watch the world spinning

Charity Challenge sent me an email last weekend, informing me that I had just 16 weeks left before the trek, which was most helpful. Please note the sarcasm in my tone there, because really the last thing I needed was an email telling me how many weeks there are to go and suggesting that maybe I should start sorting out equipment etc. I know that, thanks very much.

It has been a wee while since I wrote, and I have to admit that at the moment I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Life is as hectic as ever and it just doesn't seem to have received the message that I could really do with some smooth-sailing for a while so that I can focus on everything I need to do before September. Someone pointed out to me today that actually, 16 weeks is almost a third of a year so we have plenty of time, but think about the fact that we are pretty much in June already and Katie and I started this 'journey' (forgive my use of such a cheesy term) in January and maybe you will understand my panic.

I did not intend to come here this evening to write myself into a panic again. In fact, I have been attempting to take practical steps to organise my time better. This is all down to an Away Day I had to attend for work last week. There was a motivational speaker dude there (though he prefers to be known as something other than a motivational speaker, I forget what he calls himself) and despite my tendency to be a bit of a 'mood-hoover' and a definite cynic, I actually came away from the day feeling in a better place to get myself ready for this trip. It's bizarre and actually a little embarrassing for a sceptic like me to admit, but there it is.

I spent my weekend plotting out the next 16 weeks on an excel spreadsheet (yes, I am a nerd) and giving myself a rough timetable for exercise using a training schedule from the Charity Challenge site as a guide. There is a lot to be said for having a plan, and while it is incredibly rough and random, I no longer feel like I am just trundling along completely blind. I also downloaded an app to track my walks and on Sunday afternoon I walked up a hill and covered just over 7 miles in all. Not much when it comes down to it, but man did my legs get a good workout walking up some decent slopes.

I had hoped to get some walking in one evening this week, but the weather has taken a turn again and isn't looking promising until the weekend. I will therefore have to settle for another trip to the gym (I went this evening), though I also need to fit in a very important hair-cut at some point because I currently have a serious case of Boris Johnson hair and that needs to go.

With training progressing slowly, there is certainly more positive news to share in the fundraising stakes. With 108 days to go, the amount raised currently stands at £2487.87, with more money outstanding in 'promises'. My current focus is organising a quiz at work mid-June, though I am freaking out a little here too because my partner in crime is very inconsiderately going on holiday for a week and not getting back into the country until the day before the quiz. Fair warning to the rest of my colleagues, it is entirely possible that I will be calling on you to keep me calm. Anyone from SH, please, please, let me know you are planning to attend, get your teams together and give me your entrance fee as soon as you can so I have a good idea of numbers. I'm relying on you, guys (guests of the B-T wedding and of course the bride and groom are forgiven for not attending!).

I had some good news when I returned to work after the Bank Holiday this morning. Last week we were voting for the next Charity of the Year. The results were sent out this morning and I was overjoyed to discover that James Hopkins Trust won the staff vote and we will be fundraising for them for the next year. Thank you so much to any of my lovely CCG colleagues who may be reading and chose to vote JHT. I'm looking forward to a year of raising money for a cause so close to my heart. In fact, we start with a dress-down day tomorrow, which happens to coincide with James' anniversary. As we haven't had any volunteers to collect the money yet, this means I will be doing it myself and aiming to get a record amount for the 1st floor this month. Start the way we mean to go on.

I will end with the usual line. Please, if you haven't sponsored us yet and can spare a few pennies, hop on over to our fundraising page, http://www.bmycharity.com/twoblondesonemountain. Your support is greatly appreciated.

clap your hands

I have been pretty useless at writing an update over the last couple of weeks. I keep meaning to get round to it, but life has been hectic and things keep getting in the way.

With 120 days to go, I am once again starting to feel nervous about all the training and how completely not fit I am, but I know that there is still plenty of time to prepare. I just need to get my act together, keep motivated and learn how to make myself go to the gym or for a walk, even when there is nothing I want to do less.

Our fundraising is at a pretty amazing £2337.87, which is reassuring. As promised (though slightly delayed), this week I have been wearing a dress to work each day. I have mostly kept my promise of not moaning about it, though I have to admit I've probably slipped up a few times.

Anyway, here is today's dress, borrowed from a friend, which most people have agreed is their favourite of the week.

I'm not really made for this girly dress-wearing malarkey. Yesterday involved a very traumatic 'ladder' incident, and I desperately wandered around the building until I found someone who was going to tesco at lunch to pick up some new tights. I don't even know how I did it. I mean, one minute I was sat at my desk, happily working away and the next minute I saw THIS:

Very embarrassing. And seriously, no idea. Speaking of embarrassing, on the very same morning I was spotted walking through the car park on my way into work. That day's dress was rather short (you may be able to tell that from the photo. I apologise for showing so much leg), and I was wearing the aforementioned tights. By the time I walked through the door, one of my colleagues had persuaded everyone who was around at the time to stand at the door to greet me and applaud as I walked through the door. It was hilarious, but made me cringe. Yes, people, I HAVE LEGS. And with all this bloody gym work and walking I'm doing, admittedly they've never looked better. HA!

I'm going to finish up here for today, because it's late and I'm tired. Do me a favour and pop over to our fundraising page to sponsor me. After wearing dresses all week, I think I deserve it. It's for families like this Katie and I are doing this, so have a read and then donate.

Ta.