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Thursday, August 30, 2007

September Sun

August has finished. Month 8 has disappeared down the hole in the middle.

It wasn't been too bad, although bad news on the 10k run - I've twisted my knee, and now it hurts to run. So, unfortunately having to pull out of this one. However, I will keep the exercise up and hopefully do one in the future.
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Last week we went to Bournemouth for a couple of days, which was lovely, and the boys had a great time with their cousin.

They've another cousin due in a couple of weeks, and we'll be heading down again to meet him/her.
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I've noticed that the weather is changing. At least the temperature. Left the house this morning, and my breath was hanging in the air. A noticeable chill. Is Summer (what there was of it) now over?
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Facebook has become an obsession. Friends appear from all over the place, and the applications are great. Fancy a game of Scrabble?
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Only 24 days until we go away. We'll probably be ready for the sun by then, and I'm looking forward to relaxing by the pool; yeah right!
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I've not updated you on the fish for a while. You'll be pleased to know that Mickey the (Gold)Fish is doing very well. His tank is maintained regularly, and I've mastered the art of keeping the water clean. Even visitors have commented on how clear the water is. He seems to be happy; I just need to remember to keep feeding him. Number Three loves sitting next to the tank and peering in.
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On the Stocks and Shares front - the less said the better. The market took a battering, so there isn't much in the pot. However, as I've always maintained; it's for the long-term, so no need to panic.
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Short but sweet; and now there's work to do.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Family Update

Crikey Charlie. You should've woken me. I didn't realise it was so long since my last post. So, what have we been up to.

Well. Last Friday we went to Eureka in Halifax. It's a museum for children - they can touch everything. It's a great place to go, especially when the weather is bad.

On Saturday, I went for a run in the park. It went quite well, and I managed to complete 2 miles. Not the target, but I am certainly getting there.

I went again on Sunday, but it didn't go so well, and then again in the gym yesterday. Tonight I had a rest. Back tomorrow.

Sponsorship is coming along, and I now have about £150. I would like more, and will be canvassing around the office over the coming weeks. My parents have offered £10/km - so there's another £100.
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Saw The Bourne Ultimatum at the cinema on Sunday evening. Like the last one (The Bourne Supremacy) it's very fast paced, with the action moving along swiftly. A great film - well recommended.
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Some friends came round at the weekend to show us their holiday DVD. They've been on a cruise and it looked spectacular. They all said it was their best holiday - ever. We were so jealous; so I picked up some brochures. Well, it costs nothing to dream, does it?
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I'm off work next week, and the 2 oldest are going to stay with my parents, in Bournemouth, for a couple of nights, before we join them. They are sooo excited. I'll let you know how that goes.
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That's all for now. Not a lot else to report. See you soon.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Running Man

We had a lovely weekend. The weather was lovely, and we spent a lot of time outside.
Firstly, at 6.30; I decided to go for a run. Mad. You'd better believe it. I chose the wrong route, and nearly killed myself!

On Saturday we spent the day at Chester Zoo. Not wishing to sound like an advert, it's a fantastic day out, and the kids had a lovely time. We went in to the Bat House, saw the monkeys, elephants, took a boat ride, went on the monorail. Phew! I'm worn out just thinking how much we packed in.

In the evening, we went to see Hairspray. What a good film. It's the sort that you can just let wash over you. No need to think too much about what's happening. The music was great - I'm thinking about downloading some of it.




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On Sunday, I went for another run. This time I was more sensible with the route, and managed to stay relatively flat. I ran 1 whole mile.
Then, I took the boys swimming, so even more exercise. Am I becoming an exercise junkie? I hope not (although I've already planned my route for when we go to Bournemouth later in the month!)

After that, we went to see The Simpsons Movie. What a laugh. Entertainment on all levels. My nephew certainly enjoyed the slapstick elements, and overall it was good fun.

To some friends in the afternoon, then an early night.
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Tonight I went to the gym. Ran 3.5k and it's not getting easier. Should it be? Maybe I need to keep going. Bag is packed ready for tomorrow. Perhaps I should do more running along the road - would that be better for me?
Needless to say, my feet are sore, and I need to wear better socks!!
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Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Training Begins

I've just returned from my first 'real' training session for the 10k run.
When I mean 'real', I refer to the fact this is the first time in the gym since deciding to take part in the charity event. Therefore, by default, it was the first proper session.
Now, by my standards, it was pretty good. I stuck 30 minutes on the time, for a random selection of hills and troughs, at level 2.
I set my speed at 6.4km/h and started jogging away. And do you know what? For the first 20 minutes it wasn't too bad. I pumped away, using my arms to help me; focused on the room in front of me and just kept going.
The last 10 minutes were not so pleasant, and it was then I realised that I need to put a lot more time and effort in, if I am ever to complete 10k. Today I managed: 2.3km. Hmmm!
I'm not too down. For the first time, I was pleased.
Next time, I think I'll forget 'Random' and set the pace on the level. Maybe I was being to ambitious.
There will be hills in the real thing, but I should build up to that, and not head straight in.
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On the sponsorship front, I already have the first few people, and some have even paid - so no pressure there then?
I'm looking to set up a page on justgiving.com - a website that manages charity collections. Once it's set up, I'll publish the details here.
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Tomorrow there'll be more running, and slowly and surely I will build stamina to get to the finish line.

Monday, August 06, 2007

10k Charity Run

I have decided that I will do a 10k run for charity. Yes. Me. I saw the posters in the gym, and thought "why not?"
So, in aid the the Robert Broude Appeal, I will help to raise funds for the Young Oncology Unit at Christies Hospital.

Here is a excerpt from the website:
Since the YOU opened in 1988 there has been a rise in the patient referrals from
a wide catchment area. In 2005 there were more than 2000 admissions to the
YOU for either in-patient or day care.
Robert was not only very intelligent,
but also observant, and recognised the need to expand the very limited day care
area within the unit. Our aim, in conjunction with Professor Tim Eden and
his dedicated team, is to create two treatment beds, and two treatment chairs,
along with all the support. At the moment treatment is being carried out
rather inadequately, on the in-patient ward area.
Expansion of the Day Care
Area will require the recreation area known as the Oasis Room, a fundamental
component of a teenage unit, to be relocated elsewhere in the YOU. The
Oasis Room is for patients and their friends only; it is their space and open 24
hours a day.
The run will take place on 16th September, in Heaton Park.
More details will follow, along with updates on my training.

A Bugs Life

It's been a few days since my last post, so thought it about time to catch up. I'm actually off from work today. The bug that struck my family last week has finally caught up with me.

Another stunning weekend for Lewis Hamilton, and he was lucky to be given pole position due to the nefarious doings of his team mate. A contradiction in terms really - they're not mates at all, and the relationship between them has hit rock bottom.

Still, under the pressure, the boy done good, and held off the attack from Kimi Raikkonen with great maturity.
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We went to the Doctor Who Exhibition on Friday, and the Museum of Science and Industry. It was quite good, if a little over-priced. The boys certainly enjoyed it. Then it was off the The Lowry for lunch, and somehow, we also bought two new suitcases!
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On Saturday we went to the Blue Planet Aquarium, near Chester. Another good place to go. The Baby was excited about seeing the fish, then took the attitude "seen one fish, seen them all". He soon lost interest. There was an interesting show featuring two scuba divers feeding the fish, and the obligatory play area outside.
After that, we made a stop at Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village. It's grown in the few years since we were last there. I bought a pair of running shoes from Nike, and then it was back home.
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Yesterday I met a customer from eBay, to handover some clothes. Saves on the postage, and the PayPal fees. Some friends came round in the afternoon, but I really wasn't in the mood, as I started to feel sick.
Then I was.
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And that's about it. Feeling rotten, so just going to take it easy today.

Keep well.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

August Is 'Ere

So, it's August. Where is the year going?

It has started with a sickness bug doing the rounds; just take a look at this:
  • Monday - The Baby was sick at the dentist
  • Monday Night - The Wife was sick
  • Tuesday - The Wife was sick
  • Tuesday Night - Number One was sick
  • Wednesday - Number One and Number Two were sick (Number One also went to hospital)
  • Wednesday Night - The Baby was sick again!!
Me - I'm the last man standing, hoping not to succumb to the perils of this bug.
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Tried to book a different hotel for the Grand Prix next year. Surprise, surprise - it's booked up. Strange, as it was only available for booking from today. Still, I have a reservation at another hostelry, so no worries there.
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So, in the night, as Number One was settling back down, we noticed that his Nintendo DS Lite was not where it should be. Where was it? What a mystery. Apparently it got into a draw all by itself. Even stranger, it managed to snap itself in two, all on its own!
He eventually admitted that it was he who broke it, albeit in excitement at getting to the next level of a game.
The Wife called Game, who gave a number. Nintendo Support were charming, and for the small price of £25.25p they will either repair or replace. Not bad. Considering I was on eBay this morning and watching a number of items. I'll report on the service when it's returned.
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I can only hope the rest of the month gets better. Stay tuned.

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