I usually resort to a map to demonstrate how far south Plymouth actually is when trying to explain to foreign friends that I don’t live in the well known cities of London or Edinburgh. I normally relish the distance we live away from the big cities especially when I’m at home enjoying the more relaxed pace of life in Devon. On the other hand I do feel the frustration when I’m required to travel to the capital, or sometimes further, for work.
We naturally focus in on where we live and I became acutely aware of this last week. If I were to ask the population of Devon and Cornwall to sketch a map of the UK, I think it would look similar to the one in my mind - lacking a significant lump in the East. The vast expanse of country that extends to the northeast of London is much larger than I realised. I discovered this the long way when I set off on a journey to visit a school in the town of Wells Next The Sea, Norfolk. To break my journey I stayed the night with a friend in St Albans, Hertfordshire, assuming I only had an hour to drive the following morning. Au contraire - my morning commute took three hours!
Although Norfolk and Devon are hundreds of miles apart they share a lot in common: both have a stunning coastline, a thriving tourism industry (in the summer) and a lot of open green spaces. Sadly that is where the similarities end. I soon realised the most significant difference when I popped out for a short jog - it is completely flat. If only I’d taken my bicycle with me! No wonder Norfolk cyclists are apparently “faster” than those of us in beautiful lumpy Devon
Monday, March 16, 2015
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Feeling it
I can just about walk and talk again after the previous weekend's activities. I'm slightly late mentioning the wonderful result for Exeter Chiefs against Bath at Sandy Park. Commentators talk about the sixteenth man and he was certainly evident last Saturday with a sell out crowd giving tremendous vocal support. I'm not sure how much difference my cheers made but every little helps and it was worth loosing my voice for. This was the first time that Chiefs have beaten Bath in a Premiership game and they chose the right time to do it. The order at the top of the table has dramatically changed and Chiefs are tentatively hanging onto an incredible second place for the time being.
Having lost my voice on Saturday; I then lost the ability walk properly the following day thanks to the Bath half marathon. I did this race two years ago when I was still competing full time and in probably the best shape of my career - a slight contrast to now. I signed up at the end of the summer when the sun was still out and the evenings were light. I'm sure I'm not the first person to make that mistake. I decided I needed a goal to motivate me, to aim for and to give me a purpose to train. The only problem being nothing changed as I filed away the entry along with my structured training programme ready to dust off closer to the time. To start with I dreamt that I could improve on my personal best - surely training for just running is easier than five sports? As March loomed closer I set new more realistic targets and as a result ended up achieving them with time to spare. The big difference, however, became evident over the next few days when walking downstairs became impossible and even the flat was challenging.
Having lost my voice on Saturday; I then lost the ability walk properly the following day thanks to the Bath half marathon. I did this race two years ago when I was still competing full time and in probably the best shape of my career - a slight contrast to now. I signed up at the end of the summer when the sun was still out and the evenings were light. I'm sure I'm not the first person to make that mistake. I decided I needed a goal to motivate me, to aim for and to give me a purpose to train. The only problem being nothing changed as I filed away the entry along with my structured training programme ready to dust off closer to the time. To start with I dreamt that I could improve on my personal best - surely training for just running is easier than five sports? As March loomed closer I set new more realistic targets and as a result ended up achieving them with time to spare. The big difference, however, became evident over the next few days when walking downstairs became impossible and even the flat was challenging.
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Madonna
The internet and, more specifically, social media went into overdrive this week and the trigger was Madonna's now infamous tumble at the Brits.
We will all have made plenty of embarrassing mistakes in our time but are fortunate that they stay between friends and family; unlike those made by celebrities. For those of you who didn't watch the Brit Awards last week I'll bring you up to speed: Madonna, performing the finale, entered wearing a cape so long it had to be carried by three dancers. It was obvious that she would, at some point, be stripping down to a more minimal and typical Madonna style outfit and this was where the problem arose. As she attempted to emerge from the cloak with an intended dramatic step onto stage she instead found herself being pulled backwards by her neck down the steps. The cape was still attached as the dancers followed their cue to remove the garment. Madonna, ever the consummate professional, picked herself up and continued the show in style.
A few years ago I suffered a very similar embarrassment on live TV. I was performing on the Sport Relief program Let's Dance as none other than Madonna in her seminal hit video ‘Vogue’. I waited nervously listening for my cue from the intro music as the curtains drew back and to start with all I had to do was take a few steps into position. I can still feel my face burning red now as I remember that feeling of tripping and seeing the ground speeding closer towards my face. The adrenaline kicked in and I rescued myself in the nick of time. It didn't slip past my friends who were watching every detail but I think the general audience was too polite to point it out which spared my blushes.
We will all have made plenty of embarrassing mistakes in our time but are fortunate that they stay between friends and family; unlike those made by celebrities. For those of you who didn't watch the Brit Awards last week I'll bring you up to speed: Madonna, performing the finale, entered wearing a cape so long it had to be carried by three dancers. It was obvious that she would, at some point, be stripping down to a more minimal and typical Madonna style outfit and this was where the problem arose. As she attempted to emerge from the cloak with an intended dramatic step onto stage she instead found herself being pulled backwards by her neck down the steps. The cape was still attached as the dancers followed their cue to remove the garment. Madonna, ever the consummate professional, picked herself up and continued the show in style.
A few years ago I suffered a very similar embarrassment on live TV. I was performing on the Sport Relief program Let's Dance as none other than Madonna in her seminal hit video ‘Vogue’. I waited nervously listening for my cue from the intro music as the curtains drew back and to start with all I had to do was take a few steps into position. I can still feel my face burning red now as I remember that feeling of tripping and seeing the ground speeding closer towards my face. The adrenaline kicked in and I rescued myself in the nick of time. It didn't slip past my friends who were watching every detail but I think the general audience was too polite to point it out which spared my blushes.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Slopes to the sand
I started the week on a ski slope and finished it on a beach; sadly neither was real. My snow experience was a prickly one on the artificial slopes of the Mendip ski centre just outside of Bristol. A group of my friends were given the opportunity to have a taster session snowboarding, I'm always keen to try new sports, so I jumped at the chance. As a child I was never allowed to sample the board sport due to my father’s strong dislike of snowboarders. Apparently they carve up the slopes for skiers but I'm staying out of that debate. I made an error in my clothing choice opting for a pair of tracksuit bottoms which offered no protection for my derrière from the wet toothbrush like bristles that we had to sit on. I'd also forgotten how difficult artificial slopes are after being spoilt with skiing on real snow. Sadly I didn't master snowboarding in those two hours but it did reignite my desire to hit the real slopes - time to start saving for next year!
No time for real snow though as I headed west across the Atlantic to Sarasota in the state of Florida for the first modern pentathlon World Cup of the season. The Americans don't do things by halves and this World Cup was no exception. The riding and run/shoot event were held on a small man made island adjacent to an international rowing lake and the closing party was a beach barbecue. Slightly confused, I asked where the beach was and received a few strange looks. It transpired the artificial sand next to the rowing lake was ‘the beach’. Sadly I haven't had enough time to discover the real extensive coastline of Florida, maybe next time.
No time for real snow though as I headed west across the Atlantic to Sarasota in the state of Florida for the first modern pentathlon World Cup of the season. The Americans don't do things by halves and this World Cup was no exception. The riding and run/shoot event were held on a small man made island adjacent to an international rowing lake and the closing party was a beach barbecue. Slightly confused, I asked where the beach was and received a few strange looks. It transpired the artificial sand next to the rowing lake was ‘the beach’. Sadly I haven't had enough time to discover the real extensive coastline of Florida, maybe next time.
Monday, February 16, 2015
Like marmite
Love is in the air; or in theory it was last weekend. Valentine’s Day is treated like something of a marmite occasion by almost everyone I know – people either love it or hate it. Personally I don’t fit the mould and fall somewhere in the middle. I do like an excuse to celebrate the occasion but I also don’t feel obliged to do something just because the commercial sector has realised they can make money from me.
I tested the water with my friends and it turned out many of them were on the same page. My Valentine’s Day featured a healthy and varied selection of activities. It began with a visit to a bridal shop. No I wasn’t trying on dresses; I was just an excited bridesmaid helping my friend try on her dream dress. I then squeezed in a long training run. It was in danger of becoming a very slow plod by the tenth mile were it not for the incentive of being home in time to watch England beat Italy in the Six Nations rugby.
The finale of this romantic day involved alcohol, food and live music in the form of a cider festival; there was cider aplenty, a hog roast and a Wurzels tribute band. Who would want to join me for such a ‘romantic’ Saturday night? That’s exactly what I thought when I first floated the idea to my friends but I was surprised when every single one of them (and mostly couples) replied with a definite yes. They apparently had no interest in going for an awkward overpriced Valentine’s meal. I usually require the rugby or at least some sunshine to get me onto the cider but it turned out that avoiding the stereotypical Valentine’s evening appealed to so many that the festival was a sell out.
I tested the water with my friends and it turned out many of them were on the same page. My Valentine’s Day featured a healthy and varied selection of activities. It began with a visit to a bridal shop. No I wasn’t trying on dresses; I was just an excited bridesmaid helping my friend try on her dream dress. I then squeezed in a long training run. It was in danger of becoming a very slow plod by the tenth mile were it not for the incentive of being home in time to watch England beat Italy in the Six Nations rugby.
The finale of this romantic day involved alcohol, food and live music in the form of a cider festival; there was cider aplenty, a hog roast and a Wurzels tribute band. Who would want to join me for such a ‘romantic’ Saturday night? That’s exactly what I thought when I first floated the idea to my friends but I was surprised when every single one of them (and mostly couples) replied with a definite yes. They apparently had no interest in going for an awkward overpriced Valentine’s meal. I usually require the rugby or at least some sunshine to get me onto the cider but it turned out that avoiding the stereotypical Valentine’s evening appealed to so many that the festival was a sell out.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Genes genes jeans
This week, for me, was all about genes and jeans.
The papers were dominated by bold claims that doctors had been given the go ahead to 'make' babies with three parents. The news editors couldn’t resist the opportunity to print an eye-catching headline and hysteria ensued. If, however, you took the time to read around the story it soon became apparent that these claims were not perhaps as dramatic as they first appeared. Doctors have discovered that they can prevent mitochondrial disease by using the healthy mitochondria from a donor in conjunction with the parent’s egg and sperm. Therefore the impact of the DNA from the donor is so minuscule several decimal points are required. Yes - in theory the child will have genes from three different people but in reality it's not as large an ethical question as we were first lead to believe.
The other jeans were not breaking any headlines but they were testing my normally insatiable appetite for retail therapy. I will let you in on a secret: I despise shopping for new jeans. This time of year is the worst; by the time I've found a few pairs to try, pulled off my boots and stripped off all my layers I am bright red, overheating and that's before I've even attempted to squeeze myself into an ultra skinny pair claiming to be ‘my’ size.
The frustration at my lack of well fitting jeans had reached a peak and sufficient time had passed since my last unsuccessful attempt - I felt ready to try again. An incredibly helpful shop assistant, an empty changing space and a surplus of perfectly fitting jeans resulted in an unexpectedly pleasant shopping experience. Now let's hope I don't change shape for a while.
The papers were dominated by bold claims that doctors had been given the go ahead to 'make' babies with three parents. The news editors couldn’t resist the opportunity to print an eye-catching headline and hysteria ensued. If, however, you took the time to read around the story it soon became apparent that these claims were not perhaps as dramatic as they first appeared. Doctors have discovered that they can prevent mitochondrial disease by using the healthy mitochondria from a donor in conjunction with the parent’s egg and sperm. Therefore the impact of the DNA from the donor is so minuscule several decimal points are required. Yes - in theory the child will have genes from three different people but in reality it's not as large an ethical question as we were first lead to believe.
The other jeans were not breaking any headlines but they were testing my normally insatiable appetite for retail therapy. I will let you in on a secret: I despise shopping for new jeans. This time of year is the worst; by the time I've found a few pairs to try, pulled off my boots and stripped off all my layers I am bright red, overheating and that's before I've even attempted to squeeze myself into an ultra skinny pair claiming to be ‘my’ size.
The frustration at my lack of well fitting jeans had reached a peak and sufficient time had passed since my last unsuccessful attempt - I felt ready to try again. An incredibly helpful shop assistant, an empty changing space and a surplus of perfectly fitting jeans resulted in an unexpectedly pleasant shopping experience. Now let's hope I don't change shape for a while.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
January had some highlights
We survived it - that's a big fat tick in the box for January. We can say goodbye to the toughest month of the year and look forward to enjoying the next eleven. I was still feeling the effects of my holiday spending when two fat bills for car and house insurance landed on my door step and it was goodbye to my designated saving month. I thought I'd made it through when on the final day of the month my car required a new tyre and then my lodger moved out; thank goodness it's now February.
You might have a different month that hits you financially but I'm sure you can relate to the relief I'm feeling. Bank balance aside I'm looking forward to having a drink with my friends who religiously stuck to 'Dry January' which also seemed to include the prohibition of socialising. I'm not suggesting that winter is over just because the days are now half an hour longer and the snow drops are out but I do feel the optimism in the air.
January wasn't all doom and gloom, there were plenty of positives too. A highlight for me was meeting one of my teacher's sons. I can imagine what you're thinking right now, what on earth could be exciting about that? I thought the same when I was a fourteen year old girl being taught Maths by a slightly intimidating Mrs De Glanville. I distinctly remember the boys being wide eyed asking about her son, I heard something about rugby, but it didn't register on my wavelength at that time. Many years later I became interested in the sport of rugby and it wasn't until then that I realised I'd been taught by the mother of Phil De Glanville, England Captain. It's fair to say that I wasn't disappointed, the reputation as a sincere and lovely person is most certainly true.
You might have a different month that hits you financially but I'm sure you can relate to the relief I'm feeling. Bank balance aside I'm looking forward to having a drink with my friends who religiously stuck to 'Dry January' which also seemed to include the prohibition of socialising. I'm not suggesting that winter is over just because the days are now half an hour longer and the snow drops are out but I do feel the optimism in the air.
January wasn't all doom and gloom, there were plenty of positives too. A highlight for me was meeting one of my teacher's sons. I can imagine what you're thinking right now, what on earth could be exciting about that? I thought the same when I was a fourteen year old girl being taught Maths by a slightly intimidating Mrs De Glanville. I distinctly remember the boys being wide eyed asking about her son, I heard something about rugby, but it didn't register on my wavelength at that time. Many years later I became interested in the sport of rugby and it wasn't until then that I realised I'd been taught by the mother of Phil De Glanville, England Captain. It's fair to say that I wasn't disappointed, the reputation as a sincere and lovely person is most certainly true.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)