One of the things I really love about dark evenings is that it now makes sense to light some candles. So, the top of the TV unit has a three-candle candlebra with some big candles, all lit. Three stained glass tealight holders, lit. A green glass flower shaped tealight holder, candle lit. And a nice big scented candle popped into the glass holder from a previous candle which will look lovely once the taller candle burns down.

It looks very nice, very festive. I might even consider breaking out my snowflake lights (all fluffy with white feathers) and drape those over the top of the unit. Or would that be too clichéd and studenty?

Bought a gorgeous sofa throw in Edeka, the local supermarket, on Saturday. Finally got round to throwing it over the sofa. It's in reds and oranges, somewhat muted colours, roses on the ends and flower patterns and leaves in the middle. OH came in and noticed it right away, thought it was lovely. May see if they have any left and buy one to wrap up the recliner. Bit scuffed and scratched by cats these days!

Slowly but surely, the living area is starting to come together. We do really need to redecorate though, it hasn't been touched in thirteen years!

As far as the BMI goes, my starting BMI at 21 stone was 45. Today, at 17 stone 4, it is 37. Still obese, but that's a pretty good start, don't you think? I just reset my goal weight to 15 stone 8 lbs - that's 10% from where I am now. I will approach it in the usual fashion, nibble away at it half a stone at a time. I'd like to be down around there by mid-February for totally vain reasons (looking all right in a wedding dress, for example!) That's 4 stone and 1 lb above the Weight About Which I Shall Not Think!

I think the last time I weighed 17 stone 4 must have been around the end of 2002/beginning of 2003. I was working for Kelda Group's legal department and the new building on site had a gym in the basement. So I joined, and went most mornings before work. I loved that. When I have an ID card, I might look into using the gym on the base the OH works at. So long as the soldiers don't mind!

Looking forward to the new plan, still. Annoyed that lots of people are annoyed about all the leaks in the press when leaders and helpers are embargoed from saying anything at all until next week. Very shoddy treatment of the existing members. But hey, they're a business. Why should they care about existing customers while trying to attract new ones?

Ho hum.