Friday 29 November 2013

That Time, 3 hours ago, That I Ran 21.1km and I'm doing it again.



So today I ran 21.1 km.
My first half marathon distance.
Ever.
On my dreadmill treadmill no less.

I committed a month or so ago to




going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - running my first HALF MARATHON . Most especially to raise funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) 


I laced up, signed up, googled and chatted training plans with Movers from Kate's Operation Move and I never turned back.

Well , that is a bit of a lie because I did one day and promptly went head first into the dust and gravel on one of the farm tracks. My forearm was the worse injury and no-one saw me except my dog, Dashi. I was turning backwards to see if she was following me.

lucky I was not wearing my new shoes Adidas Boost


It took 3 wks to heal - never mind the scar

Thankfully, I did not damage my pretty Garmin.
I've had a lot of doubts whether or not I could do it . Going to Melbourne solo is a big part of it. My hubby was going to come but we don't have anyone to care for our boys. I'm looking forward to meeting up with some lovely ladies from Operation Move.

Pizza
In the park.

Adventure.

Today, I ran through horrendous blisters over my toes , in my pretty pink shoes and I did it.
No doubt now.
No stopping me.
Running, for me, is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.
I am not fast.
I run awkwardly.

"I have not yet reached my goal and I am not perfect. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. My friends, I don't feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead." Philippians 3:12-13

I've done a lot of reading about running distances  - carb loading, gels, pre-run drinks (ahem not the alcoholic kind), nutrition, cadence, pace setting, hill training. It still overwhelms me.

I'll just run and not stop till I cross the line. Walking or not.
I will stuff my head with positive thoughts and carb load.

Pizza. I said that already.

Come Race day  I will be nervous.
I may be excited.


I'll be chanting -  check your pace, it's your race - don't worry about those passing you !
Then hopefully under 2:30 mins later - I'll celebrate the  r'awesomeness of crossing that line.

No matter the time.
No matter the effort.
I want my sons to see me active and know that if you put your mind to something it's possible to do it, but it doesn't come easy.

There is no telling how many 'miles' you will have to run while chasing a dream...well this one is 21.1km I know that.
 
If I see you come get a hug and a high five everyone .

PS: I think it was 147mins.

 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Thursday 28 November 2013

Lego Technic ~ Monster Truck - 42005 {Giveaway}

I can honesty say my kids start lego wars play with their Lego every single day. There isn't too many toys that keep them away from the 'screen'.

TECHNIC  is a LEGO theme primarily based on creating model machines and mechanical toys with beams and specialised blue and black connector pegs. They latch together rather than snapping on using studs (the knobby bits on Lego Bricks).

Lego Technic ~ Monster Truck - 42005 gives you an option of 2 models. Surprisingly, my 7yr olds decided to make B model and completed it pretty much between the two of them. I had to fix 1-2 things along the way.


It is quite a large model.
 
Interestingly, they choose the dune buggy one first.We went to visit my MIL in her new hostel care unit and amazingly it kept them quiet'ish for a good hour while we visited as they explored the new parts and started to assemble it.

Technics theme is designed for ages 9 and up, but my seven yr olds had no trouble given the relative simplicity of the build and easy to follow instructions. The beams and axles are measured in stud lengths; axles with even lengths are colored black, and axles with odd lengths are colored grey and it is all numbered (on instructions). The pins latch into holes in beams.

Their older brother loved Lego Technic and especially Bionicles . These are large TECHNIC themed figures compared to conventional mini-figures - with dozens of joints.


It took a few days of convincing to let them allow me to this was a real pain disassemble or de-construct the B model and build the MONSTER truck. I did a bit more of this build as Joel was home after surgery and Sam still at school.

The Monster truck has a lot of strength so it can take a "boysterous" battering. Included are Steering Ball joints , wheel axles, pins, and beams. [ Note -This set has no batteries or electric motors though some sets do.] The suspension is very cool.



Not terribly exciting or pretty to look at but boy are they fun. Once all the truck body panels went on it looked great - just what a Monster Truck is supposed to look like ! The only disappointment was the mini-figures don't fit the driver's seat.


At the last minute we re-jigged it to a right hand drive and squished him in. I wanted to test it's strength , ha ha - I couldn't SMASH it (cue tears) - though the favourite taunt here is to accidentally step on your brother's model. So we crash tested how it went dropping it from table height ; 2/3 times the wheels feel off but I could still re assemble it.

Now we need to buy another Monster truck to crash race them. While , I love being able to build Lego with my boys (seriously), I'm less keen on picking it up or sorting it from vacuum detritus.

I am searching for a solution - a Lego Room maybe !


With Christmas in under 4wks , look no further than LEGO® toys for the perfect gift or stocking filler for all ages and stages of development from toddlers all the way up to young-at-heart adults.

This was fun 

Now for the giveaway  -just in time for Christmas I have

3 x Monster Truck (LEGO Technic) 


To win - tell me your favourite stocking stuffers ?




a Rafflecopter giveaway  


 Terms and Conditions.
1.Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Enter via Rafflecopter - entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Additional entries permitted (as a comment) for each extra entry option.
3.There will be 3 winners -
4. Entries - Open 29/11/2013 - Close 11.59pm 12/12/13 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. The Prize is not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged or delayed in transit.
 
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8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar.






I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here

 

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sydney Skyline

My city of Sydney ~ and a special adventure I can't wait to tell you about
These Girls have the best views in Sydney
We got up close and personal with them.

 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Saturday 23 November 2013

Knowing you are dying

Tuesday night I watched "Knowing you are dying" on  #insightSBS - very confronting and overwhelming . Love Your Sister
Connie was so inspiring - I saw it in my Facebook feed at 8.21pm - the show started at 8.30pm.I would not have known otherwise.



She's part of an episode which brings together people who
have been told how long they have left to live. Joining them are
oncologists and palliative care specialists who explain the tricky art
of determining a prognosis and telling patients.

Read her transcript and see the taped segment. 
As Connie said -remember "women: be breast aware, don’t fall into the booby trap, and men; save a life, grope your wife"

She even said it with a straight face. I wonder if Sam dared her.


http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/11/15/knowing-you-are-dying


It is so important to talk about these things with your family. The worst pain I can imagine is the thought of leaving my children. It really scares me "squeezing my heart and soul ".

We all agree Cancer sucks but it's important we don't let cancer become our focus, we owe it to ourself to enjoy our life as much as we possibly can.

That being said ...I want to make a difference - I run to increase breast awareness in younger women and to raise money for breast cancer research.

"I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realise you're capable of so much more than you thought." – Arthur Blank
I also joined in dragon boating another great sporting organisation that brings breast cancer awareness to the community with Dragons Abreast.

As a community we can prevent women (&men) from having to say goodbye to their family, before time.

My cousin died of ovarian cancer 10 years ago @40yrs old (secondary bowel cancer) and left 4 sons and 2 daughters - motherless. Vulnerable little girls 9 & 4 - it's been so heartbreaking seeing them growing up in very dysfunctional environments.

 

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Tumultuous Hail , rain at last !



Thousands of  hail stones on the gravel and a river of rain.




Hail piled against the window.
I was in town - Hubby couldn't find camera bag to change the lens  - this is with 50mm lens (or 60mm)

 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Philips PerfectCare Aqua Pressurised Steam Iron - many thanks Henry and Thomas.

 Review

When I was asked to review the PerfectCare Aqua Pressurised steam iron - I couldn't say yes quick enough.

I had no idea it would be so big or so incredible !

On the end of my ironing board - told you it was huge !

After using the Philips PerfectCare Aqua for the last couple of months it has turned me from a person who detested ironing to an iron maiden who looks forward ironing. I used to leave it to the last minute ...like before I had to walk out the door to do the ironing. My twins never saw me iron till they were 3yrs old. 

"What's that ? "
"What are you doing ? "

I am serious. 


I either did it (rarely) while they were sleeping (so quickly) or I ignored it and sometimes my lovely MIL would do it. My older son didn't care about wrinkles, hubby wore wash n wear work-shirts and I hung everything on hangers when I put washing on the line - I did everything I could to avoid ironing.

I encouraged my husband step as and be Iron Man.

He often ironed the teens school shirts (only in summer)


Like to see this !

Within minutes it  outperformed my expectations - compared to my normal iron and I converted to this turbo charged steam generator. (I can't even find my old iron. We moved in the week this arrived and I've never looked back.)

I can brag my washing is perfectly ironed every time, even if I still have to do it myself. I have literally ironed hundreds of things and have tried it out on a whole lot of different clothes and fabrics. I had hubby time me - 8secs for the kids school polos and 8secs for shorts. Jeans were about 40secs.

Did you know ?

The IRON was named for the metal of which the device was commonly made. The electric iron was invented by a New York inventor. Henry W. Seeley.

(So I looked it up - technically I didn't know) Ironing works by loosening the ties between the long chains of molecules that exist in polymer fiber materials. Heat and the weight of the ironing plate, stretch the fibers and the fabric maintains its new shape when cool. His iron weighed almost 15 pounds and took a long time to warm up.

Previously, a cluster of solid irons were heated from a single source, as the iron currently in use cooled down, it could be quickly replaced by a hot one. It was back breaking and slow ...I imagine I'd have not bothered.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries,  irons were also heated by fuels such as kerosene, ethanol,  carbide gas (acetylene) or even gasoline...imagine the danger fun in that - NOT !

There was no easy way to control their temperature, and the first thermostatically controlled electric iron appeared in the 1920s. The innovative invention of the steam iron goes to Thomas Sears .  Commercially available electric steam irons were not available until 1926. The first steam iron to achieve 'popularity' was the $10 Steam-O-Matic of 1938 . It was a turning for our grandmothers.

Still our grandmothers would never have had time for social media with all the time they spent washing, starching and ironing. In my late teens my mother paid for an ironing lady - she hated it so much.

I was always burning or leaving a shine on our clothes with my too hot iron, impatiently rev'ving up the heat, to finish quicker. The Philips PerfectCare Aqua is easy to use with OptimalTemp technology, no more worrying about  damaging sensitive fabrics and imagine never have to sort the clothes anymore. No fiddling with the dial.

Forget burning your favourite top or having to check temperature settings on labels. PerfectCare Aqua utilises a cyclonic steam chamber and an advanced smart control processor to deliver just one setting for all clothes – including delicates like silk, linen, or polyester. Such is the amazing premium SteamGlide soleplate  - it’s scratch resistant, glides smoothly and easy to clean. 

 Favourite features :
  • Huge 2.2L water tank - it always irritated my husband when I asked him to refill my ironing water jug . Once filled it lasts a few ironing sessions. It flashed the other day to tell me to de-calc.
     
  • Up to 5 bars of steam pressure for fast ironing.

  • This iron is very light (1 kg) and designed to stay flat on the ironing board - though I kept trying to stand it up ; prevents the repetitive movements caused by placing the iron on the heel.
  • It’s ready to go in 2 mins - heated up and ready to zip through to the bottom of the basket (or lounge chair) in half the time. No more mountain of laundry to hide store.
  • Reasonable length cord between the base and the iron, I could set up the base on TV cabinet and there is stays – until we have guests.
  • PerfectCare Aqua delivers a powerful continuous steam output up to 120g/min and an additional steam boost up to 220g for hard crease removal when ironing things like denim.  
  • 100% safe on all ironable garments
  • I was surprised at how quickly I could iron the top of my sheets whilst folded – I hate the irregular creases because it seems to have a 'memory' and it causes the sheets to wear/fray on the same crease. No, I didn’t iron the whole sheet but I could have because the pressurised steam penetrates deep into layers & fabrics.
  • You can lock your Philips steam iron securely and carry your pressurised steam generator easily.

My husband's nephew was here as I unpacked my iron - he said excitedly "Is that a Philips Steam iron ? We have one of them I can iron my shirts in 40seconds and Jess can iron her blouses , vertically - still on then hanger - she steams them vertically ! "  He had me at 40secs - and that he did the ironing. I love the extra versatility - steam iron hanging clothes and my jackets.

The only thing to be aware is that steam irons generate water so watch the floor under where you iron and I don't iron semi-naked anyone - I can't be the only stupid one - to get steamed belly burns ! 


Disclosure: I was sent the Philips PerfectCare Aqua (RRP $399.95)  to review, all opinions are my own - especially the warning about not ironing naked. I hope I can get one to giveaway :).

'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Roof-water drinker ...devoid of H2o

A few weeks ago - good timing - just as I arrived home our two new water tanks were delivered.

The creek only flows when it rains . Everything is getting thirstier - still no rain. [I missed him taking the tanks off the truck too]



Kindly visit others linking up in the same row as you , so everybody gets a visit and comments.I've noticed comments are dropping off when I do my visiting rounds.Special mention to Em at Have a laugh on me for being a legendary commenter.
 
 

I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Tuesday 12 November 2013

IPhoneography and Surprises from A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY (Giveaway)


KINDER SURPRISE WELCOMES STAR WARS TOYS FROM A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY…

         

 Do you remember our Star Wars Storm trooper ?*

My boys were fascinated by him, and Star wars figurines ever since !

 They were most interested whether or not his head came off so he could eat and how did he see ?

Though I have not seen all the movies I crushed on Luke Skywalker.
British photographer Andrew Whyte created a surprising collection of images – using only his smartphone and forced perspective photography to reimagine our favourite iconic characters’ first moments on earth as new Kinder Surprise Star Wars toys.
What would Yoda do if he landed in Australia today? 
How about Darth Vader?
Yes the head comes off - sort of !


Using the forced perspective photographic technique, Andrew Whyte has created an optical illusion that makes the ten Kinder Surprise Star Wars toys appear larger than they actually are – to creatively and seamlessly place them within real-world scenarios.


From a Clone Trooper hanging out at the skate park, R2-D2 and C-3PO enjoying a picnic in the sunshine, to Yoda picking up some groceries 



Andrew Whyte commented on his collaboration with Kinder Surprise:
 “As a Kinder Surprise and Star Wars fan, this was a greatly rewarding photographic challenge for me to use forced perspective photography to bring the Kinder Surprise Star Wars toys to life "  
“The beauty of it is that anyone with a smartphone and a bit of imagination can have a go themselves. Picture a pebble as a mountain, or a puddle as a river – if the photos bring a smile to your face, then you know you’re doing it right!”
Andrew Whyte’s 10 Top Tips for Forced Perspective Photography:
  1. Tell a story – look for humorous scenes that make it easy to convey what's going on. Children make great storytellers so get them involved whenever you can
  2. Get close to your subject – the key to creating successful forced perspective images is scale. Using your smartphone lets you to shoot from just a few inches away, meaning that everything in the background looks smaller
  3. Adapt your toy – position its head, arms and legs to look like it's part of the scene, whether that's one hand up cheering a cycle race or positioning the toy to face into a sunset
  4. Work with what you've got – most smartphones perform better in good lighting conditions. Sunny days allow you to create striking silhouettes with your toys, but you’ll need to watch out for your own shadow appearing in the shot. Wet conditions also provide challenges but offer a great opportunity to play with reflections. And if it’s windy, double-sided sticky tape is the perfect way to keep your toy grounded!
  5. Play with props – bring in other toys to enhance the scene or adapt
  6. Know your app – the built-in camera will usually be fine but some apps give you extra control, like being able to control the focus and brightness (exposure) separately
  7. Tap to focus – hold your device really still and tap on the screen to identify where you want the focus to be. The more accurate you are, the sharper your photo will look, and you'll add depth to your image too
  8. Get the look – use other apps or add filters to tune the look and feel of your photo. A vintage look can work well for beach scenes whereas city life often looks best very high contrast. SnapSeed is a powerful, versatile app that's simple to use
  9. Charge your battery – sounds simple, but spending time taking photos with your smartphone can consume lots of battery. Go out with a full charge to ensure you never run out of battery in the middle of setting up the perfect shot
  10. Remember to have fun – if it feels frustrating, you're doing it wrong. Follow these basic steps and in a matter of minutes you can create and share fun images that make people smile.

The toys are very cute , pocket friendly , and very amusing to boys because the heads open and twist together.

So do you think you can create forced perspective photos to match Andrew Whyte’s? 
Discover the new Kinder Surprise Star Wars toys and share your top shots at www.facebook.com/KinderSurpriseANZ

 To celebrate their arrival Kinder Surprise have generously given a special Star Wars pack to giveaway.  The pack contains a full 24 carton of Kinder Surprise eggs,  thermos mug and  Kinder Surprise Star Wars toys shirts – for a chance to win please leave a comment ...

What is your favourite Star Wars memory?


Share this giveaway on  via Facebook, Twitter, Feed, or Pinterest to leave a second entry comment.

Please make sure your email address  is attached as twitter logins don't leave one.

Terms and Conditions.

1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There will be 1 winner -

4. Entries - Open 12/11/2013 - Close 11.59pm 26/11/13 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. The Prize is not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged or delayed in transit.
 
7. Subscribe to my blog  to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar .
. 
 Kinder Surprise Star Wars series is now available nationwide at leading retailers.

Linking up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT

* Hard to believe it was almost exactly 2 yrs ago we met the Storm Trooper.

 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Let's Bounce


Hub's genius idea to move the trampoline - extended the tractor forks with spreader bars !



 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here