Life and times of the ruler of "This Land"

I had a bit of an adventure today and went to a different branch of my gym, the big branch in Sunderland city centre. That meant many more machines to use and now, of course, every muscle in my body is starting to ache as I had to try out everything that was new to me. What I'd actually made the trip for was the bigger branches have hydro massage beds you can use as part of your membership, and I've wanted to try one for a while. So, today I did and oh man, it was good. It especially felt good on my lower back and legs. Then I went and destroyed that feeling on the machines.

Next time, work out first, then massage.

I'll still mostly go to my local branch as that's within easy walking distance, but this other one I'll try to get there with James once a week as it was good for him, too. Also, has much better music as they were playing Linkin Park at one point.

Yesterday we were also in Sunderland as James needed to collect his new glasses, and while we were in town we picked up our cards for the newly opened The Community Shop. It's on the same basis as Company shop, selling surplus food for cheap, just for this version only people on means tested benefits can join. I could be a member due to getting the carers' allowance so signed online a while ago, and went to get the actual card yesterday.

We ended up waiting in a queue for over an hour, and then the person who took my photo took the worst picture ever. She was so stressed with so many people waiting she hurried the process so only half my head is in shot and the lighting is horribly harsh, so I look like some gargoyle with half a face. But, she made no suggestion to retake so guess I'm stuck with it.

I doubt I'll use this shop as much as Company due to a lack of parking, but it's always good to have options. Especially so as members can also use the attached heavily discounted café and really, being able to get a main meal for £1.50 is a good thing.

Now, part of a post that I started on Monday.

It was a sweaty one at class today, not helped by the heating being on despite it being a lovely, sunny spring day. It was the biggest group we've had for a while, which is why it's a shame that the classes for the next two Wednesdays have been cancelled due to meetings, just as people have started to come back. But, Mondays are still on which is good.

So, got tidied up before going there, did class, came home, and I've made another batch of vegetable soup, so that's cooking in the slow cooker now.

We went to the cinema to see You, Me and Tuscany on Saturday. I do like a romcom and this was a good one. A predictable plot but set in a beautiful place with lots of sunshine, so you could just sit back, not think and enjoy what was on-screen. And James stayed awake for the whole thing.

After leaving there we drove to Corey's flat to drop his and Sharna's Easter sweets off. So, it was nice to spend some time with him.