9km long run & chilling at home with the fam

T2 woke up with an asthmatic cough at 5.44am - ouch, its Sunday for crying out loud!  So I gave him some ventolin and thought I'll just lie down for a little while and then get up and do my long run.  I opened my eyes and it was past 7.30am!  My punishment?  The sun belting down on my head during my 9km.  But I can't complain because other Aussies are frying in different parts of the country.  I felt slow and hot.  I'm starting to feel the need...the need for speed!  Therefore I'm going to start looking around at some other programs that incorporate at least one speed session a week as well as a long run.  Any suggestions?

My dear mother-in-law went to the bakery this morning, and bought...hot cross buns!  Oh the yummy deliciousness!  I just can't resist them.

Please don't tell me its too early!

I know - alot of butter!

The rest of the day was spent swimming with the family, cooking for this week's lunches and doing a little reading for my nursing course.  Later my sister-in-law popped over.  I totally love her and us 3 girls had a natter over a tea.  She's just returned from China and picked up some Tiger Balm from Singapore.  I'm going to give it a whirl after my next Parkrun.

mini-quiches

Choc chip Cookies

Recipe for the choc chip cookies is here.  I made them much smaller than the recipe said, but they're still pretty huge.

I'm feeling really tired this evening.  I wonder if the 9km (the longest run since I've started back running) has fatigued me?  My darling husband gave my legs a rub and just had a soak in the bath so feeling a little better now.

Back to school for the twinnies tomorrow.  I'm going to miss them, a little.  I really hope there's no nose bleeds this week.

Any suggestions for a 12 week half marathon program that has a little speedwork?

Week 5 of Lazyrunner 10k program; cricket and a visitor

Finished week 5 of the Lazyrunner 10k program today.  It was supposed to be 5kms but I think i ran a little longer.  No Parkrun for me because I was coaching Milo cricket :-(  The things we do for our kids!  There's 3 weeks left so then I'll be back to Parkrun every Saturday.

I have a mouth ulcer.  Its interfering with my enjoyment of food, which is serious.  Someone once told me that chocolate causes mouth ulcers.  I've chosen not to believe that.

T1 was amazing at cricket this morning.  No behaviour or attitude and his skills were incredible.  Another parent was asking what we do with him to get him good at cricket!  I actually enjoyed it, even though I whinge terribly about getting up early every Saturday morning to do it.  I've really got to stop whining about it.  The kids have really improved.

The twins were given a slipn slide T1 was into it

T2 preferred jumping in the puddles

Next up a wonderful therapist who used to work with T1 came to visit.  She is one of those people you can't imagine ever being angry or upset or saying a bad word about anyone.  Our whole family adores her.  She is such a great person and she bought the boys belated Christmas presents.  I love how all our long-term therapists come and visit.

They were also given these nut free (actually everything free!) cookies
They taste just like Tiny Teddies!

They were also given these bath toys and some pool toys

After that it was cooking for the lunch boxes.  Today was vegetable and ham fritters.  You can get the recipe here. We've decided not to let the boys sample them until they get them in their lunchbox.  I figure they'll be more hungry at school and hopefully will eat them.

Ham and vegetable fritters for lunch boxes - finger crossed!

5ish km; The Wolf of Wall Street & medical mysteries

It was such a relief to run in cool, non-humid weather.  I really enjoyed my run this morning.  I didn't measure it but I know it was at least 5km.  This morning I discovered there is going to be a school fun run!  Ooh how exciting.  I wonder if the other parents will be competitive, fast, slow etc.  Added incentive to train!  Some of the mums look pretty fit so it will be really interesting.

I'm making a few dietary adjustments to try and eradicate some nasty cyclical headaches I'm getting.  They're starting to affect my quality of life.  I'm going to swap my black tea for green tea (waaa!) and eat miso soup with tofu a couple of times a day.  I'm giving it one month.  If they don't improve I'm going to get medical advice.  That's medical mystery no.1.

T2's nose bled again and the school rang to pick him up.  It was gushing.  Then I looked up the side effects of his new dose of asthma preventer - uncommon side effect?...bleeding and irritation of the nasal lining.  Bingo!  Hopefully we can work this out quickly.  Its been affecting his first week and he really doesn't need that.  That is medical mystery no. 2.

T1 is going SO well at school.  Indistinguishable so far, by all accounts.  Woohoo!  I'm reserving judgement though.

I blame hungryrunnergirl for this! My 2nd 'froyo'

My first Vmax experience - comfy chairs!

A couple of nights ago my husband and I saw Wolf of Wall Street.  It was really good.  I enjoyed the story (never trust a stockbroker!).  I loved Matthew Mcconaughey in it.  I didn't recognize him at first.  Has he been taking acting lessons?  I never used to like any of his acting.  But be warned, its R rated for a reason!

What's your favourite movie?

7km & lunchbox success and failure

A humid 7km this morning as day 2 of Week 6 of the Lazyrunner 10km program.  I'm not supposed to do these runs consecutively, but I'm just so enthusiastic at the moment.  And importantly, I think my morning runs are really helping me emotionally and mentally get through the twins' first week of school.  So its my body and I'll run if I want to.....run if I want to...(for those too young to get it just move on).

I saw two pelicans on my run! 

This morning was a breeze compared to yesterday.  No nose bleeds, no hats down drains, everyone was happy.  I'm starting to get to know a few Mums from school.  One family lives just down the road.  They seem like really nice people.  I love the feel of this school.  It feels like a real community.   One mum told me this morning that running is her 'thing'.  Yippee!  She does look pretty fit and I suggested we go for a run together sometime.  I hope she's not too fast for me!

My husband wants me to double-check that T2 did this all himself!

T1's handiwork - I'm so proud of those guys!

Over the weekend I started work on my goal to participate in the kitchen more for the kids' school lunches.  My mother-in-law does the cooking (I know I'm completely spoiled).  I confess, she also helped with these..she's a champion!

these were given the thumbs up by all 3

Over the weekend I tried out mini quiches and banana weetbix chocolate muffins.  The mini-quiches were a success with all three and the muffins (which are healthier) were a fail with 2/3.  I tasted them and I reckon they're yummy.  I did use dark chocolate by accident, so I may give them another go in future.  Meanwhile, I'll eat them.  Oh well.

Me and 100+ reviews on the website liked them...oh well

The recipe for the mini-quiches is here.  A tip if you make them-buy short-cut bacon.  It took me too long too cut all the gross fat off the rashers.   I also used onion flakes because my little darlings don't 'like' onion.  The recipe for the muffins is here.  I hope you have more luck with them than I do.

Do you have a favourite lunch box recipe for me to try?  I need inspiration.

8.5km & The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

A lovely 8.5km this morning at an easy pace.  I'm glad I got my run in before school starts as its going to be hot today.  Its the luxury of living close to school.

This morning is the first full day of school for the boys.  I was up before them (very rare) and heard the tap upstairs go on. "Oh no you don't" I thought, thinking that T2 was up to his usual tricks (he loves water).  As I approached the bathroom I saw smears of blood on the door, then blood all up my T2's arms and then I looked into his face and it was literally covered in blood!  "Is he cut? What's going on?".  Just a nose bleed - phew.  We are not a family of nose bleeders and this is actually the first time I've experienced a proper nose bleed from any of my kids.  Thanks for saving it for the first day of school buddy!

I cleaned him up a little and let him watch TV as I attempted to pinch his nose.  This is not an easy feat with a kid on the spectrum but luckily it stopped, and I was able to go for my run.  Fast forward to about 8am and it starts again - gushing everywhere.  He started wiping his nose and smearing it everywhere.  So he had blood pretty much all over him so I got him in a fairly cool bath and after a little while it stopped bleeding.  Meanwhile the clock is ticking....

My goal of looking half respectable compared to the coiffed and polished school mums began to fade.  I'm still in my running gear, hair unwashed.  I rushed downstairs and leaned over the bath to at least wash my hair (I have fine hair that really needs a wash after a run).  At 8.40 we headed out the door - my hair was wet, no make-up.

I'm walking a couple of metres in front trying to hurry the pace a little.  I could hear the principal on the megaphone.  I turned around and T2 had NO hat on.  "Where's your hat?" I asked, panic rising.  "Gone" said T2. "Well go get it!!" I yelled (I do regret the yelling part).  Then I asked "where is it?"  He led me to the drain.  At this point I thought I might crack and start sobbing on school grounds for the second time in 3 days.  Deep breaths, deep breaths..I held it together!  I peered down the drain and saw the hat, got onto my stomach and reached down as far as I could  My finger tips could just feel the hat.  At this stage I had my whole torso down a drain on school grounds.  I got the hat!!  And off we went.

I just know I'm going to be one of those crazy mums no matter how hard I try :-).  Its 9.30am and very quiet.  I'm drinking tea, but probably need something much stronger :-)

Now I'm just waiting for the phone to ring ;-)

5km & 1 Sleep 'til big school!!

I went for a really enjoyable 5km run to finish Week 5 of the LazyRunner 10km program.  I usually lean towards morning running but it was just beautiful this evening.  It wasn't too hot and it was just a beautiful Summer evening.  I followed it up with a relaxing dip in the pool and straight into my pjs.  Tomorrow and Friday I won't be doing any morning running as the twins will be starting school.  I might try and do another evening run tomorrow as it was really great.

The uniforms are pressed, everything's labelled, the shadows are ready.  If you're wondering what a shadow is, its kind of like a teacher's aide.  My BCBA has recommended T2 have an ABA trained shadow full-time for at least the first 6 months. T2 knows the shadows who will be with him so it makes me feel so much better.  This morning all the Kindy kids and parents met at the park.  I was feeling anxious, actually nauseous.  Would the boys behave?  Would T2 cope or start doing really weird behaviours?  Would the mum's be welcoming?  When I first got their I felt so awkward.  The boys took off on the equipment.  And I took off to man the flying fox for all the kids.  It was a good strategy.  I got talking to a couple of parents while having something to do (dragging the flying fox up the wire many times!).  Then I found a couple of parents I'd previously met and it was all good and everyone was really nice.  I didn't stay long as T2 doesn't last much longer than 11/4 hours at the park and it was pretty hot. So we headed home on  a good note.

A metallic 'Sharpie' marker is fantastic for naming dark things

A permanent thin black marker

I bought this ages ago when my eldest was in preschool.
 You can buy iron on refills and sticky fillers.  Its been VERY handy.

Then I discovered I had to get new anaphylaxis and asthma plans done for school tomorrow, so made a last minute trip to the medical centre, boys in tow.  Whenever I go to the medical centre I take every electronic device we own.  Today it was a Leappad, an iPad, a mini iPad, my Iphone and a 3DDS (I kid you not!).  It makes the hour at the medical centre bearable...just.  But we did it and we are all ready for the big day tomorrow.

It took five devices for us to get through a double dr's appointment at the medical centre!

What is your favourite time of day to run?

8km & Novotel Brighton-Le-Sands

Today I started week 5 of the Lazyrunners 10k plan.  Today was 8km.  It all went fine as I'd had 2 days off running.  Not sure about pace but this program is all about the distance not speed.  After I've finished this program I intend to incorporate one speed session a week into my training.

On Friday afternoon myself, my eldest and mother-in-law headed to Brighton-Le-Sands Novotel for an overnight stay.  My mother-in-law was sick last time we went so it was her first time there.  She really liked it.  It's my last voucher that I had stashed and I'm now on a voucher ban (self-imposed) until further notice :-(

the view from our room - a little windy!

Comfy beds and the pillows weren't too fat

Love 1990s Decor

We decided to skip the hotel restaurant because although its very good, its quite expensive unless you have one of the Accor club cards (which we don't).  We were surprised how many good casual eateries were located along Bay St.  For dinner we had fish, chips and calamari at Ocean Heart seafood.  It was all very fresh and delicious.  The calamari was particularly good (no sign of chewiness and so tasty!).

We'll be back.

If you want good fish n chips in Brighton-le Sands, look no further

Chunky chips - but there was no salt and they didn't ask!  I kept looking in the bag...but no :-(

One of the running bloggers I follow is always eating frozen yoghurt (she calls it Froyo) so when I discovered a frozen yoghurt shop I thought I'd indulge in my first one. I had no idea what flavour so had a little plain, a little mango and a little coconut.  I think I actually like the plain best.  Then, for the fun bit- the toppings.  Mini m&ms, crushed Oreos & Hershey bars, fruit and unidentifiable coloured round balls.  I liked it.  Not as much as HungryRunnerGirl does but I'll definitely have another soon.

Yoganic  - Bay St Brighton Le Sands

A froyo mishmash

For breakfast we went downstairs to Mezzes cafe.  We ordered bacon, eggs and toast.  It was all delicious and I'm not sure what bread they used but it was beautiful.  It cost under $10 each for the meals!  We followed that up by hot chocolates.  The service was great and the food came out promptly.

SO yummy..under 10 bucks!

Delicious hot chocolate

We picked up some lunch boxes and drink bottles for the twins (4 sleeps til big school!).  What on Earth is going on?  There was literally a wall of different boxes - long ones, short ones, ones with mini containers and separate containers and freezer coverings........What happened to the gigantic Decor boxes and a popper (if you wanted a drink you went to the bubbler).  Why is parenting so confusing these days???

A night in watching Fedex and Nadal...poor Federer.

I love this derelict terrace right across from the beach. 

A short walk takes you to what used to be my Nana's place.  Many happy memories of a wonderful person.

I also discovered something frightening about my mother-in-law and eldest.  I bought some gummy bears for them, but I didn't realise the effect they had on them.  They practically inhaled the packet.  When they offered me some I backed away in fear of immediate addiction.  We bought 2 more packets when we went down to Coles.  I'm not sure if those bears are still with us-its truly scary watching them in action.  A word of warning. DO NOT buy the sugar free ones - have you seen the reviews? Don't click on this link if you are eating.

These are NOT sugar free...but if you don't like your in-laws....:-)

T2 has a loose tooth and is demanding all food be cut into bite sizes.  Hurry up and fall out tooth!

What is your favourite Froyo flavour and toppings?  I need guidance.

Do you have any lunch box recommendations?  I really need help with this.

5km & the countdown to big school begins! (1 week today)

Today I finished Week 4 of the 10km Lazyrunner program.  It was a breakthrough for me to run 5kms two days in a row without feeling stiff or having niggles.  I'm tempted to push my luck a little and run 8km tomorrow.  We'll see...

So, one week until big school.  My blood pressure and heart rate rise slightly when I think about it.  I'm trying to block it out while simultaneously getting organised.  Today was uniform day.  The list went like this....2 shirts x 2, 2 shorts x 2, 1 sport shirt...x2, 1 sport shorts...x2, 4 pairs of socks...x2, 2 school bags...x2, 1 jumpers.. x2, $149.. x 2 (are you seeing a pattern here?) for a grand total of $498!!!  Let's add black school shoes...x2 for $200 for a grand total of $698 (deep breaths!).  Still need to get stationary, new lunchboxes and bottles (their preschool ones will have to do for the first couple of weeks).  Man, that's some serious cash.  Today we went to the uniform store and I was a little anxious about T2.  He was perfect and wanted to keep his school shirt on (so cute).  But T1 decided it was a good time to fight with his older brother.  Unfortunately it was his worst moment of the day and the rest of the day he was really good.  Don't you hate it when bad behaviour is saved for public consumption?

I'm starting to think lunch boxes now.  Its much more enjoyable than buying uniforms and shoes.  I'm thinking of cooking batches and freezing.  I'm going to try really hard to be organised with the school lunches.  I'm pretty spoiled and don't do much cooking so I think I should take responsibility for the school lunches this year.  Hopefully I'll come through with the goods.

Any tips from fellow ASD parents about first day of school?

Favourite lunchbox recipe?

5kms, The Century and I LOVE my BCBA!

I woke up late after an awesome night at The Century.. in fact it was 9am!  If your wondering what I did with the twins, my mother-in-law was up-bless her.  I went for an untimed 5km run and it felt fantastic.  It was cloudy and cool with the slightest breeze.  Perfect running conditions and I didn't have to get up early to enjoy them.

Yesterday was my beautiful mother-in-law's birthday.  We'd had a rough day with the twins the day before so we all felt a little shell-shocked.  I decided I wasn't going to put any demands on T2 so that we could have a great day.  My mother-in-law enjoyed the day.  We had a Liverpool cake topper that didn't arrive for my son's birthday so if you're wondering why a 67 year old lady has a Liverpool cake, now you know.  We had a nice quiet day at home and a little party food for lunch.  T1 had planned the menu in advance - he thought Nana wanted fairy bread, sausage rolls and Twisties..mmm.

creeping fingers :-)

Pretty cool cake for a Nanna!

That night my mother-in-law, myself and my sister-in-law met at the amazing The Century Chinese restaurant in Pyrmont for a girl's fancy dinner.  My sis-in-law is an important Chinese businesswoman and I love going to The Century with her.  Its the only time I feel even vaguely important.  We were quickly ushered to a private table.  The owner greeted us and wished my mother-in-law a happy birthday and we had waiters with earpieces hovering.  The Century is the sister restaurant of the famous Golden Century.  I love The Century more because the decor is amazing while the food is just as good.  I really should have taken more photos.  It has a wall of chopsticks and it is so beautifully designed.  And the Peking Duck.  Oh the Peking Duck!  Made into duck pancakes, san choi bow and stir fry along with a huge steamed barramundi, prawns, fresh fruit, great wine, tea and an Adriano Zumbo cake.  It was a perfect night with perfect company.  All things that my gorgeous mother-in-law deserved.

Seriously, the best Chinese food in Sydney

my mouth is watering just thinking about the duck pancake

duck san choi bow

Steamed, ginger Barramundi 

love this glass

...and this wine

more duck..never enough

Fresh fruit and Macaroon cake - heaven!

Today for lunch I had a big salad with left over duck stir fry and prawns (so yum!).  We are massive Seinfeld fans and the family admired my 'big salad'!

Unfortunately, the bliss wasn't to last as this morning T2 broke a very special item that my brother-in-law (who has passed away) bought for my mother-in-law.  He knows where our jugular is, that T2.  We were all crying, mostly for our mother-in-law's sake.  I sent out an SOS out to my always calm, always practical BCBA (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst) and now we have a plan of attack.  Watch out T2.  Things are going to change around here!  I can tell the tension is rising in the week leading up to school.  My aim this week? To stay calm!

7.5km run, T1& T2 wearing me down and lovely outing with my eldest and husband

This morning I knocked over 7.5km as part of Week 4 of my 10km program.  I was very slow and very stiff.  But no niggles, so gotta be happy with that.

T2 has been really challenging in the last couple of days.  There's been a few broken items, alot of scrunched work papers and thrown things and general non-compliance.  T1 has been bothering my eldest.  At one time both myself and my eldest were sitting in my bed with tears because of the twins' behaviour.  I need to contact my BCBA...quickly.  I'm also considering some form of respite for the first time.  This is the last week of the school hols and I think there's a combination of frustration, worry about starting school and a few financial headaches that are forming the perfect storm.  I'm feeling worn down.  My husband is more stoic than I am, but he gets frustrated with them too.  The worst thing is not knowing the best way to react, or knowing the right way and not doing it.  Autism is exhausting.  And frustrating.  And sometimes...just crap.

On a positive note, I still had a voucher left for High Tea at the Swissotel (I've banned myself from voucher purchase for the foreseeable future.  Sad, but true :-(.  After having my earlier meltdown it was great to head out for some quality time with my eldest and husband (my poor mother-in-law looked after the twins).  We went to the Swissotel (they're starting to get to know me there).  We had a great time venting and talking NFL (well, I tried to look interested during the NFL conversation).

Mmmmmm...

Only improvement could be the cream - it needs to be clotted

oh the chicken, mayo and lettuce sandwiches were so delicious!

Kids were only $20 - bargain!

Check this out.  A man with severe autism has started a business with the assistance of his dad.  Guess what he does?  He goes to people's houses assembling Ikea flat packs.  He only charges $20!  I wish he lived in Sydney (he's Canadian).  My first thought was to start getting T2 reading Ikea manuals!  I love stories like this.  Just fantastic.