Time flies when you're having fun....

Oh my! Where does the time go?! I've been so manic with fundraising, training and general preparations that I've managed to let 3 whole months pass by without writing anything at all on here! What's more, there is now only 4 short weeks left to go before I actually leave for China!!!

Excited?! Just a little!!!

So, what have I been up to for all of that time? Well.....

Fundraising - the major fundraising event was a Circus themed party in February which raised a total of £407! There was a disco, jugglers, fancy dress, face painting,a raffle and even food donated by Luke's Dad!! It was a great evening and I know everyone who came had a fabulous time. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped to make it such a success including Tracie Wadeley, Evelyn Murray, Michelle Clarke, Luke Carter and the jugglers (and his Dad of course!) to name but a few!
There have also been a few car boot sales although I must admit, they have been a lot of hard work for little return.. I'm hoping there will be some nicer weather soon where I can give it one last shot!
Of course there have also been lots of donations from friends and family along the way and I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported me.

Training - I've been out walking at weekends quite regularly now with the Bears Walking group and am thoroughly enjoying it. It doesn't even feel like training because I always have such an enjoyable day and there's no shortage of good company. With 4 weeks to go, I am stepping it up a bit and heading out on both saturdays and sundays now to get used to walking on consecutive days. Big thanks to anyone who has offered to come out walking with me!
I've also been trying to do other training during the week such as running and cycling which will hopefully have helped with my general fitness.

Other stuff - in amongst all of that I've been getting jabs, applying for visa's, shopping for kit and generally trying to be prepared!!!

Phew!!!

So, I'd better get back to it all!

Thanks again everyone!

xx

Lets all be a little more grateful

I saw an article in the paper this morning on something called a Gratitude Diary and it motivated me to research the concept a little further. I came across a blog about this very subject which had this particular article in it;

Seen this?
I AM GRATEFUL:FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME, AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLE AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.AND FINALLY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

I think its an absolutely fantastic sentiment and we should all be a little more grateful for what we've got. So I'm starting my diary today. Why dont you start one too?

There is a link to the original article here.

xxx

Winter Wonderland

Christmas is well and truly on its way..only 5 sleeps to go as my son keeps reminding me! Today, I had a fantastic training session - a sunday walk with the Bear's walking group along a festive theme. We walked along Christmas Hill and past Christmas farm and even had a dusting of snow to crunch beneath our feet. It was bitterly cold but the atmosphere and views were certainly worth it and a lunch stop that included mulled wine and mince pies also helped us through!
Its a little under 20 weeks now until I leave for China and somewhere in amongst all the fundraising work (I still need to raise another £1375!) I need to get in some serious training time! The sunday walks are certainly helping but I'll need to step it up in the New Year. I'm planning to make use of the treadmill I have at home and then try and get in any other form of exercise I can by building things into what I do every day such as using the stairs where possible and also ditching the car on short journeys. All help and motivation will certainly be appreciated and if anyone fancies coming walking any type please give me a shout!
In the meantime, I'm going to kick back for a week and enjoy the festivities with my family before the hard work begins!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

xxx

Circus Party!!

Finally, I can announce that my next major event will be an exciting circus themed party!! It should be lots and lots of fun and I'm extremely grateful to everyone who's helping me out so that I can do it. Here are the details;

The Greatest Show On Earth!

Fun for all ~ Disco ~ Entertainers ~ Face Painting
Fancy dress optional! Prizes for the best outfit!

Appearing one day only: Saturday 6th February 2010
Show Time: 6:30pm Children’s Hour
7:30pm Main Event
Tickets: £5 adults, £2 child

in aid of The British Heart Foundation
(Registered Charity no.225971)
Donate at http://original.justgiving.com/chinesewhispers

Join us under the Big Top at King George Memorial Hall, Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull, B94 5NH

Why not bring along a friend?

Tickets must be bought in advance so please get in touch if you're interested!!

See you there!