Happy New Year!

Before I start my review I have a confession to make… I ran again this morning… very naughty! BUT… In doing so I made an important observation…. My big toe does not like hills, neither up NOR down. 4.5k with a nasty hill up Reynolds road. When I returned home needed to ‘frozen pea’ the toe. I would have used the jell cold pack I have except that by some strange teenage reasoning, my eldest daughter, Leah, has taken the cold pack with her down to Phillip Island - in the esky to keep the food and drinks cold! (roll eyes) Go figure!



The Year in Review - 2006

This was to be the year that I turned things around. The previous 18 months since I told my partner to leave had been difficult. Mentally, physically, financially, emotionally. 2006 was time for that to change.

2006 resolutions.

Rekindle old lost friendships. Sadly unsuccessful. My ex coveted me. So much that my friends slowly disappeared. Some I could not find, others didn’t return my calls.

Meet new people. After a short stint on an internet dating service (OMG never again) and at the suggestion of a friend to put a profile on AMG I have managed to make a number of friends around the world, including some very special ones like James in NZ who has become a ‘mate’ in the true sense – a great sounding board and an honest to God friend! And Clay, a rather tumultuous friendship – but a good friendship none the less!

Have met a few coolrunners – was made to feel very much part of the group when I went to the Christmas BBQ – its great to meet people that have a different primary objective (sportwise). A great bunch of guys and gals that offer each other much support and advice. Even for me, pathetic at running tho I am, have received much encouragement, in the forums, private messages and emails – wonderful stuff! I hope to capitalize on these friendships in 2007.

Took of the headphones in the gym and met Max (who I affectionately refer to as ‘My Bitch’) Actually it happened like this… Max would talk to me regardless of whether I had the headphones on or not, so I kept having to take them off to hear him…. Eventually it became pointless to have them on! Dirk – my westside coach – great guy and most recently met Daniel and John, the two young fellas that have been assisting my heavy lifts.

Met heaps of people thru the powerlifting fraternity – another great source of support and encouragement. Despite their size and rough exterior all gentle giants and very welcoming.

Learn to swim (aka get over the fear of water). Ahhhh… deferred until further notice…. I’ve actually gotten quite good at holding my breath in the shower. LOL. Truthfully I did make enquires about lessons a couple of times, private lessons group lessons (Gawd no – I could think of nothing worse than having a panic attack in front of a group of people – it was bad enough a few years ago when I went snorkeling for the first time and the instructor had to rescue me – how embarrassing!!!

Highlights.

• Make the decision to change disciplines – bodybuilding to powerlifting. Got in touch with Shazza whom I’ve known thru the BB circles for some years got my training back on track after long period of nothingness and began competing. Found my love of lifting again.
• Coming 3^rd at the Nationals in August. With a massive PB in the squat of 125kg.
• Traveled to India for work for 2 weeks and caught up in the riots when a famous actor died – so didn’t get to do as much sightseeing as I would have done on the weekends. Interesting place Bangalore… great food! Made me realize (once again) just how lucky I really am.
• Madi being accepted to do an accelerated subject in year 10 – its going to be a tough one next year, but I was (am) sooo proud!!
• Meeting James – now my best male buddy! Its good to have a male best friend – with no catch!

Lowlights.

• Injuries – have spent more than my fair share of time in with sports doctors, physio’s chiro’s, podiatrists.. All well documented in this blog. Ate up all my health insurance limits and then some!
• The whole Internet dating thing….
• Falling of the horse (literally) – fortunately no damage except to my pride. Ha ha.
• Injuries to the horse – causing severe damage to the bank account.

In review:

So 2006 it seems I have thrown myself into sport! Buried myself almost but I’ve been successful and met loads of new people! Well the running still needs a bit of work but the lifting is gooood!! LOL

Work has been ‘taxing’ finally some relief this year with a couple of new heads in our team taking the load off Bane and myself from carrying the pager every other week. Otherwise a fairly uneventful year at work. We will have a new manager when I return to work in mid Jan and I’ve already alerted my current boss that I’m looking for a promotion this year – she needs the clue up the new guy Calum to make this happen.

2006 has been good to me, my confidence has grown again and I’ve really made the effort to meet people – as scary as it might be. I mean the CR Xmas BBQ was quite a big deal for me to turn up to – not knowing anyone at all – quite intimidating…. But I put on the brave, bold face... and it wasn’t so bad after all. I should do this more often! (hmmm note that as a resolution for 2007…

New Years resolutions - 2007

• Learn to swim (yep that’s back on the list / still on the list… )
• Keep meeting people.
• Get out there – be social.
• Accept help when its offered (aka – stop being so damn stubborn and independent) that’s gonna be hard!
• Ask for help when its not offered. Whoa… even harder!
• Be more financially responsible. (2006 - the year of spending) Apart from my squat boots – that’s it for 2007!
• Be nice to the support analysts at work…. Be more approachable. (I think this was on my performance review – ouch)

Special Thanks

I want to thank everyone that has touched me this year, hmmm that sounds a bit wrong! What I mean is those people who have made difference in my life this year, how ever small the gesture it has made an impact on me! From the hellos on MSN, the simple walks in the park, the strange emails, midnight txt messages…. LOL. Thanks to David ‘Rimmer’ who started me blogging. I thought it would be a complete toss but its actually been quite therapeutic to put down my feelings, some half in jest, some not quite so. Bit of DIY psychotherapy. Ha ha ha

I especially want to thank Shaz, who has been a champion for me. This year our friendship has really come to the fore. Getting behind me in her dominant sport, powerlifting, being there for me at the Nationals in Brisbane. I couldn’t ask for better a friend and mentor! ‘I lurve ya Shazza’

Finally to Jo, my bestest bestest friend. Who stood by me when my world fell apart? Who has been there to pick up the pieces, time after time? Who stayed with me everyone else left? Who has always been there, never judging, just there, telling me it will all be ok. Joanne. You’ve had your share of heartache this year Jo, but now hopefully it’s turned around for you. I wish much happiness for you and you new love Steve! You deserve it my friend.

Have a happy and safe New Year everyone!!

Be good – and if you can’t be good, be good at it!

Catch you all in 2007!!!

Vicki xxxxx