Thursday 29th December 2016 - lovely break but back to business

Posted 12:30pm

Just waiting to meet up with Adam, and a good natter about fitness and next year.

It has been great to take a break from everything over Christmas.  All work and no play makes for a dull life, and whatever targets and achievements we all want to have, we all need to take time away from it sometimes.

But now Christmas is over, it is time to get on with the project and the necessary work that needs to be done before we can start our first programs.  So today, I am meeting with Adam.  I will also be doing a flood of follow up emails after the presentation.  I have been doing various research, but it is important to get the content of the program sorted as quickly as possible.  We are also arranging the thirteen week program into an eight week program for people who want it to be two months not three. 

The Social Media side needs to be arranged.  From January 2017 - so technically from next Monday - I want the website tweaks finished, and also want to be posting a minimum of two videos per week onto Youtube.  Facebook and Blog will get daily entries, and we want to start putting things on Instagram, and pursing Twitter opportunities.  So fun times ahead.

Wednesday 21st December 2016 - Public Health, walks

Posted 10:25pm

For such a long time, I feel that I have been just talking and talking, arranging meeting after meeting, and getting nowhere.  But I persevered, and gradually met more and more prominent people who could actually see the outcomes I was going on about.

This year has been fantastic.  People all over are listening. 2017 will be exciting.  And I have even more confidence after meeting with Public Health today, who totally get the concept, can see the obvious outcomes, and think that we have hit the nail on the head.

Now, I am not going to just expect everything to be great.  But the feedback today, plus the advice, and other parts of the meeting, was all good.  There are several things I need to do to follow up on it all, but they are behind us all the way.  Terrific stuff.

I also went back to Islington Central Medical Centre, and it appears the Highbury Fields walk can start at the end of January.  Again, there is work to do, but I am feeling very positive about life.

Wednesday 21st December 2016 - videos, walks

Posted 1:00am

Yes, it is one in the morning of Wednesday - so technically I guess it is Tuesday night.  I've been doing what I see as my regular volunteering opportunity, where I sit with my elderly friend.  I get expenses, but I do find it rewarding, and does encourage me out of the house.

Was chatting with Kacper, my website guy.  We will be meeting up next week to finish off what we can on the website, although it is currently live and accessible - some tweaks needed but do check it out at www.hmhb2016.org.uk - any feedback is great.  We are also, excitingly, going to be starting a series of videos about HMHB, Izzwalkz, and various subjects.  As the programs start and grow, we aim to get Subscribers to our YouTube channel, and will be posting regular videos to it - fitness ones with Adam, and news ones too re health and nutrition etc.

I will be researching all the walks over the next two weeks.  I really want to start the Highbury Fields one before the start of February and, if possible, the same goes for the Kings Cross one.,  The more we can be seen doing, the better it is for us.

Sunday 18th December 2016 - diaries are going to be a hit

Posted 11:15pm

Quite satisfied with how things are going.  The diaries are definitely a hit.  And I can say that as I am using them, and found them to be useful.

It was an idea I had for a while, but admittedly had not tried.  So the four I have been running all week, and I have made sure I have been honest on all, were the food, budget, exercise and sleep.

The food one has been great.  I just put a video on You-tube ( @hmhb2016 ) where I said I realised that writing things down put things into perspective - the amount I nibble is horrendous.  A reality check. This week coming has Christmas day at the end, but I am going to be extra vigilant.

The exercise one too has been useful, as if I don't do anything, or do little, everyone would see.  The app on my phone is great for outdoor walking too.

The budget one has made me stop and think about spending - even the fact of getting lunch or a coffee when I am out.  Is this necessary? Especially at a time when money is horrendously tight?

The sleep one is making me realise that I must try and get that under control.  I have downloaded the Headspace app and am going to try a bit of that this week.

Have a meeting with Public Health this Wednesday, but that the only work related meeting this week. I am sitting three times for my elderly friend, which is useful for pocket money, but can use a lot of time split between improving my health/fitness/weight and concentrating on the program content, and exploring a different idea I had with Scott this week.

Overall, HMHB is coming along well - as are Izzwalkz (I am going to push to start the Highbury Fields one by the third week in January).

Friday 16th December 2016 - lots going on

Posted 2:10pm

My God - is it really five days since my last posting.  The days are flying by.  So close to xmas, but we have not been sitting back relaxing.

One of the biggest jobs at the moment is the content of the program - this is coming along nicely, and I have to say it is exciting seeing it come together.  Even now, fresh ideas pop into my thoughts, and one of the fantastic USPs of the program is its flexibility and fluidity.

Over lunch with Scott we talked about how we can adapt the program for different companies and different outcomes. We also discussed one new idea - which I will keep back at this time - which I have also run past Adam, and this could be big if we can get it off the ground in a good way.

We had out fourth Izzwalkz Clissold Park yesterday and, using an app on my phone, I calculated we did 4.1km.  This is around one and a half  more than I thought.  I think this is a terrific distance for our hour's jaunt around the park.  The people who came on it seemed to enjoy it again.

We have a meeting organised with Public Health for next week.  But in the run up to Xmas it is mostly about sorting paperwork and program.

Good times ahead for 2017.

Personal front? I am maintaining my four diaries, and it does make a difference in outlook.  Being honest about spending and food, and must do exercise or it looks like I have slacked off for a day.

Monday 12th December 2016 - upbeat on all levels

Posted 9:45pm

Had a weekend of composure and domestics.  The program is gradually coming along.  I don't think people realise just how much work goes into all this sometimes.  I am preparing the best interactive, fun and proactive course I can.  This means a lot of research.  I can be searching for the right quiz, questions, games for two or three hours and come up with nothing that I think would fit.

I have however started to do the four diaries myself - as pictured above.  The Food, Budget, Exercise and Sleep diaries I will not do weekly until the first course starts, and then I will continue them during the course too.  This gives a good example to the participants - as well as helping me. Due to the amount of project work, I had neglected my own fitness targets, and in fact had put weight back on. I wont say what it was Sunday night, but I was shocked.  Today, I have really gone to town and will be pushing hard right up to the first course

The walk is doing well on Twittter.  I will be dropping more flyers around tomorrow and Wednesday.  I also have a meeting tomorrow with a doctor that I messaged with on Twitter - we both have similar outlooks for Islington health.  Could be interesting.

Trying to sort out my bike at the moment.  It needs lights - I have them - but fitting them seems as easy as climbing Mount Everest to me.  I can balance multi-million pound budgets, but anything manual I a,m dumbfounded.!!!  I did have a walk app on my phone that told me I walked outdoors for over 11.5km today.  So that is good..

Friday 9th December 2016 - Youtube, Advertising, Fitness and Mind-set

Posted 9:50pm

So, the end of one of the biggest weeks of my life - certainly in the last decade - and I have a smile on my face, and hope for the future.  Still no guarantees and plenty of work to do, but definitely on the right track.

Posted my first Youtube video for a while - our channel is @hmhb2016 - and this was really just catching up on the week.  A couple of months ago I posted several, and then stopped,  I was on the journey too, but the presentation took over my life for several weeks.  Now, although still a lot of research and paperwork to do in building up fun, interactive, pro-active content for the program (which is going well I may add - in some ways I wish I was attending without seeing what we have planned as it looks a good laugh, but also informative), I can dedicate time back to my own goals - which still includes getting fitter and losing weight - and yes, the people who know me will know that is an ongoing fight!!!

I am not sure if I managed to load the pic at the top correctly so people can enlarge it.  Me and technology don't go together well.  But I can say it is from the latest Islington Gazette, and is a feature on the Clissold Park walk - although they neglected to say it is every Thursday, leaving Highbury Grange Medical Practice at 11am.  I have emailed them thanking them for the feature, but asking if there is any way they can put it somewhere else in the next issue.

We do have Islington Council magazine coming to our next walk, which is fabulous.  Fateha and myself will hopefully meet her beforehand to chat about the initiative, why they are onboard, and the benefits of the walk itself.  Hopefully we can have a few people there.

Adam and I are excited at the fitness side of the program and how we would like to deliver it in a fun, proactive way, that will get the people excited, as well as being more fit and healthy.  We have our ideas on how to base it, and a lot of that is influenced by the bootcamp mentality.

So, all in all, things are going well.  The journey has officially began.

Wednesday 7th December 2016 - Izzwalkz promotion

Posted 10:40pm

After the euphoric feelings from yesterday's Ajani presentation, I really wanted to use today to concentrate on the Izzwalkz initiative.  Tomorrow will be our third Clissold Park walk, and I am looking forward to it very much.

I travelled to see Islington Central Medical Centre to chat about the walk I want to start in January in Highbury Fields, and left my number.  I chatted with them around three weeks ago, and am hopeful they will partner up with me for that one.  I am also actively looking around for partners for the other three I am planning - Finsbury Park, Whittington Park and Kings Cross (probably with SHP) - and I have decided to also look at Dalston Park near to Old Street too.

We had the flyers delivered for the Clissold Park walk. 1000 A5 size.  I left half of them with Highbury Grange Medical Practice, and then I took others round the area with some posters.  Two chemists took flyers, as did Christ Church Highbury, Health Food shop in Highbury Barn, and Clissold Park themselves.  Over the next week I am going to drop some into local community halls, and the Practice is going to take to schools I believe, thinking of mums during the day.

I also blitzed Twitter with the walk, with some terrific retweets and contacts from there.  In fact, I am meeting up with a local lady - doctor - next week who contacted after seeing the Tweet.  Exciting stuff I hope.

Not only that - I contacted GT Magazine which is run by Age UK, askinhg if they could feature us in the quartely magazine.  The next one has gone to printers, but they felt we could be in the one after that.  I am sending them more info.  All in all - a good day forward.

Wednesday 7th December 2016 - Terrific Presentation - plus Izzwalkz news

The SHP and HMHB team

Posted 10:05am

Yesterday was brilliant.  Months and months of preparation, paperwork, meetings and a smidgeon of stress culminated in a solid presentation at the Euston Partnership building near to Warren Street.

Massive thanks to Single Homeless Project for hosting us, and the opportunity of getting people together all in one room.  And I got positive vibes from people there.

We started with a quiz - with a difference. SHP spoke about themselves and why they are looking to use our project with their service users. Scott said some wonderful words about how we had met, and I should add that without his help I would not be anywhere near to where we are now.  The pic about has the two ladies from SHP (Amy and Amanda), me in the middle (I must lose the weight!!) then Luke and Scott.

The Power Point went well.  I enjoyed delivering it - and afterwards realised I had forgotten a couple of quite important parts - but hey ho it did not detract at all.  I was a bit nervous, as it has been my baby for such a time.

Overall, amazing experience - and I am really hopeful that Circle Housing, Change Grow Live, Business In The Community, Disability Action Islington will all give us an opportunity to work with them.  And terrifically I have already set up a meeting with Ian from the DWP in regards to talking about a Job Centre pilot and possible funding.  We also had a terrific chat with Public Health, and that could prove to be a great opportunity.

Izzwalkz is also going well.  I have collected the new flyers - A5 size (will put a pic up on the next entry).  We have had contact from Islington Gazette (I emailed them) and we should be in this week's issue.  Hackney Gazette are also interested.  On Sunday I emailed the Camden and Islington NHS, and they emailed me back to ask for more details so they can feature us.  I am hopeful that over the next few weeks the numbers can increase.  It would be nice to get into double figures before 2017, and hopefully from then on always manage to get that kind of number.

I am going to pop into Islington Central Medical Centre to chase up on the Highbury Fields walk I want to launch in January.

Still on a high from yesterday - caught up on sleep last night.  Lots to do still.  We have to develop the content on the delivery - but that is fun.

Finally - this is a team efffort.  Not just me. Scott, Adam, and Rosemary who have been so supportive over the last few years - and my committee - have all contributed in their way, and I look forward to working alongside Adam on this project, as well as Scott as we move forward.  Kacper, for his social media input, and the incredible amount of time he has given on the website (dealing with my constant nagging!!). Luke for coming on board.  And all the people who have supported along the way - my friends who read this!!!  Thanks

Monday 5th December 2016 - lots of news - plus generous Pret

Posted 11:00pm

A lot to put here - especially as we are preparing for our big presentation tomorrow.  This involved me, this evening, travelling down to Tooley Street and picking up leftover sandwiches and baguettes for tomorrow.  This was arranged between SHP and Pret a Manger, and guess it is part of their community work - certainly saving on food being wasted.

Preparations are just about done - I will be working quite late tonight though.  The Program Power Point is ready - and I am excited to be delivering that.  I have also prepared a quiz, which is not all it seems to be - this will reflect later in my presentation.

Fateha has prepared a statement for us, as work means she cannot attend - but I am just vert grateful for their efforts at Highbury Grange Medical Practice.

Adam cannot make it, but again I am just thankful for his backing and support, and know that the fitness side of the program will go well.

I have ordered 1000 flyers for the Clissold Walk.  We did have 250 small ones, but these are going to be A5 size, and we are looking to get them in local job centres and community projects, as well as the doctors handing them out.

Kacper has finished all the links on the website.  He has worked very hard, and I am extremely grateful for his efforts.  We are still reviewing some of the wording, and need to put some content on a couple of pages, but that is extra stuff.  Brilliant work mate!!!

We have interested the Hackney Gazette to do a feature on our Clissold Park walk.  In fact, they may be sending a reporter on Thursday, but will let me know.  That would be fantastic.

Thursday 1st December 2016 - second walk success plus meeting - website

Posted 9:45pm

Today we had our second Izzwalkz Clissold Park - and delighted to have six people on this one (a lady was camera shy, hence just the five showing above).  We all enjoyed the hour, even though the cold has really set in now.  You can see how wrapped up some of us were.

Again, I would like to thank Highbury Grange Medical Practice for their wonderful support in this venture, and they have agreed to pay for flyers to give out at local centres and shops, which is terrific.

I think I am just about prepared for the daunting meeting next week.  It's a mix of emotions, when I consider just how important it is.  We are going to have a small file of papers to give out to the participants.  I say "meeting", when in fact it is two meetings - first organisations, and the second to SHP users.

Our website - still needing some work - can be accessed at www.hmhb2016.org.uk  yes, it is published!!!!  yay!

In fact a list of our growing social media is as follows:

Twitter:  @hmhb2016 - if you have an account please follow us

YouTube:  hmhb2016 - please subscribe to our channel

Blog:  www.hmhb2016.blogspot.com - obviously, as you are looking at it at the moment - but if possible please join up

Facebook:   healthy minds healthy bods  -  please like out page

Website: www.hmhb2016.org.uk - save it in favourites

I am really looking forward to the next few days, gathering papers for meeting, plus researching more content for the 13 week program, and still looking at funding opportunities.

Tuesday 29th November 2016 - social media plus personal

Posted 12:30am.

Yes, it has just turned midnight, so technically it is Monday night.  And another late one.  My body clock is still adjusting back to normal sleeping (whatever that is) after my recent flat issues.

But a lot has gone on since my last entry, especially on Social Media.

I realise that Social Media is going to be a big part of what we are doing, especially for people after they have finished our courses.  Proactive interaction is vital,  To that extent, we have been pressing on several fronts.

Facebook - this is coming - we have a couple of issues surrounding this we need to iron out first - but I am sure we can do that quickly.

Twitter - this is becoming useful.  We have got several people to retweet our first Clissold Park walk tweet, which also states they are every Thursday morning.  I really hope we can grow the walk over the next few weeks.

Website - this is very encouraging.  We have pone published for our committee members at the moment to review, and within the next couple of weeks it will become live for everyone.  Kacper has done some amazing work, and I am delighted with it.

On a personal front, I again realised that I was not actually doing what the program dictates.  There are many facets to the program.  And I have also been working hard on research lately - I have slipped back on my fitness.  So for the next seven weeks I am going to push on - but then, when we start the pilot with SHP in January, I will do everything I ask of the clients - so that will mean the food, budget and sleep diaries, as well as setting realistic targets with my weight and fitness.  In fact it will be a great example to be looking at my goals and targets alongside the people on the course.

Friday 25th November 2016 - program file growing

Posted 3:30pm

The presentation is only 11 days away, and we are gradually organising everything in readiness.  It's incredible just how much work has to go in to prepare for these kind of events.  I think that some people looking to start a business just think they need to get their Business Plan and Spreadsheets done and everything then falls into place.  If only!!!!

I sent a timeline around for the day to all relevant parties.  It is not just myself who will be talking, but SHP are introducing the event, and Fateha, Scott, Adam, and Luke (who will be my fellow deliverer) are also speaking.  I will be doing the bulk of the Power Point, but several of the slides will be led by Luke - and of course the fitness/exercise side of the project (a major selling point and one of our USPs) will be administered by Adam.

I have been researching the program delivery for quite a long while - and have now started designing and researching papers, which we are printing off (courtesy of our new printer).  It is nice to see a file starting to grow.  The whole course has to be fun and interactive - it's the only way to build confidence and esteem, and encourage people to change their mind-set and behaviour.

Thursday 24th November 2016 - First Izzwalkz Clissold Park

Posted 1:20pm

After years of talking, we finally started our first weekly walk in Islington.  In partnership with Highbury Grange Medical Practice, a new healthy walk will now be every Thursday morning at 11am taking in the beauty of Clissold Park, which is just about five minutes from the practice.

It is wonderful having the support of HGMP, and we have created a strong bond between us already, and they heavily support the concept of HMHB and the Ajani project.

The first walk had four people - myself, Fateha and Pooja from HPMG, and Sheila, and we had a lovely hour of walk and chat - we must have traveled between 2.5 and 3km - and we all agreed that it had gone well.

The numbers weren't really important.  This is surely something that will grow and grow, and we talked about how we can try and get more people aware of the walk for next week. I am already looking forward to next week.

It was lovely to see an idea come to fruition.

Wednesday 23rd November 2016 - preparing papers - research and design

Posted 12:15am

Yes, it has just turned into Wednesday.  I have been catching up on project work, and have managed to get a huge amount done.

There are a lot of papers to get ready for the program itself, the clients, as well as presentations. Today, I managed to research and create quite a few.

For our clients, when they start out they will have to complete several forms.  These are now ready. I will also be giving out three diaries they are to keep weekly: food, sleep, and  money.  They are all prepared.

I have a smoking questionnaire for those who smoke - we are naturally promoting anyone that smoking can be harmful to your body and life and it is best to stop.  It is their choice, but we are providing information to them, and then we will help if they do actually decide to quit.  I have prepared the paperwork for that.  I have also gathered together some startling statistics to go with the smoking information.

Our first week is on Mind-set - and I have developed my own quiz, and then help understanding the different kinds of mind-set, and how we can train ourselves to adjust to a "growth mind-set" from a "fixed mind-set".

One of the weeks we are talking about sleep - together with anxiety and stress.  I have researched and developed a sleep questionnaire, and also gathered some other materials to make it a fun way to learn.

There is also a quick exercise questionnaire.  You might wonder there are so many of these.  The purpose of the pilot is to produce measurable outcomes that we can present to prospective clients with whom we can get contracts.  We need to gather a lot of information then to then translate into recognisable outcomes.

Tuesday 22nd November 2016 - been unwell, but hopefully back on target

Posted 3:50pm

A couple of people have messaged me asking why I have not been updating blog a lot, and it's time to come clean and say I have not been well for around a week, but thankfully starting to feel a lot better and back on laptop and working on project - a bit of catching up to do - but definitely still on target.  I did say a couple of days ago I was taking a small break, but didn't want lots of messages re sympathy or anything. :-)

When you are on your own, and unwell, it can get quite lonely, and frustrating - especially when working on an exciting project like this.  But almost back to myself today, and aiming to work all the hours I can to get back on target.

Sunday 20th November 2016 - a little break frees the mind

Posted 10:40pm

I realise that I have not posted for a few days, but I needed to just step away and refresh my mind. The next few months are going to be very busy and I will not get a lot of free time - even over Christmas.

In a couple of weeks is the presentation.  And then in January we hope to start our first pilot.

On top of that, our first weekly walk starts this Thursday.

This coming week will really involve a lot of preparation.  It's funny - so many of these "starting a small business" courses focus on Business Plan, Policies, Spreadsheets etc.  I think this can give a false impression to people that once those things are in place everything will be cool.  Maybe in a few circumstances it works like that, but this is not one of them.

I need to finalise the Power Point presentation, as well as get a kind of Agenda order for the day.  I am also working on the content of each of the thirteen weeks of the program.  I am determined for none of them to be boring, and we will not be lecturing people.  I want games, quizzes, fun interaction, but also a sense of building confidence and awareness and self-belief.

I am also still working on different funding spreadsheets, depending on number of programs and number of areas.  All that would involve staff numbers, different expenses etc.  To make it work, after the pilot I think a minimum of 16 programs a year in one area would be required.  My aim is to have 24 a year per borough.  But so much pressure is on me to provide the funding for all this.

I am so lucky to have a great team behind me, and with me.

Tuesday 15th November 2016 - videos and maintenance

Posted 10:05pm
Another strange couple of days.

Yesterday attended a Recovery College course called "A Good Night's Sleep" - which I thought was excellent - and we will be covering part of it on our 13 week program.  I think some people came to it thinking it was going to give miracle answers to their own personal sleep issues - but clearly it was advertised for professionals and service users as more of a discussion of causes and effects.

I will certainly be looking to attend a further three day courses next term - and still have one more to come towards the end of this month.

Kacper has excelled himself - his work on website - which he has not had a penny for (none of us have as yet) and he is doing while he does all his other work - is terrific.  He has also now uploaded all our preliminary exercise videos onto our YouTube channel.  I must must use this as one of my incentives to do well with the weight.  We must also chat with Adam about doing some more before the end of the month (Adam, if reading this, I will be in contact) as well as how we move forward.

Today I had a quick chat with someone from the NHS Islington Patient's Group - they are attending in December.

Personally, my infestation in flat is sorted (so I have been told) - so back to better sleep - and back to gym tomorrow!!  Yay!!

Sunday 13th November 2016 - full week ahead - deadlines getting closer

Posted 10:40pm

A small bug infestation has caused me no end of problems in the last week - a lot of them being lack of sleep, and lots of biting!!!  Thought pest control had sorted, but appears not.

However, that is maybe just excuses, as could have done more last week, so this coming one will have to make up some of that time, as deadlines are getting closer and closer - and rushing up. Thinking heavily of our December presentation.

But a cracking week ahead. Tomorrow I have my second Recovery College afternoon course - this one on "sleep". Should be interesting - especially with my own issues. Tuesday I have the local NHS Patient's Group meeting, and have arranged to talk to a lady from commissioning.  Plus, in the eve I am attending some kind of meeting about a running event next year - to be honest I am not sure of the exact details at the moment.  Thursday is the New Business Show at Olympia, and chatting with Google there.  I am also going to the gym a lot more this week as getting back on my personal fitness after a couple of difficult weeks, and this includes a couple of visits with my website friend Kacper.

I also need to do more work on the finances/funding side - really have to press with that.  I continue to work on the content of the 13 week program too.  So a lot going on.

Thursday 10th November 2016 - looking at costings and finance

Posted 10:00pm

Been a difficult few days - as very little sleep due to little critters in the flat - pest control been, so hopefully things will be back to normal tomorrow.

I did have a cracking meeting with Arsenal in the Community, who said they liked what I was doing, would attend the presentation in December, and could be actively involved in what we are doing. That was another real boost.  Again, all I meet like what we have developed.

I have had to seriously start looking at several things:

looking at outcome forms, to be completed at the start of the program and the end.

now gradually developing the content for each week of the program, including hand outs and games

working on the finances and costings for each course or per year, depending on how many programs we can run in one year.

It's all quite complicated - obviously.  Nothing is straight forward!!!!

Tomorrow - no meetings - which us nice.  I can get back to the gym.  I know that in the last ten days my weight has probably gone up a bit - the lack of movement caused by exhaustion from no sleeping - but that isnt a problem, and I am looking forward to sweating again.

Wednesday 9th November 2016 - Networking and personal

Posted 2:40pm

Sitting in the cafe in the KPMG building in Canary Wharf.  This area is terrific - and just thinking what it was like here around 20 years ago is quite sobering.  More and more tall buildings going up - they are even reclaiming land from the Thames to build on.  But it goes to show what you can achieve from one small idea for the initial building, to what it is now.

Had some good news in that we are meeting Arsenal in the Community tomorrow - if they can be involved in some way that would be terrific.  But I imagine, like funders, they get a lot of approaches and can only deal with so many, so if nothing comes from it this time then that is fine.

Attending a network event this evening, being run by the London Small Business Centre, in East London - near to All Saints Docklands Light Railway Station.  I used to go to a lot of these when I first started with this concept a few years ago - in fact I must have participated in at least 50 over all the time.  They can be useful, and then again sometimes you get nothing from them.  I have not actually been to one for around three years, but thought it was about time.  It was also free, always a nice gesture.  Not exactly sure what the topic is, as there is normally some kind of talk involved.  I will certainly be looking to attend quite a few more over the next few months.

On a personal note, because of sleep issues, I know I have not done as well over the last seven/nine days.  A sudden sit back and think made me realise that I had started finding excuses not to do exercise and eat better, so that is changing from today.  I have started developing good habits - regularly attending gym, and avoiding various shop aisles which can lead to temptation - but need to balance project, life, and social better - again all part of the Ajani project.

Tuesday 8th November 2016 - first college session - plus Arsenal

Posted 11:30pm

Got no sleep last night due to bed bugs - never had them before - contacted Housing Association, and waiting to hear. But it meant no energy for gym earlier - not sure how tonight is going to go.

But I managed to stay awake this afternoon whilst attending a Recovery College session on "Understanding Anxiety".  Was a very interesting two and a half hours - it's funny how quick the time goes - our own thirteen week course will be two and a half/three hour sessions per week.

There was a good mix of attendees, and picked up a couple of pointers, particularly when it comes to "mindset" - something we are being very focused on.

Everyone we asked to attend the December presentation has now replied - and only a couple are not able to come - one of which is sending someone else - and in fact we have two new attendees too - so I am really looking forward to it.

I am also hoping that Arsenal in the Community will attend.  If we can get them involved, especially as we are looking for some small funds to help with the pilot if possible, that would be a real bonus. I had been trying to contact for a while - but understand they must get inundated with emails and requests. But today I got a reply, and am setting up a meeting - so very positive.

It's the same with funders I guess.  They get a huge number of requests, for a limited amount of money and, although disappointing if we miss out, I totally respect the fact that they can only choose a certain number of projects to fund.  I am just grateful to anyone who even considers out project, as at least we know we are doing something right.

Tomorrow is a long day - and will update blog on the details then.  Still a huge amount of work to do, but I feel we are slowly getting there.