Cycling Santa's

Paul and Adam are 4 days into their 8 day cycle across Britain, they are delivering presents to children suffering from Neuroblastoma and raising money.

So whilst Paul is away, this week the children and I have mostly...

 

Had their school photo arrive

 

Dressed the fireplace - we need Paul back before we can get the main decs down from the loft

 

Had pudding in the bath

 

Bought our Christmas party shoes

 

Been to my dept's work Christmas party  

I'm going to the hospital on Friday, to see an old contact about resurrecting my volunteering and then after work on Saturday we are going to my parents for the weekend, to get their tree up and hopefully eat some mince pies.

To Chufferbelle - love that you read this and miss it when I don't post!

To Paul - We are following your progress and the children are so excited for the photos. Well done xxx

Up

There is nothing like a postitive visit to your consultant to make you feel 'up'! I went and had an x-ray this week, 6 months on, and I have perfect fusion. Conincidentally, a year from having it fitted (see here) I was happy to see my coil still in place - see the 'T' at the bottom of my x-ray! Ha ha!
Anyway. The pain in my hip is nothing to do with my fusion, and can be treated (and actually I think my amazing osteopath has already sorted it.) so I have felt encouraged and more postive to crack on with 'stuff'.

This morning I went for a run, I am nearly finished on week 3 of the C25K.

Then I did my first work commute!  Not even a 5 mile round trip - a massive sense of achievement!

Yesterday I helped Lucy and Dave promote their Nada Sound Therapy business

Niamh continues to astound us with her grasp of the potty.

And I keep being lucky enough to be the only one in the gym! BLISS!

Wales

Paul and I went to Wales, with our friends Jo and Dylan. Paul and Dylan had entered the Eiras middle distance triathlon and we made a weekend of it. We spent two nights at the foot of Snowdon and I was brave enough for my first 'wild swim' in a glacial lake - COLD! BRILLIANT!
Whilst the boys were racing, Jo and I went for a little bike ride along the race run route and I enjoyed my first leisurely cycle that didn't involve me testing myself. IT WAS GOOD!

A fabulous weekend - here it is in pictorial form:

The sun setting over Llyn Cwellyn the swim was so liberating, although very cold. My breath came in really short sharp rasps until I was used to the temperature, and even then I didn't stay in as long as everyone else. The lake is clear and clean, but once you're in and if you're brave enough to put your (goggled) face under, it is black and murky under the surface!

The day of the tri:

 

 

The boys did really well in the event, I am so proud of Paul. It was great to be a spectator on a public course and we were able to see them and talk to them on all the laps.

Special massive mention to my Mum and Dad for having the kidlets for two nights. Thank you. I know you know. But its nice to be told too. Thank you, it was such a great weekend, we really appreciate it.

See you soon Jo - hopefully sooner than last time - my only regret is that we didn't get a photo together. Don't worry, I won't forget our tri pledge..! xxx

Where did the week go?

The kidlets broke up for summer a week ago and I don't know where the time has gone. Paul is now on two weeks annual leave, and we begin our exciting adventures around England tomorrow - I go first on a much longed for girly road trip to Glastonbury with Lucy. Over night. Like growed ups! I am looking forward to being able enough to climb the Tor, seeing what the Goddess Conference has to offer, chalice well, spending 36 hours with Lucy and eating amazing foood.. To name but a few!

Anyway, I shall recount my adventures once I am back. I just wanted to quickly update some pics of the last few days and then yell from the top of my lungs 'I WENT OUT ON MY BIKE TODAY, ON THE MAIN ROADS AND I DIDN'T DIE! HA HA!'. I am taking my bike to Wales this weekend, when we go for Paul's Half Ironman 'The Eirias' with other friends of ours, Jo and Dylan. Dylan is joining Paul in the Half Ironman and Jo and I shall spend some time cycling and enjoying the event - my parents are having the kidlets for two nights. More being growed ups!

Anyway, the three main activities I wanted to blog about in the last week - a trip to the very local (and only just discovered!) adventure play ground, the beach last Sunday, and the In-tech science museum today.. We saw a space show in the planetarium and it totally blew my mind. Just amazing!

Then the beach - Paul wanted a sea swim and the kidlets got stuck in,

 

Today we went to the Science Museum and planetarium and it was just fab - I'm not sure which of us enjoyed it more. Lochie has requested his birthday there this year with friends, so I will be looking into their party packages!

Here Paul and I were having a brain wave contest to see who could move a little ball.. He won several times.. Clearly my brain was on other things!!


So Clanettes, we're off for a few days. I'll see you on the flip side.
Thanks for reading xxx

Turbo-mania

So I was in bed, having a well earned rest. I've had spinal fusion you know. I'm allowed to wallow in bed.

Apparently not.

Paul bounded upstairs and suggested he sort me out a go on the turbo. Peeking out from the cosy covers I had a tonne of reasons why it wasn't a good idea.

Off he popped, only to come back a short while later and tell me it was all set up in the sunshine, and the only thing stopping me was myself.

Damn it. There is nothing like a bit of shame to get me up and running. Turbo-ing.

So I got dressed and using my supports, both physically and metaphysically, I got on the turbo.

I can't currently reach my handles, and I don't have the core strength to keep upright for long. But I did the hard bit. I got out of bed and had a go.

I'll leave you with some cheesy action shots. I'm feeling very pleased with myself right now!
Thanks for reading xx