tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41536862989523136492024-03-05T16:32:39.607+00:00Dog Hair in my DinnerJackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-60649528392643836792022-03-30T01:34:00.001+01:002022-03-30T01:34:44.768+01:00Not going well…<p> So I’m not doing very well with the blogger apps. I just really wanted something that would be quick and easy to use but I haven’t found anything like that. I’m now using the website online but it’s a long winded process. However, hopefully I’ll be able to add a picture of the creme egg brownie ‘scotch egg’ that I had today…</p><p>Just got to find the ‘add picture’ button now…</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-4915195765306028112022-03-21T23:40:00.001+00:002022-03-21T23:41:25.651+00:00apps for blogger<p>I’m using a new app for blogger now. Trouble is, I don’t actually know how it works, so there might be a few very random post about nothing in particular, so that I can practice stuff like formatting and adding pictures. Sorry. I’ll try and pick cute dog pictures. </p><p><br></p><p>Can’t get picture to add…</p>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-40811583118401154552022-03-19T16:01:00.000+00:002022-03-19T16:02:42.603+00:00Five years later…Here I am again. Another blog revamp. I don’t know how long it’ll last this time but, who cares? <div><br></div><div>Not sure what I’m planning to do with this space now but once I find an app that I like for updating, I’ll just see how the mood takes me. </div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-89962089185114605352017-05-24T23:58:00.004+01:002017-05-24T23:58:54.582+01:00<div style="background-color: white; color: #3d596d; font-family: 'Noto Serif', Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
Way way back in May of last year, I got a bit caught up in the Facebook frenzy surrounding the London marathon ballot. Despite having decided I never wanted to run it again ever, I found myself filling in the form and clicking the 'submit' button. Instantly I regretted it, but consoled myself with the thought "Oh well, who actually gets in through the public ballot anyway?" It turned out that I did!! I had the choice to either give my place back or knuckle down and do some proper training.</div>
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So, I found myself setting my alarm for 5am on Sunday 23rd April after whining, whinging and moaning my way through months of training. I was feeling confident as my final long run had gone well, although my taper had turned out to be less of a taper and more of a 'stop running and eat all the pies' affair. My biggest concern of the day was actually waking up in the morning so I asked Nigel, a running club buddy, to ring me when he got up to make sure I was awake. He got a lift to the coach stop for his troubles! My kit bag was packed the night before so all I had to do was get dressed and leave the house.</div>
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Arriving at the coach stop, Nigel and I were met by all the other people taking advantage of the club coach to the start line. I have to say, this is such a fantastic thing that my running club provides, it really does make life so much easier on race day. I had my breakfast on the coach and we arrived at about 8am. We said goodbye to the red and green starters and headed off to the blue start.</div>
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Once inside the start area we found ourselves a patch of grass to camp out on and all began our preparations for our race. I couldn't decide how many layers to wear as I get cold much more than most people and don't warm up very quickly, so I fussed around for a while and eventually settled on just my guide dogs shirt which turned out to be the right decision. We dumped our kit and took one last not-so-quick trip to the loos, before heading down to the start line.</div>
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It only took us 10 minutes after the race started to cross the line, I kept my fleece on until the very last minute as I hate being cold! Nigel, another friend Leon and I all started together but Nigel and I said goodbye to Leon about half a mile in. Nigel and I had agreed we would start together but would run our own races, however we had had quite similar paces in the run up to London so we were hopeful we could stay together for a while. At mile 3, Nigel told me that he had something special planned with his family at around mile 25, so this gave us something to chat about for a while. We also took selfies and generally had a good time. I was able to marvel at the Cutty Sark properly this year, last year I was so intent on not falling over discarded water bottles on the ground that I didn't look up and didn't actually notice Cutty Sark! At mile 7 Nigel's old back injury started to slow him down. I was torn between staying with him to see his family surprise or going on ahead to follow my own time goal. In the end he persuaded me to leave him behind so we said our goodbyes and wished each other luck.</div>
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In the distance I could see a Sandhurst Joggers shirt so I made an effort to catch up. It was two of my running club friends who were looking very cool, calm and collected. I couldn't keep up with them so I said goodbye and watched them head off into the distance. At mile 12 I spotted the Guide Dogs cheer team. I was easy for them to spot as our Guide Dogs shirts are quite distinctive in a crowd, so for about 3 seconds as I ran past I felt like a true celebrity as they all cheered madly! Then they were gone and I was back in the masses again.</div>
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Half way came and went and at mile 15 I started really feeling the distance in my legs. I knew a couple of my running club friends were along that stretch somewhere so I focussed on looking for them and was chuffed to see them, although they only just spotted me as I screamed their names on my way past! My next focal point was looking for my niece at mile 17. It was nice to have the distraction as I felt the first of many toenails pop off at this point. I didn't see her at mile 17 but I knew she had a second option of being at around mile 19 which, I convinced myself, wasn't too far away. Another toenail popped along that stretch but I kept going and was rewarded with the sight of my lovely niece waving madly at me on my right. I was able to work through the runners and get over to her for a photo and a high five. She didn't seem to want a sweaty hug for some reason! She didn't let me stop and swiftly send me on my way, on to the 20 mile marker and into the final six miles.</div>
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The less said about this bit the better really. I'd had enough, my feet hurt, I knew I had blisters and loose toenails and my quads were calling me all sorts of rude names. However I hadn't got that far just to stop so I switched into 'mental marathon' mode and began the stern, drill instructor style talking that seems to work quite well. I can be pretty strict with myself when I need it and I was NOT walking under any circumstances! It also helps to be a bit of a show off, the thought of being able to tell my work colleagues that I ran the whole thing without stopping was a huge motivator! So with that and repeating a couple of mantras over and over again, I just kept on running until the end was in sight. With 400m to go I wasn't sure that I'd get my 'gold standard' target of 4:15 as my brain was beyond any mental arithmetic at that point and I couldn't work out the timings, but I was pretty certain that beating last years time of 4:18 was within reach. I finally crossed the line in a new personal best of 4:14:24 and was lucky to spot friends giving out the medals, so received my medal and hugs from them.</div>
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After that I had a hot chocolate and a sit down before joining up with fellow Sandhurst Joggers for the coach trip home. We shared our stories on the way home, congratulated those who had achieved goals and commiserated with those whose races hadn't gone to plan (although everyone had finished, so no one had had a bad race!).</div>
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Arriving back at the car park I regretted not thinking through my parking spot as my car was right across the far side of the car park. Having offered a friend a lift home I don't think he was too impressed at my lack of forethought at 6:15am that morning! Shuffling across the car park and getting into my car was mildly entertaining though.</div>
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My day ended with a Chinese takeaway, a beer, washing my bloody socks before they stained, a bath and an evening in bed catching up with all the Facebook activity.</div>
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Oh yeah, if you were wondering about Nigel's family surprise, well he proposed to his girlfriend!! His daughter videoed the proposal and he was annoyed later to see that he was overtaken by a Womble while he was stopped, however it was all worthwhile because she said YES!!</div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-61158653856723732102017-04-29T11:19:00.001+01:002017-04-29T11:19:17.773+01:00Still there?It's been a few years... just thought I'd see if this old blog thing is still working!! Seems silly to start a new one if this one still works. Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-50438865247147760542014-11-15T22:08:00.000+00:002014-11-15T22:08:10.329+00:00Goodnight Sweetheart.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Tarka</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">?? 2000 - 07/10/14</span></div>
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-62747937834161605282014-09-22T23:11:00.001+01:002014-09-22T23:11:07.954+01:00I spoke too soon.Iphone did not survive.<br />
<br />
time to dig out the insurance documents I think!<br />
<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-4934807995466413122014-09-21T22:39:00.001+01:002014-09-21T22:39:49.831+01:00Death by toilet!For the iPhone... well nearly, anyway. <div><br></div><div>I dropped my phone down the loo. I've spent years congratulating myself for taking my phone out of my pocket before going to the bathroom but yesterday I forgot. It was in the back pocket of my jeans and flipped out and into the bowl before I even realised it was still there. </div><div><br></div><div>I was away from home and didn't realise I should switch the phone off straight away, so by the time I got home 3 hours later and googled what I should do the screen was dead so I couldn't switch it off and it had been wet inside for 3 hours. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyway, with nothing to lose I put it in a tub of uncooked rice and in the airing cupboard for 24 hours and hey presto... It's working again! </div><div><br></div><div>I think I got very lucky! </div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-40070607172291900882014-07-13T23:03:00.003+01:002014-07-13T23:03:24.811+01:00The art of blogging. I'm not a natural blogger. I read a lot of blogs where people have interesting lives or interesting opinions to write about. But my life is very routine (how I like it) and I'm not very opinionated, so I have very little to write about.<br />
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I run<br />
I play badminton<br />
I swim<br />
I cycle (occasionally)<br />
I work<br />
I cook<br />
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But none of that is interesting when repeated over and over in a blog. It doesn't really even work as a diary because I write about the same things all the time.<br />
<br />
But, having created my own little piece of internet it feels like a waste not to use it. I just need to decide what to do with it.<br />
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Any thoughts?<br />
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-82283068201460969932013-10-16T12:18:00.001+01:002013-10-16T12:18:40.996+01:00Oh, I forgot to blog again!So, I'll do a big catch up post one of these days. Until then, just letting you know I am still here, currently sitting in McDonalds with a hot chocolate, watching the rain getting heavier and heavier...Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-51291583198864463812013-06-01T16:05:00.001+01:002013-06-01T18:06:56.305+01:00GardeningI've never been much of a gardener. Both houses I've lived in by myself have got small gardens and I only really wanted a garden for the dogs. So over the years my garden has been very neglected and has accumulated a lot of junk where I have dumped stuff to 'sort out later'. <div><br></div><div>Well, over the last few weeks I've been working on sorting out my garden. All the 'stuff' has been sorted, 3 car loads went to the tip! I've cut the grass a few times now which means its looking a bit more like a lawn. I've also placed some tree trunk slices and put some pots on them with plants in. The tree pieces and plants have come from work. I have lopped the overgrown trees back as much as I can and I've cleared the patio and have got furniture so I can sit outside. </div><div><br></div><div>It actually looks really nice out there now and I'm enjoying my garden a lot more. </div><div><br></div><div>Pic: one corner of my garden. I couldn't photograph any more because the washing was in the way! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtjTQ5O0_5iIANaedTzJ5pNMOK-_K3fYsB_2URUtJ-kztj1oSpEZub669QY1-aN66va40w5C-TNEZrf2_MsHSKNQ7RLhyphenhyphenJCNF7uz0X-1yPE85kRjBVkymbWCG8xYjL2y8kiWrj-ioB1VM/s640/blogger-image--549293970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtjTQ5O0_5iIANaedTzJ5pNMOK-_K3fYsB_2URUtJ-kztj1oSpEZub669QY1-aN66va40w5C-TNEZrf2_MsHSKNQ7RLhyphenhyphenJCNF7uz0X-1yPE85kRjBVkymbWCG8xYjL2y8kiWrj-ioB1VM/s640/blogger-image--549293970.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-90812829740879379252013-05-26T12:11:00.001+01:002013-05-26T12:12:05.654+01:00Windsor trail half marathonI've just got back from completing the Windsor trail half marathon. It was off road, mainly along riverside footpaths though so not like a major cross country run! Also not too hilly. The views and scenery were lovely but it did get quite warm as the sun was out. I struggled with the last 3 miles but completed it in around 2:05 so not my best time, but I'm happy with that! <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpNTMoMRgMefYvGEFAS78DWBbgsNLpR9xB27kEiz3A6vPudUNrRvLTQjeLzUVHARki2RBIG42E0BBAnzb94L9fvUVpVLzP89rfHQ9oz65M6gB2CssMxuZtPsbD7bPkqflFKtcuuN2frId/s640/blogger-image-1902050896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEpNTMoMRgMefYvGEFAS78DWBbgsNLpR9xB27kEiz3A6vPudUNrRvLTQjeLzUVHARki2RBIG42E0BBAnzb94L9fvUVpVLzP89rfHQ9oz65M6gB2CssMxuZtPsbD7bPkqflFKtcuuN2frId/s640/blogger-image-1902050896.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpML9DMr_fzkoghG6YNDQHvd2S3FVB9X0s9ZhPGqiCozRZq0QAM_0F_z-uj1qoedqUdepKCetWFGZ-XJ50XCq-kpYsyb3aI_kgZxA5fKg8_DV75nY-hTXrb6T_6wq2iegE5HbfcmqqnFP/s640/blogger-image--1253109875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQpML9DMr_fzkoghG6YNDQHvd2S3FVB9X0s9ZhPGqiCozRZq0QAM_0F_z-uj1qoedqUdepKCetWFGZ-XJ50XCq-kpYsyb3aI_kgZxA5fKg8_DV75nY-hTXrb6T_6wq2iegE5HbfcmqqnFP/s640/blogger-image--1253109875.jpg"></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-9372246486081583822013-05-23T18:57:00.001+01:002013-05-23T18:57:18.596+01:00R.I.P Lee RigbyI don't normally write about politics or current affairs, this blog is more of a personal diary and a way for people who know me to keep up with my life. <div><br></div><div>However I can't watch this incident pass without saying one thing. No matter what your religion, beliefs, politics or orientation, violence and aggression are not the answer. No one deserves to die the way that Lee Rigby did. No one. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-11510851189070192532013-05-23T16:24:00.001+01:002013-05-23T16:33:15.276+01:00The weather.Not the most exciting topic, but what the heck is the weather doing at the moment? Today is cold, raining and we've just had a hail storm. In Scotland roads are closed due to snow! It's 23rd May for goodness sake!! I suppose I at least picked a good day to go home early and curl up on the sofa with a migraine. <div><br></div><div>Anyway, last weekend was much nicer, it was dry and a little bit sunny. I took advantage on Saturday and got the grass cut front and back, including trimming the edges (by hand with shears, I 'killed' my last two strimmers so not buying another one). It's starting to look a lot nicer outside. Clearing the patio has made a huge difference and I'm quite enjoying sitting out there now. I've had several meals on the patio despite the weather not being very good! Ahh, the benefits of a covered patio! I will take some photos at some point. </div><div><br></div><div>I've also got a few plants out there now as well. There are a lot of plants at work that will just get bulldozed when the land is re-developed later in the year, so we've got permission to take what we want. I've taken a few small things to put in pots and a couple of roses that I've planted out. I'm wary of planting too much as I really don't want a high maintenance garden, but roses don't need constant care. </div><div><br></div><div>In other news.... I've now had a water meter fitted. It took one phone call and a twenty minute visit and will save me a lot of money I think. I should have done it a long time ago. I've been meaning to!! </div><div><br></div><div>I'm running another half marathon on Sunday, the Royal Windsor trail half marathon. I'm not pushing for a time, it's my first off road half (although its not like proper cross country stuff, more like foot paths along the river) and I am always slower off road. I've also gained weight over the last few weeks and haven't run much this week so I'm aiming for a finish, with no other goals in mind. I think it will be quite a scenic route so I am looking forward to it from that point of view. </div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-71645093076932509272013-05-18T17:36:00.001+01:002013-05-18T17:36:44.247+01:00May.May is over half way through. Summer should be on its way but its not looking very promising. Today has been the first time in about 3 weeks it has been dry enough at the weekend to cut the grass! I have spent a couple of hours this afternoon doing just that, and some general garden tidying too. In about a week it will look like I never did it. <div><br></div><div>May Day was fun. We went to the local May Fayre and looked at all the stalls and the car boot sale. I bought a few bits but not much. </div><div><br></div><div>Next weekend I'm hoping to do the Royal Windsor Trail Half Marathon. It'll be my first off road half, but since I run about ten miles mainly off road most Sunday mornings, I'm not too worried. It's footpaths along the river mostly, not major cross country running! </div><div><br></div><div>Tonight is the Eurovision Song Contest. I'll be watching at home and chatting with friends online. I've got dinner in the slow cooker, and popcorn and beer ready. I might walk up to the fair at the park and see how expensive the candy floss is, just for a treat!! </div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-15151869887743015232013-05-05T01:12:00.001+01:002013-05-05T01:15:40.961+01:00CanterburyToday I went with my brother to visit both my nieces in Canterbury. They're both at university there, one at Canterbury university and one at University of Kent. Total coincidence led them to end up on opposite sides of the same city, it could so easily have been opposite ends of the country! <br />
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Today we had some of niece #2's things to deliver that she wasn't able to take when she went back after Easter. We did that first, she showed me her room in halls and did a tour of the campus for me. <br />
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Next we went across town to niece #1's house which I also hadn't seen before. Then the four of us went out for lunch, did a bit of food shopping for the girls before dropping them each back 'home' and driving the couple of hours back. It was a lovely day. <br />
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I'd left my dog with my sister-in-law so I picked her up and went home, then later I went out to an ice hockey match. It was a really good game and the team I was supporting won, 6-5. <br />
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Pic: view of Canterbury from UoK, in the gloomy weather we had when we arrived! <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVJaJx3b5T8aSPNffd2GMvIyqjiTZagcSJdmQUymEKECob_geem9Vxq23iGKbpMeovGge_bCE-A4aUez4NuagiRbpw1ATyVY6pLj4r4B8PJqU3AKbr1ek62nf0AlNNA3HFwGsJcvT6q-T/s640/blogger-image-1524009875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVJaJx3b5T8aSPNffd2GMvIyqjiTZagcSJdmQUymEKECob_geem9Vxq23iGKbpMeovGge_bCE-A4aUez4NuagiRbpw1ATyVY6pLj4r4B8PJqU3AKbr1ek62nf0AlNNA3HFwGsJcvT6q-T/s640/blogger-image-1524009875.jpg" /></a></div>Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-55288918479970998832013-05-03T09:04:00.001+01:002013-05-03T09:04:12.383+01:00Another half marathon.Last Sunday I ran my second half marathon. It is known to be a tough course with an incline that goes on for almost 3 miles at one point. It's my local half marathon though so I felt that I should do it at least once. <br />
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I took is a bit slower than my first one, and have to say I enjoyed it a lot more. The weather was great, bright and sunny but not too hot. Being local, I saw a few people I know along the route supporting the runners (thanks guys!) and some of my running club friends came to watch too. There were about half a dozen from my club running it which was nice. <br />
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I finished in a respectable 2:02:12 which I was very happy with since I was deliberately taking things slower. <br />
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This week I've been on annual leave from work. I've been keeping busy, I've had an eye test, a manicure, 2 doctors appointments (migraines) and have cleared my patio of rubbish. (That may not sound like much but there was a lot of rubbish!) Today I have to take the caging out the car and take all the rubbish to the tip. I have also done some dog walks and been to the gym a few times. <br />
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I was supposed to have a health/lifestyle assessment today but its been postponed as their spinal analysis machine is away for repair. <br />
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So, since this is my first post typed while still in bed I shall sign off, hit 'publish', hope it works and go get on with my day! Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-28680173209377681742013-03-23T21:06:00.002+00:002013-03-23T21:06:18.612+00:00Quarterly report!Yes, it's almost a quarter of the way through the year and I haven't blogged anything yet!!<br />
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Well that's probably because there is very little to blog sadly.<br />
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Life itself is pretty much unchanged. I had some really lovely time off work over Christmas and into January which was just what I needed. I had a lovely birthday, over the course of a week I went out for lunch with a friend, lunch with family and an ice hockey match with friends.<br />
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Work is unchanged. I am now on the 3rd intake of dogs since I started my current project and the project itself is halfway through. I have no idea how it will go long term, other areas have had some issues with the project but it's working well for me.<br />
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Running is going well. I gained weight over Christmas and that slowed me down, along with lack of training. I have now lost the weight and put in some proper training, and am pleased to say I completed my first half marathon in dreadful weather last weekend, in 1 hour, 58 mins and 58 secs. I was very pleased to get sub two hours as I knew it was going to be close, and I ran my socks off for it!!<br />
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The Friday before the half marathon we had the running club end of year dinner dance/ball. I bought a lovely long strapless blue dress, which I got in a charity shop for £8!!<br />
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I knew I would get an award for completing all of the cross country races in the league which the club enters, but I had no idea I would also be presented with the trophy for 'Most Improved New Runner'!!! I'm still convinced they've got me mixed up with someone else....<br />
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Tarka is doing really well. She has been diagnosed with early stage kidney disease but you wouldn't know it, and she's just had a good set of test results which have shown minimal/no changes in the last 3 months. She's 13 years old about now and you'd never know from watching her run round the woods!<br />
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So that it really, three months in words and pictures. If I think of anything else I'll come back and edit it, and I will try and keep a bit more up to date for the rest of the year.....Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-23724686883720646082012-12-31T14:04:00.001+00:002012-12-31T14:04:06.624+00:00Happy New Year2012 was OK, I wonder what 2013 will bring?Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-71277140015349771832012-12-26T15:59:00.000+00:002012-12-26T15:59:02.132+00:00And so that was Christmas......and today is Boxing Day!!<br />
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After the madness of yesterday I'm having a quiet day today. Yesterday I was at Mum and Dad's with my sister, brother in law, nephews and grandmother. I stayed over and went out for a run this morning with some friends from running club. The others went home around lunch time so Mum Dad and I went for a walk and then I came on home. Tomorrow we will all be back at Mum and Dad's with the addition of my brother, sister in law and nieces. It's gonna be loud....!!!<br />
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-81423600193037583802012-11-14T01:19:00.001+00:002012-11-14T01:19:32.696+00:00Weekends........They tend to be busy!!<br />
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With no-one but myself to worry about I can fill my weekends with whatever I like!<br />
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I recently went on a weekend away with the running club. It was quite a busy weekend with lots of exercise/training, but some down time too and plenty of socialising. It was great fun and good value for money as we stayed at a Youth Hostel and self catered.<br />
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I like to do some longer dog walks at weekends usually, and I do like to have a long lie in on at least one of the days. I like to get up at about 8am, feed the dog and let her out, then get my breakfast ready and take it back up to bed with me. I have breakfast in bed then either go back to sleep, read or surf the net on my phone. This can take me through to anywhere between 10am and lunch time... yes I know it's very lazy and some might say a waste of time, but in my book I am relaxed, warm, comfortable and doing something I enjoy so why not?<br />
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However, it's now Cross Country season and my running club takes part in a local league with other clubs. So, Sunday just gone saw me up early and out running through rather a lot of mud, although thankfully it wasn't raining or too cold for a change! It was about 6 miles and I completed it in 50m 40s by my watch, although the official times aren't out yet due to technical difficulties with the website. I think that's between 5-7 minutes quicker than I ran the same course last year but I can't check until the website is fixed. There are seven races in total between now and the end of January, I'm hoping to complete six of them. My club is hosting one so I will probably have to marshal that one instead of running it.<br />
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I have also entered the Reading Half Marathon which is in March next year.....Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-62038700344649980052012-10-31T19:01:00.000+00:002012-11-11T22:52:01.004+00:00I DID IT!!!!!I completed the Great South Run!<br />
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Ten miles, no walking, no having to stop for road crossings, just ten miles of uninterrupted running.... apart from having to pick my way through the hoards of other runners on the course!<br />
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It was a good run though, I started off with no expectations regarding time although I think I'd have been disappointed to be over 1h 45m if I'm honest.<br />
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I set off at a speed of 9.25/mile which felt comfortable. I was aiming for ten minute miles so I was wary of setting off too fast and burning out, but it felt good so I went with it. By 5 miles I was down to an average time of 9.11/mile and still feeling comfortable. Then I started to think that maybe I had a chance of a sub 1h 30m total so I decided to speed up a little. Bit by bit my average speed dropped, at mile 8 my watch was showing 8.58/mile so I sped up a bit more to give myself a bit of a margin.... having done so much by then I'd have hated to have got 1h 30m 02s or something like that. As I crossed the line my watch said 8.48/mile, however it also said I'd done 10.16 miles so I'd obviously created some extra distance dodging in and out of people and swinging wide on the corners to keep out the crowds. My final official time in the end was:<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">1 hour 29 minutes 26 seconds!!!</span></u></b></div>
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So, I was very happy with that, and am now thinking I might go for a half marathon in the spring!</div>
Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-69545447613029863092012-10-24T23:34:00.001+01:002012-10-25T21:57:45.587+01:00Shameless plug for a friend...Anna used to work with me many years ago. Since getting married and having children she has set up <a href="http://www.craftycooks.co.uk/" target="_blank">Crafty Cooks</a>, a franchise teaching children to cook from a very young age. Learning about food and how to cook it helps young children to try new foods and to develop a more varied taste, hopefully preventing them from becoming fussy eaters. It can also help children who are already fussy eaters to be brave and try new things.<br />
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Crafty cooks runs a range of classes for children of varying ages. They also do one off sessions in school holidays and cookery parties for birthdays or any other occasion. There are even adult classes too!<br />
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And if you are interested in setting up a franchise of your own, please give Anna a call. I'm sure she'll be delighted to hear from you.<br />
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Check out Anna's website and blog, You can follow Crafty Cooks on Facebook and Twitter @craftycooks too!<br />
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<a href="http://craftycooks.wordpress.com/">http://craftycooks.wordpress.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.craftycooks.co.uk/">http://www.craftycooks.co.uk/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/craftycooks">https://www.facebook.com/craftycooks</a><br />
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<br />Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153686298952313649.post-11685800076386176082012-10-19T23:00:00.001+01:002012-10-19T23:01:30.990+01:00Updates:My friend has moved on, I am alone again *sob*. Her house purchase went through as planned so she's now back in her own home. Whilst I enjoyed having her here, I do think we got on so well because we are both quite laid back and got on with our own thing, leaving the other alone to do their own thing too. I don't think it would be as good with any one else, especially a stranger, so I won't be looking for a lodger any time soon!<br />
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I'm running the Great South Run next weekend! It's ten miles, I have done ten miles twice now so I'm pretty confident about the distance. Time-wise I'm just going to see what feels comfortable on the day. I'd love to do the whole thing in ten minute miles but I'm not going to be upset if I don't. Having said that, I did seven miles in 9.03 minute miles on Thursday so who knows? Anything is possible, but I'm not going to push myself too hard, I want to enjoy the occasion and see the sights of Portsmouth as I gently jog past... Ten miles is my biggest distance so far, so I'm starting to think about aiming for a half marathon in the spring. It suddenly feels more achievable than it did before!Jackiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15880120202658451407noreply@blogger.com0