Another Map
Tuesday 24 June 2008
Quick Update
Melbourne was great - we got to see filming of Nicolas Cage's latest film, the museum - Phar Lap the great New Zealand bred horse was on display. Caught up with my sister and her husband.
I managed to complete the half marathon, this was despite doing no training for a week, and feeling lethargic and very overweight! I read on that there was a medal for all participants, so that geared me up!! The medal is REALLY cool, the nicest one in my collection I think!
The run was very well organised. The half marathoners started at 7.15, the 10 km runners started at around 9, and the 5 km at about 9.30, so the fastest of the shorter distance runners were running down the finishing chute with me - they were SOOO fast! Brian was standing on an overbridge taking photos as I finished - so many of the runners behind me in the last 200 m were finished in front of me - and I thought I was running pretty quickly (had just passed a girl, who had earlier passed me, and she wasn't going to bet me!)
Actually, my pacing was good - I passed heaps of people in the final lap, something I have never done before - I usually get passed.
Will add photos and more to the post tomorrow.
My friend is coping well, first lot of chemo last week, still a long way to go though!
Just found out my Dad's in hospital too! Will catch up with him and Mum tomorrow.
Sunday 15 June 2008
Motivation!
Just the way I like it!
I've taken a giant step today, and phoned a friend who is a nutritionist. I'm sure she's going to get me back on track, and give me someone to answer to regarding my diet and weight. The first appointment is locked and loaded, so looking forward to a slender and faster me. (Talked to a man today who lost 20 kg, and 40minutes of his half marathon time!!!) - so there's a challenge!
Friday 13 June 2008
...and then - Reality Check!
My dear friend has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, from what I can read, a nasty blood cancer. She lives in Warnambool, about 4 hours south-east of Melbourne in Australia. We had planned a trip to see her and her husband next week, so I'm pleased to be getting over to see her, and give her and her family some support. She's a very competitive person, so I'm sure she'll give getting on top of this top priority!
So no more complaining from me for now - I'll just keep my goals and abilities in perspective and get on with doing the best that I can!
Sunday 8 June 2008
We're going on a Turkey shoot!
On June 3rd, we took over a new farm, it's fantastic, has lots of native bush and birds. The next door farm was also sold, it has hills with great views over the Hauraki Plains and Firth of Thames.
Both farms have LOTS or should I say had lots of turkeys. These were living on the farm nesting in trees and making quite a mess. Brian asked the neighbours if they'd like some 'culled', so yesterday the crew went out and had some fun!
In the photo are good friends John and Steven, and children - Steven, Ryan, Blake (friend of Ryan) and Celine.
Birthday parties
South Island Holiday
Parents didn't get to go on the show, we watched it in the waiting room.
This is the start of the St James walk on the top of the Lewis Pass. No snow there in late May, but georgous!
We didn't make it to the West Coast, or to Kaikoura. We spent most of our time at Hanmer Springs.
Our friends Ciaran and Sarah came runners up in the Sharemilker contest. This was a great result. We'd loved for them to win, but runners-up I think will suit them better - they will have a busy year anyway, without being in the limelight as well!
We also went to visit Andrew and Anne-Mary at Culverdon. They have been extemely busy! Andrew has just bought 1000 hectares, and is building two 80 bale rotaries - as well as developing the farm for irrigation.
After getting back from Christchurch, I left the family for a two day meeting at the other end of New Zealand - Kerikeri. I love the Northland region, but was really only there for work. I even missed out on going to the chocolate factory there! Well I guess that's a good thing!