Running with friends

Besides actually sticking to most of my plans, I've stuck to my long runs best. 

Last weekend I hosted a big fat reunion - 13 adults and 14 kids (from 4 months to 15 years) at our house in Woolpit. Awe. Some. 

The group was perfect in every respect. Everyone pitched in - whether cooking, cleaning up, parenting or resting - everyone had their turn with no fuss. 

The kids were also awesome - the older ones caring for the younger ones and generally everyone playing together!

And the running- after a late, alcohol fouled Friday night, four of us geared up for a 9km run. A slow, chatty run - fun and even with a hacking cough, and two lazy runners (as compared with the two marathon runners) we managed a decent 7km/min. 

Since then I've ran three times - an interv 5km (10 min warm up; 1min fast;1 min slow repeat 8 times) and a straight 5km. 

And this morning, 10km from the house to Stowmarket swimming pool (meeting Mr T and Pip at her swim class). 

I'm very happy with that run today. So many times I could have pulled out of going but I did it and ran at 6:57min/km. not fast but didn't have any problems doing it. 

Roll on next week - I fly to Florida for work tomorrow, hotel running during the week. Arrive back in England on Friday afternoon and fly to Ireland for a family holiday Saturday morning. Somewhere I've got to run 12 kms. As my friend J would say "Nae bother"

Sitting. Breathing.

A brief stop in a day that started at 330am with a little girl wake up call, a 5am work call to Sydney, lots of spreadsheets and data all day, 4pm call to Denver, dinner, bedtime for little girl and now a brief pause before the 9pm call. 

Wow. 

Beautiful sky, a breeze sweeping the clouds along, the church bell ringers practicing and a gin and tonic nearby. 

And...interrupted. My mother in law is staying. She has Parkinson's and dementia and wanders the house at times, lost and confused. Sad. 

Right then, back to the work world and meetings at 9pm. 

Thanks clouds, bells, wind and gin for that little moment. 

Working mum - travel time

I'm incredibly lucky to work for an Australian company while living in Woolpit!

But right now, tonight, as I stare at my packed suitcase, it's hitting home that I have to leave my husband and daughter for three weeks to go back to Sydney for work. 

I'm not sure how I will handle this. I'm not sure how they will handle this. I know we will all survive it. I know there will be no lasting (emotional) scars. 

I'm just wondering how Ms P will handle me not being here for a meltdown. Or her  need for mama hugs. Or her laugh and story of the day or...argh. 

I know every mama out there will understand how much I love her. How, in three weeks, so much will happen and change for her. How missing those weeks will mean I can't get those moments back. 

How the hell will I handle school and college???

Two decisions made then!

First, I will be more present when I with her. I will put my phone down. I will be in the moment with her. Not every single moment -reality bites - but not half there/half working /face booking or whatever. 

Secondly, I will make the most of my time away. Physical, mental, emotional health get prioritised. For her and for me. Marathon training gets started in full force. Time with my soul mate friend Lady S. 

I'll be a mama she can be proud of. 

Who wouldn't want to be for her!

Catch up summary

Hello!!! Sorry for the lack of updates and so there's a lot to catch up on - settle in with some tea/coffee/wine :)

The first two months here were tough with us all staying at Mr T's mums house. And I had to go to oz for a week at the end of feb which was a bit harder on Mr T as he had his mum and pip to look after - pip was easier he said. 

Then we moved to moved to the most fabulous house, in a fantastic little English village (think Midsomer murder associated english village) and after the first weekend of 10 people staying we had a few days to ourselves. Bliss. 

Since then things have been easier. Our own space (even with mum and dad visiting there was lots of room). 

Other than that Pip is doing brilliantly with new life, new house and second new daycare for the year - except she's stopped sleeping well and is throwing massive three year old tantrums and generally being a little s**t at times - but not really that bad - just unusual for us. It will pass. 

She and I are off to Ireland for a long weekend on Thursday. I love that! We fly Thursday and come back on Tuesday morning. Simple, short flights, mum and dad there to pick us up. Two brothers and their families living within 5 mins - such easy fun! 

Then I probably have to go to Denver for three days on 29 March, we all go to Ireland at the end of April for my birthday and then in mid May I'm back in Sydney for 3 weeks work. 

Busy busy life!!