From the view of the spectator....
As exhausted as I am from fighting the crowds to get to the front of the barriers at each mile I was expected to be seen, I'll not complain but leave that to those who spent the hours running. (tho Phil and I had to do some sprinting to the DLR / Tube to make our next spots) Thanks Phil for being a great spectator companion! What an inspirational day! ALMOST makes me want to sign up for next year! I mean, hey, if batman/robin, senior citizens, ice cream cones, soldiers in full gear, cancer survivors, Guinness records breakers (for tallest costume, most people linked together) and hundreds of others can do it...I might be talked into it.
From the view of the runner...
"It was an emotional experience, beyond the realms of pain and exhaustion but the memories of yesterday will live me forever and your support from day 1 of training to the big day itself, generous sponsorship, encouragement and huge noise en route inspired me to keep moving and got me across the line.
WE have raised in excess of £2,000 for Children With Leukaemia, helping suffering kids with treatment and supporting their families through their treatment and recovery process. The money is vital to fund investment in treating the condition and every single penny is appreciated. Thank you so much."
THE BEST PART IS ....
The RESULT of yesterdays race - the sideshow of Sir Richard Branson vs Lee Garratty, the source of much amusement at the pub yesterday...
SIR RICHARD:(and I quote...(from the official marathon website)
"Sir Richard himself crossed the line 5:02:24 surrounded by his team of celebrities"
VERSUS
LEE GARRATTY; 04:57:03
Yes, that's right Team Garratty fans, he smashed Branson by a full 5 minutes! WOHOO.
AND SOME CHOICE PHOTOS
Showing posts with label LEE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LEE. Show all posts
didnt stop!
OK all! I DID IT!!! I ran in a 10K (with minimal practice due to cold weather and ...well, im a wimp). I competed with 331 others and placed 209th! Not that I was really concerned at all with placement, just the shear fact that id finish without walking was the motive….and I DID! under an hour! I ran it in 58.35 according to my ankle chip. WOHOO
I've been trolling thru the photos to find a good one (there was only one to find anyway) but the site has a copy protection on it, so I cant share even with the watermark. I ran with my killer Boston Red Sox army hat (thank you Katie for the sweet purchase) and my old school JL's (must have been pulling some competitiveness from my rowing days).
Lee ran the half marathon while I was doing the 10K and for the first 7.5K the two races merged. Of course my steady turtle pace kept to the left as the sprinters took to the right, well, the left, and it felt like from the top and bottom too! There was a good 5-10minutes of peace before the hoards of marathoners were unleashed on us. I kept looking for Lee to pass as he's a much faster runner than I, but he had started too far back to pass me before the split. Lee finished the half in 2hours and 16 seconds. He’s right on track for the London Marathon – which he’s planning to finish under 4hours. (yes, of course, finish at all!)
I think i'll take a break from running and head back to the gym, the pool, the dance studio, the art studio... anything but! Ill be sure to have the biggest most obnoxious sign for Lee for the marathon though. Cheerleading isnt my thing, but i can sure make a scene when i want to! .....maybe I'll dress up like sonic the hedgehog or a banana or cow like a few of the half marathoners did on Saturday.
I've been trolling thru the photos to find a good one (there was only one to find anyway) but the site has a copy protection on it, so I cant share even with the watermark. I ran with my killer Boston Red Sox army hat (thank you Katie for the sweet purchase) and my old school JL's (must have been pulling some competitiveness from my rowing days).
Lee ran the half marathon while I was doing the 10K and for the first 7.5K the two races merged. Of course my steady turtle pace kept to the left as the sprinters took to the right, well, the left, and it felt like from the top and bottom too! There was a good 5-10minutes of peace before the hoards of marathoners were unleashed on us. I kept looking for Lee to pass as he's a much faster runner than I, but he had started too far back to pass me before the split. Lee finished the half in 2hours and 16 seconds. He’s right on track for the London Marathon – which he’s planning to finish under 4hours. (yes, of course, finish at all!)
I think i'll take a break from running and head back to the gym, the pool, the dance studio, the art studio... anything but! Ill be sure to have the biggest most obnoxious sign for Lee for the marathon though. Cheerleading isnt my thing, but i can sure make a scene when i want to! .....maybe I'll dress up like sonic the hedgehog or a banana or cow like a few of the half marathoners did on Saturday.
HELP SPONSOR LEE!!!!
This is his first attempt at the 26 mile distance. Over the past few months he's been putting in the training miles and will be rigorously training from now until the big event. His aim is to raise a huge amount for the charity CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA and to complete the course in a sub-4 hour time. To achieve the second part of his goal, he will be training 6 days a week.
To fulfill the first part, well that's where you come in!
ANY donations and sponsorships will be much appreciated.
CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION
Leukaemia is cancer of the blood. It’s not hereditary. You can’t catch it. Yet, alarmingly, leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer.
What started as a small memorial charity is now the UK’s leading charity dedicated to the conquest of childhood leukaemia through pioneering research, new treatments and the support of leukaemia children and their families.
Fifty years ago, leukaemia was a virtual death sentence. Tremendous advances in treatment and care mean that four out of five affected children now survive. However, alarmingly, incidence of leukaemia has also increased steadily during the past fifty years and the treatments, which include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and bone marrow transplants, can themselves cause severe problems in the young children whose lives they save.
Thanks to the generous support of the public, many areas of research and treatment are being investigated and progressed. Teams of researchers funded by CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA are working towards the development of more effective, less punishing treatments which will not only drive up the survival rate still further but will reduce the risk of serious side-effects.
CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA is determined to find out more about the causes of childhood leukaemia and through an annual grants programme, project funding is awarded to researchers around the world investigating why children develop leukaemia. While research is the key to protecting future generations, the charity never forgets about the children who are suffering today and what work can be done to ease the burden on children and families who are struggling through the long months and years of treatment. The Paul O’Gorman Patient Hotel at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, one of the recently funded projects, provides accommodation for families who are traveling to and from London for outpatient appointments and helps to avoid the difficulties of attending treatments.
With administration costs kept to a minimum, you can be sure that when you support CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA, your money will be put to good use immediately in the fight to save young lives.
Both Lee and I thank you in advance for your support and kind donations.
FIRST STEP TO FAB..
What are the first steps in feeling wonderful? GOOD PRODUCTS. (ok, your right, it's really eating healthy ... start from the inside out, yes? but today, the last of my 20's we're talking outside in.)
2008 i made my first ever New Years resolution list and for the most part i followed everything on that list. I've slacked a bit since my move (i havent had one mani/pedi here yet!) At the top of that life changing list included using better products; hair, face, body - and thanks to Lee for my Aveda gift baggy I can continue my ways of feeling beautiful and as fabulous as i do on the inside!!
now...where's that snickers bar ....
2008 i made my first ever New Years resolution list and for the most part i followed everything on that list. I've slacked a bit since my move (i havent had one mani/pedi here yet!) At the top of that life changing list included using better products; hair, face, body - and thanks to Lee for my Aveda gift baggy I can continue my ways of feeling beautiful and as fabulous as i do on the inside!!
now...where's that snickers bar ....
BOSTON-LONDON in 3 DAYS
I am pretty lucky to have such an awesome sis. To start the month celebrations of my 20's ending Christina flew over to London for a weekend. Yep - just a short Friday - Sunday trip. Here's the low down and a few photos from our adventures!
(if you didnt know yet, anything shown in the text as YELLOW you can click on to read more about that which is highlighted)
FRIDAY
I arrived at the airport just in time to meet Christina already out of the gates! Her flight was early and T5 got her through customs and such in a giffy! (though i heard it took it a while to get there! the first month it was open i heard it was a nightmare!) I would have been there in plenty of time had everything been a normal flight day. 8:45am landing - she would have been out of customs and baggage claims around 9:45am at the earliest! well i was there at 9:15am. Christina had come out at 9:05am. oops. Next time ill get there earlier so we can both enjoy the excitement and big hugs when you walk thru the baggage claim exit and into the arms of the waiting crowds.
Well, OK .. so CHRISTINA IS IN LONDON! WOHOOOO.
We hop on the Tube and head to her hotel the Novotel Tower Bridge - which i HIGHLY recommend - drop the bags and hit a pub for a Full English Breakfast. A full English breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, black pudding (or mushrooms), bacon, baked beans, hash browns, and half a tomato. Though we both chose the mushroom instead of the blood pudding. (eww).
After a quick check into the room we walk over to TOWER OF LONDON where we gooed over the royal crown jewels; the many crowns, the scepters, orbs, swords, rings, spurs, robes dishware and other extremely shiny items connected with the coronation ceremonies and other state functions. All of course displayed in magnificent cases stored in a mega vault. (No photos are allowed here, but alas online you can see lots of photos anyways.. here's on NOT taken by me...
(Christina ready for action!)
The Henry VIII's Dressed to Kill exhibit was FANTASTIC - again no photos were allowed here, however lets just say that a select few of his body armour's were male suggestive - i'll guess these were early forms of the jock strap.
After a quick shower and change we met Lee after work for a few drinks and dinner. First to the NatWest Tower to have a drink at the bar Rhodes24, then to another bar (no idea the name or where it was!) then off to Dim T an Asian fusion restaurant for dinner with a view of the Thames, and Tower Bridge. The food was fantastic - the service awful. I wouldn't even say mediocre, just awful. Dinner took 3 hours - good thing the company was fantastic!
SATURDAY
We wanted to get up and have a full day of touring before meeting Lee's family for dinner in Wimbledon village and friends out in Clapham, so we got up ready to go and double decker tour bus it for the day. Turns out to be the the coldest day of the year so far! We were frozen! We made it one stop when we decided to take the tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theater - another London item i HIGHLY recommend! Christina really wanted to take this tour since 15 years ago when she was here last - it want built! Yes, that's right, it's a replica. But they hold plays here as well - which Lee and I will plan to see one next season (as they shut next week until April...but for the first time this year will be showing plays over Christmas-so this might be an idea).
We spent the rest of the cold afternoon riding on the bus listening to the history from the bus guide - bur more from Lee! The bus tour is a great way to see lots of sections of London (even though they drive by quickly things you might want to look at longer) but at any point you can get off the bus and get on at the same or other spots.
SUNDAY
We slept in. Big time. We needed it. Today was a day of shopping and less tourism. We did end up on Oxford Street - my least favorite shopping area due to the crowds, but Christina was able to score two shirts at the Camdon Town markets and a killer jacket before we had to head to the airport to check her in.
The trip was short but sweet. Next time i'll take Christina outside of London City to see some of the wonders of Greater London.
LOVE YOU SIS!
(if you didnt know yet, anything shown in the text as YELLOW you can click on to read more about that which is highlighted)
FRIDAY
I arrived at the airport just in time to meet Christina already out of the gates! Her flight was early and T5 got her through customs and such in a giffy! (though i heard it took it a while to get there! the first month it was open i heard it was a nightmare!) I would have been there in plenty of time had everything been a normal flight day. 8:45am landing - she would have been out of customs and baggage claims around 9:45am at the earliest! well i was there at 9:15am. Christina had come out at 9:05am. oops. Next time ill get there earlier so we can both enjoy the excitement and big hugs when you walk thru the baggage claim exit and into the arms of the waiting crowds.
Well, OK .. so CHRISTINA IS IN LONDON! WOHOOOO.
We hop on the Tube and head to her hotel the Novotel Tower Bridge - which i HIGHLY recommend - drop the bags and hit a pub for a Full English Breakfast. A full English breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, black pudding (or mushrooms), bacon, baked beans, hash browns, and half a tomato. Though we both chose the mushroom instead of the blood pudding. (eww).
After a quick check into the room we walk over to TOWER OF LONDON where we gooed over the royal crown jewels; the many crowns, the scepters, orbs, swords, rings, spurs, robes dishware and other extremely shiny items connected with the coronation ceremonies and other state functions. All of course displayed in magnificent cases stored in a mega vault. (No photos are allowed here, but alas online you can see lots of photos anyways.. here's on NOT taken by me...
Below are some choice photos of our Tower of London 3 hour tour. (YES...we got the guided tour headset - very educational!)
(see anne's creepy shadow!)
The Henry VIII's Dressed to Kill exhibit was FANTASTIC - again no photos were allowed here, however lets just say that a select few of his body armour's were male suggestive - i'll guess these were early forms of the jock strap.
After a quick shower and change we met Lee after work for a few drinks and dinner. First to the NatWest Tower to have a drink at the bar Rhodes24, then to another bar (no idea the name or where it was!) then off to Dim T an Asian fusion restaurant for dinner with a view of the Thames, and Tower Bridge. The food was fantastic - the service awful. I wouldn't even say mediocre, just awful. Dinner took 3 hours - good thing the company was fantastic!
SATURDAY
We wanted to get up and have a full day of touring before meeting Lee's family for dinner in Wimbledon village and friends out in Clapham, so we got up ready to go and double decker tour bus it for the day. Turns out to be the the coldest day of the year so far! We were frozen! We made it one stop when we decided to take the tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theater - another London item i HIGHLY recommend! Christina really wanted to take this tour since 15 years ago when she was here last - it want built! Yes, that's right, it's a replica. But they hold plays here as well - which Lee and I will plan to see one next season (as they shut next week until April...but for the first time this year will be showing plays over Christmas-so this might be an idea).
We spent the rest of the cold afternoon riding on the bus listening to the history from the bus guide - bur more from Lee! The bus tour is a great way to see lots of sections of London (even though they drive by quickly things you might want to look at longer) but at any point you can get off the bus and get on at the same or other spots.
After a quick nap shower and change we were on the Tube headed to Wimbledon to have drinks/dinner with The Garratty's in Wimbledon Village. After a good fish n chips in the Dog and Fox we headed off to the Goat in Clapham to meet Lee's crowd. THANKS FOR COMING OUT GUYS! - big thanks for Kelly and Jeff for coming so far!!
SUNDAY
We slept in. Big time. We needed it. Today was a day of shopping and less tourism. We did end up on Oxford Street - my least favorite shopping area due to the crowds, but Christina was able to score two shirts at the Camdon Town markets and a killer jacket before we had to head to the airport to check her in.
The trip was short but sweet. Next time i'll take Christina outside of London City to see some of the wonders of Greater London.
LOVE YOU SIS!
BIKE THE THAMES
After weeks of talking about it, the timing yesterday was perfect for an afternoon of cycling the path along the Thames. The weather was wonderful! People were out walking, cycling, having picnics, and just enjoying the perfect afternoon. Starting from the house, we biked to Richmond upon Thames, followed the paths along the river to Hampton Court Palace (see the photo). We'll do the tour of Hampton Court Palace in the winter, but if you can see behind me in this photo how perfect the gardens are...very well kept. All in all i think we biked a little over 15 miles, just a leisurely ride to see the houses and boats along that part of the River. OH..i saw two scullers today! (I haven't been on a very good look out to be honest, nor have I been scouting the River daily for rowers, but non the less, I was happy to see they were out there). The next path we'll do is to walk the 8 miles from the London Eye to Putney (where Lee was born) then the 10 miles from Putney to New Malden. Anyone want to join?
Me outside the back gates of Hampton Court Palace.
We snuck a nap in at the banks (well, Lee napped, I took silly photos)
Cheesy Smile on the Kingston Bridge on our way home.
NEXT STEP - IRONMAN!
Lee completed the London Duatholon today for the Chelsea and Westminster Health Charities. After two dedicated months of running, cycling and eating well, Lee ran 10K, biked 20K and ran 5K to finish in an overall time of 02.04.48. Out of 3,000+ competitors, Lee finished within the top 30% placing 1060th. I'm so proud!I might acutally try running a bit more and enter the Kingston breakfast run coming up October 11th.... hmmmm.... 8.2K sounds far ... I'm a running wimp, yet standing around today watching men and woman of all ages, color and sizes complete such a long race, well, it made me feel lazy.
Oh ... and I saw the tallest man i've ever seen before. He of course had a rowing jacket on... (see the guy in the yellow jacket!) 6'9" - 7'0" ?...
BBC PROMS
In preparation for Lee's Duathlon tomorrow (details and photos on that to come tomorrow!) we are having a very relaxing evening in, watching the last night of the BBC's aunnual Proms. (aka Promenade Concert) Held at the Royal Albert Hall, conducted by David Robertson, this symphony orchestra performance is seen world wide. Are you watching?!
While the Royal Albert Hall is filled with the better dressed - even though there is NO dress code! - for 5pounds you can watch on big screen in parks in Country Down, Glasgow, Swansea and of course London's Hyde Park (Bring your chairs and warm clothes of course!) We of course are cozy at home watching on TV.
I haven't figured out how to put a video on here yet, but click this link below to watch a performance from 2008.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7geFBbda-g
A little history for you; This is the 115th year the concert has run, the first on the 10th of August, 1895.
While the Royal Albert Hall is filled with the better dressed - even though there is NO dress code! - for 5pounds you can watch on big screen in parks in Country Down, Glasgow, Swansea and of course London's Hyde Park (Bring your chairs and warm clothes of course!) We of course are cozy at home watching on TV.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7geFBbda-g
A little history for you; This is the 115th year the concert has run, the first on the 10th of August, 1895.
RAIFE, ERYNN and THE COAST
I've had my first Bank Holiday Weekend here in the UK. Yep, I'll rub it in now...there are 3(?) bank holidays per year, regular Holiday days and anywhere from 5 to 6 weeks and upwards of 'vacation' time from work. It's like being in school again! So much time off! hahahahah bye bye 12 measly days off (that would be 12 holiday, vacation days and sick time altogether!)
So, Sunday we had another Christening - this time it was a double hit! Stu and Donna Baxter had their children Raife and Erynn christened at the same time. Lee is Godfather to both! (poor children!)
RAIFE ERYNN
But what a day. Really I think any excuse for the Brits to have an all day affair at the pub they take it. So 12:45pm pick up to go to the church. 2pm ceremony. 3:00pm at the pub. 1:15am home from the pub. I'm not used to it yet, nor do I think I'll be able to!
Monday (the Holiday!) Lee and I went to Southend on Sea with Jeff, Kelly and little Ella. Southend on sea...how can I explain, as I didn't take my camera...hmmm...it has to be seen to be believed I think, but try to imagine the Jersey Shore, Vegas, and old school traveling carnival rides fit into one. It was PACKED with people, kids, and motorcycles.
So, Sunday we had another Christening - this time it was a double hit! Stu and Donna Baxter had their children Raife and Erynn christened at the same time. Lee is Godfather to both! (poor children!)
RAIFE ERYNN
Monday (the Holiday!) Lee and I went to Southend on Sea with Jeff, Kelly and little Ella. Southend on sea...how can I explain, as I didn't take my camera...hmmm...it has to be seen to be believed I think, but try to imagine the Jersey Shore, Vegas, and old school traveling carnival rides fit into one. It was PACKED with people, kids, and motorcycles.
THE ENGLISH WAY
What a wonderful weekend to share!
Lee and I hired a car to go camping in the New Forest National Park this weekend. Home of hundreds of (pregnant) wild horses, cows, deer, small villages, and great bike and walking paths. So Friday afternoon Lee and I packed the car with our tent, sleeping bags, chairs, food for a few days and packs with hiking gear (frustrating for me a bit since all my hiking gear stills sits in my parents basement closet). Two and a bit hours after leaving the house and hitting some traffic we came to the New Forest and found our camp ground for the weekend....ah, but it wouldn't be a good story without a twist here! SOOO .. the one which we were recommended to stay at required each camping group to have their own chemical toilet. Right. So off we went to find a store that bought one (thinking we'd buy one to have with no intentions of using it, return it on the way out or sell it on ebay later maybe for a profit!) Well, of course by this time the stores have shut in the villages, and the camp grounds are starting to fill up quickly (it's school vacation week and there were plenty of campers!) FINALLY after driving around and talking with 3 or so camp grounds, we were told to go to Pondhead Farm. Yep, a farm. A real one too! On the way in there was a very large cow to great us (the same cow who's moo's were very stern and territorial). With no showers and lots of brown patches on the ground to be weary about, we set up camp for two nights.
Our final camp site :: Pondhead Farm.
Night #1.
Rain. Guess what... I dont have ANY rain gear. flip flops; that's about it. BUT, with no lamps or big flashlights (aka torches) when the sun goes down, so do we. With every intention on getting up with the sun and starting our day early to hike several miles of the New Forest we slept as bundled as we could - it was very cold this night #1.
SO. Saturday morning comes and goes. The rooster crows and the angry cow moo's her head off. 9:30am I think we finally got our butts into gear.
Following paths thru trees and wooded areas, thru open fields and rolling hills we hiked about 14 miles when the day was finished. Here are some choice photos...
WILD COWS
WILD HORSES
The super bright caterpillar we made sure crossed the road without getting hit (there were 3 cars that came REALLY close)
Super cool pathway
The old lady walking her dog. Almost everyone we passed had a dog or two with them.
WELL .. it doesnt get more English than Tea and scones, right? Here they call it cream tea. That would be tea. scones. clotted cream (to put on the scones) and jam. Very filling. Very tasty - coming from a coffee person..oh, and I highly dislike jam. eww.
Night #2.
Too tired to stay awake to enjoy the beautiful non-rain weather! We watched the sun go over the farm hill we were staying on and with the daylight gone, so were we. 8:30pm I think!? Mom you would be so proud.
All rested and smelling lovely, we decided to head to the coast to Milford on Sea (aka Gods waiting room) for a run and a dip in the ocean. How people swim in water this cold in beyond me, yet there were plenty of swimmers...I got knee deep-ish and dipped my head. Since the weather was gorgeous we stayed the day on the rocky beaches getting some sun and walking the cliff paths.
Typical beach houses to rent for your day at the beach.
All showered and back to city life, I'm missing that mean old cow...
Night #1.
Rain. Guess what... I dont have ANY rain gear. flip flops; that's about it. BUT, with no lamps or big flashlights (aka torches) when the sun goes down, so do we. With every intention on getting up with the sun and starting our day early to hike several miles of the New Forest we slept as bundled as we could - it was very cold this night #1.
SO. Saturday morning comes and goes. The rooster crows and the angry cow moo's her head off. 9:30am I think we finally got our butts into gear.
Following paths thru trees and wooded areas, thru open fields and rolling hills we hiked about 14 miles when the day was finished. Here are some choice photos...
WILD COWS
WILD HORSES
The super bright caterpillar we made sure crossed the road without getting hit (there were 3 cars that came REALLY close)
Super cool pathway
The old lady walking her dog. Almost everyone we passed had a dog or two with them.
WELL .. it doesnt get more English than Tea and scones, right? Here they call it cream tea. That would be tea. scones. clotted cream (to put on the scones) and jam. Very filling. Very tasty - coming from a coffee person..oh, and I highly dislike jam. eww.
Night #2.
Too tired to stay awake to enjoy the beautiful non-rain weather! We watched the sun go over the farm hill we were staying on and with the daylight gone, so were we. 8:30pm I think!? Mom you would be so proud.
All rested and smelling lovely, we decided to head to the coast to Milford on Sea (aka Gods waiting room) for a run and a dip in the ocean. How people swim in water this cold in beyond me, yet there were plenty of swimmers...I got knee deep-ish and dipped my head. Since the weather was gorgeous we stayed the day on the rocky beaches getting some sun and walking the cliff paths.
Typical beach houses to rent for your day at the beach.
All showered and back to city life, I'm missing that mean old cow...
ITS OFFICIAL
Today is the start of football season. Today I should start feeling how living in London will really be. (off-season they talk about the season past the season coming and all things football anyways) Indeed I am watching the (Chelsea vs Hull) game on TV and Lee is in attendance, so we'll see how attached I get.
On a funnier note, I went out to lunch yesterday and saw a man wearing these (see photo) WHAT?! What ARE they? Are they shoes, are they socks, are they those booties you wear in the ocean? He was certainly not in any work out gear, rather jeans and a smart top. I think he was German? Lucky i caught him in a check out line so i could snap the shot! I felt like asking him what the heck they were and did he really think they were trendy...but thought better of it and just watched with awe and snapped my shot. (which I've just realized that I can not retrieve from my phone as I left the software in the states. poop. so here's a photo from stock images online)
In case you wanted to buy these of so pretty shoes, I've found a site here in the UK which sell them. Happy Buying!
In case you wanted to buy these of so pretty shoes, I've found a site here in the UK which sell them. Happy Buying!
GETTING SKINNY...
So I turn 30 in a few months.... yes, yes..all jokes can be directed to me this year... and I've set myself a target on being in the best health that I've ever been. Changed eating habits. More working out... I'm already seeing results. Pants are loose, tummy is flatter, cheeks and chins have disappeared ... Last year during my mono battle I was so determined to get healthy and into amazing shape but was defeated by the sleeping needs and low energy. Now that I'm fully recovered (thanks to vitamin B and a lot of sleep) both Lee and I are health and fitness crazy.... minus the Diary Milk bar we just shared! shhh dont tell! Lee is training to do a duathalon and then hopefully the London Marathon. I am just a training partner....no competitions for me (yet). So yesterday we went for the longest run I've done since my collegiate rowing days. 40 minutes (i know it's not that long) around New Malden and Coombe.. up and down mega hills, thru parks, under the A3, and around many neighborhoods. (mind you, Lee is 6'4" and has a stride like a deer... so my little legs were working twice as hard to keep up!) The running part was fine. The breathing part was fine. The blisters from breaking in new shoes by walking around London were not so fine. My feet... oh the sight of them....have been 1 week in healing and will need a lot more time for the skin to replace itself. gross.
3 months to go... you'll see. I'll be a new me.
LONDON BRIDGE IS NOT FALLING DOWN...
At least not yet it isn't!
You may all be very mad at me, for I haven't taken any cool photos ...yet...SORRY!!
I've taken some, but they aren't of much to post here. The weather was off and on this weekend with showers and cloudiness so I barely event took the camera out. Besides, I was in a car for most of the days and I'm not a fan of taking pictures from inside a moving vehicle.
SO... what to note from the weekend. Well, Lee was able to take me around and show me Hyde Park, drive over London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Putney Bridge, take me thru Fulham, Kings Road, Knightbridge, ...areas from South West London to North London... (for all my rowing buddies... Putney Bridge is the finish line of the famous Oxford vs Cambridge! now i know where to set up to watch!!)
I walked around the shops in Richmond upon Thames while Lee had to run a job. To end, we had a nice Thai dinner in Fulham and Lee showed me all the pubs he's usually in during Chelsea days.
Sunday, we hung out in Wimbledon Village for a quick lunch...
before returning home to create a presentation for a job interview... We unfortunately missed out on a friend's baby christening, but life admin is truly taking the lead.
The UK's economy isn't hurting as much as it is in the States, however many fields are on a massive hold for new hires. With a positive outlook and an open mind I'm back at the job hunt for the week.
Oh... and some great news! My 2000 Audi A4 has found a new owner. I will miss it, but since this new owner is close to home, I can always catch a ride as a passenger now! Happy driving!
before returning home to create a presentation for a job interview... We unfortunately missed out on a friend's baby christening, but life admin is truly taking the lead.
The UK's economy isn't hurting as much as it is in the States, however many fields are on a massive hold for new hires. With a positive outlook and an open mind I'm back at the job hunt for the week.
Oh... and some great news! My 2000 Audi A4 has found a new owner. I will miss it, but since this new owner is close to home, I can always catch a ride as a passenger now! Happy driving!
FEELING AT HOME
It's been just a week that I've been in London non and I'm starting to feel at home. Not only have I fully unpacked, applied for numerous jobs, seen some sights, done some shopping, I got the pleasure of seeing some choice photos of Lee (like this one!)
dressed as Ponch from the lovely 70's TV show Chips. ooooo we all remember that show! You LIE if you say you didnt watch it!
ALSO..
I cooked dinner for the Garratty's ... a little thank you for everything. I made a nice cucumber and tomato salad, then homemade pesto (see photo) and strawberry's in Kahlua - this is soooo good.
Well it seems they liked it... and no one had died yet, so that's a good sign! OOOOHH i wish there were leftovers...
dressed as Ponch from the lovely 70's TV show Chips. ooooo we all remember that show! You LIE if you say you didnt watch it!
ALSO..
I cooked dinner for the Garratty's ... a little thank you for everything. I made a nice cucumber and tomato salad, then homemade pesto (see photo) and strawberry's in Kahlua - this is soooo good.
Well it seems they liked it... and no one had died yet, so that's a good sign! OOOOHH i wish there were leftovers...
PACKING FOR LONDON
PACKING UP!!! I fly to London in just 6 days!!!!
let me tell you how hard it is to pack within the baggage limitations!
2 bags. under 50lbs each. ugh... really!?
...now we are talking shoes, bags, clothes, toiletries ... everything! I know this is only round 1 to bring stuff to London .. but ugh, to chose...
my round 1 weight distribution test ...
Amazing ... to think that just over a year ago I was in Atlanta Georgia, unhappy and thinking about moving to home to Boston to "start over"...but NOW!!! I'm moving to London to "start a life"!
If only I could make packing MY JOB!!!!!! I do LOVE it :) and OHHHH how many good secrets I have for packing!!! (just ask Lee!) ... hmmmmmmmmm .... back to packing!!
my round 1 weight distribution test ...
Amazing ... to think that just over a year ago I was in Atlanta Georgia, unhappy and thinking about moving to home to Boston to "start over"...but NOW!!! I'm moving to London to "start a life"!
If only I could make packing MY JOB!!!!!! I do LOVE it :) and OHHHH how many good secrets I have for packing!!! (just ask Lee!) ... hmmmmmmmmm .... back to packing!!
Lee meets Uncle Sam.
What a Month! Wow. New York to South Beach. Atlanta and Boston. Friends and loved ones .. He's met them all!
New York via the Brooklyn Bridge
I met Lee in New York after his 3 month South America adventures. Oh the stories he has from there! (just ask him about Bolivia!) NYC is as busy and as beautiful as it ever was. Constant action and so much to do! We walked it all too! Central Park, Battery Park and over the Brooklyn Bridge. If you are going to do the tower view, we HIGHLY recommend the Rockefeller Tower over the Empire State. No lines and there are 3 viewing decks - all outside as well!
Lee with my cousin Austin's lizard on his shoulder in Deerfield Beach Florida.
Naples, South Beach-Miami, Deerfield Beach and Parkland - not too bad for a 4 day trip to South Florida. A dive trip was turned to a fishing trip due to weather and the needed beach days were turned to shopping and sightseeing. All good fun non-the-less.
Memorial Day on Cape Cod ... well, does this even need explanation! Lee tried his first ever Main Lobster :) No lazy man lobster either .. all the utensils, the butter, and of course the bib were needed for this historic experience!
Atlanta to see old friends and check on my un-sold condo. Then back to Boston for a little sight-seeing..
If you are from Boston, seeing Boston for the first time, or just there for the day, the Duck tour hands down is the most entertaining hour spent sitting down. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
Lee is headed back to London (home for the first time in 18 months!) this coming Sat. Soon it'll be my turn for the life tour of London and surrounding areas.
New York via the Brooklyn Bridge
I met Lee in New York after his 3 month South America adventures. Oh the stories he has from there! (just ask him about Bolivia!) NYC is as busy and as beautiful as it ever was. Constant action and so much to do! We walked it all too! Central Park, Battery Park and over the Brooklyn Bridge. If you are going to do the tower view, we HIGHLY recommend the Rockefeller Tower over the Empire State. No lines and there are 3 viewing decks - all outside as well!
Lee with my cousin Austin's lizard on his shoulder in Deerfield Beach Florida.
Naples, South Beach-Miami, Deerfield Beach and Parkland - not too bad for a 4 day trip to South Florida. A dive trip was turned to a fishing trip due to weather and the needed beach days were turned to shopping and sightseeing. All good fun non-the-less.
Memorial Day on Cape Cod ... well, does this even need explanation! Lee tried his first ever Main Lobster :) No lazy man lobster either .. all the utensils, the butter, and of course the bib were needed for this historic experience!
Atlanta to see old friends and check on my un-sold condo. Then back to Boston for a little sight-seeing..
If you are from Boston, seeing Boston for the first time, or just there for the day, the Duck tour hands down is the most entertaining hour spent sitting down. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone!
Lee is headed back to London (home for the first time in 18 months!) this coming Sat. Soon it'll be my turn for the life tour of London and surrounding areas.
May plans..
...cuz everyone needs to know right!
May 9. Meet Lee in NYC!!! stay until the 13th. - bus or trains to Worcester. Hang in the Shrews for a night or two. Fly to Fort Myers (this isnt purchased yet) We'll be back in the Boston area by Thursday the 21st for a Sox Game. WOHOO. Cape Cod for the weekend, as it's Memorial Day Weekend...and really, what is better than Cape Cod that weekend with my siblings, boating, fishing, and general debauchery! Wed the 27th we fly to ATL (this IS purchased!) see all my peep's there until Monday the 1st we fly back to Boston. Head to Newport for a day or so? Lee flys to London (?????????) that's a surprise....
Hope along the way i'll get to see YOU
Hope along the way i'll get to see YOU
Inspirational people
I’ve just chatted with Lee after his hike in the Peruvian Mountains! He’s told me that along with a few other 20-30 year olds, an 88 year old woman from America was a part of his group. For those who have done the Inca Trails and watched sunrise at Macchu Picchu you may sympathize with the trail difficulties, I however can only go by his stories. This woman I find amazing, however, traveling alone and doing such physically challenging activates at such an age….and apparently she was smoking Lee on the trail! Haha.
There are certainly people who inspire us daily, like our mothers, sisters, friends who rarely get the pat on the back they need. Take a moment today to call that person who’s inspired you and tell them just so.
My call goes to ……
Ring ring!
Lee's birthday's festivities
This was Lee's 31st birthday weekend (oops.. i mean 27th birthday) and since we are 12-16 hours ahead of the UK/USA we celebrated all weekend! After a fantastic fish meal at Jordan's in Darling Harbour Friday night, we tried our luck at the Star City Casino just for a laugh. Well, it's not actually "funny" watching the dealers take your chips faster than you order a drink. About 15 minutes after sitting at a roullete table, quickly losing our allocation gambling money we decided that watching was better for us than playing. And what a scene! Filled with Asians, the casino floor was non stop!
Saturday we had a crew of about 15 out for drinks at a really nice bar called Fringe. There happened to be two separate dress up parties there the same time. From Catwoman to Ace Ventura to Rambo, the bar was filled with all sorts of costumes which really made the night fun.
Sunday after a bit of recovery from Friday nights loss and Saturdays party, Lee and I went to Watson's Bay to enjoy the afternoon in the park and watch the early part of the sunset. Overlooking the Sydney Harbour with some fish and chips in hand, we watched kids run around and boats doing what they do best...float. We caught a ferry back to Circular Quay and walked around the Botanical Gardens to get our seats for the Open Air movie. Lee had gotten us tickets as a Christmas present.
St.George's OpenAir Cinema in Lady Macquaire's Chair hands down is the best January event Sydney has to offer. A giant screen that sits out in the water (which raises just before the 8:30pm movie showing) overlooks the Botanical Gardens, the opera house, bridge and Sydeny's panoramic city vista. Lee bought us tickets for Christmas to see 'Man on Wire', a documentary style film on Parisian Philippe Petit's daring yet illegal stunt between NY's World Trade towers in 1974. He also illegally set up wires to walk/entertain on the bell towers of Paris's Notre Dame and between two pillars of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Wikipedia him to find out more about this crazy but amazing man.
We have more to look forward to this month .. but the BIG one, two weeks from now, OUR DIVE TRIP .. will really be the icing on my Australian cake.
Big Ups to Sydney - 2009
Sydney really likes it festivals! January is a month with outdoor cinema’s, concerts, performances, art, dance and pure celebrations! January 10th “Streets of Sydney” kicked it off in style with free outdoor set-ups all over the city. From Martin Place (the city’s business district) to the Domain (part of the Botanical Garden) there were stages with constant DJ’s, dance performances, and main acts. Choosing which to attend was more difficult than walking to get there!
Lee and I decided to skip the children’s activities during the day, in Hyde Park, and instead test our bodies with an extremely hilly run on the infamous Bondi to Coggie ocean walk. (See below on my blog for the ‘Sculpture by the Sea”). Wow even with the best views in the world I still despise running….
Around 6PM we hit the streets of Sydney along with 50,000 or so people to check out what the stages offered. We heard some salsa and waltz from a big band ‘The Festoons Big Band’ in Hyde Park on our way to watch the dance teams in Martin Place (modern aboriginal dance groups to modern jazz to STOMP-like acts to a Caipoiera routine! (Caipoiera for those who don’t know, is a Brazilian style of dance which mimics fighting. This I would have to argue is the hardest style of dance/athletics!) .. there even was a Michael Jackson tribute dance team!!
The Gypsy Kings and Queens, SoulShaker DJ, Santogold, Mission Control were some of the acts, just to name a few.
On the main stage in the Domian, we got there in time to see the end of The Cat Power’s two hour set and stayed to hear the DJ Mr. Scruff (Mr. Scruff’s song ‘Get a Move On’ was the background music for the SUV, Lincoln Navigator, commercial in/around 2004-2005. Nana and I used to dance to the commercial every time it came on! I KNOW if you heard the song you would recognize it…go ahead, YouTube it!) We did not stay, however, for the main event – Grace Jones! The crowds got the best of me.
This week we have a few outdoor big screen movies to look forward to! Some are free and others required very quick internet purchases as tickets sold out within minutes! Run Lola Run, Australia, Quantum of Solace, Man on Wire…. What a way to wind down my Australian six month adventure.
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