Birthday Baking

My Dad loves a biscuit with his cuppa. Especially the assorted cream variety. It has become a bit of a tradition to pop down to my parents place for a cuppa and check out what selection of biscuits he has on offer. Its always a disappointment to find just the scotch fingers are left!

One of the things I would like to do this year is to, where possible, be more creative with gift giving. I thought about setting myself the challenge to only give things that were handmade but I didn’t want to hold myself to this as I think that’s quite a big challenge. Maybe next year when my sewing skills have improved a little.

Anyway the idea popped into my head to make Dad a batch of assorted creams for his birthday. His favourites are the Monte Carlos and Kingstons (I think they are the favourites for everyone actually) so I googled a few recipes and here’s how they turned out.

I think in hindsight they were pretty large (I had to split one with J – unheard of for me to not be able to finish a biscuit!) so I will make them a lot smaller next time.

Dad did pop in to see me a few days later and God bless him, he had bought with him two biscuits in gladwrap so we could have something with our cuppa. Love ya Dad!

Biscuits ready to be filled (& a cheeky monkey)

Filling for Kingstons

Kingstons filled, Monte Carlos in progress

Yum!

Boxed & ready to go

H-Bomb opening them with Poppy

Happy Birthday Dad!

Just do it

Well it’s time to get the show on the road. Time to rid the house of all the Christmas junk and get serious about eating clean again.  J’s injury has meant that he had to pull out of the long course triathlon at Huskisson. While I am sorely disappointed for him that he misses out on this great race that he was gearing up for; it means an opportunity for me to step up.

I have completed the Enticer Triathlon over the last couple of years and thoroughly enjoyed it. What’s not to love about it? A 250m swim, 8km ride and 2 km run! It is easy, requires minimal training and it allows me to remain part of the triathlon community. I also love it as I can achieve good results. The last couple of years I have completed it in the top ten of my age category. Last year I did it in 43min and came 9^th in my age category (and I was 7weeks pregnant!). 

Finishing the 2012 Enticer

I was all set to do it again this year and see if I could improve my results.

That was, until J challenged me to set the bar higher.

So I have done it. I have entered the sprint distance triathlon at Huskisson. This is a significant step up for me. 750m swim, 20km ride and 5km run. Oh and it is in four and a half weeks! Let’s face it, I’m not going to set the world on fire with my results, but it’s a start.

So about 2 weeks ago, I started running again. Very slowly. I started with running for 2 mins, walking for 1min, for about 20mins. This is a really great strategy for anyone wanting to begin running or start it again after a long time. I’ve got to be honest; it didn’t feel good. It felt like the most unnatural thing in the world. Everything was jiggling and I thought my knees were going to buckle, but I persevered. Soon I was able to step up to running for 5mins, walking for 2, then 7mins/2mins walk. I have varied my route, mixed up my music, and added a few hills and stairs to build my fitness. I have been doing about 2-3 runs a week. It is a slow path back but I am determined. I am trying to focus more on good running technique and doing my pelvic floor exercises like there is no tomorrow!

I am enjoying getting back into the pool again too, although am quite hesitant about hitting the open water again. A lovely friend has loaned me her wetsuit so I am planning my first swim around the boats at the harbour tomorrow night with the tri club.  Wish me luck!

So not ashamed of wearing my swim cap in public...or running in it (much to my friends and husbands disgust!)

Also on the cards this year is to complete the Australia Day Aquathon (as per my thirty while thirty post). I have registered and am partnering with Anglicare to raise funds. If you feel like it, I would love for you to sponsor me. Click on the link below, hit donate now and nominate myself from the list of participants.

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/lighthouse_my_place 

Every little bit counts. That is true for sponsorship and exercise!

What are your exercise goals this year?

Can I encourage you to step out and really go for it in 2013?

Stop wishing you could do something…just do it!