English National Ballet: Swan Lake

As part of our Christmas present, my grandma - the formidable Grandma Val - took mum and I to see English National Ballet's production of Swan Lake at the London Coliseum in Covent Garden. The closest I'd ever come to seeing ballet performed prior to this was watching Black Swan, and I've only ever attended one ballet taster lesson (influenced by watching the aforementioned film. I loved the class but didn't have the time to take it up). So, I was really excited and eager to experience my first ballet production.
Obviously all the dancing looked amazing, but what struck me was the elegance. It really is something you have to see to truly appreciate. The dancers had an ethereal quality to them, and the choreography was perfect. At one point they really resembled a flock of swans in flight - it was seamless how they moved into a V shape. I was in constant amazement, but this was one of the most outstanding moments to me.
The elegance of the dancing was assisted by the beautiful backdrops. The scenery for the first 'act' - I don't know if that's the correct terminology - was a woodland. It looked three-dimensional and just breath-taking; the colours were green and dark and somewhat mystical, with a huge full moon in the middle. The other most commonly used backdrop looked like the inside of a royal court, and was more vibrant. I felt utterly transported.

Unfortunately I couldn't take a good picture inside the theatre and you're not allowed to take photos during the performance, so I have taken this picture from The Standard's website.

I knew the women would be lithe, but I was amazed at the size of the male ballet dancers' quads (can you tell I workout). That said, given how they could leap though the air, it made sense that they would have such powerful leg muscles. I was also surprised at how, during the dance routines during the court scenes - again, not sure if that's the right term - the other dancers would take the role of courtiers being entertained. For instance, they would sit at the side in groups, and one would offer the other revellers a drink. They would also pretend to chat and react to the dancers. I was amazed at how multi-layered the performance was - in truth, I thought ballet was just dancing, however there also was an element of acting too.
My favourite composer is Tchaikovsky, so listening to his music all evening was also a great pleasure. It has made me enjoy his works even more, having heard them as part of a Swan Lake performance. I still envisage the dancers when listening to them now, and imagine what was happening in the scene at the time.
It really was an unbeatable experience and I'm hoping I can see more English National Ballet performances  in the future!

My Fitness Pal - Week One

I was sceptical about using My Fitness Pal again, thinking it would make me more obsessed and stressed about what I'm eating. I also wondered whether it would accurately log the calories burnt during exercise - because I'm already quite fit and not overweight, it takes a lot for me to burn hundreds of calories.  Here's what I found. MFP is mostly accurate due to the huge database of foods already entered. In fact, tonight is the only night I've not been able to find a meal, and that's because the pub chain doesn't publish its meals'  nutritional information. Instead, I used the 'quick add calories' option, to log an estimation of how many calories I ate - this means I don't get the carb/protein/fat etc breakdown, but it's better than nothing. However, I found it hard to believe that going for a leisurely hack for 80 mins - in walk - would burn as many calories as it says. The way I tackled this was to lower the amount of minutes I actually did the activity, to get a more accurate number of calories burned. Not ideal, but better than kidding myself that I could burn 150+ calories going for a hack! I like that I can adjust my aims and immediately have access to how many carbs and how much protein, etc, I've eaten each day. Due to the quick access to this information, I've found I haven't been so obsessive. It's almost like, once logged, I can forget about it until I next need to make a food choice. This last week has been an anomaly in that I've had a wisdom tooth and molar out, so eating has been somewhat challenging. Most of my food has been easily 'mushable'! Seriously though, one morning it took me 40 minutes to eat a toasted muffin. Ridiculous. My dental extractions have helped me to reduce my calorie intake, but honestly, I haven't felt that hungry at any point this week. Formerly, I thought I was eating too many carbs and too much fat, but this week has shown me I really should try to lower my sugar intake. No more Heinz tomato soup or Heinz baked beans! Well, maybe once a week as a treat. I do love baked beans. Beans beans the magical fruit and all that. Although I started using MFP last Saturday, I didn't weigh myself until Monday, so I want to wait a full week before seeing if I've lost anything. Due to this, the goals I wrote on my previous post have changed slightly. My new goals are:

• lose 1lb a week
• eat 1460 calories a day - this allowance goes up if I exercise
• do 4 workouts a week, 40 mins each - although I record any walking and hacking I do, which all adds up, I only really count schooling sessions and weightlifting/circuits as 'workouts'. The other activities I do, like taking Ernest for a relaxing hack, are a bonus in terms of calories burnt.

So, from Saturday to Saturday, I've done 530 minutes of exercise and burnt 1475 calories. Normally the week runs Monday to Monday, of course, and under the 'exercise' tab you can see whether you're on track to meet your fitness goals. 

For this week, going from Monday 5th to now, I've burnt 1001/690 calories and exercised for 310/160 mins. When setting up my account, I selected that I want to lose 1lb a week, am active, and want to complete 4 workouts a week for 40 mins - MFP has obviously worked out that in order to do this I need to eat a deficit of 500 calories per day and burn 690 calories per week. 

Possibly my favourite thing about MFP is that, if you undereat, a warning message on the dangers of underrating comes up. Most will ignore it, I'm sure, but I think it's quite a responsible thing to do. It also has a message that says, 'if everyday were like today, you'd weigh *** in 5 weeks'. It's a nice reminder, or a shock depending on how you've eaten, on where you're headed.

Overall, I'd recommend MFP as a way to monitor your eating and exercise. I just hope that my surprisingly active week pays off when I weigh in on Monday!

I've Joined My Fitness Pal... again

A little while ago I joined My Fitness Pal, then deleted my account because I just didn't keep it up. For those who aren't familiar with MFP, it's an online food and exercise tracker. You enter your details - height, weight, measurements - and what you want to lose, as well as how active you are day-to-day. It calculates your daily calorie limit, although you can increase your limit depending on how many calories you burn during exercise. Then, you enter all the food you've eaten that day - there's a huge database of foods, although you can add your own recipes etc.
I've decided to rejoin, to see how effective it is at helping me lose 7lbs (half a stone). I'm hoping that the slight weight loss of 1/2lb each week will be fat from my muffin top dropping off, although I won't know until the end of March (my next scheduled body fat check).
I've kept a food diary on and off for years, but feel that My Fitness Pal is a more environmentally friendly way of keeping track (just call me the paper saver). It's become common knowledge that keeping a food diary can aid weight loss, but I'll be interested to see if it makes me more obsessed about what I eat.
Today has been a good day because I had a wisdom tooth out, so eating anything solid has been impossible past 1.30. That said, I'm slightly over my sugar limit, due to the baked beans I ate before my operation, the tomato soup after, and the ice cream my dad bought me to make me feel better (thanks Daddy Martins). Hopefully I'll be under tomorrow!

2015: The Year Ahead

Happy New Year everyone! Today has been a relaxing day - I cooked pancakes for the other members of the Fantastic Four and my parents, took Ernest for a ride, had a roast with the aforementioned and my Auntie, and played Trivial Pursuit.
Here are the final 10 questions from Into Mind's post, 'Your Year in Review.' The first 40 questions I answered can be found here.

41. What do you want the overarching theme for your 2015 to be?

Progression.

42. What do you want to see, discover, explore?

I'm looking forward to going to Montpellier in May with the Fantastic Four, and Hever Castle with Maxxy in February. If we can afford to, Maxx and I would like to visit Ireland as well. And I'm supposed to be going to Ibiza in summer for my Aunt's birthday. Maxx and I have agreed that there's lots of areas of England we haven't explored, so it'll be exciting to get out on his bike. 

43. Who do you want to spend more time with in 2015?

My godchildren and the friends I barely saw last year.

44. What skills do you want to learn, improve or master?

I'd like to continually improve my teaching skills, through my PGCLTHE and by gaining experience teaching academic English. I'd like to master pull ups - at the moment I can do assisted, but I'd love to be able to do a full set unassisted. Or even just one. I also want to learn how to cook amazing Thai food... sweetcorn fritters, pad thai, massaman curry... Mmmmm.

45. Which personal quality do you want to develop or strengthen?

I'm very organised but not so good at flexibility, so I'd like to learn to deal with unexpected situations better.

46. What do you want your everyday life to be like?

Rigidly controlled. Just kidding - busy but not fraught, with time set aside at the end of each day to chill out and switch off. Fulfilling.

47. Which habits do you want to change, cultivate or get rid of?

I have a bad habit of trying to do too much, and trying to please everyone, which then exhausts me. I'd like to become more balanced.

48. What do you want to achieve career-wise?

More private students, and a teaching role at a University.

49. How do you want to remember the year 2015 when you look back on it 10/20/50 years from now?

The year I had a lot of fun, made a lot of memories with those I love, and had exciting experiences.

50. What is your number one goal for 2015?

To be more balanced and make improvements in all areas of my life, even if they're just little ones.

2014 in Review

Earlier this week I saw a cool blog post on Into Mind, entitled ‘Your Year in Review: 50 Questions To Help You Reflect, Appreciate and Get Excited For 2015’. The questions are thought-provoking and made me question what I really want out of next year, as well as what I could realistically achieve, but also what I’ve learnt from 2014.

Of the 7 goals I set for myself this year, I actually achieved most of them – although I didn’t beat my 2012 time, I did run Basingstoke half marathon again. I haven’t dyed my hair since November 2013. Maxx and I went to Berlin in June. My French is improving incrementally, but this is something to continuing working on next year. I did get a permanent career job in publishing in May, but finally realised I should be a teacher so left after 5 months. Ernest and I went to one showjumping event this year – I fell off in the warm up and did a very ‘interesting’ round of jumps after that. The one goal I didn’t achieve was getting to 18% body fat. I’m not going to dwell on that though, as I am so bored of the phrase ‘body fat’ by now that you must be too.

Anyway, the first 40 questions from Into Mind are as follows (the final 10 will come in another post):

1. What one event, big or small, are you going to tell your grandchildren about?

That I held a tarantula. This will come up in more detail in a later question.

2. If you had to describe your 2014 in 3 words, what would they be?

Busy, emotional, fun.

3. What new things did you discover about yourself?

I can do a lot more - physically - than I thought I could.

4. What single achievement are you most proud of?

Running the half marathon without walking (well, I did for 30 seconds but apparently that doesn’t count) and raising over £400 for Wimbledon Greyhound Welfare.

5.What was the best news you received?

One of my oldest friends had a baby this year, whom I met on my birthday; that was really special. Another of my friends got engaged. My mum was told by her Master’s supervisor to enter her dissertation for a prize awarded by BALEAP (The British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes) – she doesn’t have the result yet, but to be good enough to enter was really exciting as this is a globally recognised association. I’m proud of you Mindy!

6. What was your favourite place that you visited in 2014?

Potsdam, Germany.

7. Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year?

Organisation. At one point I was teaching at the Uni, teaching in the evening, studying on two courses and, of course, riding as many times a week as I could.

8. Who was your number one go-to person that you could always rely on?

Maxx. Poor man.

9. Which new skills did you learn?

I learnt so many new skills on my CELTA course, such as how to do a thorough needs analysis and how to plan lessons (properly, with stages and everything). I also mastered how to make a great frittata.

10. What, or who, are you most thankful for?

My family – this includes pets, of course – and friends. I have the best group of friends I’ve ever had.

11. If someone wrote a book about your life in 2014, what kind of genre would it be? A comedy, love story, drama, film noir or something else?

A dramatic comedy? Does that exist? There were some funny moments but also some less than pleasant ones.

12. What was the most important lesson you learnt in 2014?

Know when to get involved and when to keep out of someone’s business.

13. Which mental block(s) did you overcome?

I haven’t overcome my fear of spiders but holding a tarantula at Longleat Safari Park certainly helped. I was petrified – shaking and tearful etc, but it was revelatory in a strange way. I never thought I could do it, but just decided in that moment that I was going to.

14. What 5 people did you most enjoy spending time with?

I don’t think I can answer that. I’ve spent a lot of quality time with my family this year, and gotten closer to my cousins as a result.

15. What was your biggest break-through moment career-wise?

Well, this can be in two parts. It was really exciting and somewhat relieving to finally get a job in publishing, but it also showed me that my passion actually lay in teaching. Becoming a self-employed language teacher was also rewarding and a little scary – self-employed at 23!

16. How did your relationship to your family evolve?

My brother and I became a lot closer this year. We text, Viber, Facebook and Snapchat all the time now and I’m so, so happy. He’s such a big goof.

17. What book or movie affected your life in a profound way?

Anna Karenina portrays mental illness in an enlightening way – her transformation from a mysterious, vibrant woman to bitter, rejected lover was alarming. She wasn’t entirely likeable by the end of the novel, but the depiction of how depression can alter someone was truthful.

18. What was your favourite compliment that you received this year?

“You’ll make a cracking teacher, you have the goth edge to warrant interest, strict when necessary and silly when appropriate. You’re like if Doctor Who, Professor McGonagall and Sherlock Holmes had a tri-parent baby.” 

19. What little things did you most enjoy during your day-to-day life?

Washing my hair was more enjoyable as I didn’t worry about the colour fading.

20. What cool things did you create this year?

I made my grandparents a calendar, mostly using pictures from when we went away as a family earlier this year. They love it.

21. What was your most common mental state this year (e.g. excited, curious, stressed)?

There were lots of different things to be stressed about, such as starting and leaving a career, studying, becoming self-employed etc. But there was a lot of contentedness too - passing my CELTA, competing again, spending time with family.

22. Was there anything you did for the very first time in your life this year?

Holding a tarantula, going on a rollercoaster – Air at Alton Towers, and going bouldering. All of those involved fear!

23. What was your favourite moment spent with your friends?

Going to Longleat with the other members of the Fantastic Four (Maxx, Becky, Andy). It was a brilliant day out and really fun being squashed in my car, driving round the safari.

24. What major goal did you lay the foundations for?

Training to be a teacher. I had a TEFL, but now I’ve got a CELTA and a lot more experience with different nationalities and programmes of study. I’m also doing a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (PGCLTHE), which will be helpful when applying for University lecturer roles (although I need a Masters as well).

25. Which worries turned out to be completely unnecessary?

It sounds stupid, but when I gained body fat I thought I'd never lose it and I'd be unhappy with my appearance forever. I've since lost bf again and am just being more balanced with my diet.

26. What experience would you love to do all over again?

The whole Longleat day out and the Berlin holiday.

27. What was the best gift you received?

Having all my family with me. I’m extremely lucky to still have 4 grandparents.

28. How did your overall outlook on life evolve?

I don't think my outlook has completely evolved, but I'm learning that it's OK to not do 500 things in a day and to not beat myself up when I'm too tired to finish everything. I'm starting to be more realistic about what I can, and should, achieve.

29. What was the biggest problem you solved?

Deciding which career I really should be doing. I wanted to work in publishing for so long, it was hard to admit that perhaps it wasn't the right thing for me after all.

30. What was the funniest moment of your year, one that still makes it hard not to burst out laughing when you think about it?

When the camels surrounded us at Longleat and stole the plastic bee off my car aerial, or watching Becky dismount Ernest. I think it was the accompanying noise as she fell.

31. What purchase turned out to be the best decision ever?

Although I reeeeally like my new blouse from M&S, I think I’ll have to go with my CELTA and PGCLTHE courses.

32. What one thing would you do differently and why?

I don't think I could react any differently to my Aunt and Uncle splitting up, but I would have tried to accept it sooner.

33. What do you deserve a pat on the back for?

Running the half marathon.

34. What activities made you lose track of time?

Riding and hanging out with the Fantastic Four.

35. What did you think about more than anything else?

My Aunt and Uncle, Ernest, losing weight/body fat. Personally I find the latter a bit sad…

36. What topics did you most enjoy learning about?

I've learnt more about the Plantagenet dynasty this year through reading for pleasure (yep, I’m a nerd); that was interesting.

37. What new habits did you cultivate?

After a ridiculously busy November, I've tried to fit less into my day / week. This is definitely something to work on in 2015.

38. What advice would you give your early-2014 self if you could?

Hmmm...  don't take on too much and accept that you can't control everything.

39. Did any parts of your self or your life do a complete 180 this year?

Yes - my Aunt and Uncle split up. I used to stay at theirs every week, all through school and college, and I went on holiday with them. I was a bridesmaid at their wedding. It’s been utterly crap, not only because of the emotional fallout, but losing someone I was really close to and who was a really important part of my life both as a child and adult. Sometimes I still can’t believe it.

40. What or who had the biggest positive impact on your life this year?

Hmmmm… training to be a teacher or becoming self-employed.

Countdown to Christmas II

In my first Countdown to Christmas post, I mentioned I was doing Lee Labrada's 12-week Lean Body regime. I was enjoying this programme, however I've been ill the last 2 weeks with a stomach bug then a cough and cold so haven't worked out much.
This is frustrating as I've had more time to exercise since finishing teaching and finishing my CELTA. That said, I haven't wasted the time - Ernest and I have been on some long, relaxing hacks which have really helped me feel less fuggy and gross. Yesterday was so bright I thought I was going blind! 
As I've said before, when I don't have time or don't have a lot of energy, I'll always choose to ride over other forms of exercise. I've really enjoyed spending time with Ernest, on the ground and riding, and the long rides have genuinely made me feel fresher.
So, as a result of the last couple of weeks, I probably won't reach my January goal of 19%. I'm still hoping for a loss though, even if it's just 20.5% down from 21.39%. I said I didn't want to stuff myself, which I haven't, but I have struggled to eat healthily. Perhaps that's from feeling crappy, perhaps that's just an excuse! Either way, I'm bringing some workout clothes and my trainers to France so I can do some exercise while we're away for Christmas.
I've also been tidying this past month. Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm messy and find tidying very boring. But things were starting to get out of hand - my stuff was everywhere, all over the house. In piles, in bags, on chairs etc - and if I didn't feel up to lifting heavy things, I could at least sort my stuff out.
I took 5 bags to charity, found 8 old mobile phones, put all my teaching books on the shelf and finally found Ernest's passport (in my room all along - major stress over). It's therapeutic, and now I feel organised and ready for next year's teaching and studying!

Leibster Blog Award Nomination

My wonderful BFF Becky nominated me for a blog award! The Leibster Award is for up-and-coming bloggers with less than 200 followers.

The rules are:

- Link back to the blog who nominated you.
- Answer all of their questions.
- Write 11 facts about yourself.
- Link 11 blogs with less than 200 followers and tell them you've nominated them.
- Ask 11 facts for the blogs you nominate to answer.

Becky’s questions:

If you could live in any book universe, where would you choose?

Hmm. I read a lot of historical fiction, when women weren’t exactly highly thought of. I love gothic novels but am a wuss. I think I’ll have to go with Harry P or Discworld.

What is the oddest term of endearment you have used for someone, or someone has used for you?

Maxx and I call each other ‘baby goose’. Or papoose (that weird wrap thing you carry a newborn baby in).

Snap Question: Zombie apocalypse! First weapon that comes to mind?

Aaaah! Sod the weapon, I’m running away from that freaky non-dead sh*t.

If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?

Carrot. Orange, easy to peel, favourited by Ernest, delicious raw or cooked.

Do you have any tips / tricks to posting regularly?

The easiest thing was when I started having regular or semi-regular posts, such as ‘Pony Tales’ and ‘New PT Workout’. And not worrying too much about what you’re writing - you’re blog might not follow a theme or category, but it’s your blog, so you can write whatever you want!

What is your family's most important Christmas tradition? (Or holiday tradition if you don't celebrate Christmas)

Dinner being at ‘1’ – read, 2 or 2.30. The Yorkshire puddings always come last, not on purpose, they’re just never done on time.

Do you have an outfit/item of clothing that you have owned for a long time, but never/rarely wear? if yes, what is it?

I have a £295 crimson and cream silk corset in a bag in my wardrobe; I’ve worn it 3 times since 2006. I never found a skirt that would go with it, which is a shame as it’s absolutely beautiful – especially now I have a chest which fills out the top!

State a favourite character. Now explain what underwear you think they would wear?

I read Ken Follet’s World Without End earlier this year (utterly brilliant) and thought Caris, one of the main female characters, was a forward-thinking, brave, intelligent woman. As the book is set in the 13^th century, I imagine she wouldn’t wear pants. Did they wear pants in the 13^th century? Maybe hose or something like that.

If you could add 1 hour to your day, what would you do with it?

I would have the most glorious and guilt free nap.

10. What do you want to achieve by the end of 2014?

Well, earlier this year I set myself some targets. Some I reached, some I didn’t, some I reached then changed (publishing job). So really I’d just like to enjoy this restful period, get some lesson planning done for January, do some more of my portfolio for my PGCLTHE, ride a lot, go to the gym a lot, see my family.

11. If you could be any Harry Potter character, who would you be?

McGonagall is clearly a badass. She’s strong, intelligent, powerful, brave, played by Dame Maggie Smith, and just the coolest. So her.

My 11 facts:

1. I have a strawberry roan pony named Ernest – hence the blog name
2. I have Ernest’s portrait tattooed on my left thigh
3. My boyfriend is French
4. Greyhounds are my favourite breed of dog
5. But giraffes are my favourite animal
6. I am scared of spiders
7. I have IBS and lactose intolerance – but cheese and chocolate are 2 great joys in my life
8. My favourite colour is royal purple or black or dark blue or dark green
9. My favourite food is pancakes
10. By the age of 18, I had 33 piercings – I once got 4 in a week (second holes in lobes, septum, belly button)
11. I’ve wanted to be an author since I could say the word

My nominations:

Welcome to my silly life

Greyhounds CAN Sit

Ari’s Menu

Yes I Know My Dogs Look Funny

The Hungry Goat

Never Say Never Greyhounds

Giraffes Can Bake

The History Blog

One Tiny Wish

Food Weights and Protein Shakes

FatStrong Weightlifting

My 11 questions:

1. If you could change any event in world history, what would it be?
2. What's your favourite exotic animal?
3. What would you choose: the ability to fly or the ability to stop time?
4. If you could be invisible for the day, what would you do?
5. What's your favourite Harry Potter book?
6. If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would you choose?
7. What do you like most about blogging?
8. If you could bring any animal back from extinction, which animal would you choose?
9. If you could be world champion at any sport, which sport would you choose?
10. What is the main thing you would like to achieve in 2015?
11. What is your proudest moment of 2014 (so far)?