I just entered this years Gear Up Girl River Ride. I am doing the 15km ride. I could do the longer distances but I have never ridden in a group situation before so I thought I would do the smaller one and see how I go.
Any other South Aussies going to enter?
xox
Friday, July 30, 2010
No Running Group
I skipped Running Group last night. David wasn't going to be there, I was tired, I was still head-achey from Wednesday (had the day off work, was feeling sick), and I had a bubbly tummy that I felt sure was going to turn into 'toilet runs' (which it did).
So I decided to drive to Ross's work and surprise him for dinner. He was stunned to see me walk through the door, and very happy. I got to meet some more of his work mates and we headed off to have dinner together. I miss him a lot now that he works Thursday nights and weekends, so it was really nice to spend that half hour with him.
I have a busy day at work today. I have next Monday & Tuesday off so I have to get a lot of next weeks stuff done today. Thankfully I got all of Wednesdays stuff caught up yesterday (we are slow at the moment so it isn't too hard to catch up). I don't have any plans for my days off. Ross is working Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but we will try and do something on Tuesday. I'll go for a couple of runs, some rides, I need to go to the library, plus I have Book Club on Sunday.
I am really looking forward to Book Club, mainly because I did not like the book we read at all (Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard), so it should create some interesting discussion. Last month we all really enjoyed the chosen book (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson) so while the discussion was lively it was all positive. I am kinda thinking the men may not have enjoyed this book so much either so I am really hoping for a good juicy morning. :o)
Nothing else happening here. Thanks everyone for getting involved with Question Day again yesterday. It is great to see everyones answers.
xox
So I decided to drive to Ross's work and surprise him for dinner. He was stunned to see me walk through the door, and very happy. I got to meet some more of his work mates and we headed off to have dinner together. I miss him a lot now that he works Thursday nights and weekends, so it was really nice to spend that half hour with him.
I have a busy day at work today. I have next Monday & Tuesday off so I have to get a lot of next weeks stuff done today. Thankfully I got all of Wednesdays stuff caught up yesterday (we are slow at the moment so it isn't too hard to catch up). I don't have any plans for my days off. Ross is working Saturday, Sunday and Monday, but we will try and do something on Tuesday. I'll go for a couple of runs, some rides, I need to go to the library, plus I have Book Club on Sunday.
I am really looking forward to Book Club, mainly because I did not like the book we read at all (Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard), so it should create some interesting discussion. Last month we all really enjoyed the chosen book (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson) so while the discussion was lively it was all positive. I am kinda thinking the men may not have enjoyed this book so much either so I am really hoping for a good juicy morning. :o)
Nothing else happening here. Thanks everyone for getting involved with Question Day again yesterday. It is great to see everyones answers.
xox
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Question Day
Welcome to this weeks episode of Question Day!
Looking forward to seeing your answers. :o)
1) What is your favorite cheese?
2) What is your favorite time of day to workout?
3) What colour are your favorite socks?
4) Do you wear glasses or contacts?
5) Do you wear sunscreen?
xox
Looking forward to seeing your answers. :o)
1) What is your favorite cheese?
2) What is your favorite time of day to workout?
3) What colour are your favorite socks?
4) Do you wear glasses or contacts?
5) Do you wear sunscreen?
xox
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I did it
I did it. I actually followed through on what I said I was going to do and went for a run last night. I walked to the start of my 2km stretch then shuffle-ran most of the first km. I turned and took turns doing proper-running and walking. I think I only ran about 400m of that km, but I tried to really stride out and do it properly. The new shoes felt great. I need new socks though. My ankle socks rolled down a bit and got uncomfortable. I have some better ones somewhere, I'll have to dig them out.
Although it still was not a great run, I have decided to stop being so angry at myself over the break and losing the fitness. I can't change it, all I can do is work hard to fix it.
I have also sent myself back to Calorie King to start tracking food again. Last time I lost all the weight I got super-obsessed and I am determined not to go back to that again. But I do need to track the food. At least for a while until I get myself back into some sort of control again.
That's it from me today - nothing too earth shattering. Hope you're having a great hump-day!
xox
Although it still was not a great run, I have decided to stop being so angry at myself over the break and losing the fitness. I can't change it, all I can do is work hard to fix it.
I have also sent myself back to Calorie King to start tracking food again. Last time I lost all the weight I got super-obsessed and I am determined not to go back to that again. But I do need to track the food. At least for a while until I get myself back into some sort of control again.
That's it from me today - nothing too earth shattering. Hope you're having a great hump-day!
xox
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Dinner with Mel
Last night Ross & I were lucky enough to have dinner with the amazing Mel from Tri Hard to Triathlete. We went to Montezumas. Vego options for me and Ross and meat for Mel. :o) It was such a fun evening. It was so amazing to hear Mel talk about her HIM training and events, as well as her preparation for the full IM next year. If you think she's inspiring to read, you should talk to her!
I did get a minor butt kicking. She was very gentle about it, but the butt kicking was there, nonetheless. I have a lot to think about. I know that everything she said was spot on, but I need to absorb and integrate it. Mel, I will take a lot of it on board, I just need to do it in my time. :o)
Tonight I am off for my 2nd run. I promised the coach of the Start Running Group that I would do 2 runs between each Thursday session. I have my new sneakers here - look, I have 'pinked' them up.
And I will head off from here before going home. The plan is - walk to my 2km start point, shuffle-run the first km, turn around and alternate proper running with walking on the way back. I'll report in tomorrow.
This weekend the plan is to do the detox I was talking about last month. It is a 7-day detox and is based on eating whole unprocessed foods for a week. It's dairy-free (no cheese :o( ), caffeine-free, alcohol-free, meat-free, gluten-free, processed-foods-free. I will sit down over the next couple of days and plan what I will eat, then start either Thursday or Friday.
xox
Monday, July 26, 2010
Give Away Winner
Congratulations to Alice for winning the Photo card Give Away. I have left a message on your blog with my contact details so I can arrange shipping!
Thank you to everyone for entering. I will do this again in a couple of months.
The cards Alice chose were...
xox
Thank you to everyone for entering. I will do this again in a couple of months.
The cards Alice chose were...
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Muffins and Sneakers
Friday night I bought new sneakers.
I spent way more than I could afford, so hopefully they are good strong solid sneakers. I went to Athletes Foot and got measured. I was quite prepared to walk out if they did not listen to me, being a fat person claiming to be a runner you would be amazed at how people refuse to listen, but the girl was great. She measured me for womens and mens shoes (I have very wide feet) and did the fit print thingy. I told her I did not want anything with arches in hem as my feet are half a size different so the arch always sits in the wrong spot in one foot. Rather than telling me "You need arch support" like I usually get she said "fine".
We picked a few pairs to try on, all different brands. I picked the Asics - the most expensive of all the pairs I tried unfortunately. But they felt really good. I got a mens 9 1/2. The last pair I was sold were a mens 11 - no wonder my feet have been flopping around for the last 6 months!
Note to self - don't shop at Rebel Sport again, stick with Athletes Foot.
After shopping I met up with Ross, Em, and Bryan for a wander and some dinner. Ross and I both got a vegie focaccia. We have this same thing most times in the city, but for some reason Friday night it was gross. Neither of us finished it. And we both ended up with diorreah Saturday and part of Sunday....
Note to self - never get that again.
So the weekend plans of yoga and a long ride got swept away with tummy pains and trips to the loo. I did some baking though (when the diorreah subsided obviously) and made my famous Honey Oat Cookies and a new Muffin recipe.
Marbled Choc Chip Muffins. Vanilla muffin mix with choc chips and choc muffin mix all combined. Delish!
This afternoon I took the sneakers out for a run. The sneakers did great - I did shit. I am still really mad at myself for losing so much running fitness that I worked so hard to build up. I struggled. I alternated between walking, and my usual shuffle-run, and actual running. I felt horrid. Uncoordinated, and heavy footed, and breathless, and just bleh. The sneakers did great. My feet were a bit sore towards the end because these shoes are so much firmer than my old ones, but I am guessing they will get used to it. But I could not get into a rhythm. I struggled with my breathing. And I felt awful. Definitely no runners high today. Hopefully Tuesdays run will be better,
Tomorrow night I am catching up with Mel for dinner. I am sure she will kick my self-pitying butt. :o)
xox
I spent way more than I could afford, so hopefully they are good strong solid sneakers. I went to Athletes Foot and got measured. I was quite prepared to walk out if they did not listen to me, being a fat person claiming to be a runner you would be amazed at how people refuse to listen, but the girl was great. She measured me for womens and mens shoes (I have very wide feet) and did the fit print thingy. I told her I did not want anything with arches in hem as my feet are half a size different so the arch always sits in the wrong spot in one foot. Rather than telling me "You need arch support" like I usually get she said "fine".
We picked a few pairs to try on, all different brands. I picked the Asics - the most expensive of all the pairs I tried unfortunately. But they felt really good. I got a mens 9 1/2. The last pair I was sold were a mens 11 - no wonder my feet have been flopping around for the last 6 months!
Note to self - don't shop at Rebel Sport again, stick with Athletes Foot.
After shopping I met up with Ross, Em, and Bryan for a wander and some dinner. Ross and I both got a vegie focaccia. We have this same thing most times in the city, but for some reason Friday night it was gross. Neither of us finished it. And we both ended up with diorreah Saturday and part of Sunday....
Note to self - never get that again.
So the weekend plans of yoga and a long ride got swept away with tummy pains and trips to the loo. I did some baking though (when the diorreah subsided obviously) and made my famous Honey Oat Cookies and a new Muffin recipe.
Marbled Choc Chip Muffins. Vanilla muffin mix with choc chips and choc muffin mix all combined. Delish!
This afternoon I took the sneakers out for a run. The sneakers did great - I did shit. I am still really mad at myself for losing so much running fitness that I worked so hard to build up. I struggled. I alternated between walking, and my usual shuffle-run, and actual running. I felt horrid. Uncoordinated, and heavy footed, and breathless, and just bleh. The sneakers did great. My feet were a bit sore towards the end because these shoes are so much firmer than my old ones, but I am guessing they will get used to it. But I could not get into a rhythm. I struggled with my breathing. And I felt awful. Definitely no runners high today. Hopefully Tuesdays run will be better,
Tomorrow night I am catching up with Mel for dinner. I am sure she will kick my self-pitying butt. :o)
xox
Friday, July 23, 2010
Back to Start Running
Thanks so much for everyone for participating in my Question Day yesterday. It was a lot of fun for me to read everyone's replies. I'm going to do it every Thursday.
Now, I don't really like to gripe and be negative on here. I am trying to create a positive uplifting place. But I have to have a gripe today...
If you are an accomplished runner, one who can already run 5kms at a decent pace, or who runs several times a week for an hour at a time - DON'T JOIN A START RUNNING GROUP AND MAKE EVERYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE CRAP!
Ok, I feel better now. 10 people turned up for the start of Term 3 of Start Running. 2 of us had been there before but not completed the 10 week block due to injury/illness. Three were new to running but already had a reasonable amount of fitness. One had been a runner but had had a year off. And 4 were good runners and I want them to leave... There is an intermediate running group going at the same time - these people should be in that. But it's not up to me.
Anyway, as it was the first week we just did some laps of the path near the YMCA where we meet. The path is a 1.3km there and back loop. The group did it 3 times, I did it 2.5 times. I have lost SO much running fitness. I really thought the increases I have made on the bike would offset the lack of running, but no such luck. I tried keeping up with the group on the first lap as we started "slow" (or David's definition of slow anyway). I managed about 300 metres before my lungs felt like they were going to explode. As a group we alternated between walking and running, but I just couldn't keep up - again.
I am really angry at myself for stopping and letting myself lose so much fitness. I have not really had an excuse. A few little injuries but nothing that should have kept me away for this long. I am so disappointed in myself. I had a chat with David - the leader of the group - and he said that I have improved before and I can do it again, I just have to be willing to put the work in. Which is 2 runs in the week, plus Start Running on Thursday nights. I need to get myself a pair of sneakers that actually fit. And I need to just suck it up and get out there, even if it is 4 degrees and raining.
So I am going to take this anger and disappointment and turn it into something positive. I am going to run twice a week in between the Group. I am going to ride. I am going to find a yoga class to join to work on my flexibility. And above all - I am going to STOP EATING SO MUCH CRAP!!!!!
There, I said it. No more crap. I am not as fit as I thought I was, and I am not as healthy as I thought I was. And the time to change things is now.
xox
Don't forget, just a few days left in the Photo Card Give Away. Make sure you tell me your favourites.
xox
Now, I don't really like to gripe and be negative on here. I am trying to create a positive uplifting place. But I have to have a gripe today...
If you are an accomplished runner, one who can already run 5kms at a decent pace, or who runs several times a week for an hour at a time - DON'T JOIN A START RUNNING GROUP AND MAKE EVERYONE ELSE FEEL LIKE CRAP!
Ok, I feel better now. 10 people turned up for the start of Term 3 of Start Running. 2 of us had been there before but not completed the 10 week block due to injury/illness. Three were new to running but already had a reasonable amount of fitness. One had been a runner but had had a year off. And 4 were good runners and I want them to leave... There is an intermediate running group going at the same time - these people should be in that. But it's not up to me.
Anyway, as it was the first week we just did some laps of the path near the YMCA where we meet. The path is a 1.3km there and back loop. The group did it 3 times, I did it 2.5 times. I have lost SO much running fitness. I really thought the increases I have made on the bike would offset the lack of running, but no such luck. I tried keeping up with the group on the first lap as we started "slow" (or David's definition of slow anyway). I managed about 300 metres before my lungs felt like they were going to explode. As a group we alternated between walking and running, but I just couldn't keep up - again.
I am really angry at myself for stopping and letting myself lose so much fitness. I have not really had an excuse. A few little injuries but nothing that should have kept me away for this long. I am so disappointed in myself. I had a chat with David - the leader of the group - and he said that I have improved before and I can do it again, I just have to be willing to put the work in. Which is 2 runs in the week, plus Start Running on Thursday nights. I need to get myself a pair of sneakers that actually fit. And I need to just suck it up and get out there, even if it is 4 degrees and raining.
So I am going to take this anger and disappointment and turn it into something positive. I am going to run twice a week in between the Group. I am going to ride. I am going to find a yoga class to join to work on my flexibility. And above all - I am going to STOP EATING SO MUCH CRAP!!!!!
There, I said it. No more crap. I am not as fit as I thought I was, and I am not as healthy as I thought I was. And the time to change things is now.
xox
Don't forget, just a few days left in the Photo Card Give Away. Make sure you tell me your favourites.
xox
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Getting to Know Each Other - Question Day
I got this idea from Spunky Suzi. Each week she has a day where she asks 5 questions in an effort to get to know her readers and encourage participation. I love the idea so I am "Borrowing" it from her. :o)
So here are the questions. I'll answer them in the first comment then I would love to hear your answers.
Enjoy.
1) What did you have for breakfast today?
2) What is your favourite Pizza Topping?
3) Do you have pets?
4) What is your favourite exercise?
5) What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Before you go, don't forget to enter my Give Away if you haven't already!
xox
So here are the questions. I'll answer them in the first comment then I would love to hear your answers.
Enjoy.
1) What did you have for breakfast today?
2) What is your favourite Pizza Topping?
3) Do you have pets?
4) What is your favourite exercise?
5) What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Before you go, don't forget to enter my Give Away if you haven't already!
xox
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Aiming for 100
Ever since I started seriously riding over 2 years ago I have talked about doing a 100km ride. Well, time to stop talking and start DOING! Before 2010 is out I will have ridden 100kms in 1 day. My PB to date is around 75kms and that was well over a year and a half ago. This weekend just gone I did 42kms. I figure if I add 5-10kms every couple of weeks, I will easily be there by the end of the year.
This Saturday is a ride day and I want to do at least 50kms. I need to go to the Library and then I thought I would visit my Grandma in the Nursing Home. My place, to the library, to Grandma's, to home is a little over 50kms I think. I don't mind if it takes me all day. I just want to rack up those kms. Each day I do a big ride is one step close to the goal of 100.
Yesterday I finished working on my next Children's Picture Book story and was brave and sent it to a publisher. I sent it to the same publisher that did not accept my first one. It is very different to the first one though so I am hoping to get a better response. The first one is currently with my second choice of publishers. But while I am waiting the agonising 4 months to hear back from these places, I will start working on the next one. I have a few in draft form, I just need to work out which one I will work on next.
Don't forget to check out the Give Away I am running for 3 free "Photo Cards by Kylie Ann". Competition runs until Sunday night.
xox
This Saturday is a ride day and I want to do at least 50kms. I need to go to the Library and then I thought I would visit my Grandma in the Nursing Home. My place, to the library, to Grandma's, to home is a little over 50kms I think. I don't mind if it takes me all day. I just want to rack up those kms. Each day I do a big ride is one step close to the goal of 100.
Yesterday I finished working on my next Children's Picture Book story and was brave and sent it to a publisher. I sent it to the same publisher that did not accept my first one. It is very different to the first one though so I am hoping to get a better response. The first one is currently with my second choice of publishers. But while I am waiting the agonising 4 months to hear back from these places, I will start working on the next one. I have a few in draft form, I just need to work out which one I will work on next.
Don't forget to check out the Give Away I am running for 3 free "Photo Cards by Kylie Ann". Competition runs until Sunday night.
xox
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Give Away
I have decided to do a Give Away of a set of 3 of my Photo Cards.
Below is all the cards I have currently in stock. All you need to do to win is leave a comment stating what are your three favourite cards from the ones pictured below by Sunday July 25 (this Sunday). I will then do a random draw from all the entrants and the winner will receive the three that they have selected.
GOOD LUCK!
xox
Below is all the cards I have currently in stock. All you need to do to win is leave a comment stating what are your three favourite cards from the ones pictured below by Sunday July 25 (this Sunday). I will then do a random draw from all the entrants and the winner will receive the three that they have selected.
GOOD LUCK!
Blue Wren
Calla Lily
Champagne
Chocolate
Flamingo
Holly Hock
Japanese Flowers
Lemur
Meer Cat
Penguin Love
Pink Rose Bud
Purple Flowers
Rose Bud
Sunset at Port Victoria
Night Hike
Last night Ross & I went on a night hike through Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. Ross picked me up from work and we headed from here. When we were about 10 minutes away from the park, it started to absolutely bucket down. But we decided to do at least a 20 minute hike no matter what. Unfortunately (or fortunately) we missed the turn off to the entrance and had to do a big loop (in peak hour traffic) to get back to it. By the time we got back there the rain had stopped. :o)
I was really nervous. I have never done a night hike before and have never been confident even in the day. But I had my new shoes and my head lamp and I had Ross with me. He has walked the paths of Shepherds Hill many times at night and assured me we would be fine.
Off we went. Straight up the first big hill. It took a while, but it was so worth it when we got to the top.
What an incredible view! The paths were wet and slippery, but my shoes proved their worth and I did not slip once. They were muddy and saturated, but my feet were perfectly dry. I LOVE my new shoes! LOL
We did a big loop. We couldn't go to the far side of the park as the creek was seriously gushing and there was nowhere to cross. But we wandered, and climbed, and talked, and had an awesome time.
I was stunned when we got back to the car, it felt like we had only been walking for 30-40 minutes and I knew the park was bigger than that. We got back in the car and I was quite amazed to see we had been walking for an hour and a half. It truly did not feel like that long! It was sensational.
Because Ross usually works on weekends we are going to try and do this once a week for our training for Heyson. I am actually not worried anymore. We would have easily covered 4 or 5 kms last night - probably more. If we take 5 days to do heyson it is only 12 kms a day. I am no longer worried that we won't be able to do it. We have heaps of time to start taking heavier and heavier packs with us and I know we will be fine.
The other cool thing last night was I got to test out my She-Wee. It was easy to use and mess-free. And it was VERY cool being able to pee standing up!
Yesterday I went to the bookshop to get a running book I have wanted for a few months. Unfortunately they were out and I had to order it, but I ended up getting a copy of "The Ultimate Runner: Stories & Advice to Keep You Moving" by Tom Green & Amy Hunold-VanGundy.
It looks pretty good and I will try and start reading it in the next week or so (although I have about 12 or 13 books out from the library, plus the next Book Club selection I need to get through as well).
Tonight I am going for a walk and I will do a few little runs in there. Start Running starts Thursday. My heel/achilles is still slightly tender so I don't want to push it too much, but I do want to have done something before Thursday.
xox
Monday, July 19, 2010
No Hike
Well, the rain didn't really let up yesterday, so the planned hike did not happen. But we decided to turn it into "Date Day" and went out. The first stop was to Ross's work so I could get some new hiking shoes. I can;t wear my sneakers when we do Heyson, and my hiking boots are a bad fit and hurt. So I wanted Hiking Shoes.
Ross works at Kathmandu who happen to be on sale at the moment. So I went in and picked this really comfy pair of shoes. 50% off plus Ross's staff discount gave me an AWESOME deal!
But it didn't stop there.... I also got:
Some socks...
A new microfleece jumper...
A headlamp (since we are going to be doing some of our training in the evening)...
Ear muffs for those chilly mornings on the bike...
And a gel seat cover that Saturdays ride convinced me I needed...
I was horrified by how much I picked out, but the sale and the discount meant that the whole lot only cost $184. Considering the shoes retail for $169 and the jumper for $139, I kinda think I got some bargains!
After spending all of our money we had some lunch then went to the movies. We saw the new Karate Kid movie. Being children of the 80's we are both big fans of the original and seriously didn't think they would be able to do it justice. But we wanted to see if anyway. And I am so glad we did because it was AWESOME! Better than the original. Good story, great acting, amazing fight scenes. And it was filmed around China so the scenery was amazing. I highly recommend it.
Tonight the plan is to make up for yesterdays missed hike and go up to Shepherds Hill Recreation Park for an evening hike. Ross is going to pick me up then we'll head straight up there. I will get to test out the new shoes, socks, jumper and headlamp. :o)
I'll leave you with some picks from this mornings ride into work. There is a thick fog over Adelaide. The air is so thick that when I took the photos to show you the flash picked up the moisture in the air which has left speckles over the photos. These were taken from the top of the tram bridge over South Road.
xox
Ross works at Kathmandu who happen to be on sale at the moment. So I went in and picked this really comfy pair of shoes. 50% off plus Ross's staff discount gave me an AWESOME deal!
But it didn't stop there.... I also got:
Some socks...
A new microfleece jumper...
A headlamp (since we are going to be doing some of our training in the evening)...
Ear muffs for those chilly mornings on the bike...
And a gel seat cover that Saturdays ride convinced me I needed...
I was horrified by how much I picked out, but the sale and the discount meant that the whole lot only cost $184. Considering the shoes retail for $169 and the jumper for $139, I kinda think I got some bargains!
After spending all of our money we had some lunch then went to the movies. We saw the new Karate Kid movie. Being children of the 80's we are both big fans of the original and seriously didn't think they would be able to do it justice. But we wanted to see if anyway. And I am so glad we did because it was AWESOME! Better than the original. Good story, great acting, amazing fight scenes. And it was filmed around China so the scenery was amazing. I highly recommend it.
Tonight the plan is to make up for yesterdays missed hike and go up to Shepherds Hill Recreation Park for an evening hike. Ross is going to pick me up then we'll head straight up there. I will get to test out the new shoes, socks, jumper and headlamp. :o)
I'll leave you with some picks from this mornings ride into work. There is a thick fog over Adelaide. The air is so thick that when I took the photos to show you the flash picked up the moisture in the air which has left speckles over the photos. These were taken from the top of the tram bridge over South Road.
xox
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Shopping, Cycling, Bowling and Maybe Hiking
Friday night Ross, the MIL & I decided to go out for dinner since we are currently old person free. We went to the Central Markets in the city. We had a really yummy meal then spent some time wandering around enjoying ourselves. We went into the Asian Grocer (how I love that shop) and fell in love with these cool little teacups.
They come with a lid to keep your tea warm, as well as an insert to hold your tea leaves while your brew your tea.
When the tea is ready you just lift out the insert to drain, then you can put the lid back on and keep your tea nice and hot. I love it and we all got one.
I also got the awesome granite mortar & pestle.
MIL has one the same and I have fallen in love with using it while I have been here. So she bought me one of my very own!
Yesterday morning was cycling day. I had to go to the library and then I had to deliver my large "Photo Cards by Kylie Ann" order. Everything fit in the pannier so off I headed. I got to Jeanette's in good time and we sat in her beautiful back yard and had a drink and a chat.
On the way home I took myself along the Linear Park Bikeway along the Torrens and down to the beach. I SO wish I had thrown my camera in my bag. There were so many fantastic things to photograph along the way. All I had was my phone and the camera on that is not so flash.
However I had to use it to capture this...
When Ross & I started riding this path about 2 years ago this portion of the River was almost a dry bed. There was a thin trickle about 1 metre wide in the middle but that was it. SA is by no means out of drought danger, but this sight was so amazingly encouraging.
I had the bike almost at the rivers edge. The only reason I didn't go closer with the thick mud. I had an awesome ride and clocked up just over 42 kms. It has been a long time since I have done a ride like that and I loved it. Surprisingly, I am not too sore today which is great. Next weekend I will get out there and do it again.
Last night was our work social night. There are only 4 of us in the company, and 2 of those are married, so even with partners there was only 6 of us. We went to dinner then bowling.
We had a really good night. I am lucky to work with some really good people. Normally our social event are children friendly since they all have kids under 6. But I pushed for a kid-free event. Not that I don't like their kids, but when they are there, because they are all so young, the whole thing becomes about watching kids, and feeding kids, and disciplining kids (the boss has twin year old boys), and even just plain talking about them. Very boring for childless people. So last night was a real treat.
Today the plan was to climb Mount Lofty. However my achilles (actually it is a spot right next to my achilles rather than the achilles itself) is still sore so we kinda figured that a 4km walk up the steeped mountain in Adelaide may not be a good idea. So we decided to go to Shepherds Hill Recreation Park instead. It is still hilly, but not as steep. The only problem is that it has been steadily raining all morning. We are still going to get ready, and hope for the best.
I'll leave you with a pic of Ross 'Cat Trapped' in bed this morning.
xox
They come with a lid to keep your tea warm, as well as an insert to hold your tea leaves while your brew your tea.
When the tea is ready you just lift out the insert to drain, then you can put the lid back on and keep your tea nice and hot. I love it and we all got one.
I also got the awesome granite mortar & pestle.
MIL has one the same and I have fallen in love with using it while I have been here. So she bought me one of my very own!
Yesterday morning was cycling day. I had to go to the library and then I had to deliver my large "Photo Cards by Kylie Ann" order. Everything fit in the pannier so off I headed. I got to Jeanette's in good time and we sat in her beautiful back yard and had a drink and a chat.
On the way home I took myself along the Linear Park Bikeway along the Torrens and down to the beach. I SO wish I had thrown my camera in my bag. There were so many fantastic things to photograph along the way. All I had was my phone and the camera on that is not so flash.
However I had to use it to capture this...
When Ross & I started riding this path about 2 years ago this portion of the River was almost a dry bed. There was a thin trickle about 1 metre wide in the middle but that was it. SA is by no means out of drought danger, but this sight was so amazingly encouraging.
I had the bike almost at the rivers edge. The only reason I didn't go closer with the thick mud. I had an awesome ride and clocked up just over 42 kms. It has been a long time since I have done a ride like that and I loved it. Surprisingly, I am not too sore today which is great. Next weekend I will get out there and do it again.
Last night was our work social night. There are only 4 of us in the company, and 2 of those are married, so even with partners there was only 6 of us. We went to dinner then bowling.
We had a really good night. I am lucky to work with some really good people. Normally our social event are children friendly since they all have kids under 6. But I pushed for a kid-free event. Not that I don't like their kids, but when they are there, because they are all so young, the whole thing becomes about watching kids, and feeding kids, and disciplining kids (the boss has twin year old boys), and even just plain talking about them. Very boring for childless people. So last night was a real treat.
Today the plan was to climb Mount Lofty. However my achilles (actually it is a spot right next to my achilles rather than the achilles itself) is still sore so we kinda figured that a 4km walk up the steeped mountain in Adelaide may not be a good idea. So we decided to go to Shepherds Hill Recreation Park instead. It is still hilly, but not as steep. The only problem is that it has been steadily raining all morning. We are still going to get ready, and hope for the best.
I'll leave you with a pic of Ross 'Cat Trapped' in bed this morning.
xox
Friday, July 16, 2010
Bluebell's Milestone!
Yesterday morning Grandad had a fall in the toilet. MIL could not get him up so called the ambulance. The paramedic came and got him up and checked him out. He was fine and did not need a trip to the hospital. But the paramedic noticed how exhausted MIL was and asked if she was okay. MIL filled her in on the last 5 or 6 weeks, how none of us are sleeping etc. The paramedic (our hero) decided that was not acceptable and got some emergency respite organised - effective immediately! Within an hour MIL and Grandad were on their way.
We now have 2 whole weeks of smoke-free silence. Last night we folded up the sofa bed and we all sat in the lounge room and watched the big TV. Just because we could. Tonight we are thinking of going out for dinner to celebrate.
Since none of us are tied to the house this weekend we are going to get out and do stuff. Tomorrow I need to deliver my photo cards. The client is about a 15km drive away, so I am riding there. Then tomorrow night we have my work social night. We are doing dinner and bowling so that should be fun. And Sunday Ross & I are going for a hike. I am looking forward to every bit of it!
xox
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Achilles
I seem to have done something to my Achilles. It has been twinging a little bit for a couple of days, but last night it really began to ache. It is very tight and a little bit swollen. This has happened before and it took about a week to settle down. I am hoping that if I rest it, it will only take a few days this time as the Start Running Group starts again next Thursday. Fingers crossed!
On other news I got my cards finished for my big order last night. I will deliver them on Saturday and hopefully she is happy with them. I finally got into a rhythm with them last night and the last 60 did not take anywhere near as long as the first 60.
Grandad is getting more and more frustrating. He is just being so naughty. I am not sure if he is just completely oblivious or if he is doing it for attention. I like to think it's oblivion, except for the fact that he is capable of conversation and he tries to hide some of what he does, which to me shows intent, or at least knowledge that he shouldn't be doing what he is doing. All of us are so ready for a break - I can not WAIT until we at least get some respite.
Before I go, have a look at my ticker. I have finally broken the 1000km mark for the year! WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!! Only 2000 to go! LOL
xox
On other news I got my cards finished for my big order last night. I will deliver them on Saturday and hopefully she is happy with them. I finally got into a rhythm with them last night and the last 60 did not take anywhere near as long as the first 60.
Grandad is getting more and more frustrating. He is just being so naughty. I am not sure if he is just completely oblivious or if he is doing it for attention. I like to think it's oblivion, except for the fact that he is capable of conversation and he tries to hide some of what he does, which to me shows intent, or at least knowledge that he shouldn't be doing what he is doing. All of us are so ready for a break - I can not WAIT until we at least get some respite.
Before I go, have a look at my ticker. I have finally broken the 1000km mark for the year! WOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!! Only 2000 to go! LOL
xox
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
More Riding
Yesterday afternoon at around 2ish the wind picked up in Adelaide to a pretty high speed. The corrugated iron on the roof sounded as though it were flapping around, full bins were getting blown over, branches were coming off trees. The wind gusts got up to 65kmph.
Thankfully, by the time I left work at around 5.15pm they had died down considerably. Prior to the winds picking up I had planned a longer ride home. Mostly the same as Monday, until I get about 2kms from home, then I have the option of an extra 4.5km loop. At around 2.30 I was thinking that I would be riding straight home. 65kmph westerly winds, and I live in a westerly direction from work.
By 5 the wind had died down enough that I decided to do the same ride as Monday, but not the loop. It was still windy, it was cold, and there was rain about. I got to the point where I could either go straight home or add the loop, and thought 'what the hell'. I did the loop. The result was a 16.5km ride home in pretty high winds, with rain for the last 3kms. I got home freezing, but jumped straight into a hot shower which is always nice.
After dinner I did more work on my cards. I don't need to have them finished until Friday night now, but I am going to try and get them done tonight. 60 are finished, and the other 60 are started, so it shouldn't be too hard to get them done.
I am currently sitting at my desk drying off. It rained the whole way in this morning... My riding clothes are strung over chairs strategically placed in front of my little heater. Luckily I always have a change of clothes at work. The only problem is that last time it rained I used my spare knickers. And I haven't replaced them. So that back of my bum is wet and cold... LOL Tonight I have to head straight home as I am on Grandad Duty while MIL goes to her craft class, so no long ride tonight. I think I will miss it, I have really enjoyed the last 2 nights.
xox
Thankfully, by the time I left work at around 5.15pm they had died down considerably. Prior to the winds picking up I had planned a longer ride home. Mostly the same as Monday, until I get about 2kms from home, then I have the option of an extra 4.5km loop. At around 2.30 I was thinking that I would be riding straight home. 65kmph westerly winds, and I live in a westerly direction from work.
By 5 the wind had died down enough that I decided to do the same ride as Monday, but not the loop. It was still windy, it was cold, and there was rain about. I got to the point where I could either go straight home or add the loop, and thought 'what the hell'. I did the loop. The result was a 16.5km ride home in pretty high winds, with rain for the last 3kms. I got home freezing, but jumped straight into a hot shower which is always nice.
After dinner I did more work on my cards. I don't need to have them finished until Friday night now, but I am going to try and get them done tonight. 60 are finished, and the other 60 are started, so it shouldn't be too hard to get them done.
I am currently sitting at my desk drying off. It rained the whole way in this morning... My riding clothes are strung over chairs strategically placed in front of my little heater. Luckily I always have a change of clothes at work. The only problem is that last time it rained I used my spare knickers. And I haven't replaced them. So that back of my bum is wet and cold... LOL Tonight I have to head straight home as I am on Grandad Duty while MIL goes to her craft class, so no long ride tonight. I think I will miss it, I have really enjoyed the last 2 nights.
xox
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Loving the Cycling
I seem to have re-found my passion for cycling. Not that I ever not liked it, but as cycling is my main form of transport, I had begun to see it that way which is never good. My ride on Sunday was awesome. Then yesterday as I was leaving work I decided I wanted more than just a 'ride home'. So I took myself off a different way and had a ball. I didn't add all that much to my distance, (12kms instead of 8kms) but it wasn't about that. It was about riding for the sake of riding, through a new neighbourhood, with new surroundings. And I had a ball!
This morning I decided to ride a different way in to work. Similar distance (I don't have showers at work so I can't add to much to the distance as 8-9kms is my "sweat-free-zone") but just through different roads. It was awesome. I think that fact that it hasn't been absolutely freezing this week has definitely helped matters, but also just getting out there, freeing my mind, and just enjoying it has been amazing. From now on, if I don't have to go straight home for any reason, I am going to try and go a different way, or take a longer path.
I spent yesterday evening making photo cards. I have an order for 120 cards due this weekend. Unfortunately my supplies took 3 days longer than they should have to arrive so I am now under the pump a bit to get them done. I got 40 done last night, so if I can repeat that tonight and tomorrow night they will all be ready for the weekend.
Ross has Sunday off work - the first one since he began this job - so we are going for a hike. Our Heyson trip is in 3 months and we really haven't done a lot in preparation. Time to get a wriggle on with it.
xox
This morning I decided to ride a different way in to work. Similar distance (I don't have showers at work so I can't add to much to the distance as 8-9kms is my "sweat-free-zone") but just through different roads. It was awesome. I think that fact that it hasn't been absolutely freezing this week has definitely helped matters, but also just getting out there, freeing my mind, and just enjoying it has been amazing. From now on, if I don't have to go straight home for any reason, I am going to try and go a different way, or take a longer path.
I spent yesterday evening making photo cards. I have an order for 120 cards due this weekend. Unfortunately my supplies took 3 days longer than they should have to arrive so I am now under the pump a bit to get them done. I got 40 done last night, so if I can repeat that tonight and tomorrow night they will all be ready for the weekend.
Ross has Sunday off work - the first one since he began this job - so we are going for a hike. Our Heyson trip is in 3 months and we really haven't done a lot in preparation. Time to get a wriggle on with it.
xox
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Book Club
Guess who has been baking again... :o) The first one is Polka Dot cookies - I got the recipe from the Newspaper. I tried it with M&M's and also Smarties. The Smarties lost their colour and the M&M's cracked. I'll try a generic brand next time and see if they work better. Either way - they taste delish! The 2nd one is my own concoction. Chai Latte Cookies. The recipe was for coffee cookies but I substituted - and the result was amazing! The spices in the Chai cook beautifully. Definitely a winner.
This morning was my first Book Club meeting. I have to admit, I was quite nervous. I am always nervous meeting new people though, and this was a group of new people. It was fantastic though. It was really interesting hearing other peoples thoughts and interpretations on the book. The interesting thing was there was discussion of a character I can't even remember! I'll have to go back and read it again now. We have picked the book, the date and the location for next time and I can't wait!
After Book Club I rode to the library to offload the heavy contents of my backpack and to grab a few more books that I have on hold. The library was shut! I forgot it doesn't open until 1 on Sundays. I dropped off the books in the after hours chute then rode to KMart to try and get a copy of the book for the next Book Club. KMart have changed their book section, and it now sucks. One shelf of novels, that's it. I'll have to go to Big W on my way home tomorrow night - they have a better selection.
All up I rode about 28kms today which is the most I have ridden in ages. The ride in this morning was sluggish and hard. I haven't been on the bike for a week and I could feel it. At one point I even stopped to check if I had a flat I felt so sluggish. The ride back was great though - despite the head wind. I was more energised and my legs got that cool tingly feeling they get when you are getting good exercise in.
I haven't been for a run yet (I was with Grandad all day yesterday) and my legs are pretty tired now so I will do it tomorrow night. The Start Running Group starts in 11 days and I want to get 3 or 4 runs in before then so I won't feel so blah on the first night.
xox
Friday, July 9, 2010
Anniversary Dinner
Thanks for the offers of being my running buddy. I only wish at least one of you lived in SA! LOL I will find someone, I am sure of it. It will just take some time.
Last night Ross & I went out for our 3rd Wedding Anniversary. We went to Cafe Mondiali on Unley Road. They had an awesome vegetarian selection. Ross had a vegetarian Calzone and I had Fettuccine with vegetables in napoli sauce. I wish I had taken my camera because the desserts were to die for. We had gelati desserts. Min had peppermint gelati, surrounding with a thick layer of chocolate gelati, then rolled in chocolate and mint chips. It was devine.
However we got some bad news when we got home. One of Di's (MIL) oldest friends passed away last night. He had a stroke a couple of weeks ago and never regained consciousness. Unfortunately he is over in country Victoria so at this point Di can't go tot he funeral because Grandad's paperwork won't be through by then to get him into respite. Ross and I are going to talk to our bosses and see if we can each get a day and half off so that she can take 3 days and go over there. I am not sure if we will be able to swing it, but I hope we can.
This weekend will include a bike ride, a run, and my first book Club Meeting. As well as some writing hopefully. Plus I have an order for 120 of my cards, and as long as the last of the supplies arrive today I will also be making them.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
xox
Last night Ross & I went out for our 3rd Wedding Anniversary. We went to Cafe Mondiali on Unley Road. They had an awesome vegetarian selection. Ross had a vegetarian Calzone and I had Fettuccine with vegetables in napoli sauce. I wish I had taken my camera because the desserts were to die for. We had gelati desserts. Min had peppermint gelati, surrounding with a thick layer of chocolate gelati, then rolled in chocolate and mint chips. It was devine.
However we got some bad news when we got home. One of Di's (MIL) oldest friends passed away last night. He had a stroke a couple of weeks ago and never regained consciousness. Unfortunately he is over in country Victoria so at this point Di can't go tot he funeral because Grandad's paperwork won't be through by then to get him into respite. Ross and I are going to talk to our bosses and see if we can each get a day and half off so that she can take 3 days and go over there. I am not sure if we will be able to swing it, but I hope we can.
This weekend will include a bike ride, a run, and my first book Club Meeting. As well as some writing hopefully. Plus I have an order for 120 of my cards, and as long as the last of the supplies arrive today I will also be making them.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
xox
Thursday, July 8, 2010
I Need A Running Buddy
Someone I can meet at a set time each week and go for a run with. Not necessarily to run together, but to start together, meet after, then maybe go for a coffee or something. The question is, how do I find this elusive person???? I am thinking Sunday mornings is probably the best time for me, but I need to find someone I can meet up with hopefully somewhere I can easily access by bike or public transport, that I will get along with, and who will encourage me to keep running.
My Start Running Group – take 2 – starts in 2 weeks. I know it is a start running group but I really wanted some decent running under my belt before starting as I am really slow and don’t want to hold everyone back. This weekend – NO EXCUSES!
Today is my Wedding Anniversary. I can’t believe three years have gone by so quickly. And I still like him! That probably sounds weird, but by the time I was married for 3 years the first time around I was looking desperately for an escape.
We are going out to dinner tonight which will be nice. We haven’t had a date night since Grandad moved in so this will be great. I can’t wait!
Speaking of Grandad, we had the Geriatric Assessment Team come in this morning, finally. He has been assessed as High Care which will make finding a spot for him easier, and also as High Priority for Respite, which means as soon as the paperwork comes through we can book him in for a week so we can all have a rest. Although we still don’t know timeframes, it is such a relief to know where we stand and to know that things are finally moving forward. The end may not be in sight yet, but we know it is coming. We have chosen the Aged Facility we want to get him into and already have him on the list. Now it is just wait and see.
One more day till the weekend! WOOHOO!
xox
My Start Running Group – take 2 – starts in 2 weeks. I know it is a start running group but I really wanted some decent running under my belt before starting as I am really slow and don’t want to hold everyone back. This weekend – NO EXCUSES!
Today is my Wedding Anniversary. I can’t believe three years have gone by so quickly. And I still like him! That probably sounds weird, but by the time I was married for 3 years the first time around I was looking desperately for an escape.
We are going out to dinner tonight which will be nice. We haven’t had a date night since Grandad moved in so this will be great. I can’t wait!
Speaking of Grandad, we had the Geriatric Assessment Team come in this morning, finally. He has been assessed as High Care which will make finding a spot for him easier, and also as High Priority for Respite, which means as soon as the paperwork comes through we can book him in for a week so we can all have a rest. Although we still don’t know timeframes, it is such a relief to know where we stand and to know that things are finally moving forward. The end may not be in sight yet, but we know it is coming. We have chosen the Aged Facility we want to get him into and already have him on the list. Now it is just wait and see.
One more day till the weekend! WOOHOO!
xox
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Most Boring Training Session Ever
I had a training session for work this morning and it was the single most boring training session I have ever been to in my life. For starters, despite being advised it was an "advanced" session for one of our internal programs, everything that was covered is stuff I have been doing for over 3 years. Then you have the fact that the facilitator spent so much time wandering around helping individual people rather than talking to the group that anything that may have come up for me to learn did not get covered. 4 hours of my life I will never get back.... Thankfully my boss is great and will be passing on my detailed feedback to head office.
I have now finished chapter 3 of my novel, first draft that is. This chapter is a little boring, but I will fix it up after everything is done. I just want to get it down then I will edit, edit and edit again. I can't believe I have done 3 chapters so quickly. It is a great feeling.
Off to the library tonight to swap my books over. I love the library. I was thinking a while ago of going back to TAFE to study to become a Librarian. I still may look into it.
Nothing else happening here. Hope everyone has had a great hump day. Tomorrow is my 3rd wedding anniversary. I can't wait!
xox
NOTE: I did get the comments left on the blog yesterday but there was some sort of error going on with Bloggers moderation function and I was unable to publish them. I just wanted you to know I did receive the comments, I just can't get them to show up. Hopefully it will be sorted by now though.
I have now finished chapter 3 of my novel, first draft that is. This chapter is a little boring, but I will fix it up after everything is done. I just want to get it down then I will edit, edit and edit again. I can't believe I have done 3 chapters so quickly. It is a great feeling.
Off to the library tonight to swap my books over. I love the library. I was thinking a while ago of going back to TAFE to study to become a Librarian. I still may look into it.
Nothing else happening here. Hope everyone has had a great hump day. Tomorrow is my 3rd wedding anniversary. I can't wait!
xox
NOTE: I did get the comments left on the blog yesterday but there was some sort of error going on with Bloggers moderation function and I was unable to publish them. I just wanted you to know I did receive the comments, I just can't get them to show up. Hopefully it will be sorted by now though.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Cigarettes!
That is what Grandad has starting yelling out in his sleep. And of course, every time he does, one of us has to get up in case he is in the kitchen looking for them. He's wily. Half the time he can't get up on his own, but when he wants a smoke, he can get up and he can do it quietly...
My doctors visit last night was good. We got the icky stuff out of the way then we had a chat. She is aware of the events in my life over the last 15 months or so and has been concerned about me teetering over the edge and into a depression. I will be honest, I have been concerned about it myself sometimes. She gave me some good ideas to try, herbal teas, vitamins etc, but is also prepared to give me something stronger or refer me to a counsellor if I need it (counsellor first though). I have not taken her up on that, but it is good to know the option is there and that my doc is taking me seriously.
One thing she did say is that I need at least one night of uninterrupted sleep a week. I have sleeping tablets that she prescribed me last year. I'll be honest, the bottle isn't even open. I have never had one. But her suggestion is that I take one on a Friday or Saturday night and let the others listen out for Grandad. I talked to Ross & MIL and they are happy with that, since I do take up most of the slack at nights. I am nervous about taking a sleeping tablet, but I will give it a go this weekend.
I didn't end up getting out for a run last night though. And I also didn't ride in to work this morning. I am struggling so much with the cold this year and I slept in this morning.
I got through in record time though, traffic was light due to school holidays, so I spent half an hour writing before I got stuck into the pile on my desk. I have started Chapter 3 now. It is coming along and I am starting to get a real feel for the character. One of the sub plots has begun and about half of the characters have been introduced. And the main thing is, I am enjoying it!
OK, I have a crap load of work to do so I better get stuck into it. Till tomorrow...
xox
My doctors visit last night was good. We got the icky stuff out of the way then we had a chat. She is aware of the events in my life over the last 15 months or so and has been concerned about me teetering over the edge and into a depression. I will be honest, I have been concerned about it myself sometimes. She gave me some good ideas to try, herbal teas, vitamins etc, but is also prepared to give me something stronger or refer me to a counsellor if I need it (counsellor first though). I have not taken her up on that, but it is good to know the option is there and that my doc is taking me seriously.
One thing she did say is that I need at least one night of uninterrupted sleep a week. I have sleeping tablets that she prescribed me last year. I'll be honest, the bottle isn't even open. I have never had one. But her suggestion is that I take one on a Friday or Saturday night and let the others listen out for Grandad. I talked to Ross & MIL and they are happy with that, since I do take up most of the slack at nights. I am nervous about taking a sleeping tablet, but I will give it a go this weekend.
I didn't end up getting out for a run last night though. And I also didn't ride in to work this morning. I am struggling so much with the cold this year and I slept in this morning.
I got through in record time though, traffic was light due to school holidays, so I spent half an hour writing before I got stuck into the pile on my desk. I have started Chapter 3 now. It is coming along and I am starting to get a real feel for the character. One of the sub plots has begun and about half of the characters have been introduced. And the main thing is, I am enjoying it!
OK, I have a crap load of work to do so I better get stuck into it. Till tomorrow...
xox
Monday, July 5, 2010
Still nothing happening
I am debating if I am going to blog on days like this when there is really nothing happening. I am sure it is boring. But sometimes I just feel like writing.
Another weekend spent mostly at home, trying to give MIL something of a break from constantly taking care of Grandad. Saturday I spent reading, writing, and cooking. Ross was at work all day which was the only down side as I really miss him on weekends, but he is so happy in his job I would never let him know that I am kinda feeling a bit lost without him there. Thankfully Grandad takes up a lot of time and energy while he is up.
It is weird, he is only awake for an hour or two at a time, but it is so intense. You have to watch him constantly as he is always waiting for you to turn your back so he can try and get up to look for his cigarettes – which we have to hide or he sneaks them into bed and tries to light up in bed in the middle of the night. Fortunately we have heavy wooden chairs on a tiled floor so we can always hear the scrape as he pushes the chair back. However Saturday afternoon we obviously hadn’t pushed him in far enough and he managed to slide off the chair. MIL caught him just as he was about to throw a glass on the floor looking through the cupboard for those blasted cigarettes.
Anyway, I did get some writing done. I have now written 2 chapters of the novel and I also got to work on the next children’s picture book story I am preparing to send to the publisher. I have forwarded the first one to my second choice of publishers and will prepare this one for the first choice. Right now it is still too long so needs a lot of tightening up. Hopefully it will be ready in a month or so.
Saturday afternoon I felt like baking and made some Peanut Butter Choc Chip Cookies. These are seriously the easiest cookies I have ever made. Anyone who has kids who like to cook, this is the recipe for you!
Sunday I got up early to make Ross breakfast before work. I found a recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes and thought I would give it a go. Can I just say – YUMMMMMMO! I will NEVER get those pancake shake mixes again. These are so much better.
I spent the rest of the day just reading and helping out with Grandad, as well as doing some chores etc around the house.
What I didn’t do was get out for a run or a ride. I am really struggling right now. It is cold, I am tired, and, well, nothing else really. These two things keep me off the roads. I need to find a way to make myself do it. I know I feel better after I get out there, but getting out there is so hard.
This morning I was so exhausted I cheated and brought the car to work. Grandad was up 4 or 5 times last night (I lost count). Every time I was just warm, or finally comfortable, or dozing, I heard the inevitable grunting and the springs bouncing as he tried to get up. So up I got….
OK, tonight, assuming I get home from the doctors before dark (nothing serious just a check up following on from the events in Feb) I will go for a run. No excuses.
xox
Another weekend spent mostly at home, trying to give MIL something of a break from constantly taking care of Grandad. Saturday I spent reading, writing, and cooking. Ross was at work all day which was the only down side as I really miss him on weekends, but he is so happy in his job I would never let him know that I am kinda feeling a bit lost without him there. Thankfully Grandad takes up a lot of time and energy while he is up.
It is weird, he is only awake for an hour or two at a time, but it is so intense. You have to watch him constantly as he is always waiting for you to turn your back so he can try and get up to look for his cigarettes – which we have to hide or he sneaks them into bed and tries to light up in bed in the middle of the night. Fortunately we have heavy wooden chairs on a tiled floor so we can always hear the scrape as he pushes the chair back. However Saturday afternoon we obviously hadn’t pushed him in far enough and he managed to slide off the chair. MIL caught him just as he was about to throw a glass on the floor looking through the cupboard for those blasted cigarettes.
Anyway, I did get some writing done. I have now written 2 chapters of the novel and I also got to work on the next children’s picture book story I am preparing to send to the publisher. I have forwarded the first one to my second choice of publishers and will prepare this one for the first choice. Right now it is still too long so needs a lot of tightening up. Hopefully it will be ready in a month or so.
Saturday afternoon I felt like baking and made some Peanut Butter Choc Chip Cookies. These are seriously the easiest cookies I have ever made. Anyone who has kids who like to cook, this is the recipe for you!
Sunday I got up early to make Ross breakfast before work. I found a recipe for Buttermilk Pancakes and thought I would give it a go. Can I just say – YUMMMMMMO! I will NEVER get those pancake shake mixes again. These are so much better.
I spent the rest of the day just reading and helping out with Grandad, as well as doing some chores etc around the house.
What I didn’t do was get out for a run or a ride. I am really struggling right now. It is cold, I am tired, and, well, nothing else really. These two things keep me off the roads. I need to find a way to make myself do it. I know I feel better after I get out there, but getting out there is so hard.
This morning I was so exhausted I cheated and brought the car to work. Grandad was up 4 or 5 times last night (I lost count). Every time I was just warm, or finally comfortable, or dozing, I heard the inevitable grunting and the springs bouncing as he tried to get up. So up I got….
OK, tonight, assuming I get home from the doctors before dark (nothing serious just a check up following on from the events in Feb) I will go for a run. No excuses.
xox
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