Run Ninnles, run!

I've set myself a new challenge. I know those of you who know me are going to laugh, scoff and call for the real Me to come forward and rid the world of this imposter. Alas, what I am about to reveal to you is a real goal I've set myself and I am determine, that's right, determined to achieve it.

That is also exactly why I'm putting it on here - time to make myself accountable to you all and not just to myself.

Next year, date is yet to be confirmed, around the 1st August I'm going to compete in the 10km running event at the Brisbane running festival ( you can check out the the site for 2010 here: http://www.brisbanemarathon.com/ )

Now for some of you this may not seem like such a big challenge but for me this is HUGE. I'm new convert to this running malarchy. I've always been a firm believer that the only time there is a need to run is if you are being chased by one or all of the following:

a) A person wielding an axe, gun, or anything that could do serious bodily harm.

b) An animal with big teeth to eat you with.

c) Those little men trying to get you into a white jacket.

I can say I'd run faster if any of the above were behind me but at the moment everyone tends to overtake me.

I'm a beginner but already I've worked my way up from running for 1 minute and walking for 3 to running for 3 minutes and walking for 3. So I'm improving - one step and one minute at a time.

Challenges are good for the body and soul. Anyone fancy joining me?

Why, hello

It has been a while. I know. Cruising along through my busy life has meant I neglected to visit this place. I've missed it. There has been a hole in my life and it is a grumpy hole. Some things must out and this is where I like to out them.

I know I'm probably not making any or much sense but I'm back. So I'll be seeing you in a short while. Not too long at all. Hope I still have some readers out there.

What was that you said?

I have the greatest conversation skills in the world. I've decreed it. The pros of working from home far outweigh the cons but there is one thing I miss: conversation. The unending silence got to me first. I hear you. Turn on the music. I did that. iTunes is a sanity saver and my singing voice, previously reserved for my car and the shower, is improving daily. The music led to my next problem. Familiar tunes evoke memories and what fun are memories without someone to share them with? No fun at all I'm here to tell you.

One morning, a week or two ago, all that changed. My new laptop has one of those reflective WLED True life screens (I'm such a nerd). When the background light is dull and the screen dark I can see myself. That morning I started with a friendly 'Hello' and then the conversation flowed. Now I've become so skilled I don't need to see myself reflected back at me to have a convo. Oh no! A simple desire for a cup of tea starts off a day of delightful chattering. It reminds me of a childhood friend I had, Jody, no-one could see her but me. That didn't matter much. Difference is, I guess, this time I know I'm talking to myself. It makes me smile. I can be rather charming, it's alarming how charming I can be.

I love working from home. We do.

What if it is all a conspiracy?

I've made a startling discovery. I went for a walk of Forest Gump proportions. I walked because I felt like walking. I walked because it felt good to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I walked because I could. I stopped because I fell off the edge of the earth into... nothingness. Yes, I'm telling you the earth is flat and we've been duped by the Round Earth Conspirators. How it is that I'm writing to you now is quite a story and it has taken me many weeks to be able to get back here and get this blog out to you. For now, let's just let it lie with me simply telling you I'm not the first to fall and, together with the rest of the inhabitants of the Nothingness, a plan was made. Elvis, Jim Morrison weren't there. Neither was Michael Jackson - so let's not get silly.

Don't believe me. Think this is a poor attempt to get forgiveness for not blogging for nearly 3 weeks. I'm not the only one who believes. See this article in The Guardian and check out this website.

And next time you are out for a walk. Watch your step.