I've had a busy few days!
On Friday, I spent the day working on the new LISTEN At King's website with Mr W. At the end of the day it was very rewarding to see that we'd made good progress. Still a fair way to go yet, but we have a possible deadline as the site will be mentioned in Prima Magazine soon!!
Saturday I didn't timekeep!! Or Sunday!!
In fact on Saturday I watched the athletics. The first time this season. There were 7 timekeepers already on the stand so I didn't feel guilty not offering my services. It was lovely for a change to enjoy the sports as a spectator and I got to watch Little N high jump and get another PB in the triple jump (9.65m I think). It was a good day to be "mum" as Little N found the stress of competing a little overwhelming in the hj.
On Sunday, Stav and I took Mad Dog out to Banstead Woods. Pretty woods but not terribly exciting, it was a fantastically warm day but we were well protected by the many ancient trees. We enjoyed a Sunday Roast baggette at a local restaurant which was a treat, and then back home for the usual mundane chores Sundays bring to us all...
Manic was Monday... as usual. Walked dog early. Cleared up house (briefly). Mowed front garden. Prepared for LISTEN meeting. Walked dog again. Showered (hot day). Left house noon. Had just finished reading Eat, Pray, Love (soon to be released film with Julia Roberts in) - bought by a lovely friend who knows I love Julia Roberts films - so had to buy another book. Got train to King's. 2pm meeting. Finished promptly at 4pm. Raced to station. Got train to Victoria. Train to Redhill. Arrived 5.30pm. Raced home (10mins). "Threw" Little N in car at 5.45pm. Drove to Grammar grounds. Little N spent an hour coaching high jump (I replace the bar!!). 7pm drove home. Ate. Pilates at 8pm. Finished 9pm. Home. Yawn! Long day...
Tuesday. I managed to get some paid work done. Just a little. Made some peanut biscuits (don't know why, just felt like it). Walked dog. Washing on line. Hoovered (bored yet?). Will need to take Little N to training later in Sutton whilst Stav helps coach the young Reigate sprinters. I need to do some dog homework for Mad Dogs Kennel Club Bronze test tomorrow. Wish us luck. "We" don't have a chance in passing..but it'll be an experience if nothing else!!
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Thursday 20 May 2010
Kings.....ton!
It's Thursday. It must be Kings... NO! Today. No King's but Kingston instead! My blood is mine he he...
Last year I officiated for the Central Surrey Schools District Sports day at the Kingsmeadow athletics track in Kingston. I remembered it as being quite fun, with schools such as Box Hill and the Ashcombe in Dorking, so I was quite happy and had the time to timekeep for them today.
We were all expecting really high temperatures today..weren't we? I love the sun but was actually quite happy for the clouds even though I still slapped on the factor 20 or 30 (us immunesuppressed peeps are high risk to skin cancers amongst other things). The only female with just two years experience, in a group of 8 very experienced timekeepers (probably with about 100 years experience between them - I kid you not!), I was happy to hold my own and had a lovely day.
I've said before that one of the reasons I like timekeeping is the wonderful people you meet and the stories you hear. Today I worked with a gentleman who's partner "Dorothy", won "The Weakest Link" on Monday! She had been accepted as a reserve about a year ago and then didn't hear anything for ages. And then had to travel up to Scotland-became one of the "links" - and won... Well Done Dorothy!
Athletics is taken very seriously by officials, and them rules is rules! However, my favourite event, as I'm sure most of the children's were too, was the 1500m steeple chase. Last year two young lads dressed up; one with a pair of kiddies arm bands and the other, with a rubber ring. All the kids sat at the edge of the track by the water jump...and cheered as these two dived into the water off the heavy barriers.
Last year I officiated for the Central Surrey Schools District Sports day at the Kingsmeadow athletics track in Kingston. I remembered it as being quite fun, with schools such as Box Hill and the Ashcombe in Dorking, so I was quite happy and had the time to timekeep for them today.
We were all expecting really high temperatures today..weren't we? I love the sun but was actually quite happy for the clouds even though I still slapped on the factor 20 or 30 (us immunesuppressed peeps are high risk to skin cancers amongst other things). The only female with just two years experience, in a group of 8 very experienced timekeepers (probably with about 100 years experience between them - I kid you not!), I was happy to hold my own and had a lovely day.
I've said before that one of the reasons I like timekeeping is the wonderful people you meet and the stories you hear. Today I worked with a gentleman who's partner "Dorothy", won "The Weakest Link" on Monday! She had been accepted as a reserve about a year ago and then didn't hear anything for ages. And then had to travel up to Scotland-became one of the "links" - and won... Well Done Dorothy!
Athletics is taken very seriously by officials, and them rules is rules! However, my favourite event, as I'm sure most of the children's were too, was the 1500m steeple chase. Last year two young lads dressed up; one with a pair of kiddies arm bands and the other, with a rubber ring. All the kids sat at the edge of the track by the water jump...and cheered as these two dived into the water off the heavy barriers.
Picture of a steeplechase waterjump in 1908
Today, the race was just as fun but without the dress up, and two lads (again) trailed at the back, jumping from the barrier in an almighty belly flop into the water. The crowds loved it, and there was lots of laughter from the officials as well!
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Hello Hamster!
"Hello Hamster" were Stav's first words to me at Heathrow on Saturday night, after a week in New Jersey!! Meanie Meany!!
Blow Fish is what I would have called myself... But not forever - the steroids have started to come down and I know that when they are a little lower (were 40, 30 from Saturday), then I may start to look a little "normal"... lol..
Sunday, timekeeping. It was the National Young Athletes League at Sutton Arena and whilst the weather was supposed to be nice...it weren't! Little N got a PB in the triple jump and pushed up her official U17 womens high jump success by 3 cms - although still 5 cm short of her PB (but it's coming...)... We got her jump spikes, trainers and orthotics back too. A good, busy and exciting day. Successful timekeeping and good company.
Monday was time to start populating the new LISTEN At King's website. I met Mr W - he who is NOT folically challenged (like I am at the moment) - in town, and we worked through our first bits of copy and learnt how to load it. The website is going to be marvellous and it's so exciting that we'll be able to share so much information with liver transplant patients that simply isn't available now. Very exciting!
In the evening I watched Little N coach drills and the high jump. I really was the proud mum watching her explain clearly what needed to be done and showing her small group, how to do it. An hour later, and we were both in our pilates classes..
Tuesday, time to earn some money. So I wrote 3 articles and loaded them online ready to be published. Today though I was really tired. I walked Mad Dog early and needed a rest. Then I was interviewed for two hours by a national magazine. Then I needed a rest. The interview was all about the process of me turning yellow in November 2006 to being transplanted on 27 December 2007. It was hard and I didn't feel very dynamic and exciting as I relived what I could remember happening. Luckily I'll get to see the copy before it is published so maybe Stav can fill in some blanks (cos the ole brain wasn't up to much when the liver was failing)! In the evening I took Little N to training in Sutton. Tescos. Home.
Today, Wednesday. Dog training. Before Mad Dog and I go to training she has to have a walk or she is totally crazy and excitable. However today she decided she didn't want to go training and I spent about 10 minutes trying to catch her (only managed it when she had to dip her bottom for a wee, and I grabbed her)..little madam! We were late for training, but she obviously could sense that I was cross and was in fact rather good!
She managed her down and stay for a minute, twice! Yippeee... It has been the bain of my life trying to get her to do it. She doesn't want to lie down on her own! But the problem we DID have was her lying down on her side. She doesn't want to submit! Mad Dog!!
Wednesday night, and it's timekeeping at Walton. I hadn't realised that Crawley AC had their Open Meet or I may have gone here, but it was a good evening and I was Chief - allocating roles, signally to starter, collecting times and paperwork, taking times, calling times...the usual.
Tomorrow I'll be at the Kingsmeadow Track in Kingston all day with Stav looking after Mad Dog. Friday, Mr W and I will plough on with the website. The "national magazine" will be mentioning it, so it's full steam ahead!
Saturday 15 May 2010
Found it!
Just a quick entry (!!) tonight...
Woke at 6am. Where is Stav's flight? Online. Should have left last night at 9pm NYC time. Not left yet. Oooh! Find mobile. TEXT from Stav. "Was sitting on plane and baggage lorry ramed the nose of the plane". BUMP! Everyone was taken off flight. Too late to contact plane manufacturers.
Virgin offer a free flight any where in the world. Stav says "yes, please". "Bumped" off flight. Taken to a Ramada Hotel.
Do paper round with son. Back to bed. 10am wake again. Clean. Clear. Clean. Walk Mad Dog. Clean. Stav in air. No idea when he will land. Pick up tired Little N from school. "You packed too many clothes" says she. "Who packed too many clothes?" said I. Home. Relax. Walk to Redhill. Potter. Home. Tea and cherry pie with lovely Steph.
Phone rings. Don T. "We've got your kit!". WOOOOOWWWWW... My daughters high jump spikes, trainers and orthotics (which cost a bomb). WWWWOOOWWW. Scream. Screach. Yippeee. A week of counting imaginery pennies one by one from bottomless bank account (not).. What a fantastic and happy ending to a very frustrating week!
Now it is 10pm. Time to go to Heathrow. THINK flight due to arrive in 45 mins. Should have been here at 9am this morning....
Woke at 6am. Where is Stav's flight? Online. Should have left last night at 9pm NYC time. Not left yet. Oooh! Find mobile. TEXT from Stav. "Was sitting on plane and baggage lorry ramed the nose of the plane". BUMP! Everyone was taken off flight. Too late to contact plane manufacturers.
Virgin offer a free flight any where in the world. Stav says "yes, please". "Bumped" off flight. Taken to a Ramada Hotel.
Do paper round with son. Back to bed. 10am wake again. Clean. Clear. Clean. Walk Mad Dog. Clean. Stav in air. No idea when he will land. Pick up tired Little N from school. "You packed too many clothes" says she. "Who packed too many clothes?" said I. Home. Relax. Walk to Redhill. Potter. Home. Tea and cherry pie with lovely Steph.
Phone rings. Don T. "We've got your kit!". WOOOOOWWWWW... My daughters high jump spikes, trainers and orthotics (which cost a bomb). WWWWOOOWWW. Scream. Screach. Yippeee. A week of counting imaginery pennies one by one from bottomless bank account (not).. What a fantastic and happy ending to a very frustrating week!
Now it is 10pm. Time to go to Heathrow. THINK flight due to arrive in 45 mins. Should have been here at 9am this morning....
Friday 14 May 2010
The Bells...
What a gorgeous morning! At last the sun was shining and it was warm. My type of day!!
On Friday mornings I sometimes meet a group of running friends at The Priory for a coffee in the park's cafe. I haven't been able to run over the last year but I'm working towards it with weekly Pilates and power walking the dog. So I WILL be ... soon.
As it was so beautiful, I decided to walk Mad Dog rather than drive the mile and a half. Summer (Mad Dog) couldn't keep up all the time and I had to carry her at times (weight training too!!?!) - must have looked quite funny! She's 10 months and I think she's about to come on heat for the first time as she's acting a little odd...
I spent a lovely few hours chatting and drinking my only vice (black coffee), with fantastic company and then walked through the woods and took some photos of the beautiful bluebells shimmering in the sunlight.
On Friday mornings I sometimes meet a group of running friends at The Priory for a coffee in the park's cafe. I haven't been able to run over the last year but I'm working towards it with weekly Pilates and power walking the dog. So I WILL be ... soon.
As it was so beautiful, I decided to walk Mad Dog rather than drive the mile and a half. Summer (Mad Dog) couldn't keep up all the time and I had to carry her at times (weight training too!!?!) - must have looked quite funny! She's 10 months and I think she's about to come on heat for the first time as she's acting a little odd...
I spent a lovely few hours chatting and drinking my only vice (black coffee), with fantastic company and then walked through the woods and took some photos of the beautiful bluebells shimmering in the sunlight.
I was a little tired after yesterdays busy-ness and having only slept for a few hours last night, allowed myself a few hours kip in the afternoon!
Caught up on emails and found that a well known women's magazine are interested on doing a piece on me. If it gets published, I'll let you know all about it!
Lovely consultant rang me this evening, so on the drugs front, steroids down to 30mg (excellent) but Tac (immunosuppresant) up. My liver levels are definitely dropping, so we're definitely getting the autoimmune disease in hand, and the Tac is going up because my liver is starting to work properly. Very good. Very positive. With regards to my bile duct, June will be the month when I need to go back into King's to have my 2nd stent taken out, so I'm waiting for a date for this procedure (camera and balloon down the throat) and the usual four day stay.
A relaxing evening. Only two of us here. I really fancied something nice and sweet to eat, and Big A said Haagen Dazs ice cream would be perfect! Cookies and Cream for Big A; lemon sorbet for me (can't eat milk products except chocolate now and again). Guess who else fancied ice cream?
"If I just stare long enough..."
"Maybe...just maybe..."
Tomorrow. Accompany Big A on paper round (it's toooo heavy!!). Get Stav from Heathrow (if flight not delayed or re routed via Norway again from NYC). Collect a very tired Little N from school after overnight DofE trek. And expect tonnes and tonnes of washing...
Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday 13 May 2010
Joys of Spring...and Summer
Guess where I was today?
Back after a week, by popular demand...
But it was just a short visit.
Today was a rush. "Can I have a packed lunch please?" says son as he starts to walk out the front door... Drop daughter at school early. District Sports Day all day at K2, Crawley (daughter won Intermediate high jump 1.53m and 2nd in triple jump 9.23m). Walk Mad Dog. Dog is mad. Two people on two occasions look at Summer and say "The joys of Spring"! (mad bounding, jumping fluffy rug... Drive home. Write for work. Nice chat with neighbour - on phone (how lazy am I?). Call from a coach at K2 - can't answer question as not an official event (sorry). Race out of house. Walk dog. Need train ticket. Walk dog to station - then to park next door. 15 minutes to get home, change, wash hair and leave again. Get home with 5 mins to spare. Back to station. Dirty hair. Train arrives as get to platform (phew)! On train. Where can I get Kendal Mint Cake? Need for tomorrow (Little N on Duke of Edinburgh trial hike over night for Bronze level). Use phone and Google. Arrive Victoria. Try to find shop. Can't. Back to station. Sit down on train to Denmark Hill. Train pulls away. Phew!
Meet Mark Hazlewood the Marketing Manager at the King's College Hospital Charity. Go over brochure LISTEN wants to produce. Very positive meeting. Make a few amends. Nearly time for sign off. Look at LISTEN SUMMER BALL poster. Make a few amends. Nearly there! Time running out...
Meeting over. Head to Liver Out Patients. Blood pressure, good. Weight, not so good (steroids man!!)..
See the lovely Dr S (all the consultants are lovely), who was the Registrar who looked after me when I was ill in 2006. He who said I would need a new liver and was to be put on the Super Urgent Transplant List on Boxing Day 06. Dr S has also been my main consultant since I became jaundiced in March this year and he performed the procedure to replace January's bile duct stent.
I love looking at the "numbers" of my blood work. Results from last week; bilirubin down (nearly normal, which means I'm white again). AST (main liver enzyme test) down to 99 from nearly 300 (when I'm normal it's about 27). GGT over 1,000 but "not a good indicator". So I think very positive that the steroids are drawing down the liver inflamation, and I may get a call tomorrow when todays results are out, should the figures keep dropping, to say I can reduce them from 40mg to 30mg.
Whilst waiting for the phlebotomists (lovely Draculas), I met a chap who is coming up to a year post transplant and amongst other things, we put the world to rights about how high level steroids just make you want to eat and eat and eat. It was good for me to have this conversation with someone removed from my immediate life, and bless him, it made me feel a little more human!!
Leave Out Patients. Quick walk to station. Wait 15 mins. Google this Kendal Mint Cake Shop!! Where is it? Out at Victoria. Find shop. Is inside of Student Travel Shop!! Buy 2 bars of Choc covered mint. Buy pair of walking socks, clip for outside of bag to attach mug, plastic wallet. Back to Victoria. Train about to leave. Run and jump on. Phew! "Kids -sorry I can't face cooking. One of you walk dog. One meet me. It's MacDonalds tonight". No complaints.
Sainsburys (glad staff getting a bonus). Matches (to light camp stove). MacDonalds (I really don't like their food). Help from Little N. Home. Phew!
Eat. Mad dog goes for a walk. Son goes too. Time to pack Duke of Edinburgh bag with Little N.
It's nearly 11pm. Just finished. We started packing yesterday and preparing a week ago.
The D of E Fashion Parade by Little N
Night!
Back after a week, by popular demand...
But it was just a short visit.
Today was a rush. "Can I have a packed lunch please?" says son as he starts to walk out the front door... Drop daughter at school early. District Sports Day all day at K2, Crawley (daughter won Intermediate high jump 1.53m and 2nd in triple jump 9.23m). Walk Mad Dog. Dog is mad. Two people on two occasions look at Summer and say "The joys of Spring"! (mad bounding, jumping fluffy rug... Drive home. Write for work. Nice chat with neighbour - on phone (how lazy am I?). Call from a coach at K2 - can't answer question as not an official event (sorry). Race out of house. Walk dog. Need train ticket. Walk dog to station - then to park next door. 15 minutes to get home, change, wash hair and leave again. Get home with 5 mins to spare. Back to station. Dirty hair. Train arrives as get to platform (phew)! On train. Where can I get Kendal Mint Cake? Need for tomorrow (Little N on Duke of Edinburgh trial hike over night for Bronze level). Use phone and Google. Arrive Victoria. Try to find shop. Can't. Back to station. Sit down on train to Denmark Hill. Train pulls away. Phew!
Meet Mark Hazlewood the Marketing Manager at the King's College Hospital Charity. Go over brochure LISTEN wants to produce. Very positive meeting. Make a few amends. Nearly time for sign off. Look at LISTEN SUMMER BALL poster. Make a few amends. Nearly there! Time running out...
Meeting over. Head to Liver Out Patients. Blood pressure, good. Weight, not so good (steroids man!!)..
See the lovely Dr S (all the consultants are lovely), who was the Registrar who looked after me when I was ill in 2006. He who said I would need a new liver and was to be put on the Super Urgent Transplant List on Boxing Day 06. Dr S has also been my main consultant since I became jaundiced in March this year and he performed the procedure to replace January's bile duct stent.
I love looking at the "numbers" of my blood work. Results from last week; bilirubin down (nearly normal, which means I'm white again). AST (main liver enzyme test) down to 99 from nearly 300 (when I'm normal it's about 27). GGT over 1,000 but "not a good indicator". So I think very positive that the steroids are drawing down the liver inflamation, and I may get a call tomorrow when todays results are out, should the figures keep dropping, to say I can reduce them from 40mg to 30mg.
Whilst waiting for the phlebotomists (lovely Draculas), I met a chap who is coming up to a year post transplant and amongst other things, we put the world to rights about how high level steroids just make you want to eat and eat and eat. It was good for me to have this conversation with someone removed from my immediate life, and bless him, it made me feel a little more human!!
Leave Out Patients. Quick walk to station. Wait 15 mins. Google this Kendal Mint Cake Shop!! Where is it? Out at Victoria. Find shop. Is inside of Student Travel Shop!! Buy 2 bars of Choc covered mint. Buy pair of walking socks, clip for outside of bag to attach mug, plastic wallet. Back to Victoria. Train about to leave. Run and jump on. Phew! "Kids -sorry I can't face cooking. One of you walk dog. One meet me. It's MacDonalds tonight". No complaints.
Sainsburys (glad staff getting a bonus). Matches (to light camp stove). MacDonalds (I really don't like their food). Help from Little N. Home. Phew!
Eat. Mad dog goes for a walk. Son goes too. Time to pack Duke of Edinburgh bag with Little N.
It's nearly 11pm. Just finished. We started packing yesterday and preparing a week ago.
The D of E Fashion Parade by Little N
Night!
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Where have they gone?
Today I started to feel not like myself. I'm not sad and feel fine but my face is expanding with the steroids and my hair is still falling out (not the steroids). All I'm doing is thinking of food and trying not to eat so much of it, that my trousers need to expand too! LOL
Started the day in desperation trying to track down Little N's missing trainers and high jump spikes. They were left at the Kingston track on Saturday. Sadly I have crossed t's and dotted i's, and I think we're going to have to see if our insurance will cover them. It's actually not the shoes I'm so worried about but the expensive orthotics that were in the trainers and that would be just simply tossed away by the thief. Having had her phone stolen at school last week, this week looks expensive!
Walked Mad Dog up in Redhill Heath then took her to one of her favourite shops "Pets At Home" (funny, that!!) where she likes to chase anyone wearing a green sweatshirt (staff uniform) cos they generally have access to dog biscuits.. I've been taking her there since she was a wee puppy, and wee she has done many times in the store (I always own up). But now she is a "big" girl, she has developed a rather high pitched bark when she sees something she would like to eat - and today as we waited to pay for our dog food and bits, she placed her fluffy paws on the counter (it's quite low) and used this "special" noise to get what she wanted... Embarrasing mutt!!
I got to catch up on some "pay to do" work, but I'm still playing a little catch up. It feels good to be productive!
LISTEN SUMMER BALL poster has been designed and looks super. I needed to sign it off but had to laugh that the band "One Foot in the Groove" had become "One Foot in the Grave"!! That's what I think everytime I look at the name, but it was funny to see it in writing.
For the Ball which takes place on Saturday 26th June 2010 from 7pm (tickets a mere £60 pp) we are raising funds to provide equipment for the Liver Unit including dvd players, lap tops and other items that may be needed by patients who often have a long stay on the wards. The liver unit isn't just used by patients being transplanted but also those (like me) who have little "issues" along the way. In January I spent 3 weeks on Todd Ward, then in March four days on Dawson Ward followed by four days in April back on Todd. I know that four more days are waiting for me in July as I'll need the stent taken out of my bile duct.
Tomorrow was going to be spent working on web stuff for LISTEN but that has been postponed so I will be taking Mad Dog training (more chasing me and not staying!!) and trying to find some high jump spikes... Joy!
Started the day in desperation trying to track down Little N's missing trainers and high jump spikes. They were left at the Kingston track on Saturday. Sadly I have crossed t's and dotted i's, and I think we're going to have to see if our insurance will cover them. It's actually not the shoes I'm so worried about but the expensive orthotics that were in the trainers and that would be just simply tossed away by the thief. Having had her phone stolen at school last week, this week looks expensive!
Walked Mad Dog up in Redhill Heath then took her to one of her favourite shops "Pets At Home" (funny, that!!) where she likes to chase anyone wearing a green sweatshirt (staff uniform) cos they generally have access to dog biscuits.. I've been taking her there since she was a wee puppy, and wee she has done many times in the store (I always own up). But now she is a "big" girl, she has developed a rather high pitched bark when she sees something she would like to eat - and today as we waited to pay for our dog food and bits, she placed her fluffy paws on the counter (it's quite low) and used this "special" noise to get what she wanted... Embarrasing mutt!!
I got to catch up on some "pay to do" work, but I'm still playing a little catch up. It feels good to be productive!
LISTEN SUMMER BALL poster has been designed and looks super. I needed to sign it off but had to laugh that the band "One Foot in the Groove" had become "One Foot in the Grave"!! That's what I think everytime I look at the name, but it was funny to see it in writing.
For the Ball which takes place on Saturday 26th June 2010 from 7pm (tickets a mere £60 pp) we are raising funds to provide equipment for the Liver Unit including dvd players, lap tops and other items that may be needed by patients who often have a long stay on the wards. The liver unit isn't just used by patients being transplanted but also those (like me) who have little "issues" along the way. In January I spent 3 weeks on Todd Ward, then in March four days on Dawson Ward followed by four days in April back on Todd. I know that four more days are waiting for me in July as I'll need the stent taken out of my bile duct.
Tomorrow was going to be spent working on web stuff for LISTEN but that has been postponed so I will be taking Mad Dog training (more chasing me and not staying!!) and trying to find some high jump spikes... Joy!
Monday 10 May 2010
After 8's
Did you watch Britain's Got Talent on Saturday night?
And did you go out and buy a packet of After Eight mints to see if you could match or beat James from Dunfermline who attempted to eat his way into the Guiness Book of World Records? What a sad case! The World Record stands at 8 mints - no hands. Big A managed 6, Little N managed 5 - as did James, I managed 4 - and Ant, 8! We lined up the mints round the dinner table, set the kitchen clock in the middle....and munched.....lol
Today had to be quiet after a manic Saturday, so the kids and I had some light hearted fun, walked Mad Dog, did homework, and relaxed!
And did you go out and buy a packet of After Eight mints to see if you could match or beat James from Dunfermline who attempted to eat his way into the Guiness Book of World Records? What a sad case! The World Record stands at 8 mints - no hands. Big A managed 6, Little N managed 5 - as did James, I managed 4 - and Ant, 8! We lined up the mints round the dinner table, set the kitchen clock in the middle....and munched.....lol
Today had to be quiet after a manic Saturday, so the kids and I had some light hearted fun, walked Mad Dog, did homework, and relaxed!
Saturday 8 May 2010
Soaking Saturday...
Where do you get inspiration? Do you look for it in books, from the media, from those around you?
In my work, the media has to be my inspiration. Where do people want to go on holiday? What will they do when they get there? Very simplistic!
Today I was timekeeping at the Surrey County Outdoor Athletic Champsionships in Kingston. From under 13s to seniors, Surrey's finest competed in runs, jumps and throws. And boy wasn't the weather naff?
There were 8 of us timekeeping in the stand and space was tight. It was cold. Wet. But the banter kept going and I was sat next to the lovely Mike F from Croydon - previous 800m champion, coach of many, official extrodinaire... and all round fun guy, with a joke for every situation.. Fantastic!
I watched world class atheletes of their age groups lead less experienced but none the less, just as enthusiastic athletes to claim outstanding personal bests.. I watched a race which had just one competitor; but boy that man did not slow down for a second - he gave the race his all when it could have been just so much easier to take it easy knowing he'd won gold! I watched youngsters step out onto the track and field to perform in their very first competitions, and I watched tears as some fell, some couldn't do as well as they had hoped and the joy in the faces of those who did better than they could have every dreamed. How could you NOT find inspiration in any of these moments?
Little N was very upset about her high jump performance today. She wanted to do better. To jump higher. She trains hard. But she was so nervous her legs shook, she told me. Her coaches took her in hand and told her what she needed to do to be better. She didn't jump higher...but...she won the GOLD under 17 womens high jump medal!
I am proud of her for her achievement. Well done Little N!
Luckily Stav got to watch his little girl, then disappeared in a taxi to Heathrow - no delays - and onto NYC. Poor Alex was left at home with Mad Dog, but they are both fine!
Tomorrow will be a day of rest. Little N was due to compete in the 2nd day of the "Surrey's" in the long jump, but I have just found out, she has withdrawn (not inspirational, at all!)... So tomorrow I think I'll just stay in bed, pull up the covers, keep warm, take the drugs....and relax!
In my work, the media has to be my inspiration. Where do people want to go on holiday? What will they do when they get there? Very simplistic!
Today I was timekeeping at the Surrey County Outdoor Athletic Champsionships in Kingston. From under 13s to seniors, Surrey's finest competed in runs, jumps and throws. And boy wasn't the weather naff?
There were 8 of us timekeeping in the stand and space was tight. It was cold. Wet. But the banter kept going and I was sat next to the lovely Mike F from Croydon - previous 800m champion, coach of many, official extrodinaire... and all round fun guy, with a joke for every situation.. Fantastic!
I watched world class atheletes of their age groups lead less experienced but none the less, just as enthusiastic athletes to claim outstanding personal bests.. I watched a race which had just one competitor; but boy that man did not slow down for a second - he gave the race his all when it could have been just so much easier to take it easy knowing he'd won gold! I watched youngsters step out onto the track and field to perform in their very first competitions, and I watched tears as some fell, some couldn't do as well as they had hoped and the joy in the faces of those who did better than they could have every dreamed. How could you NOT find inspiration in any of these moments?
Little N was very upset about her high jump performance today. She wanted to do better. To jump higher. She trains hard. But she was so nervous her legs shook, she told me. Her coaches took her in hand and told her what she needed to do to be better. She didn't jump higher...but...she won the GOLD under 17 womens high jump medal!
I am proud of her for her achievement. Well done Little N!
Luckily Stav got to watch his little girl, then disappeared in a taxi to Heathrow - no delays - and onto NYC. Poor Alex was left at home with Mad Dog, but they are both fine!
Tomorrow will be a day of rest. Little N was due to compete in the 2nd day of the "Surrey's" in the long jump, but I have just found out, she has withdrawn (not inspirational, at all!)... So tomorrow I think I'll just stay in bed, pull up the covers, keep warm, take the drugs....and relax!
Thursday 6 May 2010
Poll Day...
Did you go to Blockbuster and rent a whole collection of DVDs to escape todays politics - or did you actually go and vote? We did both!
It was my day to go to King's for a consultancy and blood tests, and to see if anything had shown up on last weeks tests.
I don't mind travelling to King's, or being there in fact. It was a little daunting when I first had to start travelling there post transplant 3 years ago - the sights, the smells, the sick people...the heat! When you've not been sick before and have to spend so much time in hospital, you can really feel out of your depth!
Now of course, I just arrive, pootle about, see who I need to see and go home again... I don't wallow in what I could be doing at home or fuss about wasting time - just do what needs doing and move on! I'm sure most people are like that.
I have been really suprised (in a happy way) at people's reaction to this blog. I suppose I set it up to show that a liver transplantee can overcome anything and everything thrown at them, and remain positive and enjoy life. Work - play - etc etc.. Being told my liver disease was back really knocked me for 6 last week, but overnight I had put everything into perspective, had questions answered and was ready to continue as normal. So I was quite flattered to find out that King's wanted to send out a press release about me, and so met up for a brief "interview" shortly before today's appointment in Liver Out Patients Dept (LOPD).
Once on LOPD, I was really pleased to see two of the LISTEN committee whom I hadn't seen for a few weeks, and we discussed two of our current projects - getting more people to come to our LISTEN Mid Summer Ball - Saturday 26th June £60 per ticket (everyone welcome)... and the new brochure about LISTEN (our King's charity supporting pre and post liver transplant patients). Rarely does a day go by when I'm not in contact with one of the LISTEN team, but it is always much nicer to actually "see" people, don't you think?
So, to the results. I am very happy to say that no viruses were picked up from any of my blood tests, the AST (main liver enzyme) started to drop dramatically with the increase to 40mg of steroids (that is good), and the CT scan was also clear showing a little left over from the pancreatitus but nothing that would not clear in a short period. I am to remain on 40mg of steroids for another week (at least) and will be returning to King's again next Thursday for results of todays blood tests (8 test tubes taken in all I think) - and to discuss any changes in my drugs again. I have been told that it is doubtful that I will ever be on 2.5mg of steroids again, but may be in a few years, down to 5mg.
With regards to the hair loss, I need to see my GP to be referred to dermatologist. I know this is something I am fussing about (I'm a girl!!), but you wouldn't notice the difference I'm sure. It isn't falling in chunks, but needs to be tied back or I look like I've been hugging a blonde bear!!
It was my day to go to King's for a consultancy and blood tests, and to see if anything had shown up on last weeks tests.
I don't mind travelling to King's, or being there in fact. It was a little daunting when I first had to start travelling there post transplant 3 years ago - the sights, the smells, the sick people...the heat! When you've not been sick before and have to spend so much time in hospital, you can really feel out of your depth!
Now of course, I just arrive, pootle about, see who I need to see and go home again... I don't wallow in what I could be doing at home or fuss about wasting time - just do what needs doing and move on! I'm sure most people are like that.
I have been really suprised (in a happy way) at people's reaction to this blog. I suppose I set it up to show that a liver transplantee can overcome anything and everything thrown at them, and remain positive and enjoy life. Work - play - etc etc.. Being told my liver disease was back really knocked me for 6 last week, but overnight I had put everything into perspective, had questions answered and was ready to continue as normal. So I was quite flattered to find out that King's wanted to send out a press release about me, and so met up for a brief "interview" shortly before today's appointment in Liver Out Patients Dept (LOPD).
Once on LOPD, I was really pleased to see two of the LISTEN committee whom I hadn't seen for a few weeks, and we discussed two of our current projects - getting more people to come to our LISTEN Mid Summer Ball - Saturday 26th June £60 per ticket (everyone welcome)... and the new brochure about LISTEN (our King's charity supporting pre and post liver transplant patients). Rarely does a day go by when I'm not in contact with one of the LISTEN team, but it is always much nicer to actually "see" people, don't you think?
So, to the results. I am very happy to say that no viruses were picked up from any of my blood tests, the AST (main liver enzyme) started to drop dramatically with the increase to 40mg of steroids (that is good), and the CT scan was also clear showing a little left over from the pancreatitus but nothing that would not clear in a short period. I am to remain on 40mg of steroids for another week (at least) and will be returning to King's again next Thursday for results of todays blood tests (8 test tubes taken in all I think) - and to discuss any changes in my drugs again. I have been told that it is doubtful that I will ever be on 2.5mg of steroids again, but may be in a few years, down to 5mg.
With regards to the hair loss, I need to see my GP to be referred to dermatologist. I know this is something I am fussing about (I'm a girl!!), but you wouldn't notice the difference I'm sure. It isn't falling in chunks, but needs to be tied back or I look like I've been hugging a blonde bear!!
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Dogs and Times
Daft dog and I endeavour to complete an hour's dog training every Wednesday morning! Yes, "we" try - outcome however, is always hit and miss!!
Today was no exception... To tempt my mad pooch to do as she's told I take a rasher of cooked bacon - generally it works! In a class of about 7, it was decided today that we would practice all aspects of the Kennel Club Bronze Award in preparation for the "exam" later this month. We managed the walk and heel, walking through the gate (perfectly) and a series of "leave" commands. But when we got to the "down and stay"... Well put it this way. I would get her to lie down and command to stay. Walk about 10 paces away. Set my stopwatch. Look back....and she's behind me... I would get her to lie down and command to stay. Walk about 10 paces away. Set my stopwatch. Look back....and she's behind me... I would get her to lie down and command to stay. Walk about 10 paces away. Set my stopwatch. Look back....and she's behind me... Get the picture?!!
By the end of training we were both exhausted - and she's drug free!?!
Today was also a day for me to start catching up on my paid work - blogging for a travel company. And the articles I wrote included Florida Theme Parks, Family Holidays in Tenerife, Monaco Grand Prix 2010 and Cheap Holidays in somewhere or other (can't remember now!).
I have been travel blogging for around a year now, and I simply love investigating places I've never been to and sharing places with others, that I have. And the responses are always fantastic. I can write about the Grand National one day, and surfing in Barbados, another. Or Driving in the UK, then Things to do in and around Malaga...
Today I was quite tired (I think the weekend is still catching up on me) - but I also got to chat to some of the committee of LISTEN At King's, the charity I currently chair which provides support for pre and post liver transplant patients.
We are publishing a booklet about the charity, posters about the up and coming MID SUMMER BALL (Sat 26 June - tickets just £60 each) - signs to go up in Liver Out Patients - and desperately trying to get our brand new website updated so we can officially launch it. The committee is a GREAT team and this year, they really have had to be patient with me and my multiple trips and stays at King's.
Always, thank you.
No rest for the wicked - and tonight I was booked to timekeep at Kingsmeadow Athletic Track near Kingston. And what an interesting evening? As I've mentioned before, I am "young" in the world of officiating; often in age, but always in experience, and tonight I worked with two gentlemen of which one was an RAF pilot in the Second World War and who will be at Buckingham Palace this weekend with Prince Charles as it is the 65th Anniversary of VE-Day (the end of the war). Bless them both - I was "chief" - but as I was the best mover on two legs, I suppose it made sense. I do hope they didn't mind?! The athletics meet was quite small, so it was easy to "manage" but not without a few little hiccups, which I'm pleased to say I caught and rectified before any issues arose..
Tomorrow I am going to King's for a meeting with one of the Consultants and then blood tests - but before this I am due to meet with the King's press officer. It would be great to get some exposure for LISTEN!
Today was no exception... To tempt my mad pooch to do as she's told I take a rasher of cooked bacon - generally it works! In a class of about 7, it was decided today that we would practice all aspects of the Kennel Club Bronze Award in preparation for the "exam" later this month. We managed the walk and heel, walking through the gate (perfectly) and a series of "leave" commands. But when we got to the "down and stay"... Well put it this way. I would get her to lie down and command to stay. Walk about 10 paces away. Set my stopwatch. Look back....and she's behind me... I would get her to lie down and command to stay. Walk about 10 paces away. Set my stopwatch. Look back....and she's behind me... I would get her to lie down and command to stay. Walk about 10 paces away. Set my stopwatch. Look back....and she's behind me... Get the picture?!!
By the end of training we were both exhausted - and she's drug free!?!
Today was also a day for me to start catching up on my paid work - blogging for a travel company. And the articles I wrote included Florida Theme Parks, Family Holidays in Tenerife, Monaco Grand Prix 2010 and Cheap Holidays in somewhere or other (can't remember now!).
I have been travel blogging for around a year now, and I simply love investigating places I've never been to and sharing places with others, that I have. And the responses are always fantastic. I can write about the Grand National one day, and surfing in Barbados, another. Or Driving in the UK, then Things to do in and around Malaga...
Today I was quite tired (I think the weekend is still catching up on me) - but I also got to chat to some of the committee of LISTEN At King's, the charity I currently chair which provides support for pre and post liver transplant patients.We are publishing a booklet about the charity, posters about the up and coming MID SUMMER BALL (Sat 26 June - tickets just £60 each) - signs to go up in Liver Out Patients - and desperately trying to get our brand new website updated so we can officially launch it. The committee is a GREAT team and this year, they really have had to be patient with me and my multiple trips and stays at King's.
Always, thank you.
No rest for the wicked - and tonight I was booked to timekeep at Kingsmeadow Athletic Track near Kingston. And what an interesting evening? As I've mentioned before, I am "young" in the world of officiating; often in age, but always in experience, and tonight I worked with two gentlemen of which one was an RAF pilot in the Second World War and who will be at Buckingham Palace this weekend with Prince Charles as it is the 65th Anniversary of VE-Day (the end of the war). Bless them both - I was "chief" - but as I was the best mover on two legs, I suppose it made sense. I do hope they didn't mind?! The athletics meet was quite small, so it was easy to "manage" but not without a few little hiccups, which I'm pleased to say I caught and rectified before any issues arose..
Tomorrow I am going to King's for a meeting with one of the Consultants and then blood tests - but before this I am due to meet with the King's press officer. It would be great to get some exposure for LISTEN!
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Day after the first May Bank Holiday....
Today I received a rather lovely and elegant gift. The postman tried to post it through the letter box - which I have to say was rather humorous - as there was no way it would fit!!
Why? Because it was a full length umbrella!!
If you've ever been to Lytham in Lancashire before you'll know there are quite a few gift shops. Whilst visiting my mum in the Easter holidays, we'd spotted an umbrella, coloured pink with lilac spots, in the window of a shop opposite Stringers and I just loved the unusual shape.
Today, a pink and lilac spotted item didn't appear, but a far more elegant and way more gorgeous plain cream umbrella / parasol instead.. Thanks mum xxx
Rainy Days: "You should not be sad when it rains but raise an umbrella that points towards the sky and while walking with tip-tap steps through the puddle you image all the flowers blooming in the rain" - Lisbeth Dahl
CATCH UP
Today gave me a chance to at last catch up on some catching up I needed to catch up on...
TRANSPLANT GAMES 2010
Oh and I found out that having been interviewed for the "Bath Chronicle" a few weeks ago, that the article was now published:
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/important-join-donor-list/article-2084828-detail/article.html.
It's just a short piece on my being a timekeeper as a transplantee at the UK Transplant Games in Bath during August 2010 (I could possibly be unique in this aspect!!)..
Stav took this picture of me at last year's Transplant Games held at Warwick University in Coventry.
And me today ? Well the hair is still falling out, but I still know it will stop and I need my nails done.. Night!
Why? Because it was a full length umbrella!!
If you've ever been to Lytham in Lancashire before you'll know there are quite a few gift shops. Whilst visiting my mum in the Easter holidays, we'd spotted an umbrella, coloured pink with lilac spots, in the window of a shop opposite Stringers and I just loved the unusual shape.
Today, a pink and lilac spotted item didn't appear, but a far more elegant and way more gorgeous plain cream umbrella / parasol instead.. Thanks mum xxx
Rainy Days: "You should not be sad when it rains but raise an umbrella that points towards the sky and while walking with tip-tap steps through the puddle you image all the flowers blooming in the rain" - Lisbeth Dahl
CATCH UP
Today gave me a chance to at last catch up on some catching up I needed to catch up on...
TRANSPLANT GAMES 2010
Oh and I found out that having been interviewed for the "Bath Chronicle" a few weeks ago, that the article was now published:
http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/news/important-join-donor-list/article-2084828-detail/article.html.
It's just a short piece on my being a timekeeper as a transplantee at the UK Transplant Games in Bath during August 2010 (I could possibly be unique in this aspect!!)..
Stav took this picture of me at last year's Transplant Games held at Warwick University in Coventry.
And me today ? Well the hair is still falling out, but I still know it will stop and I need my nails done.. Night!
Monday 3 May 2010
Day of zzzzzzs
A busy week caught up on me today!! A suprise call for collection of girls from a "non" sleep over at 9am, a bit of ironing (gee - such fun!), and back to sleep zzzzzzz.... for four hours! Little more ironing (what a life?!) - eat - pilates...now back to the zzzzzzzzs... Night night!
Sunday 2 May 2010
Soggy Sunday
When I got to the Priory to walk Summer at around 9am, even she didn't want to get out of the car - and she HATES driving (!) with a passion!! It was teaming down -rain - not a drop to drink etc etc..
Got soaked - of course - but still had time to marvel at so many people setting up their stands and stalls for the YMCA Fun Run and Sports Festival in Reigate...
I have no right to say they were mad. As soon as I got home, Little N & I raced to the car and sped off to Sutton Arena for the National Young Athletes League 2 match. I know Little N missed having the support of her athletics team RPAC as there is nothing like the enthusiasm and joviality of your mates to get the adrenaline pumping but she high jumped (indoors - still raining!) a 1.50m, long jumped a few cms short of her pb, and then it was suggested she try her hand at triple jump for the first time in competition and surprised everyone with 9 metres - which means she will be ranked by UKA as an Under 17 women's triple jumper!!
Donning waterproof walking shoes, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, quick dry Ronhill running trousers and hoody, with fleece, London Marathon "staff" t-shirt, ski socks and fingerless gloves (phew!!), I shared "chief" responsibilities on the timekeeping stand through severe weather warning rain and wind for around 6 hours. I'm afraid I did join in the moaning a little -cold, wet, can't feel my fingers - but it was all light hearted and with a smile!!
Stav's family had watched Little N (her choice of name by the way, after a character in Gossip Girl) jump, and were at home when I dragged myself through the front door. I was pretty tired but it was nice to see them. Little cousin Luca when asked if he had tried jumping too, informed me that he was "too likkle"..
Now on this very Soggy Sunday, it's back to playing with the blog and changing the colours and text.... will I ever be satisfied?
Got soaked - of course - but still had time to marvel at so many people setting up their stands and stalls for the YMCA Fun Run and Sports Festival in Reigate...
I have no right to say they were mad. As soon as I got home, Little N & I raced to the car and sped off to Sutton Arena for the National Young Athletes League 2 match. I know Little N missed having the support of her athletics team RPAC as there is nothing like the enthusiasm and joviality of your mates to get the adrenaline pumping but she high jumped (indoors - still raining!) a 1.50m, long jumped a few cms short of her pb, and then it was suggested she try her hand at triple jump for the first time in competition and surprised everyone with 9 metres - which means she will be ranked by UKA as an Under 17 women's triple jumper!!
Donning waterproof walking shoes, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, quick dry Ronhill running trousers and hoody, with fleece, London Marathon "staff" t-shirt, ski socks and fingerless gloves (phew!!), I shared "chief" responsibilities on the timekeeping stand through severe weather warning rain and wind for around 6 hours. I'm afraid I did join in the moaning a little -cold, wet, can't feel my fingers - but it was all light hearted and with a smile!!
Stav's family had watched Little N (her choice of name by the way, after a character in Gossip Girl) jump, and were at home when I dragged myself through the front door. I was pretty tired but it was nice to see them. Little cousin Luca when asked if he had tried jumping too, informed me that he was "too likkle"..
Now on this very Soggy Sunday, it's back to playing with the blog and changing the colours and text.... will I ever be satisfied?
Saturday 1 May 2010
What Happened to the Sun?
Started the day with my new cocktail of drugs (which I'm sure to many, isn't much) - but 40mg steroids, 750mg MMF, 1mg tac, 15mg stomach stuff, calcium (13 tablets in all). My cheeks and chin are expanding with the high steroids as is the top of my back - but this is usual. My hair is continuing to fall out, but this has happened before (about 6 months post transplant), and it does stop before many people notice but my hair brush is full and I have to keep my hair tied up or it flies into everything..yuck! Last time my usually straight hair grew back curly - wonder what will happen this time??
Little N was very happy this week when she jumped 1.58m - her personal best in the high jump - at a local schools district sports day (she won by about 13cm). We travel to Sutton 3x a week so she can receive specialist training and today was an unusually early 9.15am training session start. With the sun shining, off we went.
Having raced home after training (about 35 mins drive) and dropped Little N off, it was time for me to head to Kingsmeadow Athletics Track, as Hercules Wimbledon AC had asked me to timekeep for them at the Southerns Men League.
I have been a UKA Timekeeper for nearly two years now - quite a baby in the scheme of things - as most officials of this discipline have 10-20-30-40 years experience! I, as they do, give my time free of charge and expect nothing back except a smile and a thank you! It has been an honour to work with such experienced people, and I really enjoy their company (wherever I have been timekeeping).
The afternoon at Kingsmeadow started in what felt like a heat wave - but by around 4pm - bloomin' 'eck it got cold! What had happened to the sun?
For about the 7th consecutive time this year Mr DT was "my" chief (athletics is very hierarchical) - and the afternoon went exceedingly well (no photofinish today). Unusually there were 3 females on the stand (very male orientated discipline) plus Mr DT.
Back home, our Tibetan Terrier, Summer, was very pleased to see me (she sits on my hip like a toddler), and I caught the end of Dr Who of which I am a great fan! To the family's annoyance, I have to sing the theme tune everytime I hear it, VERY loudly. It would be great if Summer would join me too...LOL...
If you wonder what 42 - Life, Universe, Everything means, read/watch The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. What is the meaning of Life, the Universe, Everything? Why "42" of course!! Also, it is how old I will be in a few months (even more scary)...
Little N was very happy this week when she jumped 1.58m - her personal best in the high jump - at a local schools district sports day (she won by about 13cm). We travel to Sutton 3x a week so she can receive specialist training and today was an unusually early 9.15am training session start. With the sun shining, off we went.
Having raced home after training (about 35 mins drive) and dropped Little N off, it was time for me to head to Kingsmeadow Athletics Track, as Hercules Wimbledon AC had asked me to timekeep for them at the Southerns Men League.
I have been a UKA Timekeeper for nearly two years now - quite a baby in the scheme of things - as most officials of this discipline have 10-20-30-40 years experience! I, as they do, give my time free of charge and expect nothing back except a smile and a thank you! It has been an honour to work with such experienced people, and I really enjoy their company (wherever I have been timekeeping).
The afternoon at Kingsmeadow started in what felt like a heat wave - but by around 4pm - bloomin' 'eck it got cold! What had happened to the sun?
For about the 7th consecutive time this year Mr DT was "my" chief (athletics is very hierarchical) - and the afternoon went exceedingly well (no photofinish today). Unusually there were 3 females on the stand (very male orientated discipline) plus Mr DT.
Back home, our Tibetan Terrier, Summer, was very pleased to see me (she sits on my hip like a toddler), and I caught the end of Dr Who of which I am a great fan! To the family's annoyance, I have to sing the theme tune everytime I hear it, VERY loudly. It would be great if Summer would join me too...LOL...
If you wonder what 42 - Life, Universe, Everything means, read/watch The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. What is the meaning of Life, the Universe, Everything? Why "42" of course!! Also, it is how old I will be in a few months (even more scary)...
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