Keado’s Weblog

Well, the fudge is finally finished, training back on track with 8km Mon,Tues,Wed and 9km tonight. Lost 2 of the 3kg’s picked up over the previous two weeks and caught up on lots of sleep. Normally around 5-6 hours sleep but the last few days around 8-9 hours.

Feeling a lot more refreshed and there seems to be a sudden burst on the business scene – maybe because I’ve been on the phone and cleared 90% of the email inbox.

Kids had a great Easter break and back into the swing of school. JD only has about 2 weeks left, then holidays and big school. Kim’s finger improving day by day, so we remain hopeful that she regains most of the use.

Had a great run-week and although the marathon looks like it’s not going to happen, I am still going to put the training in as if it was… 

Back from dinner. Took K 7 years to try a prawn and me 39. Deb did prawns with herbs etc in the wok. Also chicken something with 3 types of rice and noodles. Tried 1 prawn and bit surprised not that heavy shrimp flavour but as for the texture> Anyway, back home by 7:50pm and kids just gone to bed 8:30.

Where was I> Sat night..

We all had a really great time at the party – I didn‘t realise how much I missed a swimming pool. It was so awesome to be swimming again outdoors – the Leisure Centre is ok but indoors and always busy. Just when you think the party was over…

There was a tv show of the 100 top rock songs of all time on Sky. I was taping most of it but I had a cunning plan to get home by 10pm [the venue had to be closed at 10 anyway] and watch the last 2 hours. Well, no guessing who came to watch as well – we enjoy the same music so Wayne & I watched while the ladies fell asleep on the couch & kids on the floor. It was supposed to end at midnight but finished closer to 00:45. Excellent rock & metal songs from the past – brilliant. Led Zepplin # 2 “Stairway to Heaven” and AC/DC #1 “Highway to Hell” Not too many days going to sleep in the same day as waking up.

Easter Sunday = egg hunt. I was thinking half thinking of hiding the eggs the night before but it was too late and I was too tired. So when we all woke up, the kids stayed in bed watching tv with Kim while I went downstairs to “do some work”. I printed a A4 letter with pics from the Easter Bunny and made 10 clues..hid them inside and out. Kim said they would have to wait until they got a call before searching for the eggs, so I sent a txt to Deb for her to call and say something like “she thinks she saw the Easter Bunny in the early hours around our house and maybe they better go look…” K answered the phone and her eyes lit up – JD spoke to her next and had a whole conversation that he also thinks he saw the bunny etc etc. Anyway, off they went to their room to find the letter. Good fun and lots of eggs. After choc mixed with b/fast – we all did some house-calls to exchange eggs for the kids.

Party #? started at 3pm. Lee & Carmen were having a bunch of people over for a barbecue and of course, drinks. He has a Lockwood type home with an awesome view over the Hauraki Gulf. Met a good bunch of people, some I knew and some just new. After eating more than I care to mention and drinking a few beers followed by Mr Jack Daniels & Ginger Ale – that was me. I thought it was close to 11pm but alas, 9:30! We didn’t see the kids at all, except for the odd hello or watch this. They had a trampoline which is well used plus there were around 20 kids all similar age – fun.

Wayne & Deb + kids were also invited – all packed into our car. Think we eventually left after watching the Top 100 again, well the last top 10 and home somewhere around 10:30. JD was so funny - I was last to get in after some offloading and he pretended to sleep on the stairs – I played along and went upstairs to put stuff down> the picture shows the result>

  Out cold. He must have last all of 30 seconds. He played so much with all the boys – soccer, on the tramp, cars etc.

Today was going to be a mellow day – the road agreed that we needed a good rest. I git on the scale this morning and was given the rewards of a good week or so – an additional 3kg’s! So, lets just say that even though Mon is normally my day off from training, I was out for a 8km run to start shedding the extra weight off. Spent most of the day attending to emails and updating websites – tomorrow kids have an additional day off but still a work day. Have a bike ride planned for the morning then work from lunch..

Kim’s finger getting a little better, back at the doc tom for a new dressing. Still very raw and sensitive. Sorry not that much exciting news, will try harder.  

Thought the week of the 13th was hectic, well now we are truly finished..

Mon-Wed must have been busy but hell I can’t remember much. Know we were at the doc every day with Kim’s finger, did go to Henderson Tues & Thur for a weekly dose of frustration [soon to end], Wed night’s club run of 8km easy – @ 6km’s I felt we were just running too slow and I needed to stretch the legs – so hit the road hard and blasted past the other 3 doing the 8km – felt “evil” leaving them for dust but hey..

Thursday have no idea why but Wayne & Deb were going to pop in for a coffee after dinner. As the road normally goes, they were ambushed by next door until 10:15pm. We had already packed up for the night. Well, once again you know what’s coming – Wayne & I had a coffee & JW Black – then another JW as only drinking from a shot glass neat. Debs arrives a little later and joins us in a new bottle of JW Black [the first only had a few tots left]. 11:30ish Quinton & Leana leaving next door and noticed us chatting, so Q decided to finish his drink at our place as they were leaving for Wellington at 2am. L went home as she was tired.

Somewhere over the next few hours, the JW bottle was empty, Q was in trouble as it was 2:01am and he hadn’t packed and we decided to call it a night. K went to bed around midnight. When Q got home, packed his bags and off they went – L obviously in the drivers seat. I wish I had a camera when I we went over to Wayne around lunch when he awoke – not good. I felt great, was out fishing at 7:30am for a few hours but alas, alone – nobody up on the road at that time.

Friday was a holiday anyway and we had party # 2 for next doors birthday – so late afternoon/evening we were all there for music, more drinks and the usual chaos. It was an early night thankfully – around 11:30..

Sat morning was club 8km with Chris – the wine from the night before was still evident but took a few km’s to come right. Certainly felt better after the run. I arranged that when I got back, I would take the kids to our fishing spot with K’s friend from school & her dad. Off by 9:30am and had a great time – only back around 1:30 for lunch. Just as well as we had party #3 for Jakkals birthday [week before] at complex around the corner. More music, more drinks, swimming pool, tennis court and great fun for kids and all.

K even was eyeing out another Safa kid Dean, age 10 but looks 7 – they were going to have a dance but we packed up around 10;30pm and the “right” song hadn’t played yet. Going to have to have a little “chat” with him – couldn’t that night as his proud dad was sitting next to me – bugger.

…have to carry on later as, well, dinner at Wayne & Deb..will be home EARLY!!!! Still have to get in party #4..

Ok, back from fishing etc>more on that later..

Friday night was great. Had to cook a herd of cattle for everyone which impressed Kiwi Lee ~ showed him the difference between a NZ barbie and SA braai. Wait until we do a full lamb on the spit. Think JD was the first of the kids down at around 10:30…K lasted until 23:40 and the last one awake went down at 01:30am – needless to say that all was over around 2am. Kim went to sleep when most people left around 00:30 but a few wanted to visit more.

The fact that I had to be at the club at 7:30 was not relevant. Set the alarm for 6:30 which gave me an extra 30min more than normal and popped a vitB tab before bed. There was only one runner there and he only had time for a 5km – whew!! Did an easy 5 and back home for a good breakfast. Lets just say that I wasn’t that keen on a 13km run.

Sat afternoon we had K’s Gulf Harbour School 10 year birthday [yet another one]. We weren’t sure what they had planned but knew there was lots of activities for the kids and K was in the air guitar finals at 4:15 and the choir at 5:30. When we realised everyone had picnic baskets, rugs etc I hopped home via our neighbour’s fence [they border the school & have a 1,5m fence between them field and them] Came back with food, some wine and 3 beers for me – a casual afternoon.

K was brilliant on stage [hopefully video will load] and came second – only boy came first. She wasn’t too impressed but enjoyed the “older” boys & girls coming up to her afterwards with “hey K, you rock!” “you’re so cool” etc – she loved it.

1,2,3 people joined our little picnic and alarm bells should have started ringing. I had a beer &  gave Wayne a beer - started on my second [now the last in the cooler] and felt guilty as had no more for him – or 4,5,6 now joined in. So, back home for another 12..other Wayne off for another 15….Debs off to fetch Dyl from work and back with another [I have no idea]. Spacifix are a top hot NZ band and some No1 single’s – they were the big band at 8:30..kids went wild. K knew some of the songs and JD joined in even dancing by himself, rock style. He had time on my shoulders and we rocked together – then at the break, I took him and Kim home as was already 9:30 and getting chilly for them – plus still a little tired from the night before. Some others also left – I came back to party with K.

K spent more time on my shoulders and rocked with a friend on her dads shoulders. You can imagine a sea of kids, going mad for a “big band” and dads trying to keep up pace. After the concert [and a beer or ?], the “street” headed off to our homes all via the same route - the fence. Now, lets just say that we are all not “fit & trim” enough to scale a 1,5m fence. It became a team effort to assist “R” over – she’s not a small lady and Jacques lifted one side and Anton [husband] caught on the other – they literally rolled her over – so funny. Then Jacques to assist his wife over [at 6.4m] – picks her up “wedding style” and hands over to Anton on the other side - but everyone cheering and them loosing their footing etc – took us all about 10min to get over. I sneaked home with K and Kim was dozing on the couch with JD fast asleep. Gave K some apple and she was out - while I’m getting all settled, they still want to carry on and walked from the fence into Anton;s house for a “night-cap” – I know better and locked doors & windows. Wayne came knocking but I said “eish, the baas ish not here”.. For another 20min I heard from their balcony “Nev, where you”–”Nev, we need you”–”Nev, lekker verjaar [happy birthday] I wasn’t going for love or money. They didn’t last long and all home and quiet after 30min.

Today has been obviously quiet all around. Oh forgot, we had so much food from Fri we called everyone back for some lunch on Sat – that’s where the Jaugermeister & beer started again. Anyway, today very relaxed and the kids wanted to go fishing for sprats again which we did very succesfully – about 12 sprats, 1 piper which JD wanted to send back and a parore [black snapper]. Good days work and some more bait for dad for this week. No. didn’t run today but will be back next week. Kim still battling a bit with the finger and didn’t get a chance to rest it Fri or Sat, so little sensitive. She goes to the doc tomorrow for a new dressing, so lets hope it’s looking good.

10:37pm and time for an early one – well deserved for all.

How proud can a dad be – his two kids headbanging/rocking at a concert! K [7] & JD [4.85] were rocking last night to NZ hit band Spacifix. K got autographs on hands, arms, neck, back – looked like she visited the tatoo parlour.

Back to the week – Kim’s finger has been throbbing but not as painful, unless one of the kids forget & jump on it. On Thursday, our doc in Manly had a look and re-dressed the finger – don’t have to re-visit Manukau again thankfully. It was birthday [thanks] on Thursday & as JD was a little under the weather, he didn’t go to school and what better way to recover than to go fishing! As a caring father, how could I say no. While the others on the jetty were not catching a thing, he managed to pull in four little nice size sprats – very proud. Some friends from the street popped in for a quick & quiet drink.

Had to actually do some work Friday ’cause the “street” came around for a braai/barbie to celebrate properly. What a strange bunch – born Kiwi’s, Afrikaaners that hardly speak a word of English, Jewish Sandton folk [that would be us], Bloemfontein Blommies ["flowers"] & Silver Fern [NZ netball squad], Namibia locals, Centurion, manna from the “South”.

Have to go fishing again – will carry on later..

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Cheating a little here – copy & pasted the group email sent out just now. Hey, it’s my birthday, so back off..almost 1am and just too much energy for this time of the morning. Maybe a little more work, then sleep. Anyway, here’s a repeat of the email>

Kim tried to hide her identity by removing the whole finger print from her middle finger – cut the “pulp” off the finger from the crease to the nail while trying to cut a pumpkin. She got a lift with friend at 12:00noon to doc – they sent her by ambulance [no sirens] to hospital South Auckland where “hand” plastic surgeons specialise – and we got home 10pm. I was at a meeting so met her same time as she arrived.You sit in a reception area and wait – felt like we were at Jhb Gen – not the same as walking into Sunninghill. But, that’s where the expert was, so that’s where you have to go. Eventually the surgeon came and after 3 opinions, they said no surgery – put the piece back on [Kim found piece still on the knife] – they don’t think it will heal on, so suppose will have a flatter middle finger. She feels a little sore a tired today but ok. 

JD also sick today – ate something that didn’t agree with him, so he is pale and spent some time over the toilet. He seems to be sleeping now, so hopefully better in the morning. [Actually been up twice since writing that..but still seems ok]

K was cleaning bicycles on Sunday and somehow caught her fingers between the small cog & chain – as she put the bike down, the pedal on the floor pulled the chain [with fingers] along the cog. Lucky I was cleaning the car right there and not sure how but reversed the pedals to release her fingers. The kids bike has back pedal brakes so not sure how they went back this time – better to not think about it. Her baby was cut & bruised a little and better today – others all better by Monday night.Me – caught a nice snapper last week – kiss and sent it back. JD wants to go fishing Sat for bait fish – will be fun. He starts soccer on the 05^th April, boots kit and all – we very excited. He is also starting BIG school on the 5^th May, after the Easter holidays. They go on holiday 17^th April – so he has 2/3 weeks before he starts.Business here in NZ has been slow to start country wide – apparently the weather has been so good, nobody is in work mode. Some people only came back to work 15^th Feb and I know some who have gone on holiday again. We don’t have to go anywhere because we still feel we permanently on holiday [sorry]K’s school have a 10 year anniversary concert Sat – the school ran a “air-guitar” competition to see who would win a place to play “air-guitar” with NZ famous band on Sat night. K made it to the top ten – 3 wound up at the doc with neck problems, including K! – then Tues [after warm up], they had another compo to reduce number to 5 – we had a full afternoon the day before with AC/DC, Thin Lizzy etc practicing and finding the right song. After a few hours of CD’s and video’s – we decided on Iron Maiden. She wanted the song “Number of the Beast” – if you know the song, you will understand why we were a little nervous sending her head-banging to it for the school!! I gave her the choice of song 3 or 5 – the teacher chose song 3 for her – and she made it to top 5.So Sat, she will be on stage for the final competition [think] 4:30pm – then winner goes on stage 8pm with band. She said she’s going to kick butt – my dream – two head-banging kids. JD’s favourite song is AC/DC “Dirty Deeds” – even works out in the gym to it – for everything else there’s Mastercard.

Not sure why but this was quite a heated week, including the weather.

Took A&M to the airport Wed morning and lets just say there was a dark cloud over the car on the way there. The less said, the better. Had coffee with Gregor [Financial Advisor] across from the airport for a catch up and seems this year has yet to really kick off in many industries ~ people are still in the holiday mode, and it’s March already.

Had a ok run at the club – did the 8km reverse before meeting, then was supposed to do the 8km normal for a total of 16km – after the past few days with minimal sleep and very bad eating, listened to my body and only did an additional 6km’s – so 14 in total. Not a train smash and best stay injury free.

Thursday was spent picking up the pieces from the past few days so at the computer all day. Friday was a classic – breakfast with K, lunch with Gavin and drinks/dinner @ Wayne/Deb – that was the day gone – what can I say.

Sat was equally hectic – got to the club 7am for a quick 4km before the meeting time of 7:30 [did the 4 in 24min] and then Chris, Filona and myself did the 8km. Good to have a strong run [Thursday did an easy 9km as well]. Girls had a day out so the boys needed to play. Told JD we could do whatever he wanted. I have avoided the Auckland Boat Show as if I go, I will buy – so better I stay away.

JD chose – McDonalds onto Mini-Golf x2 – Orewa playgrounds x 2 – swimming @ Leisure Centre – burger & chips -home. The day was too awesome to stay indoors so a quick review of the tackle box and I was on the rocks fishing by 5:30pm. I prefer the outgoing tide on the rocks but it was coming in for a 8:30pm high tide. It was calm and perfect for fishing – the number of boats out this weekend must have been close to a record, everyone was out. I caught a nice snapper but decided too much energy to clean, so gave him another chance. A few more good bites but lost them in the rocks and weed – tide doesn’t help. By 7:45 thought it best to pack up for the day and leave while it was still light. Ended off with the family having a lazy night on the couch.

Today [Sun] has been pretty uneventful – was due to run at 7:30am and it’s now 3:30pm and still haven’t ventured out – think maybe an hour on the treadmill – just don’t feel like it really – maybe too much chocolate today? Kids & K gone swimming with friends at the Leisure Centre. Good week coming up – as usual – tough one ending.

Been a hectic few days with training, business and A&M arriving from SA to have a look/see of NZ.

Training going to plan and had a low km week – picks up from today and things are going to start getting serious with the km’s picking up to 60-70 per week. Feeling confident that the base has been formed for a good months training. Going to be smelling like Arnica 24/7!!

Put a frog in a pot of water, sit in on the stove and watch how long the frog stays in. As the water gets warmer, so the frog gets more concerned, nervous, questions “what’s happening?” ~ something’s not right. Then, as it hits boil – two things can happen. 1. It jumps out the pot or 2. Still believes it will get cooler and dies.

Welcome to the SA Frogs [move over the Springboks] It stuns me that people still believe it’s not so bad in SA – come on frogs – it has the worst crime rate in the world for a reason – it’s not bad, it’s ridiculous/absurd. For a intelligent person to sit in a “boiling pot” and watch friends, family, children be killed of like flies is the crime – simple, get out. Then the excuses come – what if this, can I get Niknaks, will they have my hand cream, the Heineken tastes different – WAKE UP. Forget white/black/pink and purple – get out, it’s that simple. When your school has 10ft walls with military tower at the entrance with armed guards – that’s not school, that’s prison. You are sending your child to prison and almost certain death.

Think I am being mellow-dramatic? Then boil..