Staying active

I've had a fitbit for over six months now (well, actually I've had two after the first one went awol), and I am pretty much obsessed. I hate it when I accidentally leave it at home and check it several times a day.

The only times I don't wear it are sleeping (it does have a wrist attachment but I don't find it very useful), when wet (bath/shower/swimming) and during ballet classes (because there's nowhere on my ballet gear to put it!).

I love all the graphs.

I love reaching my daily goals, which are currently set at:

11,000 steps

16 flights of stairs (newly increased from 14)

30 "active minutes"

But most importantly, it has helped me become more active and healthier than I was last summer. During the day at work I am more likely to be I my feet; I choose to walk down the corridor or up and down stairs to run errands more often; and I plan my day to include small chunks of walking where possible. I really love it!

Exciting plans

As Spring thinks about making an appearance, my calendar is beginning to fill up with all sorts of nice stuff.

It started with a Spa trip with some of my girlie friends last weekend. It seems to be turning into a habit that every year in March/April I plan a relaxing spa trip.

Then at the beginning of April I've booked myself onto a three day intensive ballet course. I'm equal parts excited and scared about this one. I don't think my current average of one ballet class and one gym trip a week is really going to prepare me for this! Need to be in shape.

Also in the diary is Pteraductyls - a sailing group that I'm part of. I haven't been for at least two years so I've no idea if I even still remember how to sail. Be a great opportunity to catch up with friends too.

Also in the mix will hopefully be some skiing practise. This year's sort-of-maybe ski trip didn't happen, but it's definitely still on the list so I need to keep up the practise. Plus I was starting to really enjoy it.

Urban stroll

We fancied a bit of good old-fashioned fresh air and exercise, so headed out of London to explore.

There was definitely a bit of irony to our beautiful stroll along the Thames with an industrial backdrop. A bit different to hiking around the Lake District or Derbyshire.

Anyways, it did the job and my step count for the day was above target :) Still loving my fitbit.

Three firework shows in one night

We had a demo night for clients last week. About a million crew turned up to help (slight exaggeration, but still loads) so it was almost like a firers reunion.

Rather than rigging, I was on Meet and Greet duty. It meant that I spent most of the evening in the warm, and that I got to fully watch and enjoy the shows!

The first was a Halloween-theme. It featured some of our other effects including lasers, smoke machine and flame pots:

Picture from the side, the audience were in front of the large building on the left.

The second was a quiet show to the ever popular "Let it go" from Frozen. It was full of single-shots, almost like a choreographed dance:

The last show was a classic, using a mix of firework types and fired to Protectors of the Earth:

Once our guests had left, I did change into my many-layered rigging gear and help with the clear up. They didn't really need me because half the world was there, but I like to get involved.

All photographs are copyrighted and are used with permission.

Road Trip Weekend

Looking at the calendar midweek, I realised that we had absolutely nothing planned for the weekend. We needed a plan...

Midnight Friday - jump in the car, ferry from Dover, three hours driving through France and arrive at...

Yay!

Sometimes I just need to get out of the house and do something different!

There was plenty of rides and lots of snacking to be done. Plus the parade, of course, where I saw all the best Disney characters!

Buzz!

What a great day out! :)