Category: Blog

Time does fly…

It doesn’t seem like it but it is now just over four years since my little Pixie was born as she celebrated her birthday last week. She was the first one of the children to have their birthday on a school day as Hpops always has hers in the summer holidays and Imp is often in the half term. This didn’t stop her, she was up early enough to open the majority of her cards and presents before we had to leave for school, she was delighted to wear a birthday badge on her school top and take in some sweets to share with her friends.

The afternoon was difficult as she couldn’t decide what she wanted to do, first it was the cinema, then it was a restaurant and in the end we went to the local starbucks for pink milk and a cookie, as once she got home she was distracted by more presents and cards. She enjoyed blowing out the candles on her cake and then the next count down started – the one to her party! She was very excited about this having been to quite a few of her class mates and some of the ones the older children had attended. In between we went to a roller skating party.

It was interesting watching the children go from complete beginners, where every move resulted in them falling over to novices which meant they could almost get around the whole course. Imp and Pixie proved to be very dodgy and I spent most of my time scooping them off of the floor or preventing them falling over. Hpops on the other hand after a shaky start seemed to figure out how to stay on her feet and manouvere herself around without too many problems. The evening ended with the realisation that Imp had lost his second tooth although it was nowhere to be seen. He spent some of the time looking for it but after a bit of coaxing he conceded defeat. Luckily we were able to convince him that if he smiled when he went to sleep the tooth fairy would see the gap and might leave him a reward, which of course is what happened.

The weekend heralded Pixie’s party, excitement before the event was reaching fever pitch and the entertainers comment; ‘She’s buzzing isn’t she?’ made me wonder if she was going to run out of energy. She attacked the microphone with gusto, danced with all her might and revelled in all the games and tricks the entertainer played. She did indeed thoroughly enjoy her party and adrenalin carried her through until quite late. It caught up with her on Sunday though and an early night seemed to get things back on track.

Whilst all these celebrations were going on marathon training continued, apart from a few days off thanks to a back injury, I was lucky enough to get a quick referral to a physiotherapist who not only diagnosed the problem and helped solve it, but also gave me some exercises to improve my core strength to make running easier. It turned out to be a pulled back and after a few days not running I was allowed to try and run and see if there was any pain. I was delighted when there wasn’t and then once I had seen the physio for a second visit and been given the go ahead I was able to resume normal training. I have a half marathon race this weekend and then just three long runs, an 18, 20 and then a 15 mile before the big day. It seems close not, only a calendar month which is both exciting and frightening, I think I am getting to the point now where I just want to to get it done and then the mammoth talk which seems to have taken over my life will be over, I guess now all I need to do is decide what I am going to do afterwards.

Half Term and back to training

Half term seemed to come around very quickly, and we spent the majority of it at Centreparcs, the Elveden Forest site. I have to admit that having read a few reviews on various websites I was a little apprehensive as they had several bad reviews listed. Many were disappointed with staff attitudes, cleanliness and availability of activities. Still we packed up and headed off arriving just after lunchtime. You cannot get into your accommodation until 3pm but you can arrive onsite early, park up and make use of the facilities, however, the only facilities included in the holiday price are the sub tropical swimming paradise and the outside play areas. Sports, kids clubs and craft activities generally cost extra and at peak periods such as school holidays get booked up quickly.

On arrival we were greeted and given our keys but told we couldn’t go to the villa until 4pm as they were running late with the cleaning, this wasn’t a problem and we made ourselves comfortable in one of the on-site restaurants and met up with the rest of the family. We planned the rest of the meals for the week and booked them while we were waiting and managed to get pretty much what we wanted, we were also able to book in for the spa.

On arrival at the villa we were pleased to see how close it was to the main village and that we wouldn’t require bikes in order to persuade the kids to venture out, as we hadn’t brought any – there were a lot around and you can hire them but beware there are a lot of wobbly riders out there and some do not look where they are going and can be tricky to navigate around on the more narrow pathways. The accommodation was clean and tidy and for a family of five fairly spacious. The remainder of our party were in a villa opposite us and beside them was a semi-famous person; Max from Eastenders and his family – not that we bothered them as they were clearly having a family holiday and did not seem to want to sign autographs etc.

We ate in the villa and again everything was clean and tidy and in working order. On Tuesday the kids were attending a queen of hearts tea party, this enables the adults the opportunity to try the swimming pool without them – the rapids were indeed rapid and not to be tried after a trip to the hot pools as the temperature difference is huge! The slides are fast and for the faster one there is often a large queue. The males of the party enjoyed the competitiveness of clay pigeon shooting whilst the rest of us spent the time exploring the site and using the climbing frames and so on.

We all enjoyed our dinner at Hucks, the kids thought the buffet was brilliant and there was a play area for the kids to keep them occupied while they were waiting, as well as a computer bank for the older kids. The food was quick, the staff friendly and I would definitely go there again. Our second full day was busy as we paid a visit to the swimming pool with the kids. The yellow and orange buoyancy aids supplied were a big hit and gave them all the confidence they needed to try the wave machine, slides and in Hpop’s case the rapids. It seemed a world away from the days when my little imp refused to go near the water, as soon as he came down a slide he was out and back into the queue. Pixie declared in true Pixie fashion that she didn’t like the swimming pool because it was too wet, and she didn’t like the slide because it was too skiddy, right before she asked to go on again.

We tried ten pin bowling in the afternoon, another hit and then in the evening we had a magic show at the Pancake House. The food was buffet style and plentiful and tasty and magic Olly came around to do some close up magic before the show. The trick he did with our children and the multiplying sponge balls amazed them and was brilliant to watch. During the show itself he picked on Pixie to help him with the ever growing wand trick, she was unfazed by a roomful of people and wasn’t afraid of telling the magician exactly what she thought of his giant wands. They were thoroughly entertained and we had another quiet evening.

Thursday saw another visit to the swimming pool before the men took over kids entertainment duty and I and my MIL escaped to the spa. It was a long walk from the village but well appointed, the only thing that was slightly disappointing was the necessity to change in open plans rooms, when we went the place was quite busy and for those who are self conscious for one reason or another this can be a problem. We participated in the 3 hours spa around the world experience where you roam around two floors of rooms at your own leisure and decide where you want to go, we really like the Indian steam room and the Turkish one as well. Again a slight niggle that people spending the day enjoying the facilities had taken up residence on the loungers and water beds meaning that despite the signs asking people to be no more than 15 minutes these facilities were rarely available. It wasn’t the warmest of days but even so the outside pool with various massaging water jets was warm and lovely.

Dinner was at Cafe Rogue and again was fine and another play area to keep the kids occupied. Back at the villas we had to start packing up once the kids went to bed as check out is 10am. On this occasion we decided to leave then and come home to do some other bits before the children returned to school but you can stay on and use the facilities if you wish. All in all a good break with plenty of fun for everyone.

With the snow and ice gone it was back to a proper training schedule. Running at CentreParcs was lovely, the air was fresh, no cars are allowed on site after check in day and you can smell pine trees all the way round. There are some lovely views of the lakes as well and so I felt fairy revitalised running there. At the weekend I ran a half marathon and have to admit I found it very difficult. This week the training has gone well and I already have 20 miles on the board and tomorrow aiming for a 15 mile run. Fundraising is going well with a steady flow of contributors. (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/melsmarathonmadness) It has struck me however how isolating the training can be. You spend a lot of time running at the most miserable time of year, it is cold, wet and dark for most of the time but you need to get the miles into your leg. A lot of people you know see you running or hear about what you’re doing so you spend a lot of time talking about running as well as doing it, but at the same time it can be lonely. If you run for a club or train with someone the experience is probably different, but for me doing the majority of my training by myself due to the hours in which I can train (school time) it can be difficult. Pixie has just switched to going to school in the morning so that makes life easier. I can have breakfast with the kids, take them to school, run and then have lunch with Pixie when I pick her up after my run but at the same time for the last few months I have had to say no to invitations for evening events because I am due to run early in the morning, a couple of birthday parties of lunches because it conflicts with training and even getting up earlier than usual to run or going out in the evenings if Mr T is home early enough. In reality I am one of the lucky ones, I work around the kids so although the writing is suffering at the moment I can prioritise training whereas those working full time still have to fit their running in. Despite this there have been times when I have wondered what on earth I am letting myself in for, why do I want to run just over 26 miles and the answer is because it has always been an ambition of mine, precisely because of the doubts that I can actually do it – I have to now prove it to myself and for the charities that I am raising money for.

A lot of people talk about a running bug, that once you start you won’t stop. I can honestly say that I won’t stop altogether but I will not be running every day after the marathon, I’ll cut down to 2-3 times a week with a maximum of 5 miles. There are other things I enjoy that are less severe on knees and ankles and carry less risk of getting injured. I have been touched by the interest people have shown and the those wanting to come and watch and am also in the process of trying to work out where it would be best for them to be if they want to be together. I have no idea how I am going to feel once I have actually completed the course but I am sure it will be worth it in the end, 8 weeks and counting …

Hearts and Flowers

It’s that time of year again – everywhere you look there are pink hearts, flowers, embarrassed people in card shops trying to buy something suitable and yet at the same time not be seen to be buying anything. Lots of tacky gifts that will be consigned to a cupboard, loft or drawer once the novelty value has worn off but at the same time, when they are given they will be gratefully accepted. It is also a time when people can feel lonely and isolated.

Restaurants, shops and the back rows of cinemas may be filled with canoodling couples but then there are those who have been left alone after relationship break ups, death of a loved one or by their loved one being away for an extended time. I’m not saying we shouldn’t enjoy the day but I do wonder if Saint Valentine would have approved of the large amount of flowers, chocolates, and teddies that will be exchanged in his name. Of course we all like to be spoiled, in my own time I have been known to have a small strop when the day has passed by unmarked!

It did make me think however when Hpops announced she had to make a card, last time we spoke about boys she reacted by hands over her ears, eyes closed and tongue out. Apparently though she wants to send them to her family, which is quite sweet and when I was last in the card shop I couldn’t help noticing the myriad of cards for sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and even cats and dogs. I know if I took pixie into the card shop she would straight away want to buy cards for everyone she knows because she is at the age where she still loves everyone and they are all important to her!

Hpops has her first junior school disco tonight followed by her first girly sleepover tomorrow. I am not sure how they are going to go, she had to be a little persuaded to go to the disco – after all there was the outfit to consider, would it be trendy enough, would she look cute? (where did she learn to apply that word to her own appearance?) and what dance moves would she be expected to perform. I guess I’ll see how that turns out later. The sleepover tomorrow is something she is excited about – she has a ready bed, pj’s and overnight bag all ready and I am just hoping that when it comes to sleep time she doesn’t freak out and need to come home, luckily it is a local party but would prefer for there not to be a 2am call out!

This week marathon training has been hindered, like most other things, by the snow and more recently the ice, whilst the roads are fairly clear the pavements are lethal except in a few places where driveways have been cleared. Many people have resorted to walking in the road but I have decided not to run in the road as I fear a car skidding on ice trying to go round me or injuring myself jumping out of the way of the traffic. I did manage to walk 2.5 miles in the snow on Monday and Tuesday and have been cross training every day so hoping that when I do get back to proper training all of the hard work hasn’t been undone. I am planning on using the treadmill at the gym until the promised big thaw begins.

Half term approached and we are celebrating Mr T’s parents ruby wedding anniversary! As Mr T is going to be around I should get in a full week of training and be back on track by the time the kids go back to school! Pixie swaps so morning school after half term so for the first time I will be dropping all three kids off in the morning, and whilst I have to pick Pixie up at 1130, I will get to train and have a coffee before collecting her. She seems quite excited at the change despite being in the same school and class with the same teacher! I hope she will still be as enthusiastic when she attends all day in September.

So to all my friends, readers whether you be loved up or not a happy valentines day and remember that even if the right one is still hiding in some far flung corner of the world each of us is special and someone somewhere loves you!

Journeys

As I think I have said before I am currently training to run the London Marathon in April. When I first got the magazine in September last year it seemed ages away and a little surreal, now there is slightly less than three months to go and it now seems incredibly close, I have a half marathon race in just over eight weeks and yesterday the race number and rules and regulations came through. I am now starting to fundraise, and keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t get an injury. For anyone interested my fundraising page is;

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/melsmarathonmadness

I have been pleased with my training, it started with going out at 630 in the morning for a maximum of three miles, now my long weekend run is up to eleven miles with the other runs averaging 4-5 miles. I am still hoping to finish within five hours. Perhaps the thing that has touched me most is how the kids and my friends have reacted.

Hpops has asked me several times if I am sure I want to do the marathon, and since she has started cross- country at school she has said she finds running hard and worries about me. She has started taking more an interest and when I have run at night she checks that I am going to be OK running in the dark! I do have to say I dislike running in the dark, I have to alter my route to ensure that I run where there is street lighting and even roads or pavements, the last thing I want to do is lose my way or fall over! I think Mr T has been pleased that I have stuck with the training even in the cold and wet – but as I have said I have no idea what the weather will be like in April, last year we had a heatwave but other years have been wet, windy or even snowy!

Not only have the children taken an interest but some of my friends have too, several have asked where the nest place is to come and yell. This has really touched me, I am told that there is plenty of on-course entertainment for spectators apart from the actual running element and it will be great to see some familiar faces along the route. In some ways I am looking forward to the race, it will be very buzzy and a great atmosphere but at the same time I am dreading it hoping I don’t get too far behind by target pace and so on! Whatever happens though I just want to ensure I finish and get that medal, the kids seem to think that getting a medal at the end means you are first, second or third but I have explained to them that because it is such a long way you get a medal for getting round – then the fight started about who could take it to school first!

Meanwhile the kids have been busy, Hpops has finally decided she does like cantering, she was riding her favourite horse this weekend and she did seem much more confident. My little imp has been on a journey to drive me into madness by being as naughty as possible and pixie seems to be on a musical journey, she has just started ballet at school and is taking great delight in practicing at all times as well as trying to play the piano because Hpops does and the violin as both the other two do. It makes me realise how far we have come already – how much they have learned and are still learning. I have also discovered that it is never too late to start a new journey, if someone had told me that I would ever run consistently for a marathon I would have laughed, but here we are! Having got here I can honestly say I am feeling better for the exercise and think even after the marathon I will continue to do some running, but without the time and effort pressure!

Firsts

So today was an exciting day for Imp, his very first tooth fell out. It was a very different experience from when Hpops first lost one With Imp from the moment he discovered he had a wobbly tooth he has taken every opportunity to point out to whoever happened to be listening. Hpops went into denial and didn’t want it to ever come out! Imp wobbled with his finger and flicked with his tongue until today whilst playing a game he suddenly went very still.

‘I think,’ he said, then nodded, ‘My tooth has come out but I might have eaten it!’

He hadn’t it was on his tongue and duly rescued and awaiting collection from the tooth fairy! He was very excited about this turn of events and fussed a lot about his new gap! Hpops when presented with the same even a couple of years ago had burst into tears!

Pixie has some new experiences today as well. She attended a birthday party where she was able to handle animals and had no problems holding a snake, lizard and most impressively a tarantula. She also got to pet a variety of other animals and seemed quite happy to do so! How different my children are turning out to be!

We are all back to school tomorrow, and I am hoping that I can get back into some training and writing. I have been re-connecting a bit with the writing in communication in preparation for unleashing new work soon. I have also managed to run just over 8 miles in marathon preparation which is pleasing as it is nearly a third of the way round!

Imp did have another little gem for us, he was talking to us about football and came out with;

‘Now it’s cold, we have to wear long sleeved trousers!’ I did manage to ask him what he wore in the summer and he gave the logical answer – ‘short sleeve trousers!’ Of course – silly me!

New Year, new (ish) blog

Soon all my old posts will be disappearing to be archived in my private files. Instead here will appear my random pearls of wisdom, tales of my adventures, or lack of in the publishing world, marathon training, (yes really!) and parental fears, failures and successes. As the kids are getting older I have decided to keep the tales of their formative years for myself and maintain their anonymity.

So I guess I need to make a few introductions. I have three children the eldest and youngest are girls (Hpops and pixie) with my poor son (imp) sandwiched in the middle of a world of pink and fairies. I have a husband who works very hard but also sometimes has to travel, sometimes at short notice which can make life difficult as I try to juggle the social life of the three kids – they definitely have a better social life than me. I taught in a primary schools for five years before the kids and since then have been dabbling with my other passion – writing!

My novel Tumbling Through Life was published a few years ago and since then I have been working on several projects – some for adults and some for children without really reaching the end of any of them, the kids schedule hasn’t helped and my talent for prevaricating means that I am able to make things that should take half an hour last for several! This year the youngest is off to school full time in September and so the time for prevaricating must come to an end and the time for serious writing must begin. My aim is to keep things ticking over until then and from that moment on write for 4-5 hours a day and maybe actually finish off some of these half done projects and get somewhere. While it would be nice to be the next J K Rowling or Stephen King my main hope is that I can write something that will entertain people for a few hours. When I read I want to connect with the characters and place, no matter how outlandish the world set before me I want to be able to believe in it and forget myself for a while – if my writing can do that, even for just a few people then I will have considered myself to have achieved my goal.

Before I get to September I have a marathon to run! For the last few years I have applied to participate in the London marathon and this year I was successful in gaining a place in the public ballot. Initially I was overjoyed then reality set in! So far I have been very lucky with the weather and have largely been able to keep up with the training schedule. I started proper training back in September and went from struggling around for 2-3 miles to running over 7 miles and feeling as if I have some left in the tank. As the date draws nearer training becomes more intense I hope to go a mile further each week and have done a few 20 mile runs before the big day!

I am sure the summer will be spent watching the Olympics, football and kids on various climbing frames as the summer holidays hit. Through this blog it would be great to hear from new people, hopefully you can check out some of my book/film/theatre and toy reviews as they appear as well as examples of my writing work. Most importantly wishing everyone a happy and safe 2012!