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So, back from my retreat, as

rparvaaz (accurately) called it. Much to my surprise it wasn't in Aberfeldy (70 miles away), but in Boat of Garten (150 miles away) instead. I think the venue changed worked to our advantage, since I had to drive up through the Cairngorms, and there's nothing like snow-covered mountains to drag your thoughts to, ahem, higher things.

I'll probably post more about it once I've finished processing, but one thing I'll share now. A couple of people there handn't seen my beard yet, and asked why I'd grown it. I told them that I'd never had one before, and had decided to give it a month. Then and there I decided that I'd do something for each month of this year that I'd never tried before. I have nine on a list: reading Proust all the way through is on there, as is seeing a country I've never visited before. Any other suggestions?

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learn a completely new skill?

like knitting!

I did have that thought in the back of my mind.... ;o)

You two aren't the only ones...

Not. Saying. A. Word.

Tandem sky dive (if you haven't already). *G*

A friend of mine is doing that in March. I'll mull it over :)

Give something up that you've never tried to do without before? (Okay, this is a tough one.)

That's a good thought - how are you doing with the refined sugar thing? That sounds like the best for me (except for alcohol, which I'll probably give up for Lent again).

Sugar thing going very well, thanks, perhaps because I'm being rigid-but-not-rigid: have had the odd yoghurt with sugar/fructose in it, and sweetened soy milk, but nothing sweet sweet, if you know what I mean. Managing not to miss it, which is surprising. It has unleashed an unholy craving for crunchy, savoury pastry, though (WTF?). My other secret weapon is an iPhone app called LiveStrong (I think it's a Lance Armstrong project) which I've been using to calorie-count — it manages to be an entertaining barely-game. I've been going to the gym quite a lot to 'buy' myself more calories. This sounds hopelessly sad but is perversely fun (guess that's the definition of a barely-game ;) Something's clearly working, because according to the scales this morning I've lost half a stone in the last month. Certainly all the Christmas weight is gone.

So you're avoiding the obvious, rather than hunting down and killing hidden sugars? I could do that. I should do that. I will do that.

I still think you should consider doing The Artist's Way.

"Still?" can't remember you suggesting it...
I had a look on line today, and was a little put off by the religious background to it (even with the option of "Higher Power" as opposed to God). I liked the sound of some of the exercises though.

Errr...

Flamenco?
Blues guitar?
A martial art
Windsurfing
Blacksmithing
Visiting new people

...actually the month format is quite tricky...but the idea is a nice one.

Yeah, the month thing *is* tricky - it's why learning an instrument isn't on my list (although "buying a piano" might be).
Blacksmithing... hmm... maybe not, but maybe something crafty...

Heh.

Beer appreciation?

I guess it depends if your goals are enjoyment, challenge, conquering fears or gathering simple pleasures, LOL.

This year...molecular biology, silversmithing, and Cuban music. In an odd way it's the combination that's been magnificent.

And oh my I need to catch up with you. I've been having wee work-y epiphanies except I can't tell if I'm batshit insane or not. Ahem.

Cuba.... Hmmm....
Oh, and work retreat, anytime...

abseiling? visit Nepal?
love and blessed be
xxx

Nepal? Hmm.... Would need some time, but, hell, I can buy that. Can't I?

wasnt it good old Desmond Dekker who used to insist 'You can get it if you really want?' (- I remember hearing that the day my a level results came out; don't ask!)
love and blessed be
xxx

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