I'm going to be an Auntie again... on the 5th of July. Can't wait! It'll be great to greet the third little (female) McKenzie into the world.
This week was half term as anyone with kids or anyone who drives a car during rush hour, knows! Both my kids have exams coming up so there was lots of miling around the house and trying to keep the cupboards stocked up. But it was lovely to have them both around and it also gave me the chance to catch up with some more work (always catch up!!)...
I needed time to switch off and this week was perfect. I'm afriad I ignored my emails for about four days (sorry everyone) and am only now starting to go through them. But doing this gave me the opportunity to just concentrate on my writing for work with a clear mind. Just what was needed! Also with the weather being so fabulous, I took my netbook into the garden and enjoyed the sun, sat under our silver birch and a big umbrella.
On Saturday (5/6) the first of the Lily B Athletic League meets took place at the track at the Spectrum in Guildford. Little N is having a break from high jump still, so competed in the triple jump, long jump and javelin. She looks a bit like a javelin so it didn't go far, but she had a laugh and even won the B string Match 2 (she was the only one..lol). She had superb success with her triple jump with a personal best of 9.99m (previously 9.65m) and won her Match (a and b string I believe). Next goal is over 10 metres, then 10.28 for the Power of 10 athletics ranking "UK Top 100".
Of course I timekept and it was a lovely day of warm sun and good company. The rest of RPAC (Reigate Priory Athletics Club) seemed to have loads of success too and a great fun had by all!
When I got home about 7pm (we'd left home at 10.30am), Stav was preparing the bbq having made his own burgers (which were delicious) and marinated chicken. I LOVE bbqs but Stav's chicken kebabs are my favourite!
Regarding my drugs and everything else liver, I didn't get a call from King's this week, which means my blood results should be improving, but as I'm back there for bloods Thursday this week, I'll find out exactly then. Actually I did get a call from King's this week and that was to discuss my next ERCP to look at, remove and possibly replace my bile duct stent, so I'll be admitted on Monday 28 June for 3/4 days.
The 30mg of steroids I take a day are still effecting my body, and my cheeks are now scarily wider than my forehead (from blow fish to balloon fish ..lol..). Not because of the steroids, my hair is still falling out and during the week I pulled out my first actual clump, but on a day to day basis, the general amount isn't continuing to fall as it was. I'm not brave enough to put my photo on the web, but I'll think about it - a reminder to me when I'm all better, that it wasn't so bad! I'm also building up to going to the hairdressers to see what they can do with the ole mop, a trip I've put off, embarrassed by the loss. BUT I am LUCKY! I have lots of hair, so yes, it's thin now - but I still have a fine (if flat) covering- no bald patches..
Sunday 6 June 2010
Thursday 3 June 2010
London Bupa 10k - Monday 31 May
Early, early!
Stav, Little N and I said that we'd help marshall the starts of the London Bupa 10k this morning, and this meant being on a 7.15am train...on bank holiday Monday!
We travelled with other RPAC (Reigate Priory Athletic Club) families to Victoria and then by foot to the Voluteers Hut in Green Park where collected our packed lunch, special jackets and t-shirts. And "Green Start" bibs (beautiful!).
The race starts from just outside Buck House on Birdcage Walk then keeping to the north bank of the Thames touches the City before returning to Pall Mall.
Two years ago we marshalled on the course and I have to say, I have NEVER been so wet as that day! It rained and it rained. It was heavy, cold, blustery..yuck!
Sunday was a little chilly and our little team, including Steph and Naomi "looked after" Green "A" start pen, eventually walking them to the start line after the Red and Blue starting athletes had departed.
Naomi stayed to hand out bags of tshirts and medals to the finishers, but as we weren't all needed we took the opportunity to walk through the elite athlete and celebrity areas where we saw Ewan McGregor and the red headed nurse from Holby City, as well as Mo Farrah.
I did forget to mention that on Saturday, Stav and I were walking along the high street in Reigate when a couple of paparazzi dived (literally) in front of us and started taking photos. Not at us - but Kerry Catona was just getting out of her 4x4. SO a star studded weekend!!?!!
Stav, Little N and I said that we'd help marshall the starts of the London Bupa 10k this morning, and this meant being on a 7.15am train...on bank holiday Monday!
We travelled with other RPAC (Reigate Priory Athletic Club) families to Victoria and then by foot to the Voluteers Hut in Green Park where collected our packed lunch, special jackets and t-shirts. And "Green Start" bibs (beautiful!).
The race starts from just outside Buck House on Birdcage Walk then keeping to the north bank of the Thames touches the City before returning to Pall Mall.
Two years ago we marshalled on the course and I have to say, I have NEVER been so wet as that day! It rained and it rained. It was heavy, cold, blustery..yuck!
Sunday was a little chilly and our little team, including Steph and Naomi "looked after" Green "A" start pen, eventually walking them to the start line after the Red and Blue starting athletes had departed.
Naomi stayed to hand out bags of tshirts and medals to the finishers, but as we weren't all needed we took the opportunity to walk through the elite athlete and celebrity areas where we saw Ewan McGregor and the red headed nurse from Holby City, as well as Mo Farrah.
I did forget to mention that on Saturday, Stav and I were walking along the high street in Reigate when a couple of paparazzi dived (literally) in front of us and started taking photos. Not at us - but Kerry Catona was just getting out of her 4x4. SO a star studded weekend!!?!!
Ashford - on report
Sunday was quite an early start as I had to get to Ashford in Kent for the Southern Atheltic Championships (SEAA) for Under 15s and Under 17s. Little N had been due to compete but she is all competed out for now, so we let her have an athletics free weekend.
The "Southerns" is a relatively big competition for the youngsters and in order that the day goes without a hitch, takes somewhere in the region of 100 qualified officials. This particular "meet" was my very first time timekeeping for the "South" (an area which actually covers Devon to Kent, Hampshire to Bedfordshire) and knowing that to progress as a timekeeper to the next level that I needed to have a report done "out of County" ie not in Surrey, I agreed (in hindsight maybe stupidly - and totally my fault) to have my report done here. Timekeeping is of course very black and white. YOU try getting a stop watch and timing a race on TV - guaranteed you'll be at the least 2 tenths out. For me to "pass" I would need to keep a 90% average of below 5 hundredths out.
Timekeeping and Tacrolimus/steroid tremours aren't the best partnership, but I have always kept how I am feeling, if a little dodgy, from my colleagues (if it was so bad that I thought it would jepodise the team, I would pull out). I hate moaners and big excuses, and I don't want people to be warey of me - so best to keep shtum!
The gentleman reporting on me was great and gave me lots of advice. But sadly my timekeeping certainly was not on par. There were just 39 races of varying distances (75m hurdles to 1,500m) - which is actually not many compared to my usual afternoon of athletics. Before we'd reached 75% of the day, I knew that I my average below 5 hundredths would be above 5%. And it was - my days average came in at 5.41, with 87.2% within 0.10secs. Terrible!!
BUT. I have only been doing this for 2 years. There were some superb races which I know I lost concentration on. I have been given good advice on how to get better. The support from other timekeepers is fantastic. I need more practice. And I know I can only get better.... so long as the Tac stays down (but not the end of the world if not)!!!
The "Southerns" is a relatively big competition for the youngsters and in order that the day goes without a hitch, takes somewhere in the region of 100 qualified officials. This particular "meet" was my very first time timekeeping for the "South" (an area which actually covers Devon to Kent, Hampshire to Bedfordshire) and knowing that to progress as a timekeeper to the next level that I needed to have a report done "out of County" ie not in Surrey, I agreed (in hindsight maybe stupidly - and totally my fault) to have my report done here. Timekeeping is of course very black and white. YOU try getting a stop watch and timing a race on TV - guaranteed you'll be at the least 2 tenths out. For me to "pass" I would need to keep a 90% average of below 5 hundredths out.
Timekeeping and Tacrolimus/steroid tremours aren't the best partnership, but I have always kept how I am feeling, if a little dodgy, from my colleagues (if it was so bad that I thought it would jepodise the team, I would pull out). I hate moaners and big excuses, and I don't want people to be warey of me - so best to keep shtum!
The gentleman reporting on me was great and gave me lots of advice. But sadly my timekeeping certainly was not on par. There were just 39 races of varying distances (75m hurdles to 1,500m) - which is actually not many compared to my usual afternoon of athletics. Before we'd reached 75% of the day, I knew that I my average below 5 hundredths would be above 5%. And it was - my days average came in at 5.41, with 87.2% within 0.10secs. Terrible!!
BUT. I have only been doing this for 2 years. There were some superb races which I know I lost concentration on. I have been given good advice on how to get better. The support from other timekeepers is fantastic. I need more practice. And I know I can only get better.... so long as the Tac stays down (but not the end of the world if not)!!!
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Catch UP
Well guess what?? "We" passed!!! Mad Dog Summer is now the proud owner of a colourful Kennel Club Bronze Award complete with certificate and rosette!
On Wednesday morning, I did my usual "wear dog out before training" in order that the "mad" wasn't MAD. And she was as good as gold! My biggest worry was her "down (lie down) and stay" where I would command her to lie down, stay and then walk away from her. Usually she is hot on my heals as she trotts after me....but today....she stayed....in fact she didn't just stay for a minute (the minimum period to pass)....but a minute actually became a minute and a half. I shook the whole time! Sadly not all the dogs passed but SUMMER did...lol...
After the dog exam, I raced home to drop off Mad Dog and left her with A. Then I dived in the car and drove to Roehampton to the Bank of England Sports Ground, where LISTEN are hosting their Charity Mid Summer Ball at the end of June. It was a lovely day - the sun was shining and it was great to check out the area and discuss and put to bed, any issues we had from last year. A very productive couple of hours, I'd say! I drove home via Richmond Park, with the deer lazing on the grass in the sun and families cycling along the narrow roads.
Thursday (27 May) saw my return to King's not only for follow up blood tests but also to mentor at the King's liver transplant group session held on the last Thursday of each month. There was a very good turn up from both patients on the liver transplant list and those transplanted within the last year. I can never help but be humbled buy the stories people tell about what they are going through or have been through, and it really puts life into prospective. There were tears and there were smiles - there was contemplation and friendly, helpful advice. But mainly there was support and compassion. Not for me - I'm an old hand now and it was my THREE YEARS FIVE MONTHS anniversary (to the day)...
After "Group", I went to Out Patients Clinic - two weeks since my last visit. I already knew that my blood results were coming down again (diagnosed with the return of AIH auto immune hepatitis in April), but it was my chance to see if my drugs could be reduced further and follow up on my return as an "in" patient to have my 2nd bile duct stent checked out. I was lucky to see one of my lovely consultants but whilst I was given the opportunity to possibly reduce the steroids, I had to agree to increase my immunesuppresant drugs. Unfortunately I get quite intense tremours if the Tacrolimus is increased to 2mg twice a day, and light induced migraines (not good when police cars and fire engines are about) if the MMF is increased to 2g twice a day - so I decided to keep the tac at 2&1, the MMR at 750g twice a day and the steroids at 30mg - even if I do look like a growing blow fish!! LOL... I met lots of transplantee friends in the clinic and it was a very jovil visit - followed by a coffee with the lovely J (friend & specialist liver unit social worker).
On Friday I was rather tired. Two very busy days but I got to catch up on some work although I had to sleep for a few hours in the afternoon. Just as well really, as I then had to go to Horsham in the evening to timekeep at the athletics track there for Crawley AC. A good evening - very relaxed - and I got to discuss my forthcoming Timekeeping Steward role at Crystal Palace in a few weeks time with the person I'll be working for (this is lots of paperwork and you have to be exceedingly organised - I LOVE it!)...
Usual Saturday - taking Little N to Sutton for training and doing house stuff. Goodness did it rain?! Stav and I had some odd jobs and shops to visit in Reigate, tried to find a crayfish shop (and didn't!) and ended up eating lunch in Tesco's at Gatwick before spending way too much money on shopping! Coffee in Redhill with the lovely Steph completed my day.
On Wednesday morning, I did my usual "wear dog out before training" in order that the "mad" wasn't MAD. And she was as good as gold! My biggest worry was her "down (lie down) and stay" where I would command her to lie down, stay and then walk away from her. Usually she is hot on my heals as she trotts after me....but today....she stayed....in fact she didn't just stay for a minute (the minimum period to pass)....but a minute actually became a minute and a half. I shook the whole time! Sadly not all the dogs passed but SUMMER did...lol...
After the dog exam, I raced home to drop off Mad Dog and left her with A. Then I dived in the car and drove to Roehampton to the Bank of England Sports Ground, where LISTEN are hosting their Charity Mid Summer Ball at the end of June. It was a lovely day - the sun was shining and it was great to check out the area and discuss and put to bed, any issues we had from last year. A very productive couple of hours, I'd say! I drove home via Richmond Park, with the deer lazing on the grass in the sun and families cycling along the narrow roads.
Thursday (27 May) saw my return to King's not only for follow up blood tests but also to mentor at the King's liver transplant group session held on the last Thursday of each month. There was a very good turn up from both patients on the liver transplant list and those transplanted within the last year. I can never help but be humbled buy the stories people tell about what they are going through or have been through, and it really puts life into prospective. There were tears and there were smiles - there was contemplation and friendly, helpful advice. But mainly there was support and compassion. Not for me - I'm an old hand now and it was my THREE YEARS FIVE MONTHS anniversary (to the day)...
After "Group", I went to Out Patients Clinic - two weeks since my last visit. I already knew that my blood results were coming down again (diagnosed with the return of AIH auto immune hepatitis in April), but it was my chance to see if my drugs could be reduced further and follow up on my return as an "in" patient to have my 2nd bile duct stent checked out. I was lucky to see one of my lovely consultants but whilst I was given the opportunity to possibly reduce the steroids, I had to agree to increase my immunesuppresant drugs. Unfortunately I get quite intense tremours if the Tacrolimus is increased to 2mg twice a day, and light induced migraines (not good when police cars and fire engines are about) if the MMF is increased to 2g twice a day - so I decided to keep the tac at 2&1, the MMR at 750g twice a day and the steroids at 30mg - even if I do look like a growing blow fish!! LOL... I met lots of transplantee friends in the clinic and it was a very jovil visit - followed by a coffee with the lovely J (friend & specialist liver unit social worker).
On Friday I was rather tired. Two very busy days but I got to catch up on some work although I had to sleep for a few hours in the afternoon. Just as well really, as I then had to go to Horsham in the evening to timekeep at the athletics track there for Crawley AC. A good evening - very relaxed - and I got to discuss my forthcoming Timekeeping Steward role at Crystal Palace in a few weeks time with the person I'll be working for (this is lots of paperwork and you have to be exceedingly organised - I LOVE it!)...
Usual Saturday - taking Little N to Sutton for training and doing house stuff. Goodness did it rain?! Stav and I had some odd jobs and shops to visit in Reigate, tried to find a crayfish shop (and didn't!) and ended up eating lunch in Tesco's at Gatwick before spending way too much money on shopping! Coffee in Redhill with the lovely Steph completed my day.
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