I lasted three weeks

Well I managed to stay if the cigarettes for three weeks. I caved today when I bought a packet. I felt like having a few drinks tonight and smoking sort of goes hand in hand with that. I have only had two and to be honest I didn't enjoy them all that much. Any smart person would then probably realize they don't like them any longer and quit for good however knowing me I will continue and grow to like them again. It is just a habit however and I am going to see if perhaps I can get away with just buying one packet a week. This will be a big change from my usual 4 or so packets a day. I am not beating myself up about starting again, if anything I am proud of the fact that after 21 or so years of smoking I managed to QUIT for 3 weeks Cold Turkey. Not bad for a first attempt.

Since quitting however I have really changed my ways. I am not as lazy as I used to be. I am getting up early at least three days a week and going to the gym and really enjoying it.  I am also taking my dog for a walk every day or two which I never used to do. I used to always get mad at him for being so naughty but truth be told he was just  bored and lonely particularly with Senna not being around anymore. These walks are enjoyable for both of us and I am really going to dedicate more time to my puppy.

Thailand again

Well Miss 8 and I have been home from our latest Thailand trip for 8 days now. This means I have been off the cigarettes for 8 days but that's a whole other whining blog that I will save for another time.

Anyway we had all planned to meet at the airport at 8pm on Sunday 11th Aug which was also Jo\'s birthday. After checking in all of our bags we had a drink and then at about 11.30pm we all boarded our plane. There were 9 of us consisting of 4 grown ups and 5 kids. I was dreading the 8 or 9 hour flight and thankfully the kids managed to get some sleep. I was sitting in the middle of Madi and my friends daughter Ruby and they both managed to get a few hours shut eye. We arrived in Bankok at about 6am and after about an our and a half boarded the second flight to take us to Phuket. We finally arrived there at about midday Thai time and got our various transfers to the hotel. Graceland hotel was ok although it was no HOLIDAY INN. Being that this was my third trip to Thailand it didn't seem my experience or knowledge was really listened to and we ended up at a hotel that was responsible for the majority of us getting sick in one way or another. Anyway Jo and the kids had an adjoining room to Madeline and I, and Kath's family were on the other side of us. It was a wonderful holiday although not as relaxing as I was hoping. I did manage to get two massages in as well as a 75 min facial however not once did I sun bake by the pool which is a regret I have.

In regards to sight seeing this time around we once again visited the Phuket zoo as well as Fantasea. This was another suggestion I made as we had already seen it and the others thought it was fantastic. Madi surprised me by her bravery as she insisted at Phuket zoo to have a photo with a Crocodile.

  

Madeline, me and the big Orangutan

My brave girl and the Crocodile (this croc had just been the main one in the croc show so he wasn't drugged)

Ruby, Oscar and Madeline at Phuket zoo

Madi and I also went to Tiger Kingdom for the first time which was fantastic. At Tiger Kingdom you can choose the size tiger you prefer and go in the cage/enclosure with them for 10 min for photos etc. Kids were only allowed in with the baby tiger so we went in with two gorgeous tigers who were 4 months old and got some great photos. I then decided I wanted to go in with the big ones so I went back and spent time with about 4 big scary tigers. They do have signs everywhere at this place saying they do not drug the tigers so I was cautious thinking they could snap at any moment.

 

Madeline with the 4 month old tiger.

 

Me with one of the Big Mammas

Madeline and I at the Big Buddha.

I did a little shopping but not as much as other trips. Seems I may be a little over it. I had told myself about 5 weeks before leaving for this holiday that I had planned to have my last cigarette in Bangkok on the trip home which I have done and now I am irritable and desperate for one. I am not sure if I will last but I will try.

Farewell Senna.

On Saturday 20th July 2013 my beloved dog Senna died. She was about 16 years old so I knew it was coming. She was slowly getting slower and slower on her feet and was blind and very much deaf. The day she past though things happened sooo quickly. She appeared normal when I fed her. (unless of course Jimmy ate her food without me noticing) Later that evening I heard her barking outside, it was a very cold night and I assumed she was having trouble getting in the doggy door as she had been having trouble with steps and there was a small one. I stuck my head out the doggy door and she was less than a metre away from me. I called to her and she didn't acknowledge me. I yelled and even threw a small handful of dry food at her and she only briefly flinched. I realised at this time things were not right. I went outside and took hold of her collar to lead her to the doggy door and she just collapsed. My parents were here at the time thankfully and my father picked her up, wrapped in a blanket and we went to the animal hospital. They examined her for a while and we all mutually decided that the humane thing would be to have her euthanized. She couldn't even stand up. It was done quickly and peacefully.

I am going to miss that little girl. She was also the last thing that I had linking me to my first love who bought her for me. :-(

Thailand

I am sorry it has been so long since I made a blog entry. Since my last entry I have been to Thailand. On Wed 3rd April mum, Madeline and I went to the airport as our flight was leaving at 0:1:00am in the morning. After a short stop at Singapore we arrived in Phuket at about 8am. We found our transfer who drove us an hour or so to the resort in Khao Lak. The Sands resort was absolutely beautiful. I discovered that most of the guests staying there were also using the great deal from Deals.com. The room was beautiful, the  pools were gorgeous and the beach was right out the front. The area of Khao Lak itself is extremely quiet and Madeline had a lovely time playing in the pools and mum and I enjoyed a number of treatments in the spa. I wondered around the small town a bit however there was not really a lot of shopping. We had decided to do a shopping tour for one day to Patong however then decided to cut our stay at Khao Lak short by 3 nights and we booked to stay at the Holiday Inn in Patong for our last 3 nights to get some shopping in. I love love the busy atmosphere of a place like Patong and to be honest I think the way we did it was great and I would consider it for my next holiday. Going to stay at a quiet relaxing resort for a few nights and then moving to a busy area. In Patong I did a bit of shopping but to be honest I just enjoy wondering around the markets or the shopping center and taking a break at a little bar for a drink etc.

It was a lovey holiday however now I need to save save save for my next one.

here are some photos.

 The resort

 The beach at Khao Lak

 Madeline

 Madeline after collecting shells

 Madeline again

Me and my girl.

Speed Dating

I have just returned home from my first attempt at Speed Dating. My girlfriend Renee asked me to go a few days ago and although I was hesitant at first I did finally agree. I did however back out again when I knew it was going to cost be $90. I did think that was a little steep. After agreeing and going online to pay my $80 (it had dropped $10 when I signed up #winning) I had to upload a photo and do a bit of a profile. Anyway the night started at 7pm and we arrived and were given name badges. There was quite a large group of 17 boys and 17 girls. When everyone had arrived the girls took a seat and one by one a boy would sit opposite you and you would have a minim 5 minute date. I guess I didn't go there expecting much of the night which is why I didn't even feel nervous which is extremely unusual for me. Renee however was shaking like a leaf. Everyone was nice although a little too old for me IMO. I ticked the 'yes' box for 5 of the gentleman and if they have also ticked the 'yes' box against my name then we get our email address exchanged. I am not expecting much and to be honest I am not sure if I would answer the email anyway however we will see what happens.

Tomorrow is Naomi and Rob's wedding which is so so so exciting!