Old Year's Night

So the last night of 2012 has arrived and what a grand year it has been. We travelled to South Africa to get married, bought a house and then the real work began.We have added a few new skills to our armoury - painter, gardener, electrician, plumber and master ant killer. Next year we may become tilers and carpenters. We'll be master renovators in no time.

I'm looking forward to 2013 and the new adventures or challenges that await us. I wish you all a fabulous and festive end to your 2012 and that 2013 brings you more happiness than you deserve, that all you wish for comes true and that everything you resolve to achieve your succeed at. 

Happy New Year to you! See you next year! 

Thankful Thursday #14

What if the Mayan's Calendar coming to an end really does mean the world ends tomorrow? What have you done today? Will you have no regrets? Or will you be thankful when you wake up on Saturday morning to see the beginning of a New Era? Apparently that is what Mayans alive today believe- that the end of the Calendar is not the end of the World but the end of an Era. I read an interesting article on CNN. You may find it interesting.

I will leave you with the same words as those with which they ended their article :

'If you are reading this on Friday, you'd better read this fast. If it's Saturday, and no major calamity has occurred, then relax and go celebrate the beginning of the 14th baktun with the Mayans.'

Thankful Thursday # 13

Firstly sorry I've been gone a while - I have been unable to write or edit any of my posts for over a week now. It has been driving me insane and moments came where I considered moving to Wordpress. I'm thankful to be back online

It is my favourite time of year. Besides the obvious stuff that I love about it there is one thing I love the most. I love how people seem to soften and seem kinder, more patient, more charitable towards their fellow man. Of course, there are still those who prefer to be Grinches and bah humbug the whole season but maybe they just need a hug.

Today I think I have to be thankful for all the people who make it their mission to make the lives of other people better. My Mother, a prime example of such a person, sent me some photos recently of a Children's Christmas Party she helped organise. My Mother, through her Rotary club, has helped set up this Children's Day Care Centre which is in the middle of an informal settlement near where I grew up. I'll write more about this place and the amazing things that are happening there one day. For now I just want you to look at the faces of the children in the collage below. These are children who come from the poorest families. Families who wouldn't have the money to spend on presents for their children at Christmas time. In fact, Christmas is probably like any other time of the year except maybe they get a Christmas box from work and a few, hopefully, paid days off work. Are you looking at the faces of these children? The happy-and-excited-about-their-one- present-in-the- brightly-coloured-paper-faces. Pure joy! Children are children. These children will see through old eyes far too young but this Christmas they got to be children. Beautiful, happy children. I'm thankful that these faces made me cry and made me smile in one moment. Ngiyabonga! Thank-you!

Hit me with some Inspiration!

I've been toying with an idea for a while of having a regular blog post dedicated to someone who inspires me for whatever reason it may be. I started a list and it grows daily. Today I read this quote on Pinterest and it made me think of someone. Today I dedicate this blog to her: Heidi Dawson, my artist, you inspire me.  We met in London. 1996. Both long-time residents of a Backpackers Hostel in Shepherd’s Bush. It took us a while to become friends though. Both Observers so we circled around each other for a while. Hung out with the rest of the pack. We did though. We ended up living in the same house in Stratford and that’s pretty much all I can say about that. Purple teeth :) Whatever happened in the house in Eleanor Road, stays in the memories of those who lived or visited there. If they still have a memory. Heidi used to do this thing that… I’ll never tell.
 

We’ve been friends ever since. Sometimes going years without seeing or speaking to each other. Then there’d be surprise visits to South Africa, trips to Australia to play bridesmaid and we must not forget the many, many drunken phone calls. Her never worrying about the time difference, me afraid to answer the phone. We’re the pick up where you left off kind of friends.I digress. I meant only to tell you about how this woman inspires me, not get all gushy and take a wander down Memory Lane. For as long as I’ve known Heidi (almost 17 years, really?) I remember her drawing. In London she drew mostly beautiful women. I remember when I came out to Australia to be one of her Bridesmaids she had an art room in the house she was living in. The room with the most light I think it was, only the easel in the middle of it. She never showed off her talent though. Unless I happened to catch her doing it or she’d left a creation unattended for a moment, I’d never have known. Then she stopped. For years. Until, on a trip to London, she met up with my little brother for a drink. My brother is a remarkable young man and one day this blog will be dedicated to him. I’m not sure what he said but she returned to Australia with the spark reignited and picked up her artistic tools again. The spark has become a fire and it burns with passion in her eyes when she speaks of her art.So privately talented and unaffected by her brilliance, it has taken a small army of close friends and relatives to convince her to start showing the world her masterpieces. She took a giant leap forward and created a Facebook page to show some of her work. She hopes to start selling her work soon and some of the proceeds will go towards a Charity close to her heart in Zimbabwe.

Every time I see one of her pieces I am blown away. She inspires me to work at my own craft. Let’s pretend for a moment I can see the future. I see great things awaiting my talented friend. I see her getting the recognition she deserves. I see happiness and contentment as she lives her dream and gets to do what she loves every day. I see grand, sold out exhibitions. So, as I can’t really see the future, I will wish these things for her instead.If you do only one thing today, go click on her Facebook page and hit that Like button.

Heidi, never stop doing what you love in the way you do it. Below is just one example of what she does. It is one of her recent Scratchboard creations. 

Copyright 2012 Heidi Dawson Artist 

Thankful Thursday #12

So it's rather late in the evening here and I've been meaning to get to this Blog all day. I am very thankful to be here now. Just watched a movie called The Way. I'm now feeling reflective so sleep may not come for hours yet. One of my favourite books to reread is the The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo. It opened me up to a whole new way of thinking and seeing things I'd just taking for granted before. I look around more now to find signs, in whatever form they may be, that I am on the right path or telling me I need to go a different way. One line from the movie feels like one of those signs. You don't choose a life, you live it. 

I'm thankful for these signs. Thankful for the thoughts they inspire and the paths they lead me down. I think I need to plan a trip. A trip I may not be able to take for a while but sometimes just the planning makes a dream feel like a step closer to reality. 

I wish you all a good night.

P.S. Happy Birthday Gungz! Love you Bro! x

Thankful Thursday #11

Today I'm thankful for the memories. I have so many good memories to draw on when I need to remember how blessed my life has been.

Watching Dirty Dancing for probably the hundred and tenth time recently took me back to so many different times of my life. See what I did there? I was only in Primary school when it came out. I can still recite most of the lines verbatim which may be a little annoying when I watch it with others. A few large Dirty Dancing posters hung on my walls. My favourite : a close-up of Patrick (yes we were on a first name basis) that hung just above my bed.

Every Primary school disco, birthday party or class party was not complete without a Dirty Dancing competition. Every boy tried to mimic the last scene where Johnny beckons Baby with a smouldering look and a nod of his head. We were wild I tell you.
High school Slumber parties always included watching Dirty Dancing. Even in my adult life a girls' night in with pizza and wine had to include watching Dirty Dancing.

A life without memories would be unimaginable. I suppose if you forgot the yesterdays and all your todays brought you a clean slate you'd never have to remember the bad times. There would be no tomorrow. Yet you'd lose all the good too. No ties that bind you, the unbreakable bonds you forged through every childhood adventure, through surviving all your teenage misadventures and all the adult paths you are yet to take. Gone. I say cherish the memories. Protect them, store them and remember, remember, remember to live every moment so you want to recall it.

Happy Birthday Adam!

Today is the birthday of a very special man. Someone I've been friends with for 20 years and I hope to remain so as long as I am on this good earth.

Been through many adventures in those 20 years - some are hazier than others but there are photos lurking about to remind us or, lucky for us, my memory has served us well to remind us when needed. No need to mention them here. Between us I think we have kept a lot of secrets, spilt a lot of beans and cried on each other's shoulders more than I can count. Mostly though we've laughed and we have talked, a lot. I remember sitting in my parent's lounge drinking copious amounts of... tea and just talking and talking for hours. My Dad would come into the room at 2 in the morning and subtly hint 'Don't you have a home to go to.' 

He is one of those friends that it never seems to matter how long we go between conversations we always just pick right back up from where we left off. I miss having him live down the road. Yet somehow I know I could still pick up the phone and call him at 2 am in the morning - the time difference now would make him more able to hold a decent conversation. He is an amazing Dad, son and loyal friend. 

Adam, I am so proud to call you my friend. Have a very Happy 37th Birthday! 

Thankful Thursday #10

Perhaps I should warn you all I'm about to get a little mushy and sentimental. 

Today I am so very thankful that 12 years ago (well give or take a few days) the man who stole my heart got off a plane at what was still at the time called Johannesburg International Airport - after a long flight from Brisbane. 

Everything I'm thinking about this man, about us, sounds like a cliché. He is my best friend and sometimes frustratingly knows me better than I know myself. He makes me smile every day. He gives the best hugs. He supports my gym obsession. He knows how to make me laugh when I don't want to. He has this way of saying and seeing the simplest of things in a most unique way that makes me think of these simple things in a new way, and I love that. He makes me more adventurous. He makes me want to make him happy. He is thoughtful and kind. He is so humble and so unaware of how just how talented he is that I have to brag for him. Sometimes I just love to watch him from a distance and think 'he is mine.' I could spend hours listing the things I love about him. He knows that I do though and that's perfect. 

I know we were meant to be. I know we will always be. It's only been 12 years and we still have a lifetime and then an eternity.

 

 

Never, ever give up!

I'm feeling reflective. I've been told a few times over the last few months that I'm inspiring. I've got to admit it does make a girl feel good but I'm terrible at receiving compliments. I like to hang around in the background and do my thing quietly. I have tried to surround myself with people who inspire me though. There is no shortage of these people either. They pop up just when I need them. It is perhaps telling that these creatures who inspire me most have not done so by standing on a stage commanding my attention, they haven't collected accolades, nobody is throwing rose petals at their feet or laying out the red carpet treatment for them. They are the ones that are just doing their thing every day and getting results. I am inspired by their example.

Saturday morning our 12 week Challenge came to an end. A bitter sweet one. Part of me was elated to have reached the end of a pretty intense 12 weeks. I achieved my goal so felt so good. But (you felt that coming right?) another part of me - and I think this was shared by other Challengers - felt a little lost once I got back home. Most of us put so much into the 12 weeks, even if we normally train hard and eat clean in these 12 weeks you push harder, eat leaner and become very goal focused. I do anyway. I think it is because they take your photo, your measurements and test your fitness whereas in your normal day to day training it is between you and your mirror, scales, measuring tape and maybe your PT's too. These Challenges work well for me because I am good at getting focused when I have a goal I'm working for and especially when there is a time limit. I work well under pressure. I also love the bonds I form with other Challengers and seeing the way they transform over 12 weeks. 

There is one particular lady at our gym that I've become friends with over the past few months. Linda walked into the gym 13 months ago and started training with Kane. She weighed 167 kgs. On Saturday she stood on the scales at the gym in her swimming togs and the number that flashed before her: 66.6 kgs. She has lost 100.4 kgs in 13 months. Amazing! How? By training hard every day, eating healthy and never, ever giving up or making excuses. She is one gutsy lady and I'm so proud to know her. Now she is inspirational. 

I'll admit I ate a Boerewors roll and had me some Ben and Jerry's on the weekend - they tasted so good. Today I woke up with a food hangover and went to my normal Early Monday morning RPM class on my Forty. Today I just keep doing what I've been doing for the last 12 weeks. Why stop or slow down when you love it? I have a new goal and it has a time limit : December 1st. Just in time for Summer and Christmas. 

Get moving and never, ever, give up!

Thankful Thursday #9

Today I am thankful that I am so tired that it can only mean I have accomplished a great deal today. 2 more sleeps till the end of this Challenge and then I promise to be more present on here. Thankful Thursday # 10 could be a big one.

Thankful Thursday #8

Today I am thankful for the surprise package that arrived in my postbox from one of my dearest friends. I love surprises especially when they come in the form of presents. She reminded me how many awesome, thoughtful people I have in my life. It really made my day - her small, thoughtful gesture made me smile and made an already good day even better. 

So today I am most especially thankful for her. She knows who she is. She rocks. 

12 days! Go! Go! Go!

Monday again. Awesome. Last week I can only describe as most outstanding and I'm still feeding off the energy from it. Luckily energy is a great calorie burner too. Just riding that positive wave . That reminds me! One of my New Years resolutions was to learn to surf. Um. Better get on that.

You may recall I'm in the midst of a 12 week Challenge at my gym. We're into the final 12 days now and I'm contemplating moving into the gym. I'm not sure what it is about the thought of having to have my 'After Photo' taken that is terrorising me into increasing all my efforts. I've been consistent throughout. Trained hard, eaten correctly and everything else you are supposed to do. I'm happy with the results so far but for me part of the fun of this particular Challenge is pushing my limits and I am going to spend the next 12 days pushing them as hard as they can go. On the 13th day I will rest. Maybe.

This is what I want. Simple. 

                                               http://pinterest.com/pin/114349278010143216/

Thankful Thursday #7

Today I am writing this from a Starbucks in the city which - by the way - means I get to call myself a real writer. Maybe I am about to write my bestseller. Oh if only that was all it took: coffee, free wifi and a laptop.

It's been a great week for me. I've felt inspired, enlightened and passionate about things I'd long forgotten. I've pushed my limits, challenged my willpower and survived. I feel on top of the world right now. To quote The Carpenter's song : 'such a feeling's coming over me, there is wonder in most everything I see.'

So this Thursday I am thankful for this week. I love my life and I am excited for what the future holds.

Have a great day people and remember to be thankful!

Thankful Thursday #6

I've been in some sort of trance most of today. Woke up and felt instantly thankful to my Husband that he had been so thoughtful as to pass along a small taster of the cold and flu thing he's been delighted with all week. I really do enjoy a headache and sore throat - means I get to overdose on Olive Leaf Extract and other forms of Vitamin C and headache killing drugs. I am most thankful that they seem to have decided not to linger longer. One to Olive Leaf Extract -  Zero to Sore Throat. 

I am thankful to Kane for telling me I looked like I was glowing this morning while he was attempting to break me. Clearly sore throats and sweating through Pyramid sets makes me glow. Yes, I said glow.
I am thankful I didn't let him break me. Pyramid sets are hard but in an awesome kind of way.

I'm thankful that tomorrow is Friday. 

What are you thankful for today? 

Searching for Sugarman

As I write this I'm listening to an artist who has been with me in every significant stage of my life so far. It's a fact. A Cold Fact. I think every South African reading this has probably just guessed who this artist is. The astounding thing for me is that outside of South Africa, when I do reveal his name, most will still not know of him. His name: Rodriguez. Sixto Rodriguez.

My husband and I recently watched a documentary entitled 'Searching for Sugarman' . One of the most amazing Music Documentaries I've seen. I highly recommend it and not just for South Africans. I reckon every Music loving soul will feel uplifted by this story. I won't give away any of the story because the film will take you on a journey you need to go on. Someone once told me about another band that to really appreciate them, to understand their music, to connect with them, I needed to discover them for myself.  He was right and not just about that band. It is hard when you are passionate about something not to want to tell the world, make them see what you see, make them love it like you do. Yet, don't you always tend appreciate the things you find yourself just a bit more? Every kid wants to say "I found it first" or "I said it first" don't they? As adults I think we do too. So I'm going let you all watch it first. 

It confounds me that while I have carried his album, Cold Fact, with me through my entire life, this man is virtually unknown outside of South Africa. My Dad had it in his album collection and we would giggle at the line 'I wonder how many times you've had sex and I wonder if you know who'll be next'. It featured on my end of school holidays with friends - singing 'Sugarman' at the top of our drunken lungs from a moonlight beach. I played it for my flatmates in London - had to give them a break from my own out of tune singing. And now, it is here with me in Australia. 

Maybe this movie will change that. I hope so. Rodriguez should be heard. 

Thankful Thursday #5

Yesterday we welcomed a new baby girl, Amelia Zara, into our family. Today I'm thankful to be an Auntie to 4 nieces and 1 nephew : Yasmin, Gabriella, Luke, Charlotte and now Amelia!  Girl number 3 for my Big Brother. If she has as much personality and energy as her 2 Big Sisters and her Mom, my brother had better get used to being outnumbered and out-gunned in every future argument. Possibly used to it already. He may need to get a dog - they tend to listen and never argue.
I decided to use my Google skills to see if I could find him some advice from other Dads of Daughters. Even though he already has two sometimes just knowing someone else feels as you do can be gratifying and maybe you learn something in spite of what you think you know.

Anyway I discovered this beautiful blog written by a guy named Michael. He describes his blog like this:

'This blog is a combination of the parenting style I’m trying to adopt and my attempt to capture the numerous thoughts I have as the doting father of a beautiful and precious little young lady who I’d like to see grow up and mature into a strong and talented woman someday. When that happens, my hope is that she will look back fondly on her childhood and say that I added life to her years… she is certainly adding to mine.

For my first Father’s Day, Isabella gave me a mug that said I was the best daddy in the world. You probably have one too. If you won’t tell my little girl, I won’t tell yours.'

Is that not beautiful? Anyway Big Brother when you read this go read his 50 Rules for Dads of Daughters and see if you agree, pick up some tips or maybe you have your own to add?

I can't wait to meet this newest princess!

Early morning Adventures

3:30am Sunday morning I awoke to the familiar, yet unwelcome sound on a Sunday, Pink Panther Theme tune. I'd agreed in a moment of weakness, or madness, to join some fellow crazy people on a 12 km hike down on the Gold Coast hinterland.
4:20am. I'm waiting in the dark (I'm scared of the dark just for the record), waiting for my lift and imagining all sorts of Hobbly Gobblys lurking and waiting to eat me. Thankfully I was saved by a Yorkshire lass in a white car just as I was preparing to protect myself from the attack of some nasty creature creeping somewhere towards me. I could sense its evil presence.
5:45am. Arrive at meeting point and find other aforementioned crazy people. Let me tell you a little bit more about this hike. There is an event that takes place every year on the Gold Coast called The Kokada Challenge - this hike is only 6 km (they wouldn't turn around at 6km and come back they'd just keep going) out of that 96 km course and oh my. That is all. Oh my. It starts with a 2km uphill (gradient apparently 41, whatever that means, trust me it was pretty steep) then mixed terrain but mostly downhill for 4kms and then you get to turn around and climb 4kms uphill and end with the steep 2km downhill. Awesomeness!
Thankfully my company kept my mind off the journey. Laughing always makes everything easier. I still have the Wombles Theme song in my head.

9:35am. Back at base camp (I like calling it that, makes me feel like we climbed Everest). There are complaints of blisters, knee pain, back pain, tiredness but mostly there is there is this grand sense of accomplishment. Every person who got out of bed before the sun and attempted this hike, no matter how far they got before they turned back, I think should feel a little bit proud of their greatness. It is not something I would have thought I'd be able to do 2 years ago.

Me with some of the other Crazy People and Kommando Nate!

There is someone I like to thank. Without its help I may have gone ass over tit a few times. It appeared when I needed it most and I brought it home with me.

Meet Kierrie.

Oh and for the record my gluteus maximus has not fully recovered. Hot butt on the way! 

Handstand Shenanigans!

Yesterday I read the Facebook Status of a friend of mine who it would seem has taken up CrossFit. - if you don't know what that is Google it, it looks like an intense workout and I'm going to try it one day, soon. Anyway the status read: 'Handstands are not my forte!'  I don't know about you all but the last time I attempted a handstand I was probably about 13 and I wasn't very good at them then. But the Idea was planted.
'A handstand hey? Mmmm, do I dare?' 
I didn't dare, not at first. The Idea grew and it got a voice. Just a tiny one like it came from a fairy sitting on my shoulder.
'A handstand could be fun.' And that was all. I went to bed and in my dream I wasn't just handstanding, oh no sirree Bob, I was cartwheeling. Then I woke up. Did I dare try? I went to RPM without dwelling on it but during track 6 - while I was happily shaking what my Momma gave me - the Idea made a guest appearance. The voice was louder more like a cheerleader (actually may have been the voice of my RPM instructor Commander Ally)
'You could definitely do a handstand! Just do it!'
I don't like to disobey Ally so her voice in my head was the push I needed. I left with the intention of trying it. Later. Later came and I stood in my bedroom - no way I was trying this outside. Handstand up against a wall - how hard can that be right? I couldn't do it. I tried a few times and it just wasn't happening. I gave up and went back to the gym instead.
Still the Idea persisted. In fact, the Idea formed the Handstand Idea Support Group. Ally's voice was joined by more voices all offering advice. It was a noisy affair in my head - I think they had wine.
'Probably just your technique, try again.'  Totally! My technique is non existent.
'See if you can find a You Tube video to remind you how it's done' Cheeky! I have a good memory.
'Lose your fear of falling, hurting yourself and give in to the motion.'  Interesting. I was afraid I'd fall.
On and on these thoughts came, the HISG were a persistent lot.

There is a happy ending. The Handstand Idea Support Group has been disbanded. Their mission was accomplished. Shortly before I began to write this blog I decided to give The Handstand another attempt. First attempt fail, second attempt fail, third attempt we gained some momentum and with that confidence. And I am very happy to announce that on my fourth attempt I, Super Jay, did my very first Handstand in about 23 years!
And now I can't stop doing them. Use it or lose it they say. Well I'm going to do Handstands till I can't no more.

Go on, I dare you!  It feels awesome!

Thankful Thursday #4

I can't remember the first book I read. I'm guessing it was probably the same book everyone else in my class at school read - Kathy and Mark doing something with their dog (was he called Skip?). I do remember being read to and, though I'm sure my Mom must have read to us, it is of my Dad reading to my brothers, sister and I that I recall in the greatest detail. Sometimes Bible Stories from a Children's Bible Story book. I remember that book clearly. Hard-cover  brown and yellow cover, big and heavy. David and Goliath. Jonah and the whale. Daniel in the Lion's Den. All gripping stuff. We loved it. 

Of course, there was also Hans Christian Anderson - we were introduced to 'Thumbelina', 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier' and 'The little Match Girl'. I think my Dad's favourite book though was Grimm's Fairy Tales. He read these grim tales from a dusty tome of a book. Sometimes he would read out the names of the stories and we would choose the one we wanted but mostly I think he always had a particularly story in mind when he chose this book . They were a little darker than Hans Christian Anderson stories. I loved them. Tales like 'One-Eye, Two-Eyes and Three-Eyes', 'The Griffin' and 'The shoes that were danced to pieces.' 

I have very fond memories of my Dad reading to us in the bottom lounge (I'll explain this name one day).We would all sit or lie on the shaggy white carpet and he would sit in a comfy brown chair. At the end of every story we would talk about it - our favourite characters; the ones that scared us or we didn't like; and always a lesson would be snuck in before he sent us off to brush our teeth and jump into bed. Then my parents would come around and tuck us in and kiss us goodnight. Happy Times. 

This is where my love for reading and imagining began. I'm thankful today that my parents read to us and I'm thankful for all the books I have read and still have to read. I hope that tonight children are being tucked up in bed with their heads filled with stories of enchantment, courage, bravery, happily ever afters and a little bit of magic so that their dreams can lead them to great adventures. 

Once and for all

Hello Monday! Start of a promising new week. Much must be accomplish. One of my favourite quotes from Alice in Wonderland is when Alice says to the Hatter: 'This is impossible' and he responds with: 'Only if you believe it is.'

If I think back over the last few years I could probably list a few things that I never thought I would achieve, that I just thought would be impossible for me. Running especially. I used to say: 'I'll never run, just not built for it, hate it, can't do it.'  and now I'm training to run my first 21km race.

That's only a small example. Made it to the halfway mark for the 12 week Challenge on Saturday. It got me thinking back to the last time I got to the halfway mark on a Challenge. I had different goals then: Wedding Day goals mostly. It gave me a big thing to focus on. This time my big thing is getting to my final goal, once and for all. To getting to the end of this journey, once and for all. To be the fittest, strongest and leanest I've ever been, once and for all. This is my 'Once and for all' Challenge.

At times these last few kilos have seemed like the impossible dream but I refuse to believe it. I am going to get to my final goal in the next 6 weeks. I am just going to do it. To quote Alice again: 'It's no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then.'

I wish you all a fabulous week of great things - whatever you want those things to be just let them and they will be.
I leave you with the quote below from one of the wisest of men:


 Thanks Pinterest!

Thankful Thursday #3

Truthfully this thankful Thursday timed itself tremendously and terrifically well. Tired to the tips of my tiny toes and tickled turquoise that today turned up I must tout that this Thursday's thankful thoughts to Thursday be bestowed.

Try this task: tell the above twice or thrice through to testify to the T and be thankful that it is Thursday!

Toodooloo!

Bye Bye Winter

I can officially declare Winter is over. Yes, I'm aware that I do not wield the kind of power to decide that it shall be cooler or warmer. Cape or no cape. Yet. Imagine if I did. Awesome, let's do that.

I could wake up in the morning and decide how I want the weather to be based on what my plans are for the day or perhaps on what I want to wear. The possibilities are endless. I could even take requests, for a small donation of course. Every girl wants perfect weather on her wedding day.  Every child in a hot country wishes just once the could have a white Christmas. Every holiday maker wishes they had to be stranded for a few more days because a mysterious weather condition is preventing planes from taking off - yet the weather on the ground is perfect. The list could be endless. The possibilities revolutionary.
That kind of power actually sounds like way too much responsibility. I guess with all great power comes great burden. I'd be hounded day and night. This would not end well. I'd have to lose the cape and find a wig, a moustache (every disguise needs a moustache) and a quirk - like a twitchy eye or a limp. The best disguise is sometimes when every notices you and therefore does not suspect you.

Anyway, the actual reason why I declare Winter to be over is because I went for a swim today. I do not swim in Winter so my powers of deduction deducted:

Swim + Super Jay ≠ Winter.

The End.

Let's play!

I'm absolutely shattered! Just burned around 1200 calories with a bonus Kane Pain session followed up with an awesome Step Class. I'm actually quite impressed that I'm able to type considering what young Mister Kane put my upper body through tonight.

I let my Inner child come out and play at gym tonight. Every time they launch a new round of Les Mills programs at the gym we normally have some sort of theme class - wear pink, green, purple - you get the idea. This time red the colour but the theme was Super Heroes. One of the ladies in the class decided to get her Mom to make some of us black capes with our names on them. Put a bunch of adult women in capes and they turn into giggling adolescents or maybe even pre-adolescents in my case. Loved it!

I know everyone at some point wishes they could be a kid again. If I count the amount of times I've heard someone say 'I'd love to go back to school knowing what I know now' or even one friend who said she'd go back knowing what she knew then just for the social side and the relatively worry free existence we had back then. The first one I don't understand. The second one I get.

I liked the feeling of the cape. The feeling you can play pretend and not care a sausage. People looked and mostly they smiled. I reckon half of them were thinking, 'Aw a cape, I wish I had a cape!'
And me I wanted to say just one thing to them: 'Naaaa naa, nun naaa naa!'

So it's official. Super Jay has her very own cape. Look out Cleveland I may wear mine to go running.

Off you go now, go play.

Just another Manic Monday!

Knowing well enough Monday is a day I battle to get motivated a few months ago I started giving myself a kick start with a 5:45am RPM class. I still fight with myself every Monday. New me versus Old me. Old me never wins anything lately. Thankfully New me is so awesome that Old me holds no grudges. In fact I think Old me has a girl crush on New me. Well I would if I were the Old me.

Anyway. The kick start works. It sets my whole week off on the right foot - which is a good foot for me to start on as it is so much stronger than my left. I should stop trying to make jokes on a Monday. It is my least funny day of the week. By Friday I'm hilarious!
This week I need to shake things up a little. Saturday marks the halfway point for the 12 week Challenge. I'm a little excited, a little nervous. I've been working hard but I'm thinking it is a good week to try something new, to add something into the mix, just add that little extra spice. I want to be sure when I'm standing on those awful scales I did everything possible up to that point to get good results.

I found one of my mantra's on Pinterest today. I've only just started using Pinterest and I'm worried it may become another addictive Procrastination tool. So much to look at and time goes. Poof! Gone forever and what have I gained? Well it does make me a little happier. I think that is because I'm yet to find anything negative on there. It's all light, bright, cheerful and amusing.

I leave you for today with the note below. Thanks Pinterest.  This is my aim for the week.

Matrimonial Bliss - the old-fashioned way.

Before my wedding one of my friends gave me two little books. Published in 1913. Both written by the same author. One Blanche Ebbutt.  They're red and blue. The Red One is called 'DON'TS FOR WIVES'.  The Blue One, can you guess? That's right! 'DON'TS FOR HUSBANDS'. 

I expected these books to be cover to cover hilarity but as I've browsed through them I found myself nodding at few times, passing on some of the wisdom to my husband from whom I just get a 'Yes Dear'  and laughing out loud at advice that even if I tried to follow my husband might think I'd gone completely loopy.  Now I'll admit I'm a bit of an old fashioned girl in some things - I didn't think my thinking dated back to 1913 though.

The Red Book is divided into 12 chapters: Personalities; How to avoid Discord; Habits; Financial Matters; Evenings at home; Jealousy; Recreation; Food; Dress; Entertaining; Household Management; Children.
The Blue Book is divided into 11 chapters: General Habits; Personal Relations; Jealousy; Hints on Finance; Household matters; Recreation and Holidays; Health; Dress; Hobbies; Food; Children.

Some of my favourites from the Red Book:

• 'Don't vegetate as you grow older if you happen to live in the country. Some women are like cows, but there is really no need to stagnate. Keep both brain and body on the move.'
• 'Don't 'manage' your husband too visibly. Of course, he may require the most careful management, but you don't want your friends to think of him as a hen-pecked husband. Above all, never let him think you manage him.' 
• 'Don't open the door for yourself when your husband is present. He would open it for a lady guest, let him open it for you. Besides, your boys will not learn the little courtesies that count nearly so well by precept as by example.'
• 'Don't be satisfied to let your husband work overtime to earn money for frocks for you. Manage with fewer frocks.'
• 'Don't omit the kiss of greeting. It cheers a man when he is tired to feel that his wife is glad to see him home.'
• 'Don't be jealous of your husband's acquaintance with other women. you don't want him to think you are the nicest woman in the world because he never sees any others, but because he sees plenty and still feels that you are the only one in the world for him. Have nice girls about the house pretty frequently.'
• 'Don't object to your husband getting a motor-bicycle; merely insist that he shall buy a side-car for you at the same time.'
• 'Don't forget to 'feed the brute' well. Much depends on the state of his digestion.'
• 'Don't talk to your husband about anything of a worrying nature until he has finished his evening meal.'
• 'Don't let your husband wear a violet tie with grass-green socks. If he is unhappily devoid of the colour sense, he must be forcibly restrained, but don't be sarcastic about your husband's taste in dress. Be gently persuasive and train his sense of fitness.'

And from the Blue Book:

• 'Don't drop cigarette ash all over the drawing-room carpet. Some people will tell you that it improves the colours, but your wife won't care to try that recipe.'
• 'Don't flourish a grimy handkerchief about because you have forgotten to take a clean one out of your box or your drawer. If your wife provides you with a reasonable stock, you might at least take the trouble to remember to use them.'
• 'Don't omit to bring home an occasional bunch of flowers or a few chocolates. Your wife will value even a penny bunch of violets for your thought of her.'
• 'Don't object to your wife going out with another man if you can't take her yourself - so long as you know and approve of the man.'
• 'Don't be afraid of lending a hand in the house during a temporary servant difficulty, or if you keep no servant. It will do you no harm at all to learn to light a fire or clean a pair of boots, and be sure your wife will have to do plenty of things she is unaccustomed to.'
• 'Don't say it is no fun to go out cycling with your wife because she can't "scorch." It will do you no harm to ride more slowly than usual, and your company will give her a great deal of pleasure. Her "going slow" is one of the secrets of her chances of longer life. Take her with you, and you will avoid that overtaxing of the arteries which leads to premature old age.'
• 'Don't insist on wearing your hair or your moustache in a style you know she hates. Just try it another way to please her.'
• 'Don't get up too late to eat a decent breakfast before starting out for your day's work. It is bad for you go without, and will worry your wife.'

As much as we may chuckle at some of the advice there is something to be said for heeding it - perhaps adapting it into a more modern context. Bringing back some old fashioned courtesies could make this modern, fast paced world a kinder, happier place. 

Do something without expecting anything in return for someone else today. I guarantee that seeing someone else smile at the smallest gesture will make you smile too.

Thankful Thursday # 2

Thursday came around mighty quick. After many thoughts one thought keeps popping back in to override the others. I spend so much time focussing on all the big, bold things in my life that I've to be thankful for that I'm forgetting to simply appreciate all the little things.

Today I'm declaring that I am thankful for all the little things. Everyday is filled with so many little things and I hardly notice them today I've taken notice:

• I am thankful for my good morning hug and kiss from my husband - I'm beautiful in the morning. 
• Ever so grateful for my first perfect cup of coffee - yes, I need my coffee in the morning. 
• For my car starting happily.
• For the friendly smile from a stranger at the gym.
• For the wave from a friend.
• For the high five from Kane after trying to break me this morning.
• For my second perfect cup of coffee with my hard earned breakfast. I've mentioned how much I do love breakfast.
• My long, hot shower.
• The clothes that hang a little looser on me. 
• For the hot sun and the cool breeze.
• 100% mark on a chapter test. 
• The sweet message from a friend. 
• The smell of clean washing when you open the machine. 
• The sounds of sirens heading away from me. 
• My favourite song playing when I turned on my radio.
• This feeling I have right now. A peacefulness, a serenity - possibly the desire to have a long, undisturbed nap.  

These are my little things so far today and I'm only just passed halfway. Life is awesome! 

I leave you with the words of one Ferris Bueller: 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.' 

Ride em Cowboy!

Tonight I'm going to talk to you about Saddlebags! No I'm not referring to the pair of pouches that hang over the back of a horse. I do wish the ones I am referring to were as easy to remove. Alas, they are not. I speak of the fat located around the hips, thighs and buttocks. 'Ahhh!' You declare. 'Those saddlebags!'

Yes, those very ones. 

Have you ever googled : Saddlebags? I did today. Avid Googler that I am and because a friend asked me what I meant when I said Saddlebags. Often I find my language is strange to the locals. They speak Australian after all and I still speak South African. English both may be but still we find ourselves lost in hours of translation. Even more fun when our friend who speaks Yorkshire English is around. I digress. I googled 'Saddlebags' . The descriptions are varied yet all equally horrific. I find words like 'unsightly', 'clumps' , 'excess' and the constant overuse of the word  'fat' horrific. I like to call it something far less horrifying  -  that bit on the tops of your legs that is always the last place you lose your extra weight. How did I do? 

If you don't know the word then I must presume that you like my friend today have never suffered from this 'bane to woman kind' (yes one site actually said that and I can't find the link now, just trust me!). 

Thankfully my friend is of the best kind. The kind that swears you do not possess these Saddlebags and I'm grateful that I have such friends in my life. Fear not for those of us, um, I mean those of you, who do possess that bit on the top of your legs you don't like there is hope. Google will help you locate many websites, YouTube videos and expert opinions telling you how to get rid of them. Me, well as I don't have them, I will just continue to submit to Kane Pain every week and continue RPM and Bodystep classes. I'm told RPMers and Steppers have the best legs.The person who tells me this has a scary glare so I choose to believe her. 

Have a happy Hump Day!

Waking up from the Dream... do you always want to?

We watched the movie Inception last week for the second time. It's one of those movies I believe you need to watch a few times to fully understand all the intricacies in the plot. Or is that just me?
The watching, of course, leads to lengthy discussions with lots of 'what if' and 'can you imagine...' scenarios. Last night my husband began one such discussion. Can you imagine if you woke up right now and the last 3 years had just been a dream? What would you do?
My initial gut response: 'I think I would scream for about an hour and then probably run and jump off the balcony.'
Thinking about that response afterwards made me feel a little silly. Firstly there would be no balcony because we wouldn't be living in Australia yet and secondly, even if I did jump off the balcony of our house I'd probably only twist an ankle. We are only one flight up! Silly me.

Seriously though I do think I would go into shock and maybe even lose my mind. My life is so different now. I look so different now. 3 years ago, 3 long years ago. We would have been on holiday in Italy, staying with my little brother and about to get engaged. I would have been in paradise.

I would have been enjoying this.

I would be very happy and loving my holiday. When I got back to our flat in Edinburgh and saw the photos, I would have seen me looking like this.

Don't get me wrong, these were good times in my life. Very good times. My life is so very different from 3 years ago I wonder how different it will be in another 3 years. I guess time will tell.

So what would do if you woke up 3 years ago? Where would you be?

Coffee, Kryptonite and halfway marks

Sunday is the only day all week I don't wake up to an alarm. I much prefer to wake up to the smell of coffee - especially when it is wafting from a big mug next to my bed. Coffee has to be one of my favourite aromas. Just the smell of it perks me up. It is up there with the smell of freshly baked bread and biscuits but I don't want to be anywhere near either of those right now. It would be torture! I live most of the time in a relatively low carb existence but during a Challenge there is nothing relative about it, it is an extremely low carb existence and some things need to be avoided. Completely. I can say no without any feeling of being deprived to alcohol, soft drinks, chips, fried foods, junk food, potatoes, pumpkin, rice, pasta and even chocolate. Biscuits, freshly baked. So hard to resist. My nemeses. My Kryptonite. My Achilles' heel. Seriously. As long as I don't smell them though I'm OK.

We are into the 5th week of a 12 week Challenge now. 13 more sleeps till the halfway weigh-in. Yes, I've started counting the sleeps. I'm excited. I can feel the changes in my body, in my fitness and want to see them in black and white. I want the measurements to reflect my hard work. It is the point of doing it - to improve, to achieve your goals. Even better is watching other people transform too. Often people don't realise how much they have changed and at the end of 12 weeks, when they see their results looking back at them in a photo or through their measurements or the size of the new pair of jeans the bought, it is an unbeatable feeling when you achieve something you set out to achieve. Even better when it improves your life. So I'm excited that we are getting so close to halfway. 

Another week draws to a close for me. Looking forward to the new week. Great things await. I can feel it. 

Catch you Monday! 
   

Early morning views

This is the view I started my Saturday to. Beautiful. Really ignites the soul first thing in the morning when it feasts on such magnificence.
An hour later I'd completely forgotten about the view. Boot Camp does that. Still an awesome way to start a Saturday. Followed up with an hour ride on my Forty and home for breakfast. All by 9:30am.
You'll notice that I'm writing short sentences. This is because it is now 9pm. I'm very tired.
You enjoy the view. I'm off to bed.

I'd like to introduce you to Forty!

I must confess I'm a little bit obsessed with Forty. Hell I'm a lot obsessed with Forty. I ride him 5 times a week and frankly it ruins my day if I get there late and find someone else got to Forty first. I've perfected a 'You're dead to me look' . Really feel quite sorry for the person on the receiving end of the look but  I'm possessive of my Forty. I can't blame Forty for allowing others to ride him. He doesn't have a choice. It's his job.

I'm a very loyal person. I like that about myself. Forty has my undying loyalty. I work him hard, he never complains. He performs consistently well and that is what I love about him the most. His consistency.

I'm thinking of getting a sign made to hang around his neck. 'Super Jay rides me! Beware the wrath of Super Jay' - think it would work? Not sure it would be allowed.  I've tried to make it clear in other subtle ways that he is mine but every so often an eager beaver wanders by and Forty takes their fancy. He is beautiful. Hard to resist. They get the look. The first time.

Without further ado I present to you MY FORTY :

Looking good for 5am on a Friday morning wouldn't you say?

Thankful Thursday

Last week I suggested a theme to my Thursday Blog - Thankful Thursdays. I think I'm going to make that suggestion an official decree. Henceforth every Thursday will be Thankful Thursday. Too easy! 

The hard part is deciding on just one thing to be thankful for. Seriously. Since I woke this morning I've been running through the list of things I've got in my life to be thankful for. It is a long list. I'm thankful for having so much to be thankful for. That is not specific enough though. In the end the decision made was based purely on that without this I wouldn't be here and be the person I am. I'm most thankful today for my Parents.

The hardest part of living in a different country from your family is exactly that: you're living in a different country from your family. My parents have 4 children and none of us live in the same country as them. They live in the home we grew up in, back in Benoni, South Africa. My two brothers both now live in London and my sister lives in Yorkshire. This is quite a common scenario for families in South Africa. I can relate when Johnny Clegg sings about the 'Scatterlings of Africa'. 

I miss these two people every day and I know they miss all of us. I know both would love it if we all lived down the road. Yet not once have either of them made us feel bad about leaving. It is part of what makes my parents so awesome. They encourage us to have adventures, to strive for greatness, to be happy in our daily lives and have instilled in all of us a strong sense that we are loved unconditionally. Quite simply they rock. Both are selfless, kind hearted, salt of the earth good people and I love, admire and respect them. 

You don't get to choose your family but I'm grateful on this Thankful Thursday, most especially, that I got these two smiling, happy people for mine.

So what are you thankful for today? 

Some days

Some days you wake up and you know it's going to be an awesomely happy day. Other days you need to work harder at making it one. Today fell into the later for me. I reckon I succeeded. I'm here. I'm blogging. Feeling pretty happy.

I try to surround myself with positive and uplifting people. I do my best not to let the negative ones get into my head. Bad days happen to everyone but it is not dwelling on the bad moments and latching onto the good in your day that can make all the difference. I've got a few favourites. 

My husband. He is my best friend - starting and ending every day with him makes me happy. Love and laughter, 2 things we have in abundance. 

Breakfast. My favourite meal of the day. If I get my breakfast right then I'm set for a good day. Deprive me of breakfast for too long and you have *Grumpy Super Jay on your hands. You wouldn't like her. Trust me. My first workout of the day I like to do on an empty stomach. Just a preference I guess. As long as it is within an hour of me waking up *GSJ will not make an appearance. Lucky for those I train with in the morning. 

A hard, sweaty, heart racing workout. Can't beat that for getting the endorphins pumping and firing where you need them. Today, when the mid morning slump kicked in, I took myself off for a run. Only ran 4km but I got out into the sun. I got my heart rate up. I sweated. I felt great. It revitalised me and I could refocus on the other tasks I needed to do.

Music. I've mentioned before my love for music. Having a down day and I pump the tunes. Loud. The Violent Femmes, my first choice. Take me back to high school days, London days and other important bookmarks in my life. Mostly I just grab the ipod, plug it into the speakers and put it on shuffle. It works for me. 

Gym. I realise I mentioned working out already but this is another side of working out. This is the place. My gym rocks. It is filled with positive, smiling, inspirational people and always leave there happy. 

Friends. Those far away you know will always be there and are only an email or phone call away. Those close by who seem to know when to rock up with flowers or who you can call on to grab a coffee when you need a bit of a girlie chat. Makes all the difference some days. 

Life is fabulous. So much good stuff in every day if you just grab it. 

Tired Tuesday

I woke up exhausted - one of those nights when I pretty much spent all of my dreams working out. Yup, I said working out. I moved from one gym class to the next all night long. I believe I did an RPM, a Bodystep, a Bodyattack and Bodypump class before training with Kane (though he didn't look like Kane he look like Arnie with blonde dreads - really random). Followed up with a session on the Xtrainer before running home though not without stopping to swim a few laps on the way. The whole time one goal kept my focus. I must get everything done before the Pink Panther theme song starts playing. Friends, family and total strangers cheered me along all the way too, which is always nice. Thanks to those of you who made an appearance. Been a while since I saw some of your faces.

I've been told I exercise in my sleep before. I dream I'm in RPM class all the time. I've woken myself up from pedalling in my bed too or my husband did because I kicked him doing it. Oops! Last night took it to another level. I've been shattered all day.

I like to dream. Tonight I'm hoping to find myself lying on a beach listening to the sea. Tomorrow I can wake up refreshed and with a golden brown tan. I'd be happy with that. 

I'm talking about good vibrations!

Monday almost done and I haven't even told you all about my Sunday yet. Grand Success that it was! I didn't quite crack the 60 minute time I wanted but 61 minutes and 50 seconds isn't too far off. I'm taking it as a success! If only because I improved on my time from last year by around 14 minutes. I'm rounding up, I think, but only because that's too much maths for my brain at this time on a Monday night.  Personal best!

Enough about the numbers and the records - it's the experience that is so uplifting. Lining up with a few friends and 30 odd thousand strangers before Sunrise to run 10 kms is something I'd have called crazy just a couple of short years ago. I'm happy to call myself crazy. People come in all shapes to run. They come dressed as sandwiches - dangerous when running amongst hungry 12 week Challengers - Koalas, superheros,  mask wearers and, of course, we cannot forget the obligatory Storm Trooper. Every event needs a Storm Trooper. 

Must be thousands of different reasons why all these people find themselves freezing at the start line on a crisp Spring morning. Must be so many inspirational stories in that crowd every year. I think it is that energy, that underlying positive vibration that makes the Bridge to Brisbane such a totally awesome experience for me. It leaves me on a high for days afterwards. 30000 positive vibrations flying around how can you not be soaring? It makes me forget how far I'm running, distracts me and propels me to that finish line. In fact, this year like last year I felt I could keep running. That doesn't happen on my normal training runs. I wish I could bottle that energy. Spray it like a sweet perfume on me and everyone that surrounds me everyday. Needless to say I need my next fix and not sure I can wait till next year. 

Check out picture below. Yes, as usual, my eyes are closed in this photo but it was 5:30am on a Sunday - can you blame me?

Me with the Fit Stuff Crew - Bridge to Brisbane 2 Sept 2012 ( http://www.fitstuff.com.au/ )

Catch you tomorrow

x

Sunrise on a Sunday morning

I ran my race today but more about that tomorrow when I'm less tired. Today you get to look at the beautiful sunrise I saw this morning.
Look beyond the random stranger who is about to get his 15 seconds of fame and focus on the horizon. It made waking up at 3:30am almost worth it.

Ssssshhhh Spring is springing!

Music, can't live without it. Listening to a bit of BB King right now. Feeling groovy. Feeling happy. Got my feet tapping and revived my tired self. Thanks BB!

Spring is officially here - she arrived with a Cool Breeze in Cleveland this morning. I thought it rather unsporting of her considering how eagerly her arrival's been anticipated. Perhaps Winter isn't quite ready to leave and decided to linger with a Cool Breeze. Ever notice how we tend to personify the sunny, happy months of Spring and Summer as females and Winter and Autumn as males. Or do I just do that? 

Nevertheless I'm hoping Mr Cool Breeze feels he made his point and departs before tomorrow morning when I shall wake before dawn to run in the 10km Bridge to Brisbane race.

I'm so pumped and excited about this race! I ran it for the first time last year. The first time I ran that far. The first time I ran in any sort of race since primary school. The first time I felt amazing after a run. This year I'm different. I'm fitter, slightly faster and a regular runner these days. I've set myself a goal of running the 10km in 60 minutes or less. Last year I did it in 75 minutes. I'm not a fast runner. I've built up my endurance but speedy I am not. I've accepted that. Doesn't mean I don't want to improve - if you stop improving or stop striving to achieve great and better things then where is the challenge? If it isn't challenging is there any point to doing it? 

Lying in bed would not be challenging. I'd be warm and rested but I'd be fat and unfit. The choice is obvious to me. Watch this space, I will report on  my success tomorrow. 

Signing off now. Going off my head to Belle & Sebastian's 'You're just a baby'. Feeling eclectic tonight. 

Friday fumblings

I almost let myself get away with not writing today. Almost. In fact I went to bed, said my good nights and set my alarm for my very early start. Yet here I find myself. Alone. In the dark. Writing. I felt compelled. Inspiration slapped me in the face. It is hard to sleep when your thoughts won't let you stop thinking about them. It feels good to be doing this again. I've missed it.

So my Friday is done. A good one. I spent time with my gorgeous 3 day old niece, Charlotte. The miracle of life. It is hard not to be in awe of it when you hold a little person in your arms. Through her eyes this old world is brand spanking new. Everything, an adventure for her brain. She is just starting on her story and I wish only for her to have one that ends with a happily ever after.

I know this isn't much but it is something. I feel better. I may be able to sleep now. I've got to be up early for Boot Camp in the morning. Good Night, Good Afternoon and Good morning - pick which one fits your day best but make it the first word that counts.

Thursday Pain

Love Thursday! I start my day as I start every day - to the Pink Panther Theme song. Dadum, Dadum, Dadum Dadum Dadum, Dadum dadummm, dadadadadum. It works for me, makes me smile. My husband wakes up to some tune from Top Gun. Whatever works right?

The reason I love Thursday though is because it is Kane Pain Day! A little background. Kane is my Personal Trainer. I may need to get him to pose for a picture as this blog may make him famous one day. Counting my chickens here. Anyway! He puts me through a painful 30 minute session at least every Thursday and more often when I can afford it. I love it! Love the burn, love the pain for days after and love that I'm getting fitter. 

Perhaps a little more background on me. 2 years and 9 months ago I was 36 kilos heavier than I am now. I ate badly, didn't exercise and enjoyed my Red Wine (um capitals imply I still do and the implication is correct, just less frequent these days). From the age of 10 I've always been going on some diet, some fad, taking some pills, starving myself, throwing up, losing weight, putting it all plus more back on. Endless cycle of fat to thin and back to fat till I was classified obese and hating it. You've all heard this story a thousand times. This time I did something different. I joined a gym. Met Kane. Didn't follow any fad diets- just followed all the rules I've learnt along the way with some guidance from Kane. Made some amazingly supportive friends at the gym. My husband gave me unwavering encouragement and patience. Signed up for 12 week Challenges and Boot Camps and started running. I'm addicted now and there is no going back. This paragraph almost makes it sound easy. It wasn't. It was hard. I did it though. And I'm still going. 

Maybe I should give my Thursday blog a theme - Thankful Thursdays maybe?  Today I'm thankful that I met  Kane. He helped me change my life. 

What are you thankful for today?

Time to start

First day on a new Blog. I'm feeling a little bit daunted. The first impression - they do say - is the lasting one. Deep breath.
I decided it was time to move on from my old Blog. Been so long since I wrote there anyway that it felt a bit like returning to a happy, old life - you feel comfortable, secure but the weight of previous expectations is draped around your shoulders like your favourite Winter TV blanket. I decided I needed to throw off that blanket and, with Spring around the corner, embrace a brand new Blog!

Welcome to the Super Jay Blog!