Your Five A Day

No Smoking - One Week On

To be honest it's been hell. I think the only reason I've kept it up this long is to prove something to you, dear reader. If it was just me on my own I'd have definitely given in. But I'm stubborn and I've got something to prove.

One thing I am noticing is how much smokers stink. And I mean really STINK. Did I ever smell that bad? I guess I must have.

Also, I've not been out and I've not been around other smokers. This is the bit I'm dreading, when someone who knows me as a smoker offers me a ciggie. Because when I decline I'm suddenly no longer part of the cool gang. How sad am I?

Golf

I've been on a stag do this weekend and on Saturday we spent the day playing golf. I have never been inclined to play golf before and I don't think it's something I'll be doing again. Mark Twain was right - it really does spoil a good walk.

Anyway, the girls have now decided that I must be somewhat of an expert on the matter (they obviously didn't see me on Saturday and I'm not going to be showing them the pictures too soon either) and that I should write all about this fascinating subject for the site.

So far I've found a few golf quotes (it is quite a talked about subject - mostly in the negative), some videos of how to improve your swing and some items to go in the golf shop. I cannot believe how much people are prepared to pay for this hobby. And that's it.

Yoga Classes

I'm thinking of starting Yoga classes. The only yoga I've tried before was following a few series of poses on a free DVD I got in a cornflakes box. I'm hoping it will make me a bit more flexible (my shoulders click ever so much), help with my posture and generally make me feel less lethargic. Unfortunately the beginners' classes in my area started last week so I have to wait another month before I can join up.

While researching I wrote a section on yoga for the main website which I will add to as I learn more. I was amazed (and a bit grossed out) by some of the cleansing techniques described but I doubt I will be getting that far to try them out.

Even if I'm utterly hopeless at least I shall look the part - I've just bought a mat and bag and some very cool clothes from Sweaty Betty.

No Smoking - Day 1

So it's been 24 hours and I'm already crawling the walls. Louise and Paul drove me mad yesterday bickering with each other about the football (you may have noticed Paul never came back to post after his prediction failed miserably).

For some odd reason it's the thought that I can't have a cigarette is what's making me edgy. I also thought I'd feel better instantly - whenever you read stuff about stopping smoking you always take notice of things like your blood pressure will return to normal within 20 minutes etc.

Well my blood pressure feels as though it's higher than usual!

I'm also not sure whether writing about not smoking is going to help either. Maybe I should write about the dangers of smoking and what it does to your body - that might help put me off.

But before that I'm off to raid the fridge for the 10th time this morning.

Foot Awareness Month

Did you know it's World Foot Health Awareness Month? Well you do now!

A lot of people seem to be grossed out by feet but I love them. Maybe it's a foot fetish but something about a man with nice feet is a real turn on. I suppose it means he takes care of himself all over if he can bothered with his feet. And there's nothing better than a pedicure for some blissed out me time.

If your feet aren't up to much then read our advice on looking after your tootsies. When you realise how many steps you stomp every day you'll realise it's worth it.