That's a Wait Off My Mind

Stress seems to burn calories faster than a money-grabbing con artist burns bridges. So the Resident Teenager came to the rescue of the weight-loss campaign by very kindly popping into hospital for an operation.

Nothing to get too worked up about, or so it would seem, just some very awkwardly positioned teeth being removed under a general anaesthetic
No reason to get stressed out. Many people take much more testing situations in their stride every day. Only an over-protective big lump of a super softie would be ludicrously anxious about a relatively minor, planned procedure.

And, as usual, our NHS played a blinder. From the wonderful nurse, who checked all our details, answered all our questions and was very professional while still managing to put us at ease, to the anaesthetist (very tall) who calmly talked mum, dad and teenager through what was going to happen, to the charming surgeon (even taller) with his disarmingly relaxed bedside manner and reassuring smiles.

Not forgetting the super-capable nurses who looked after the precious troublemaker immediately after surgery.

Man Mountain tossed and turned struggling to sleep in the nights before the op and during it paced up and down so much that the big lump wore out a pair of tackety boots - hobnailed boots to some!

All was well and hundreds, if not thousands, of calories were burned unnecessarily - well not quite.

As luck would have it, friends from far and wide gathered in the Great Border City for a bit of a catch-up at the weekend. It was a pleasure to help fuel the Cockney Rebel’s insatiable appetite for excess, relive former rugby glories (much more magnificent with every passing year) with the Flying Wizard of the Wing, and make some delightful new acquaintances.

Only one drawback. Yes, that’s right, all the slurping and snacking during the chatting more than cancelled out the calories consumed by stress, another parkrun (waddle) - albeit a bit closer to the back of the pack - and a marathon walk with the hairy hound.

Oh well, perhaps the fat line flatline will take a dip next week!