The importance of little things

I was thinking today about all the little things that could have made the difference between Tony and I meeting:

1. If I hadn't gone to the 'back to school' themed party.
2. If Hale hadn't show Tony the pics from the party to 'see what he had missed', one of which had me in it.
3. If Rhyll's bf hadn't made up a myspace profile with his music on it
4. If I hadn't made up a myspace profile to get his music.
5. If I hadn't changed my original profile pic to the one from the party
6. If Tony hadn't been scanning myspace randomly and recognised my photo
7. If Tony hadn't said 'hi, I think I know someone who knows you'
8. If I hadn't e-mailed back, and we hadn't worked out we'd both be going to Matt's party
9. If I hadn't gone to Matt's pool party
10.If Tony hadn't gone to Matt's pool party

I look at all that stuff, they are all such small things. Such day to day little occurrences. But if even one of those things hadn't happened, I don't think Tony and I would have ever met. Already this is a life changing relationship, so it makes me wonder where would my life be going if I hadn't met Tony.

It also leads me to wonder, what other tiny things that I do today are making a big impact on my future? I'm not one to believe in destiny, in fact when people tout 'meant to be' I roll my eyes and want to barf. I believe that stuff just happens, we make choices, and life ensues. But it is interesting how such small things can cause such a turn in our lives. I think it also shows how important it is to live our lives to the full, to go out and take chances.

Volleyball

We won our first game tonight!! We've won a set before, but this is the first time we won the whole game!! It was wicked, we all played a kick-ass game, and we all did some brilliant dives and maneuvers.

Go team!

We're having a BBQ at Jane's after our next game to celebrate. :)

I know how she feels!

What to do with a Sunday

I had a really nice day today. Tony and I had a glorious sleep in, then waffles for breakfast!! They were the frozen Sara Lee kind you put in the toaster. They are SOOO good!! suagary and crispy and hot...mmmm

Then we went for a wander about the Freo markets, ate some indian food and had a beer. We then went to visit my olds for a bit.

I also got an sms from Emma saying she had bought the amazing yellow dress we found when we went late night shopping last Friday. She's going to look amazing at boobalicious!

Why you should use a phone book

Last night Tony and went to Jane and Mike's place for dinner. Mike was asking me about if I'd put my car in the Quokka yet, which I hadn't. He then told me if I rang before 8pm I'd make it into the next one on Thursday.

Jane and I tried a 1300 number they had on the web site to no avail. Then Mike said he remembered the number off the top of his head which he rang. He passed me the phone whilst it was still ringing. Someone answered, I immediately hung up, I fell to my knees rolling about laughing. You know the kind that makes you laugh so hard you can't make a sound let alone breath? Well it was like that!

Everyone was going 'what. what, what is so funny?' So I told them a female voice answered the phone with 'hello Penthouse escorts, how may I help you tonight?'.

Thought:

It's amazing how much you can love, and feel love for someone. And just when you think, you couldn't possibly feel any more love for them, you wake up the next day finding you love them even more.

Bicycle! Bicycle! I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike...

So I've been making some improvements to my bike of late. I now have slick tyres thanks to Ben. I also now have a new comfy 'female friendly' seat. I haven't had a chance to take it for a proper ride yet with the new seat, but I'll be looking forward to that on Thursday.

Now this might seem stupid, but it was a big thing for me. I managed to change my inner tube on my own the other day. As it was the back tyre, it was the one with all the gears and stuff on it, so it had an extra degree of difficulty to take off and put back on. anyway to cut a long story short, I did it all on my own, and it was no way near as hard as I had anticipated. By the time I finished I was all greasy and couldn't help but think 'I bet this is the kind of satisfaction Ben feels'.

My sister Jane is getting a new bike for her birthday. At this stage she is looking at buying a SUB bike. I'm starting to know how Tony feels and getting bike envy.

So anyway, I can't wait for her to get it so we can start to do lots of riding together. She is really keen to work herself up to riding to work one day a week. She is further South than I am, and would need to ride all the way to Osbourne Park.

Jane and I were really close as kids and did everything together. As a teenager, she wasn't too fond of me and we drifted apart. It's only been in the last 7 or 8 years that we've become close again. The only thing is that we are so busy with our own lives we just don't have enough time to spend with each other. So Jane getting into riding will be a great chance for us to spend some time together.

It's so nice to inspire someone to get healthy. All the extra exercise I've been doing in the last year has really inspired both my sister and Mum to do more exercise. Mum looks much better for it, and Jane has dropped about 10kg herself this last year. I just hope with the new bike coming soon, Jane will really enjoy riding and can become even fitter.

Another day

Came home sick today. It was weird I was walking down Hay street at lunch time and all of a sudden came over in a over heated sweat. It was a cold day and I was boiling hot! Then all my joins and muscles started to get really painful.

The crappy part is I miss out on the movies with Em and Mel tonight! I was really looking forward to it...bum!!! Anyway best to take it easy I guess. Im hoping to go for a big run with the guys on Sunday, so I want to be well for that.

Mothers day

Today has been one of those days were I just haven't stopped eating. Even now at 9.30 pm I am feel uncomfortably stuffed full.

My day started slowly with a bit of a sleep in, followed by me stumbling into the lounge room to move the 'wake-up process' to the day bed. At this point Tony (who is one of those disgusting morning people) proceeded to make me a delicious cup of coffee and some toast. After an hour of watching video hits and digesting my breakfast I made it to the shower, and go dressed.

Mothers day this year was to be spent at my sister Jane's house. She very conveniently lives half way between myself and my parents, and has a lovely outdoor entertaining area. So Jane and her husband Mike organised the BBQ meats, while Tony and I did salads and sides.

As it was Mothers day we thought we'd kill two birds with one stone and invite Tony's Mum and sister along too. This was the first time our two families have met. I wasn't worried they wouldn't get along, more just that Tony's Mum felt comfortable.

I always get excited when people get to meet my family. Unlike a lot of peoples relationship with their parents I get on really well with both Mum and Dad, not to mention my sis Jane (Poodey) who is one of my best friends. I always feel a sense of pride about my family, that they are always so easily liked by other people and seen to be a lot of fun (which they certainly are).

When we got back to our place from Jane's Tony's Mum gave me a big hug and said 'Thanks, that's been one of the best Mothers days for ages'. She also sent me an sms later in the evening thanking me again and saying it was lovely to meet my 'young parents'. Both being in their 60s they are hardly young, but very much young at heart.

After Jane's we went to Al and Ben's place for spaghetti bolognese made by Renee. Ben had bought me a new pair of slick tyres!! He then proceeded to excitedly fit them for me. I think he is more excited about me having slicks than I am! haha, but I will very much look forward to trying them out on Tuesday when I ride with Jane.

Car vs. Bike

Today was my first day driving again after the scary incident on Wednesday. I felt nervous and un-confidant the whole drive. I was thinking today, cars really bring out the worst in people, and I am starting to feel very anti-car. I would not say that I am a person that is easily rattled, but I am still feeling the effects of that man's urban terrorism.

Cyclists however are a whole different thing. Last week I got a flat tyre on my ride into work. It was pitch black and 5.30 in the morning. Almost every person that rode past me asked if I was ok and was prepared to stop and help. One American cyclist did actually stop and offered to change my tyre for me. Tony was already on his way though so I politely declined and thanked him. If I didn't have the Tony back up though, this man was fully prepared to make himself late for work by helping me. It was so touching to feel the genuine care and sense of commerardery between cyclists.

Why can't motorists be that polite? I wonder is it that anonymity you have behind the wheel of a car? The fact that you often can't really see the person, all you see is the actual car a lot of the time? Maybe the toxic crap a car spews into the environment also has some kind of toxic effect on peoples thought fields and energy? I even find myself becoming a person I don't like when I am in my car. It is probably the place I display the most anger and aggression. I am not normally and angry or aggressive person, but can become so in my car.

On another car note, I have decided I AM SELLING MY CAR. It is no longer talk! I have come to the decision I will do it. I am going to buy Jane and Mike's old Holden Barina so I have a little run around car. As much as I would love to subsist off just my bike, I think that is unrealistic.

So as soon as I get the Barina, 'Norbert' the Honda Jazz is going to find a new home. I will miss his lovely air-conditioned, beautifully stereoed comfort. But the freeing up of my finances is more important right now.

Also I wonder with cyclists, perhaps the happy hormones pumping around their bodies due to the lovely effects of exercise help make them the lovely people they are? Well whatever it is, I'm glad I can say I am one of them.

See You Next Tuesday

I had a terrifying experience yesterday. I was driving home from climbing with Aaron, enjoying the warm buzz of having pushed my body to it's limits of strength. I was going down Leach Hwy, in the far right lane as there was a fair bit of slower traffic, when a man in a huge 4WD decided I was going too slowly (about 108km).

Instead of doing what all sane people do and going around me (and he had more than enough room to do so), he decided to tail gate me to the point I was terrified he was going to ram my car. He then proceeded to flash his lights at me, and then just leave them on high beam in an attempt to blind me. This ensued for about 10-15 minutes. Quite frankly I was not going to be bullied into changing lanes when I had every right to be in the right lane still going past traffic that was clocking about 80km/hr. Also I was too scared to do anything as this man was clearly insane!

After tormenting me for 15 minutes he finally decided to change lanes and drive right next to me and attempt to yell and wave his fist. He then dangerously cut in front of me and drove about 80km an hour. Which was a nice speed for me to get close enough to get his rego number. He then took off at the South St Hwy.

I thought I was ok until I got in the door and fell in a shaking terrified heap in Tony's arms. What is wrong with people, how does someone get so angry with life that they think it is ok to terrify a stranger for kicks?

I rang the police with his rego number when I got home. At first they didn't seem to be that interested until I made them realise it was for 15 minutes, he tried to ram my car, and his only reasoning behind this behaviour seemed to be to terrify me and get his kicks from that. Then they listened to me. They looked up the guys details and are going to pay him a visit. They can't charge him as it's my word against his, but at least he'll get a talking to. I hope I ruin his fucking day, cause he ruined mine. C u next Tuesday....asshole!

A busy day

Today was one of those days where I really appreciate my life. The start of my day consisted of a wicked run with Emma. We've been running down along Cottesloe beach, and despite it being cold, it's always a beautiful run. A nice view, good company and so far good weather.

After that I went and had a bloody cold shower in the change rooms. One thing I have noticed since I've gotten older. I have no problems with public nudity. Five years ago I never thought I'd be getting my kit off in front of strange women in an open change room. But I've done it a few times now and didn't bat an eyelid .

Then it was time to consume my very soggy sultana bran and milk. It was nice being all warm in my car, watching the cool ocean and people wander by with their friends, lovers, dogs, families etc.

I had heaps of time up my sleeve so I decided to go into Cottesloe and grab a coffee at Van's. This turned out to be a brilliant idea as it was one of the best coffee's I have had in ages! I then drove to north Freo (where Saskia lives), but parked up the road for a while as I was early. There is this amazing spot that over looks the river, it is just spectacular. So I just sat in awe appreciating my surroundings and hot coffee until it was almost 9.30 and time to visit little Saskia Lily.

Saskia was very excited to see me. It has been a few weeks since we have had one of our adventures, so she was all cheeky smiles and lit up blue eyes. Her new baby brother Rory (or Roar as she calls him) had grown heaps since I last saw him. According to his Mother he is just an eating, screaming, pooping machine. Kinda puts you off the idea of kids.

So Saskia was in the stroller before we were even outside. We walked up to Mosman Park, along the river past the tennis courts and found a nice little sandy bit of beach along the river. Saskia proceeded to collect rocks, shells and the odd bit of interesting looking wood. The rocks she likes to throw in the water to make a splash. And this time the shells were a present for Mummy!

Play time almost over, it was back to the stroller, and off home. Sas pointed out all kinds of exciting things to me on the way home 'doggie', 'moon', 'bird', 'water'. It really is amazing how much her vocabulary improves every time I see her. Last visit she couldn't string 2 words together, and often had troubles finishing words. So Saskia sounded like 'Ssssss' (with much gesticulating and pointing at herself), Boat sounded like 'Boooo', and Dog sounded like 'Dawwww'. But now she finishes most words and can even make small sentences.

Once home we made lunch, Saskia showed me her new 'big girl bed' as her Cott has gone to Rory now. We ate lunch outside then played in the sandpit. Sas's Mum and Dad were still home with little Rory at that stage, but as soon as he was asleep they snuck out for 20 minutes up to the shops. Siobhan said to call her if he woke up. So sure enough the minute they left he woke up screaming. As it would only be a few minutes I decided I'd try to tend to the little tacker myself. So much noise from such a little being!! I'd be exhausted screaming that much all day as he seems to do.

So being a new born he was doing the whole rooting around with his little face, wanting some milk. Obviously me not being his Mother couldn't do much there. It is surprising how distressing it can feel knowing what they want but not being able to do anything about it. So I just held him and did the bouncey walking up and down thing babies seem to like.

Siobhan and Hamish were home shortly after to rescue me and feed little Rory. I then got a big hug good bye from Sas and made my way home.

Since being home I've had a nice arvo of sorting out the house, so it doesn't look like a bomb site, made some dinner and watched a little bit of TV. Now I'm just waiting for Jane to come over. I promised her I'd go for a bike ride with her around Bibra Lake. I'm going to sleep like the dead tonight.

Favourite things I did today

1. Woke up, rolled over and gave Tony a big good morning hug

2. Drank coffee sitting outside and listened to the birds sing

3. Visited my Mum who gave me some old wedding rings that had belonged to a family friend (kinda like a grandmother)

4. Seeing my Tony when I got home

5. Play Volleyball

Happy Birthday

Today is Tony's birthday, he is 27 years old. For his birthday he is getting a bike! A nice shiny, new flash bike! Ben is going to help us get something good when he is back from France. Then once he has a bike we can both ride to work once or twice a week. Yay!

So tonight I am making my yummy vego lasagna, and we're having a nice quiet birthday dinner just the two of us.

However firstly I have to go sit an mid-semester exam on nutritional biochemistry at 3pm. Basically I'm shitting my pants because it's very complex information, my lecturer is terrible and doesn't seem to understand the content herself so I left each lecture going huh? My text book for the unit STILL hasn't turned up and I'm in week 10, AND our last lecture before the exam, you know the one where the lecturer gives you a heads up as to what to expect, was run by someone else. Someone who had no idea what was in the exam, so we're all flying blind!! Fuck!

I'm at that point were all I care about is passing, even if it's by the skin of my teeth, it's all I need. This unit is a prerequisite for a lot of other units next semester, so I have to get it done. I have about 2 years and a half left of study if I do it full time (which is going to be impossible), so I can't afford to go backwards. I really want to have my qualification before I have kids, or failing that before I'm 100.

In other naturopathy related news I am going to an interesting looking seminar in a couple of weeks. Normally they cost hundreds of dollars, but this is the annual free one put on by ANTA (Australian Natural Therapists Association). Although naturopathy isn't regulated yet, if it were to be, these guys would be it! I'm currently a student member, and when I graduate will be a fully fledged member. These guys take care of your indemnity insurance when you pay your yearly membership fees. They are quite pedantic about who they will and won't take as a member, which is great because it gives your studies some credibility. Lucky for me my school is well and truly on the list of acceptable places to study.

Well I have to leave the house in half an hour, better go get ready and do that last little cram to see if I can stuff anything else into my already confused mind. I have all these weird words swimming about my head 'adenosine triphosphate, glycolysis, krebs cycle, dehydrogenase, hexokinas, pyruvate, isomerase, phosphoglycerate kinase' Garhhh!!!!