Oh dear!

I was happy to present medals at the Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Games on Sunday and fortunately the organisers had, in their early planning stages, anticipated an important World Cup game kicking off at 3 pm on the same day so the event was organised that it would end at 2.30 pm. No-one hung about and at 2.30 there was a mass exodus.

With a sinking feeling at the pit of my stomach and the realisation that England would now been playing for their World Cup life, Mike and I started watching the game at 3 pm on Sunday. Full of optimism and hope after their great game on Wednesday which we watched with the majority of our staff in the library at Quorn House, here we were again stressed out of our box and hoping beyond measure that Fabio Capello had got it right and that our players would play their socks off.

The first goal from Germany was painful. The second, more so. Then, miraculously, England scored and suddenly ‘hope’ was back on the menu. Then the unimaginable happened. A second goal was scored but disallowed! The endless replays only served to prove that technology should be used in such occasions but alas, FIFA had ruled that no such technology could be incorporated. The 2:1 score remained.

Two further painful goals from Germany left the commentators with nothing good to say about the England side. It was a desperate result from a team that individually were supreme when playing with their various teams at home with their extraordinary skill and talent, but who were woefully inadequate when played as a team at international level. What a desperate shame.

Yes . It is only a game. Nobody died and the result hasn’t suddenly solved the desperate problems facing this planet. But we have emotions and passion and that is a good thing. Long may that continue.

As human beings we respond to emotions and that’s good. Falling in love; getting excited about a new job; seeing yourself as a slim person immerging from an overweight body – these are great motivators that are golden. Finding that spark that makes you feel extraordinary instead of ordinary. But those feelings don’t come every day and some are easier to come by than others.

I work in a world where folk can transform their bodies from being tired and lifeless, unattractive and unfit into bodies that are full of life and energy, and feeling beautiful and confident. Such feelings and aspirations ARE within our control. Our control. If you want some help check out our website. We are happy to turn your life around and turn you into a champion!

Friday 11th June 2010!

At last the day has finally arrived. Today is the start of the 2010 World Cup.

Whether you are a fan of football or not, there is a real sense of excitement as this event is about to kick-off. To witness so many countries coming together in a united way to watch a sport of universal interest and passion is fabulous. Billions of viewers from across the globe will be tuning in to watch a game of football together. I cannot think of anything else that could create such a union. I love it!

Flags flickering from the tops of cars and suspended from houses and across streets create this united, carnival atmosphere. Even our dog Waise has an England t-shirt – purchased by my husband who normally deplores clothes on dogs! But when you witness strangers chatting freely about their hopes and dreams of the tournament, and coming together with a common passion and sense of patriotism to support our lads, it makes you proud to be English.

But perhaps the added excitement comes from seeing the South African people euphoric with excitement and anticipation. After such a depressed past they are so enjoying this moment as their country takes the world’s centre stage for the next few weeks. When rail lines and roads have been created, and amazing stadiums and facilities built, it’s no wonder they are celebrating. They don’t expect to win the World Cup but the people of South Africa are just THRILLED that it’s being held in their country. And justly so.

Back home, as the adrenalin pumps around our bodies as we support our boys, realise that watching an England game is really good for our weight loss! All that excitement and leaping up from the sofa is a great fat burner. However, you could undo all that extra calorie burning if you consume too much alcohol! But the good news is that if England win tomorrow, our elevated heart-rate, adrenalin flow and feeling of positivity within us will mean we keep on burning more calories for longer. Let’s hope we win – and keep on winning!

BEST OF LUCK ENGLAND!