were six days of driving and the computer was off on those days and most of the time in Sweden too. It proves to me that I can live without it. But sometimes I did miss it as it’s almost like a friend. I do spend a lot of time with it and it gives me a great deal of pleasure. Isn’t that sad: a product of the modern age.
The wheel log
I obviously made no wheels while I was on holiday but have been keeping a record of them all. Inquiries have died down at the moment so I might have to advertise and promote myself in order to reach my target of a hundred wheels this year.
Clearing stuff out
I’m not really getting around to doing Ebay so I think it’ll have to be the bin and Freecycle. But it has got to go because the flat is getting quite full with all the baby stuff.
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