Confession: I have been crap about updating the blog lately. I could try the ‘I’ve been busy’ excuse, but in truth, that always sounds a bit crap-we’re all busy. Regardless of my lame excuses, it’s time to get to updating. Oh, where to begin…
Marathon Training
In my post In the Public Domain, I proclaimed that I was going to run a marathon in short order. Well, I’m happy to report that I am still well on target to do this. I’ve been spending a loooot of time running lately (more on this in a moment)-dare I say ‘training’ for the marathon. I’m at the halfway point more or less in my quest to run the marathon before the wedding. It’s been hard-no one wants to get up at 8am on a Saturday, shovel food in-not because I’m hungry, but because I need the energy, trek to the gym and slog away for 3 hours in a 20k run. But, by golly, I’m doing it. And (shhh-don’t tell anyone), am thoroughly enjoying it. Don’t get me wrong: the 22.4k run this past Saturday hurt-and I do fear the eventual 42k/26.2m run-, but I am *loving* the physical gains I am seeing both in terms of my run times improving and the literal physical gains I am seeing on my body. I’ve shed about 8 pounds in the past 5 weeks, and hope to lose another 10 more before the actual ‘big run’. If for no other reason than I need to be lighter for my poor feet! J They’re in a constant state of ache, and my big Saturday run days are utterly destroying them: my blisters have blisters. If I’m lighter, than this will ease the problem. I hope. It had better, or I’m in trouble!
Though, the flip side of this is…if I do lose another 10 pounds, my wedding dress is officially going to be too big for me (it’s already getting a bit loose-fortunately, with a sash tie around the waist, I can get away with a bit of weight loss). But, as we’re really hoping to do this wedding on a budget-and I was able to buy the dress off the rack & it fit perfectly, I’m really hoping to not have to suck it up and get alterations. Damned if I do. Damned if I don’t.
Speaking of weddings…
Wedding Planning
As of today, we’re 72 days out until the wedding. Yikes! Seriously, where has the time gone? I remember when it was ‘9 months out’ then ‘6 months out’, now suddenly we’re 2 monts out!
We’re in a bit of a holding pattern now, as we need all of the RSVPs to plan for things that involve headcount-though the RSVPs are really starting to flow in now. I think we’re both starting to get excited at the prospect not only of ‘the wedding’ but also of ‘marriage.’ Everything has become ‘the last time we do this as an unmarried couple.’ This past Christmas was ‘our last Christmas before I become Simon’s wife.’ Valentine’s Day was ‘our last V-day before the wedding.’ Sick, I know.
The planning/to-do list items have actually gone better than I ever anticipated (more on this in a moment…). I realize I’m probably setting myself up for some serious stress by saying this, but I recall so many girlfriends stressing over their weddings when it was still several months out, and that just hasn’t happened to me yet. Though, on some level, it makes me think I’m missing something huge-that would be stressing me out. And, that thougt does stress me out a bit. Go figure…
Don’t get me wrong: I’m sure that the 7-10 days before the wedding will be a completely different story alogether, but I am at least enjoying a bit less stress now than I thought would be the case!
Which brings me to my last update…
Gardening Leave/New Job
I’ve changed jobs. I started a new job this past week (yea!), and it’s been an interesting process to get here-largely because I’ve been on what is termed ‘gardening leave’ since November. Gardening Leave is effectively paid time off. With traditional notice periods in the UK frequently from 90 days to 6 months, it’s not uncommon for someone to serve notice, and then at a point in their notice period for the employer to put the employee on Gardening Leave. I for one cannot complain-and as it gave me time to train for a marathon, plan a wedding, tick off a whole bunch of other things on my to-do list-not to mention find another job, it was really a good time.
It was fun while it lasted, and I’ll probably never have another opportunity like that again, so I’m a bit sad to see all the free time go, but in truth, if there’s one thing that Gardening Leave taught me: I would make a bad ‘lady that lunches!’
I love that term "gardening leave". When I left England 20 years ago, I don't recall that being in use, but my sister-in-law changed jobs last year and got three months of it. Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteWell done on the running thing. (And the weight loss. I'm jealous but not enough to make me do a marathon!)
Kristina, I just stumbled upon your blog and LOVE it! I have always dreamed of living in London, but don't see how I can make it happen. So, I guess I'm living vicariously through your adventures. Thanks for sharing them!
ReplyDeleteOne thing I'll pass on in case it's something you'd enjoy... on my last trip to London, I made a point to see "Spark London" at the Canal Cafe Theatre in Little Venice. If you don't know about Spark... they upload a podcast on itunes (Spark London Podcast). People tell true stories, live on stage, and it's very similar to The Moth in New York City. Again, I don't know if it would be your cup of tea... but that, along with the candlelight tour of the Soane Museum, were my absolute favorite experiences in London.
Thanks, Ladies.
ReplyDelete@Karen, appreciate the suggestion-love the Little Venice area, so I'll have to check it out!
Hooray! If you do check out Spark London, I'd love to hear about your experience. I had contacted the woman who started it (Joanna Yates) prior to my trip last year, and she set aside a ticket for me, and I met so many cool people that night... one of so many magical experiences in London, and something that was much more local than touristy. I absolutely cannot wait to return to London this fall.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristina,
ReplyDeleteI've been crap about keeping up with my blogging too, lol! I finally got it all in though. :)
If I were in your shoes (pun intended) I'd break down and get the alterations if needed and be happy with any weight you do lose simply because of the overall health benefits. It sounds like you're doing great and glad to hear you're not stressing.
"Gardening leave" sounds interesting, I've always wondered about the "two-week notice" we have in the States, it just never seems appropriate considering how long it takes to hire a new person and get them trained, esp. in a higher-level job. My supervisor just put in her resignation now for August, so I'm hoping management takes the hint and hires someone soon enough so she can train them and they can just slide into her job then. Congratulations on your new job by the way. :)