Hi,
How’s it going?
Plants, yo
If a blogger changes their diet and doesn’t write about it, did it really happen? 😉 Some time ago, we switched to being mostly veggie at Chez Jones. For the Ever Lovely Mrs J, it was to help her health condition, and for Yours Truly, it was a mix of solidarity and thinking about the planet. We’ve also switched over to oat milk and I think I actually prefer it.
What’s also helped is that we have one of the food box deliveries. It’s where you get all the raw ingredients and, more importantly, the recipe cards as well. That’s a fair few on the market and it seems quite the personal choice.
I thought I might miss meat in the food, but looking back at mealtimes, the were plenty of times in which I’d eaten and enjoyed the food, before realising I’d not eaten the meat part. For me, this made it easier to give it a go.
Do I still eat meat? Yes and yet I try not to when possible. If you enjoy it, I’m not here to judge. That would be rude and TBH, resisting a bacon sarnie is quite tricky. Although the plant based ‘facon’ one is pretty good if microwaved and with eggs 🙂
With more vegetables in my diet, my lower tummy is flatter. I don’t think I’ve lost weight given I’m leaning towards an 18 rather than a 16. Although like all clothing, dress size is a best a guide, rather than a measure in my experience. At least I’m back to notch three on my belt for my bloke clothes and have been for a while, so that’s a good thing in my book.
Green
This week the UN released very stark warnings – again – about the climate and our need to change behaviour as a society. If we do not, there’s very serious changes to the climate headed our way. To that end, I recently replaced my old car with a (new to me) electric one. Like me, it’s of an age 🙂, so with the money we got from trading in the other car, it didn’t break the bank.
In honesty, the above stuff…. I feel it’s what I can do. Maybe one bloke eating less meat and cutting petrol use doesn’t make a huge difference. But, maybe if we all do a little, it’s better than nothing and right now, so many governments seem to be ignoring the issue.
Honestly, it both frustrates and scares me. Yet, if I think on it, well, that’s a one way ticket to Stressville. So, I guess, I’m not ignoring it, I’m just trying to do a bit to make a difference. Maybe if enough of the ‘tofu wokerati’ join in, maybe the future won’t be so bad.
Thursday
With Halloween approaching, I asked the group if anyone fancied coming along in fancy dress. No pressure to do so, just an option to change things up a bit. A few folk did and that’s cool.
While I felt the temptation to rent/buy something, I thought I could probably put something together based on what I already have. That’s money saved and faff avoided. Mind you, I did see a very pretty dress available for hire. I’m now thinking about the group’s Christmas Do.
NB: with the top having sheer sleeves, it’s meant a quick buzz with the OneBlade under the arms. Not a silky smooth finish, but good enough and no itching. I’ll call that a win.
I did buy a Halloween themed headband and also some whalenet tights. The former was very cute and fun, but the latter didn’t quite work with the outfit. That or maybe it was my mood on them. Do you get that? Where there’s nothing really wrong with something, but it’s not quite working for you?
What I was pleased with, is the more intense than usual eye makeup seemed to work – even if I did have a false eyelash malfunction while chatting with Nicole. 🙂 It’s been a while since I have tried such a look and somehow it came together, putting a spring in my step ❤️
Unacceptable
While getting changed, conversation was had with a non regular attendee and…. they used the racial slur “w*g”.
I paused from doing my makeup and cut them short. “You can’t use that language here at the group,” I said.
I was asked if “are you one of those woke people trying to erase the past?”
FFS. 🙄
I explained that certain words may have been used in the past and it’s not okay to use them at the group. They are rude, disrespectful, and hurtful. Cue the ‘but we’ve always said it’ crap and “but no one is here like that”. Firstly, neither is an excuse and secondly, we don’t know if anyone at the group has a partner and/or child who’s a person of colour. What a vile thing to say. 😤
I find it baffling when someone in a maligned minority such as ours punches down to others. Yes, I’m still ****ing cross about it. 🙂
So there was the usual “so do you want me to leave?” BS, and I said if you want to use that language, yes, do please leave. If you can be respectful of others, you are welcome to stay.
I then tried to get the conversation back to more civil areas….. although I might have said “that’s an awful word and I’m pretty sure you’d not like me to call you a c***”.
Tsk. All that money spent in charm school eh? 😋
Kindness instead
A new member had forgotten to pack their wig and Debbie was kind enough to let them borrow one. I did need to ‘Blue Peter’ a pair of tights to make a makeshift wig cap, but needs must! I thought the sharing was a lovely feature and I think that says a lot of good stuff about how the group looks after its own. Said person was certainly cheered up by it and this is much more about how we roll 😉
Due to other commitments, unfortunately Val couldn’t be with us (we did miss you!). However it was great to see Pat back after a long hiatus, Joanna who’s usually caught up at work (fab dress!), and long time member, Nicole (looking as sharp as ever).
The rest of the evening went really well with much shared laughter and tea (thanks Joanna). I’d brought along a (reusable) pumpkin and filled that with fun size chocolates. Woo, talk about shrinkflation: more half bite size than fun size 😲 Still, maybe a bit less sugar in our diet might not be a bad thing.
After we washed up and tidied away, it was time for a quick round of photos. I think I took them for about four people. I do wonder if we need better lighting and a backdrop, but that’s more faffing about.
I’ve also had the good fortune to have Friday off and go out for lunch with the Every Lovely Mrs J and Child 2.0. What a great way to ease into the weekend.
L x
PS: Please do check out Andrea’s blog for a beautiful guest post of trans joy.
PPS: If you’d like a break from doomscrolling, Positive.news may help. There’s an article here about changes we could make to help improve the climate.
Nice photo Lynn, lovely outfit as usual. I think the star tights were a good choice.
Not sure I could do without meat especially chicken but well done for going for mostly veggie in the Jones Household. I’ve never tried oat milk but I’m curious now you’ve mentioned it so will get some tomorrow and give it a try.
Well done for getting back to that third notch on your belt, sounds like your healthier eating is paying off.
Shame about the racial slur at your Chams meeting. Like you say unacceptable but I think you handled it wonderfully and I hope the individual who made the slur has a good think about what you said.
Slurs aside it sounds like Chams is a great place and from what I’ve been reading is very friendly and inviting. I do look forward to attending at some point in the New Year and look forward to meeting you all.
Have a great week Lynn.
Lotte x
Playing it safe or going with what feels right? I guess the jury in my head is still out, but thank you for the kind words, Lotte. I did need to swap shoes as I’m too used to a Mary Jane style heel.
IMO, the trouble with pumps is they need to be spot on in terms of fit. Too small and ouch, but too big and you can easily step out of them. Oh the humanity! 😉
We still have fish every now and then. Chicken less so, but I’m not vegan / proper veggie. I just try to cut down and eat less red meat. I read that beef is really bad in terms of energy investment to food return. Fish is perhaps the best, but there’s issues with overfishing and whatnot. It ain’t easy being green as a famous Muppet once said. No, not the lettuce lady 😋
Chams is very welcoming and I think that’s a key part of its success. That and various organisers have handed the reins over. Some other groups (no judgement) last as long as someone does the running. If no-one picks up, they can fold and I think that’s a shame.
TBH, Basedow that person’s behaviour and what that said about the effects of informational travel having on them, I don’t think they will change their views. However, I’m not the Thought Police, so think as you will, just don’t be a **** at the group. I’ll let you pick a for letter expletive for that gap 😁
It’ll be good to say hello in the real world ❤️
You look lovely in your pic, your dress looks so nice on you.
My partners a veggie so I do eat a fair bit of greens and the occasional veggie meat replacement, but I do still eat meat a lot of the time. I have mostly cut out red meat though, I pretty much just eat chicken and fish these days. I wish I was losing weight but my whisky and coke on weekends makes up for it. 🙂 So well done for re-shaping? (not sure what else to call it if you aren’t losing weight too) 🙂
And good job on standing up to the idiot in your group as well. It’s so easy to just keep your head down and ignore it when it doesn’t affect you directly. So well done! xxx
Hey Chloe 👋 Reshaping, yeah, I can see that. If only the shape could be directed to add curves not more barrel 😁 Can I get an amen on padding and shapewear? 😉 As to drink, I’ve gone alcohol free for a while (less calories) and provided you can find a dry tipple, it’s okay. The only risk is when you do have a proper beer: boom. #Lightweight 😁 Enjoy those Jack n Cokes! 🍸
Thanks for the props. It didn’t feel good at the time. I was angry and disappointed at the behaviour and attitude. I think it’s one thing to slip up or make a mistake (the words ‘tranny’ for example or ‘trap’ are problematic), but to use a racial slur? Just no, plain and simple.
Unacceptable indeed. I thought someone coming out with language like that had been consigned to the back end of the 80s along with Bernard Manning and his nasty ilk, but then I am reminded that this sort of stuff still exists among a handful of football fans and likely elsewhere. Good on you for enforcing the Rules of the House. Though once people have heard that coming out of someone’s mouth they can’t unhear it.
Not gone veggie ourselves but the diet is veering more and more to cheese, fish, and chicken to the point that last night’s burger bun was a one in a couple of months treat. Although the steady steam of salads though the summer haven’t had any noticeable effect on the waistline, unfortunately.
Really nice dress, and a great photo of you. (Did you know a spider was building a web just over your head while it was being taken?)
What are whalenet tights? Are they like fishnet tights but with much bigger holes?
Yes, the “can’t unhear it” is something that sticks with me. I mean, we joke about “well, I can’t unsee that” or “pass the mind bleach”, but there’s a massive difference, IMO, between that and the vorhees vileness of that racism. Funny, the only ‘rules’ we have at the group are No Funny Business and no Lolita/fetish/indecent clothing. We’ve coped without any comment about language, but that may come if we get repeats of that behaviour.
Has the salad benefits been taken up by the cheese calories? Mind you, a good source of calcium. 🧀
Thanks for the kind words about the outfit. It does look like a dress and it’s separates. The top was a present (Joe Browns again – I should be on comission 🤑), the skirt I’m not sure, but both are a few years in. Luckily the black velvet matched on both.
I could probably make a joke about ‘false trans widow’ but meh 🙂 On the upside, I’m not arachnophobic which must be somewhat tricky at Halloween 🕸️
PS: Yeah, whalenets are just wide patten fishnets. I think they appeared in the early 2000s and pop in once every few years as folk experiment with them in certain looks / red carpet events.
I was unaware of the language, and am suprised by the push-back when pointed out. As for the tea, you are most welcome – it’s something I think I quite enjoy doing for whatever reason.
I am big fan of your combo on the night, which I think I said at the time but bears repetition! I thought everyone was well turned out, as it happens, with special mentions for those I was talking to on the night.
With regards going veggie – it’s a great idea! I’ve been most perturbed to find that meat options are often cheaper than veggie ones now, which makes no sense to me at all! I hope you are aware of my love of EVs generally, so I wish you well with that – they are such fun to drive and, I hope for you too, they smell less and thus become more comfortable over time. I hope that you enjoy driving one as much as I did!
I shall see what I can do about arranging the Christmas one off work so I can attend too!!
There are certain folk who when challenged, respond not with an apology and/or curiosity on why the phrase/word/comment isn’t okay, but double down or ‘go on the attack’. The nonsense of saying ‘woke is bad, m’kay’ has, IMO, like other hateful BS, empowered bigots.
But, let’s focus on the awesomeness of tea, good company, and chocolatey snacks ❤️ Oh, and thank you for the kind words about the outfit! There were some cool efforts on the group.
The veggie situation is quite odd when it comes to price. A ‘main course’ piece does seem to be more expensive than certain meat dishes. Is it one of life’s mysteries, where trying to do the right thing – quality clothing not fast fashion, veggie not meat, renewable power versus oil/coal – is more expensive? 🤔
Having had a manual car for the last year (family musical vehicles), going back to an automatic is…. like enjoying a cup of tea when you’ve just got out of the cold. No more faffing about with gears, enjoying the slight oddness of a car recharging as it goes downhill, and not going to the petrol station. Yes, the range is less and yes, I’m still learning how to use/charge the car, but I think I see your point about the enjoyment factor.
If you can swap the shifts around, it would be fab to see you on the Xmas Do ❤️
What doom scrolling ?
It’s when someone gets caught up in the negative tide of news and/or social media.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-doomscrolling-5088882
Some folk may also use the term to describe the state of the news.
As an example, yesterday The Guardian app lead with dire warnings about the climate, world governments ignoring it, more austerity, etc.
As ever, I think your outfit is wonderful and I also love your eye makeup. Eyes are tricky but when one takes time and effort, the results can be very satisfying.
Whalenets are tricky too and it’s a good idea to put very lightweight sheer tights on first and the whalenets over them. This ensures a smooth glide up the leg rather than toes going through the holes and having to straighten the net all over. A bit of gloss on the sheer tights can make for an eyecatching effect. A party look, obviously; not really for grocery shopping!
The only person I have ever heard using that particular racial slur in the last few decades is my father who is a white supremacist and for whom race hate and its violent language are an everyday choice. I have nothing further to do with him for this and similar reasons. Needless to say, he despises LGBT people, too. And is a climate change denier. He is pretty isolated now and I believe isolation to be the best strategy with hate-driven people generally. Reason does not work as the hate is tied in with cowardice and narcissism and these faults are not very amenable to discussion. In the UK, Brexit has given unofficial permission for racists (and transphobes, etc) to spray their verbal hate with impunity. As a result, Britain is increasingly isolated because people are never as easily intimidated or impressed as aggressive people suppose. One also needs to watch for apologists who insist that although they themselves aren’t racist/phobic (yeah, right!), racists/phobes are entitled to express their opinion. This allows the violent and abusive a foot in the door and it’s then harder to close it. So one needs to counter them, too.
As for climate change – and you won’t like what I have to say – small lifestyle changes are part of the problem as they give a false sense that we are doing better. Little people each doing a little makes no real difference to modern industrial consumer culture. The world was on full alert to climate change and warming from the late ’80s and although there was a huge burst of green enthusiasm around 1990, nothing of substance has been done to mitigate the problem this last third century. Indeed, our emissions and consumption are increasing all the time. It’s not a lifestyle change but a total cultural change that will be needed. Ask yourself how likely that is.
Sue xx
Thank you for the kind comments about the makeup and outfit. I think I was lucky on the eye technique and perhaps the reading up plus practice have paid off. Midway through, it felt like it was a the wrong shape, but luckily, I remembered sweeping some fountain from eye corner to hairline might help – and it did. 🙂
Yeah, I tried the light tights underneath trick having read that in an interview a few years back. Perhaps there wasn’t quite enough gloss on them? Whatever it was, something to try again later. Just not, as you say, not when popping down the shops 😁
Sorry to hear you dad had gone that way. It’s not easy when a family member or close friend does that. As to the hate spewed online and in print, Mr Musk certainly has his work cut out trying to tame the hellpit of Twitter.
I’m with you on the climate change view and equally I feel I must do something, rather than nothing. Years ago I read a blog post by a very clever lady (look up Thinkpurpose) who spoke about work culture. She said that culture is ‘read only’ and it can only be altered by changing the system, which in turn requires changing how we think. I struggle to see how not eating meat personally affects the food industry, but at a macro level, if everything starts to cut consumption, there’s less demand, so there should be less production.
Had a coffee with oat milk at Joanna’s favourite Nottingham gaming café a few months ago, it wasn’t bad !
Hadn’t even contemplated that a vegan café wouldn’t have cows milk. Not so keen on the lasagne, but it was still ok.
Hope you are enjoying EV ownership, I keep looking at newer ones, but I’ve become rather attached to mine, I do like the cute look.
It also pains me to have to spend so much money just to get something newer with a little more range, as everything else about it i’m more than happy with.
I think I will just live with lots of charging.
Sorry to hear about the racial slur incident !! – if they had been so used to using it, is it safe to assume they were not particularly young ?
Shame didn’t get to join you all for the last meeting, sounds like a good one aside from the above.
Love your dress.
Izzy
Good to hear you enjoyed the coffee. Oat milk was our ‘gateway drug’ 😉 I read the other day that some coffee shops are switching to non dairy as it’s more inclusive. The article mentioned how lactose intolerance was higher in people from different parts of the world, so offering plant based options increased sales.
As to EV ownership, yes I’m really enjoying being back in an automatic car and it’s such a comfortable ride too. A big thank you on your advice and sharing your experience in home charging. 🌟 FWIW, I think if electric cars could be upgraded – swapping out charging ports, updating the batteries – that would be fantastic. Perhaps it’s time to pop on Dragons’ Den with the idea? 🙂
The person who used the slur is of senior years, yes. However, younger than my parents and in-laws, who do not use it. Coincidentally, a few years back, my Dad commented on a family relative using the same slur and he was not okay with this either. Yes, “they do things differently in the past’, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn and change.
Thanks for the kind words re the top & skirt. I did miss you are the group and hopefully you’ll be able to make the next meeting. The next Do is the Xmas Fuddle at the start of December. 🎄