Inspired by this post from Chris Brogan today, I want to take a moment to give much love and gratitude to the people who are helping me through this. As you may have gathered from the lack of posts about my journey recently, things aren’t going so well, but I’m fortunate enough to have people to reach out to for help.

Michael

Well who else could I kick this off with but my husband, best friend, soulmate, walking companion, drinking buddy and just about the best partner I could ever have hoped for. He rides out the highs, lows, hikes and binges with me without a word of criticism, judging, nagging or taking this piss. He is a star. It’s just difficult sometimes watching him eat some things that look jolly tasty but would cost me a month’s syns.

Katrina

This wonderful woman’s passion and knowledge of Food Optimising, combined with patience and genuine interest in the weight loss adventures of each and every one of her members makes her the perfect Consultant. Sometimes I feel bad for being such a pain in the arse, but she is helping me through this tough time and I believe that if I keep going to group and getting that all-important IMAGE Therapy, together we really can do it.

Frankie

Frankie was my Consultant at the start of my journey. Her warm, friendly, patient and gentle approach to Slimming World was just the introduction I needed. It was a pleasure to cross the finish line with her at the Race for Life on Sunday.

Every Slimming World Member I’ve Met

There’s a sign outside the group that reads there are no strangers here, just friends you haven’t met yet – and you really get a sense of that at Slimming World. There are a few people who I have developed good friendships with, but everyone is a positive role model for me there one way or another. Big grateful hugs to you all!

The Rrrrrrumpettes!

Since developing a bad case of the Squees for Gene Hunt, I’ve spent a fair amount of time on Luigi’s, a community for fans of Ashes to Ashes. Once I got chatting to some of the other girls there it seemed a good idea to set up a thread for other slimmers. The friendship and support offered by the people in that thread means a great deal to me and it’s another great example of how good old squee can bring people together. It’s all thanks to Phil Glenister and that ruddy big overcoat! Much love to neonsox, Tasha, ihateclowns, sparklydocs and the rest of the gang.

Complete Strangers

Finally, I have to say what a boost it is when someone I’ve never met before leaves a comment letting me know how they’re doing at Slimming World. It’s nice to know other folks are out there, and it’s particularly nice to know that all this blether is helping some folks.

Thanks to everyone in my support team. I may be a bit stuck at the moment, but with your help I’ll get through it.

So, at somewhere in the region of 140lbs lighter than when I started, the journey continues…!

Sentimental mush alert…

• Enlightening – because I’ve learned so much from you.
• Silly – because you are.
• Supportive – because you’re always there for me.
• Snorglable – because even with your recent pruning, I still must snorgle eet.
• Exciting – because at the end of a working day, my heart still flutters when I see you for the first time.
• Patient – because you have it by the bucketload. Good job since I’m now a diet bore who can’t eat without consulting three books and a web site.
• Kind – because every time I say “That’s a nice fountain pen”, you always try to give it to me.
• Creative – because you are and you encourage me to be.
• Gorgeous – because you are. So shut up.
• Interesting – because after 12 years, I’d still rather spend time with you than anyone.
• Thoughtful – because, well, two words… Paperblanks diary.
• Grateful – because I am.

Happy 12th Anniversary, Michael. I love you.

I’ve been engaged for nearly 24 hours, and I’m still utterly gibber, so bear with me. My post might not make a lot of sense but I don’t really care!

I’m looking down at my dumpy lil’ fingers, particularly the one with the diamonds on it. I can’t believe how lucky I am. Not only is he a gorgeous, supporting, loving partner, he’s taught me so much about life, nature, technology… he’s brought so much into my life that I would have otherwise missed out on, and I’m so grateful to him for that. I think he might regret getting me into Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, but there we go. Actually, a girl I once worked with told me how much she liked Robbie Williams, but wasn’t allowed to listen to his music, or look at pictures, or watch him on TV because her husband got jealous. Michael, however, not only tolerates stuff like this but for our anniversary he did try to learn the opening riff of Sweet Child O’Mine – which isn’t easy (I know, I’ve tried myself).

I’m so fortunate to have Michael in my life. I can’t wait to become Mrs Randall.

So, time to plan a wedding! We’re going for a basic registry office ceremony, inviting close relatives and a few friends. It’s booked for Monday, 24th April at 11.30. Why 11.30? Well…

…We were on our first date. Walking through Nottingham on our way to Rock City, I pondered how best to go about pouncing on this fine young man. I decided to bide my time, and, looking at my watch, decided that if nothing had happened by 11.30, I would make something happen. At 11.30 we’d spent the entire evening so far talking and laughing and generally getting to know each other. I huddled up close to him, leaned over and gave him a big long tonguetastic snog, which made him completely forget what he was talking about.

11.30’s been a special time ever since, so it seemed only right to have our wedding then.

I guess it’s time to browse the craft sites for invitation HOWTOs and flower arranging tips.

Signing off for now, Bride-to-be, Sam