19th to 25th May 2012
With a maximum temperature of just nine degrees that is like 4.5 degrees, I am so grateful to be indoors in the warmth with hot water bottles, a snugly blanket and the heating on. Today is a reminder that Winter is just around the corner and I am sure that snow will be falling on the mountains at present creating a glistening, white cap on the top.
Fortunately the weekend was much more pleasant and on Saturday I was outdoors enjoying a clear Autumn day and watching Jarrett and Nalani both run in The Half Marathon Eve 5km Fun Run, it was an all ages event. The venue for the event was the delightful Lennox Gardens, the race went through the gardens and along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. There were many competitors in the event and Kermit the Frog even made an appearance (one of the runners had dressed in a costume). "On your marks, get set" and the gun went off. Jarrett had a flying start and Nalani took off quickly also, as we watched them run along the path near the Lake. Then they disappeared into the distance, that is what happens in Cross Country races, you often lose sight of the runners and only see the start and the finish. We waited anxiously at the finish line in the distance we could see the top three runners coming in and Jarrett was one of them, he was in third place, just behind two older men. It was a close finish and I was so excited to see Jarrett finish strongly to secure the third place in a time of 16:26, a six second personal best from the year before. He was the first junior runner in and beat a well know female runner Lisa Corrigan. We then waited for Nalani, she came flying in, in 40th place and was the fourth junior female, she also got a personal best time over a minute faster than her last 5km race. Jarrett was presented with a bronze medal and a special tee-shirt for the race and he let me wear his medal while he warmed down.
On Sunday morning after another eighty minute run, Jarrett was working on his school Biology assignment which was on cancer, he had chosen to do it on paediatric cancer and he asked me if he could do an interview with me, I agreed and while Nalani filmed, Jarrett asked me some question about my Medulloblastoma and the treatment I had. I was going to throw shot put at High Noon on Sunday afternoon but I found I was very shaky and could not hold the shot put properly and I was weak in my legs so I had to miss throwing. It is very upsetting and frustrating to have this occurring especially when I have something that I would love to do.
This week at school has been busy again, with exams coming up the teachers are making sure that we have covered every topic we need to for the exams. In Maths we are learning about Congruent Triangles, it is a complicated process and there are four ways of testing whether a triangle is congruent. In Sports Science we are continuing our work on the body systems and nutrition, I really enjoy this, to remember things I practise by naming my muscles and bones and I also have charts on my wardrobe doors. In English we are working on a persuasive essay about Choice and Sacrifice in relation to The Truman Show, we learnt how to write a good thesis statement.
Apart from school I have had physiotherapy, Kaitlyn massaged my arms, spine and feet and used heat to assist my pain. Each week I look forward to my physiotherapy appointment because it does provide some relief for me along with my medication. I also had a special visit from Stuart this week who came from Sydney just to see me, it was lovely to catch up with him and he gave me a lovely book to read, Anne of Green Gables.
Then on Thursday, Jarrett was running in the ASC Cross Country, some people from other States may call it Zone Cross Country, it is how you qualify to go to ACT Cross Country to hopefully be selected to represent the ACT at National Cross Country later in the year. Rain was forecast for the day but fortunately it held off until Jarrett had finished his race. He had to run 6km and it was held at Weston Park, the course is a very difficult one with lots of undulations, rocks and slippery Autumn leaves on the ground. He was not only competing against his own age group but also against boys from the next age group up, they decided to combine it, the age group up normally run 8km, so they were lucky. At the start he was pushed by another runner, but recovered well to be in the lead group of boys, as the race progressed the group broke and Jarrett was in the top four, I was so excited for him and he was running well. To qualify for ACT's he had to come in the top twenty and I could see he would easily do that. He finished the race strongly to come second in his age group which was fantastic, he ran it in a time of 20:05 which was great, he is just awesome. Now he will run at ACT's which are on his 17th Birthday on the 4th of June, I hope that he will do extremely well and qualify for Nationals, that would be the best Birthday present ever.
I am not very well today, I have a cough and sore throat and with the miserable weather I am feeling quite melancholy. Keeping warm, having plenty of fluids and rest will hopefully help me to feel much better for the weekend and be ready for another busy week next week, not only do I have School but I also have an appointment with my paediatrician and physiotherapy.
In Footy Tipping although I got four right last week, Nana is still ahead, Pop and I are trying to think of ways to slow her down. Pop even suggested her losing points if her team, the Cowboys win, but I guess that is not very fair. My Tigers are doing well, it is almost like back in 2005 when they came from the bottom of the ladder to win the Grand Final. They were second last but have now moved up into eighth place with some incredible wins.
I found this quote by Buddha and I thought is was a lovely way to end this entry:
'Thousands of candles can be lighted from a
single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never
decreases by being shared.'
Friday, May 25, 2012
Saturday, May 19, 2012
FROSTY NIGHTS AND GLORIOUS DAYS
12th to 18th May 2012
Crispy, white frosts are covering our yards first thing in the morning but once the sun has risen high in the crystal blue Autumn sky, a smile engulfs my face and my heart is filled with joy, I greet each and every day with a positive attitude and wanting to make the most of every minute of it.
Last weekend was Mothers Day, we celebrated quietly with Mum by spoiling her and making her feel special. I made her a unique vase which I bought but then decorated with gems that were flowers and butterflies, then I put some of our fragrant roses from our own garden in it.
This week at school was NAPLAN which most students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in on the same days using national tests in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions which is spelling, grammar and punctuation and Numeracy. I had an exemption from doing it due to my illness, so I was able to rest during the testing ready for other classes.
In Sports Science this week we watched a DVD called All About Muscles because that is what we are learning about. We then had to use plasticine to make a model of the circulatory system, the respiratory system and muscular system. In Maths we have moved on from Area, Volume and Capacity to learning about Congruent Triangles and in English we are finishing off work on The Truman Show ready to write a persuasive essay on it about Choice and Sacrifice.
I again had my regular physiotherapy appointment with Kaitlyn who released my spine and worked on my ankles which had been painful. Then I had heat on my spine which always feels so wonderful and gives me some relief from my pain.
Tom, my Occupational Therapist also paid me a visit this week, the machine that can speed up my wheelchair is in Sydney been fixed but he promised me as soon as it is back, he will speed my wheelchair up for me so it will go Mum speed rather than Granny speed. He talked to me about conserving energy, things to help when I have problems with my hands and legs shaking like bulking up my pencils and eating utensils. He has so much knowledge and no question I ask him is too difficult to answer. I am extremely lucky to have people assisting me like Tom and Kaitlyn without them I would not be able to manage each day.
In the footy tipping Nana has flown ahead, then Pop and I am last but only by one point, the teams have been so unpredictable this year and picking technically does not seem to be working this year. With State of Origin on Wednesday there could be some upset results with many quality players out of several teams.
Nalani and Jarrett are running on the Weekend in The Half Marathon Eve 5km Fun Run, they are both hoping to do well and I will be there cheering them on. I am hoping that the glorious weather we have had will continue as an afternoon in the sunshine absorbing vitamin D will be good medicine for me.
On Sunday I am hoping to compete in another High Noon Competition, there is only shot put this week as they are doing repairs to the infield so Javelin can not be held. I don't mind though because one event is probably just right for me at present.
My thoughts go out this week to Lachie, he is a friend of ours and last weekend when practising for pole vault, he had a nasty accident landing on his head, it must have been so dreadfully frightening for him. He did some damage to the front lobe of his brain but fortunately it will heal, but it does mean that he is not able to compete for a little while which is very disappointing for him. I think though that he will have the determination and courage to make a triumphant comeback when he is able to return to his sport.
Crispy, white frosts are covering our yards first thing in the morning but once the sun has risen high in the crystal blue Autumn sky, a smile engulfs my face and my heart is filled with joy, I greet each and every day with a positive attitude and wanting to make the most of every minute of it.
Last weekend was Mothers Day, we celebrated quietly with Mum by spoiling her and making her feel special. I made her a unique vase which I bought but then decorated with gems that were flowers and butterflies, then I put some of our fragrant roses from our own garden in it.
This week at school was NAPLAN which most students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in on the same days using national tests in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions which is spelling, grammar and punctuation and Numeracy. I had an exemption from doing it due to my illness, so I was able to rest during the testing ready for other classes.
In Sports Science this week we watched a DVD called All About Muscles because that is what we are learning about. We then had to use plasticine to make a model of the circulatory system, the respiratory system and muscular system. In Maths we have moved on from Area, Volume and Capacity to learning about Congruent Triangles and in English we are finishing off work on The Truman Show ready to write a persuasive essay on it about Choice and Sacrifice.
I again had my regular physiotherapy appointment with Kaitlyn who released my spine and worked on my ankles which had been painful. Then I had heat on my spine which always feels so wonderful and gives me some relief from my pain.
Tom, my Occupational Therapist also paid me a visit this week, the machine that can speed up my wheelchair is in Sydney been fixed but he promised me as soon as it is back, he will speed my wheelchair up for me so it will go Mum speed rather than Granny speed. He talked to me about conserving energy, things to help when I have problems with my hands and legs shaking like bulking up my pencils and eating utensils. He has so much knowledge and no question I ask him is too difficult to answer. I am extremely lucky to have people assisting me like Tom and Kaitlyn without them I would not be able to manage each day.
In the footy tipping Nana has flown ahead, then Pop and I am last but only by one point, the teams have been so unpredictable this year and picking technically does not seem to be working this year. With State of Origin on Wednesday there could be some upset results with many quality players out of several teams.
Nalani and Jarrett are running on the Weekend in The Half Marathon Eve 5km Fun Run, they are both hoping to do well and I will be there cheering them on. I am hoping that the glorious weather we have had will continue as an afternoon in the sunshine absorbing vitamin D will be good medicine for me.
On Sunday I am hoping to compete in another High Noon Competition, there is only shot put this week as they are doing repairs to the infield so Javelin can not be held. I don't mind though because one event is probably just right for me at present.
My thoughts go out this week to Lachie, he is a friend of ours and last weekend when practising for pole vault, he had a nasty accident landing on his head, it must have been so dreadfully frightening for him. He did some damage to the front lobe of his brain but fortunately it will heal, but it does mean that he is not able to compete for a little while which is very disappointing for him. I think though that he will have the determination and courage to make a triumphant comeback when he is able to return to his sport.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
HIGH NOON COMPETITION
5th to 11th May 2012
'Never give up, believe in yourself, that belief will see you achieve the most extraordinary things in life'
On a glorious Saturday, I went to watch both Nalani and Jarrett run in a 5km Cross Country Point Score event. The sky was a brilliant blue and only light wispy clouds floated gently in the breeze, the freshly mown grass at Stromlo filled my nostrils. There are times that I wish I was there with Nalani and Jarrett running, feeling the wind blow my hair and my arms and legs pumping but as I can not do that watching them run and cheering them on is almost like I am doing it also.
The race was two laps of the 2.5km course, when the started said "go" all the runners took off, Jarrett was towards the front runners and Nalani placed well in the centre of the field. As the race went on Jarrett was in the top three runners and looking strong and Nalani continued to run well as it was her first Cross Country Race back since her knee surgery. In the last 800m it was Jarrett in second place but gaining ground on the first runner and in a sensational finish, he almost won. He was really pleased with his race and he came first in his age group, you see there are various age groups right up to include adults in the race. Nalani ran valiantly and was 30th overall , the 12th girl and was first in her age group.
Then on Sunday it was my turn to compete, at a High Noon Competition, I was throwing discus and shot put. As I stood very unsteadily to throw the discus my hand began to shake, my first throw was definitely not my best, as I threw more I felt I improved but I still had to contend with a shaking hand and legs but I pushed on. I ended up throwing 5.56m which was not a personal best but one of my better throws ever. Then it was time for shot put, I throw a 2kg shot put, it may not sound that heavy but when you have a weak, shaking hand it feels like you are throwing a much heavier weight. As I pushed the shot put in my throw I felt so estactic to just be out there doing it and having my family all cheering me on. I threw 2.22m which is also not a personal best but one that I was happy with. After throwing I was extremely tired and a little sore but I had a huge smile on my face, I thought of the Adidas saying of 'Nothing is impossible' and I believe that.
Then it was back to school for what was an incredibly hectic week: in English we are working on Essays and what is essential to get an 'A'; in Maths we have continued to work on Surface Area, Volume and Capacity, we have a test next week and will then move on to a new topic and in Sports Science we looked at both the Circulatory and Respiratory Systems, it is so interesting.
I had physiotherapy and Kaitlyn worked on my knee which was irritated by my throwing on the weekend and then she did a gentle release on my spine which was sore , she also release the small muscles in my neck which often becomes quite stiff and lacks movement and then she put heat packs on my back which feel so wonderful and relieving.
In my life I feel so very fortunate to have so many people who care about me, I often receive lovely emails, cards and visits from these special people and just knowing how much they care really amazes me and brightens my days.
In footy tipping last week Nana got all the games correct, so she has now taken the lead with me one point behind her and then Pop one point behind me. It is very close and unlike previous years no one has taken a huge lead yet.
There are no races or competition this weekend only training, then of course on Sunday it is Mothers Day. So I would like to wish all Mothers a very Happy Mothers Day, I found this lovely verse in a card and wanted to share it with you.
'Never give up, believe in yourself, that belief will see you achieve the most extraordinary things in life'
On a glorious Saturday, I went to watch both Nalani and Jarrett run in a 5km Cross Country Point Score event. The sky was a brilliant blue and only light wispy clouds floated gently in the breeze, the freshly mown grass at Stromlo filled my nostrils. There are times that I wish I was there with Nalani and Jarrett running, feeling the wind blow my hair and my arms and legs pumping but as I can not do that watching them run and cheering them on is almost like I am doing it also.
The race was two laps of the 2.5km course, when the started said "go" all the runners took off, Jarrett was towards the front runners and Nalani placed well in the centre of the field. As the race went on Jarrett was in the top three runners and looking strong and Nalani continued to run well as it was her first Cross Country Race back since her knee surgery. In the last 800m it was Jarrett in second place but gaining ground on the first runner and in a sensational finish, he almost won. He was really pleased with his race and he came first in his age group, you see there are various age groups right up to include adults in the race. Nalani ran valiantly and was 30th overall , the 12th girl and was first in her age group.
Then on Sunday it was my turn to compete, at a High Noon Competition, I was throwing discus and shot put. As I stood very unsteadily to throw the discus my hand began to shake, my first throw was definitely not my best, as I threw more I felt I improved but I still had to contend with a shaking hand and legs but I pushed on. I ended up throwing 5.56m which was not a personal best but one of my better throws ever. Then it was time for shot put, I throw a 2kg shot put, it may not sound that heavy but when you have a weak, shaking hand it feels like you are throwing a much heavier weight. As I pushed the shot put in my throw I felt so estactic to just be out there doing it and having my family all cheering me on. I threw 2.22m which is also not a personal best but one that I was happy with. After throwing I was extremely tired and a little sore but I had a huge smile on my face, I thought of the Adidas saying of 'Nothing is impossible' and I believe that.
Then it was back to school for what was an incredibly hectic week: in English we are working on Essays and what is essential to get an 'A'; in Maths we have continued to work on Surface Area, Volume and Capacity, we have a test next week and will then move on to a new topic and in Sports Science we looked at both the Circulatory and Respiratory Systems, it is so interesting.
I had physiotherapy and Kaitlyn worked on my knee which was irritated by my throwing on the weekend and then she did a gentle release on my spine which was sore , she also release the small muscles in my neck which often becomes quite stiff and lacks movement and then she put heat packs on my back which feel so wonderful and relieving.
In my life I feel so very fortunate to have so many people who care about me, I often receive lovely emails, cards and visits from these special people and just knowing how much they care really amazes me and brightens my days.
In footy tipping last week Nana got all the games correct, so she has now taken the lead with me one point behind her and then Pop one point behind me. It is very close and unlike previous years no one has taken a huge lead yet.
There are no races or competition this weekend only training, then of course on Sunday it is Mothers Day. So I would like to wish all Mothers a very Happy Mothers Day, I found this lovely verse in a card and wanted to share it with you.
God made a wonderful mother
A mother who is so full of love
He made her smile of sunshine,
And her heart of pure gold,
In her cheeks he placed fair roses,
In her eyes, stars that shine
God made a wonderful mother,
And that wonderful mother is mine
A mother who is so full of love
He made her smile of sunshine,
And her heart of pure gold,
In her cheeks he placed fair roses,
In her eyes, stars that shine
God made a wonderful mother,
And that wonderful mother is mine
Friday, May 4, 2012
BACK TO SCHOOL FOR TERM 2
28th April to 4th May 2012
With temperatures plummeting down to an icy zero degrees in Canberra and in my new Senior School Winter uniform I returned to School this week for Term 2. It will be a busy Term as we only have nine weeks and have to also fit in NAPLAN and Semester Exams. In Mathematics we are working on area, surface area and volume, in English we are watching and doing a critical analysis on 'The Truman Show' and in Sports Science we are continuing to do work on the body systems, moving on from the Skeletal and Muscular Systems to the Circulatory and Respiratory systems. This Term I am also going to take on doing PDH, just to add a little extra variety to my days.
I got to use my electric wheelchair, it gives me independence, but I think it needs some speeding up because even Mum's power walking pace that I used to experience when she pushed me in the manual wheelchair is so much quicker!
Before returning to School though I had a very special weekend, not only did I get to watch Jarrett race in a 3.1km Cross Country Race, he ran with determination and watching him run, was almost like seeing a leopard running after its prey, his style is so sleek and smooth, and I was even more excited and proud because he won by over a minute. Nalani was still recovering from a minor foot injury so she was unable to run which was disappointing for her. I also got to spend some special time with my guardian angel physiotherapist, Rhiannon. It was splendiferous to see her smiling face again, to hear all her news and see how happy she is.
On Tuesday I got to see Kaitlyn my other wonderful physiotherapist, she did a release on my spine as it was twisted to the right and left again, she also did some work on my neck which has been hurting me to turn and bend. After the release I was lucky enough to have lovely warm heat packs placed on my back for ten minutes, they feel so good and give me relief.
I had an appointment on Thursday with my Oncologist, it was an early morning appointment, so I had to wake up early. My Oncologist has increased my pain medication to try to assist with some nerve pain that I have been experiencing. It is a strange type of pain, I getting a dreadful stinging sensation followed by pain. I also get shaking of my hands and legs, it just comes on randomly, it is rather frustrating when it happens as I never know when it will happen. Holding a cup, using a pen or even typing becomes difficult, however I always find a new way of doing things, that is what you have to do when faced with a new challenge, you have to rise above it, climb that mountain, jump that hurdle and move ahead.
I watched the Tigers play the Eels last weekend and I was on the edge of my seat and biting my fingernails towards the end of the match, those Eels came back, when it looked like that the Tigers had the game easily won. That field goal that Benji Marshall kicked in the first half is what won it for them. In footy tipping I am equal first with Pop now on 35 and Nana is now on 34.
On Monday it is Dad's Birthday, so I have been working on something special for him, I have made him a unique card especially from me and a coaster done with decoupage that he can put his mug at work on instead of leaving cup marks on his desk.
Tomorrow both Nalani and Jarrett are racing in a 5km Cross Country Race, I know that they will both do their best and I am looking forward to being there cheering them on. Then on Sunday it is the first High Noon Meet and I am determined to compete in shot put and discus. It is also World Athletics Day that day, celebrating one hundred years of athletics.
As the colder weather approaches may you all keep warm and healthy.
With temperatures plummeting down to an icy zero degrees in Canberra and in my new Senior School Winter uniform I returned to School this week for Term 2. It will be a busy Term as we only have nine weeks and have to also fit in NAPLAN and Semester Exams. In Mathematics we are working on area, surface area and volume, in English we are watching and doing a critical analysis on 'The Truman Show' and in Sports Science we are continuing to do work on the body systems, moving on from the Skeletal and Muscular Systems to the Circulatory and Respiratory systems. This Term I am also going to take on doing PDH, just to add a little extra variety to my days.
I got to use my electric wheelchair, it gives me independence, but I think it needs some speeding up because even Mum's power walking pace that I used to experience when she pushed me in the manual wheelchair is so much quicker!
Before returning to School though I had a very special weekend, not only did I get to watch Jarrett race in a 3.1km Cross Country Race, he ran with determination and watching him run, was almost like seeing a leopard running after its prey, his style is so sleek and smooth, and I was even more excited and proud because he won by over a minute. Nalani was still recovering from a minor foot injury so she was unable to run which was disappointing for her. I also got to spend some special time with my guardian angel physiotherapist, Rhiannon. It was splendiferous to see her smiling face again, to hear all her news and see how happy she is.
On Tuesday I got to see Kaitlyn my other wonderful physiotherapist, she did a release on my spine as it was twisted to the right and left again, she also did some work on my neck which has been hurting me to turn and bend. After the release I was lucky enough to have lovely warm heat packs placed on my back for ten minutes, they feel so good and give me relief.
I had an appointment on Thursday with my Oncologist, it was an early morning appointment, so I had to wake up early. My Oncologist has increased my pain medication to try to assist with some nerve pain that I have been experiencing. It is a strange type of pain, I getting a dreadful stinging sensation followed by pain. I also get shaking of my hands and legs, it just comes on randomly, it is rather frustrating when it happens as I never know when it will happen. Holding a cup, using a pen or even typing becomes difficult, however I always find a new way of doing things, that is what you have to do when faced with a new challenge, you have to rise above it, climb that mountain, jump that hurdle and move ahead.
I watched the Tigers play the Eels last weekend and I was on the edge of my seat and biting my fingernails towards the end of the match, those Eels came back, when it looked like that the Tigers had the game easily won. That field goal that Benji Marshall kicked in the first half is what won it for them. In footy tipping I am equal first with Pop now on 35 and Nana is now on 34.
On Monday it is Dad's Birthday, so I have been working on something special for him, I have made him a unique card especially from me and a coaster done with decoupage that he can put his mug at work on instead of leaving cup marks on his desk.
Tomorrow both Nalani and Jarrett are racing in a 5km Cross Country Race, I know that they will both do their best and I am looking forward to being there cheering them on. Then on Sunday it is the first High Noon Meet and I am determined to compete in shot put and discus. It is also World Athletics Day that day, celebrating one hundred years of athletics.
As the colder weather approaches may you all keep warm and healthy.
Friday, April 27, 2012
A SPLENDIFEROUS VIEW FROM BLACK MOUNTAIN TOWER
21st April to 27th April 2012
This week we celebrated Anzac Day on 25th April, this day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.
This day is important for Australians because when war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. So in 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
It was on 25th April that the Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli where they meet fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight long and devastating months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured terrible hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. On Anzac day we Australians remember the significant sacrifice of those who had died in the war to give us the freedom we experience today.
On Saturday Jarrett competed in the annual Anzac Relays, racing in a team of four, each running 3.8km. With determination just as our soldiers would have had, the team Jarrett was in were the first Junior Team across the line and came second overall. I was there cheering the team on and was so pleased to see them win the junior category.
On Monday we, as a family went up Telstra Tower (which is also known as Black Mountain Tower), the tower rises one hundred and ninety five metres above the summit of Black Mountain and it has 360 degree view of Canberra and the surrounding rural area. Black Mountain Tower was officially opened on 15th May 1980 by the then Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
Not only is it a tourist attraction, it is important as the transmitting station for Canberra television services and FM broadcasting services, and as a base station for other radio communication facilities, Telstra Tower is a key station in trunk communications for Canberra, and an important node in the intercapital broadband network. It is also important in respect of television relaying, catering for up to 5 simultaneous interstate relays as well as national regional relays from Sydney and Melbourne and relays originating in Canberra.
The tower has won two awards for outstanding design, the first was in 1979 when the Tower was nearing completion, it was for imaginative and effective use of concrete in a building and then in 1980 it won the Civic Design Award of the ACT Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
Looking out over Canberra was splendiferous, I saw the Parliamentary Triangle, The National Library and Government House. The Autumn colours that delightfully covered the city were breathtaking and whilst we have many buildings Canberra still has so much glorious bushland. After looking at the view, we sat and enjoyed a hot chocolate whilst still being able to look out at the view. We then went outside to the outdoor viewing deck, it was exceptionally windy and we were almost blown away but were totally amazed yet again by our picturesque city. If you are ever visiting Canberra or are a Canberran who has never been up the tower, I would recommend it as you really can see how magnificent Canberra is.
I had a visit from Anna who is Tess my Starlight Wish Granter's Sister, she is lovely and when she visited she gave me a picture that Tess had done years ago for her daughter, it was done in hobbytex and is a cat. As you would know I really love art and craft and was really intrigued and impressed with the hobbytex picture, I wonder if you can still get hobbytex, that would be something that I could do and perhaps then sell to raise funds for the brain tumour fund. Anna also gave me another extraordinary gift, it was a gold medal and engraved on the back are the words 'Dainere Gold Performance in Courage 2012'. I had tears in my eyes as I looked at it, so many times I have said that I am not anyone special, I have just been given a journey that I face the best way I possibly can. Anna wanted to get a copy of a story that I wrote about Theodore, teaching children that just because you are different does not mean you should be left out. I wrote it for Christian Living last year as part of an assessment to teach younger children a moral lesson.
On Tuesday I had physiotherapy with the wonderful Kaitlyn again, she found that down near my sacrum was twisted and again the top of my spine, so she did a gentle release on both and massaged my back then put heat on it. My muscle in my gluts was tight so she taped it to see if it would provide some relief. Then she surprised me with the most beautiful quilt which she had made to keep me warm in the colder weather. She is not only a talented physiotherapist but also a talented sewer.
My Occupational Therapist, Tom visited on Tuesday also and went over how I was going with all the equipment, I have found that some works and a couple of things don't so he took them away. I am so very lucky to have such an exceptional therapist who listens to me and has such wonderful knowledge of what may be useful for me.
Our weather was absolutely freezing on Wednesday, I think it was a preview to what our Winter is going to be like and it looks like we are in for a long, extremely cold Winter. It was a good day to stay indoors under a warm blanket and watch a good movie.
On Thursday I had hot chocolate with my friend Ally and her Mum and we chatted for a while. I really enjoyed catching up with her, she is a special friend, she always makes me laugh. I am finding that I am becoming quite fatigued very quickly lately, so I am not able to spend too much time out with people.
Today I saw my dietitian, she is happy with my nutrition, we have to be aware that when I have days that my pain is worse I may not be able to eat as well, so she is getting a sample of a product called 'polyjoule' we have to make sure it does not react with any of my medications. Apparently it has no taste and you can put it in drinks or in food as it has no taste, so does not change the taste of the food or drink you are having. She is going to monitor how I am going on a monthly basis and I am able to email her if I have any questions.
I have done a test run to school in my electric wheelchair, it is terrific, so much more smoother than my manual wheelchair and I think I am quite good a driving it. It will be interesting to see how I go next week back at school with all the students around, I may have to do some dodging, so that will test my driving skills.
Yes, School Holidays have just about come to an end, next week is the beginning of Term 2, I am looking forward to continuing learning about anatomy in Sports Science, Volume in Maths and Romeo and Juliet in English. Next week I also have an appointment with my Oncologist, it is on the 3rd of May.
May you all enjoy the week ahead, no matter what challenges you may face be sure to stay positive and have hope and you can overcome any hurdle.
This week we celebrated Anzac Day on 25th April, this day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. The soldiers in those forces quickly became known as ANZACs, and the pride they took in that name endures to this day.
This day is important for Australians because when war broke out in 1914, Australia had been a federal commonwealth for only 13 years. The new national government was eager to establish its reputation among the nations of the world. So in 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allied navies. The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul in Turkey), the capital of the Ottoman Empire, an ally of Germany.
It was on 25th April that the Australian and New Zealand forces landed on Gallipoli where they meet fierce resistance from the Ottoman Turkish defenders. What had been planned as a bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war quickly became a stalemate, and the campaign dragged on for eight long and devastating months. At the end of 1915 the allied forces were evacuated, after both sides had suffered heavy casualties and endured terrible hardships. Over 8,000 Australian soldiers had been killed. On Anzac day we Australians remember the significant sacrifice of those who had died in the war to give us the freedom we experience today.
On Saturday Jarrett competed in the annual Anzac Relays, racing in a team of four, each running 3.8km. With determination just as our soldiers would have had, the team Jarrett was in were the first Junior Team across the line and came second overall. I was there cheering the team on and was so pleased to see them win the junior category.
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| Black Mountain Tower - Canberra |
On Monday we, as a family went up Telstra Tower (which is also known as Black Mountain Tower), the tower rises one hundred and ninety five metres above the summit of Black Mountain and it has 360 degree view of Canberra and the surrounding rural area. Black Mountain Tower was officially opened on 15th May 1980 by the then Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser.
Not only is it a tourist attraction, it is important as the transmitting station for Canberra television services and FM broadcasting services, and as a base station for other radio communication facilities, Telstra Tower is a key station in trunk communications for Canberra, and an important node in the intercapital broadband network. It is also important in respect of television relaying, catering for up to 5 simultaneous interstate relays as well as national regional relays from Sydney and Melbourne and relays originating in Canberra.
The tower has won two awards for outstanding design, the first was in 1979 when the Tower was nearing completion, it was for imaginative and effective use of concrete in a building and then in 1980 it won the Civic Design Award of the ACT Chapter of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
Looking out over Canberra was splendiferous, I saw the Parliamentary Triangle, The National Library and Government House. The Autumn colours that delightfully covered the city were breathtaking and whilst we have many buildings Canberra still has so much glorious bushland. After looking at the view, we sat and enjoyed a hot chocolate whilst still being able to look out at the view. We then went outside to the outdoor viewing deck, it was exceptionally windy and we were almost blown away but were totally amazed yet again by our picturesque city. If you are ever visiting Canberra or are a Canberran who has never been up the tower, I would recommend it as you really can see how magnificent Canberra is.
I had a visit from Anna who is Tess my Starlight Wish Granter's Sister, she is lovely and when she visited she gave me a picture that Tess had done years ago for her daughter, it was done in hobbytex and is a cat. As you would know I really love art and craft and was really intrigued and impressed with the hobbytex picture, I wonder if you can still get hobbytex, that would be something that I could do and perhaps then sell to raise funds for the brain tumour fund. Anna also gave me another extraordinary gift, it was a gold medal and engraved on the back are the words 'Dainere Gold Performance in Courage 2012'. I had tears in my eyes as I looked at it, so many times I have said that I am not anyone special, I have just been given a journey that I face the best way I possibly can. Anna wanted to get a copy of a story that I wrote about Theodore, teaching children that just because you are different does not mean you should be left out. I wrote it for Christian Living last year as part of an assessment to teach younger children a moral lesson.
On Tuesday I had physiotherapy with the wonderful Kaitlyn again, she found that down near my sacrum was twisted and again the top of my spine, so she did a gentle release on both and massaged my back then put heat on it. My muscle in my gluts was tight so she taped it to see if it would provide some relief. Then she surprised me with the most beautiful quilt which she had made to keep me warm in the colder weather. She is not only a talented physiotherapist but also a talented sewer.
My Occupational Therapist, Tom visited on Tuesday also and went over how I was going with all the equipment, I have found that some works and a couple of things don't so he took them away. I am so very lucky to have such an exceptional therapist who listens to me and has such wonderful knowledge of what may be useful for me.
Our weather was absolutely freezing on Wednesday, I think it was a preview to what our Winter is going to be like and it looks like we are in for a long, extremely cold Winter. It was a good day to stay indoors under a warm blanket and watch a good movie.
On Thursday I had hot chocolate with my friend Ally and her Mum and we chatted for a while. I really enjoyed catching up with her, she is a special friend, she always makes me laugh. I am finding that I am becoming quite fatigued very quickly lately, so I am not able to spend too much time out with people.
Today I saw my dietitian, she is happy with my nutrition, we have to be aware that when I have days that my pain is worse I may not be able to eat as well, so she is getting a sample of a product called 'polyjoule' we have to make sure it does not react with any of my medications. Apparently it has no taste and you can put it in drinks or in food as it has no taste, so does not change the taste of the food or drink you are having. She is going to monitor how I am going on a monthly basis and I am able to email her if I have any questions.
I have done a test run to school in my electric wheelchair, it is terrific, so much more smoother than my manual wheelchair and I think I am quite good a driving it. It will be interesting to see how I go next week back at school with all the students around, I may have to do some dodging, so that will test my driving skills.
Yes, School Holidays have just about come to an end, next week is the beginning of Term 2, I am looking forward to continuing learning about anatomy in Sports Science, Volume in Maths and Romeo and Juliet in English. Next week I also have an appointment with my Oncologist, it is on the 3rd of May.
May you all enjoy the week ahead, no matter what challenges you may face be sure to stay positive and have hope and you can overcome any hurdle.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
IST WEEK OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
14th to 20th April 2012
School holidays are always a time to rejuvenate, discover, laugh and give your brain a break from working so hard. I have spent time resting, visiting friends, reading, playing games and enjoying some time outdoors in the glorious Autumn weather.
I had physiotherapy this week and it was such a relief for me as my spine had been rather painful. Kaitlyn discovered that my lower spine has twisted slightly to the left while up the top part was to twisted to the right whilst up in my neck was to the left. She was able to release it which provided me with some relief from the pain. I have a new exciting exercise to do and that is sitting in a chair and having someone throw a ball to me, alternating throwing it to the left and then to the right, this is a balancing exercise. I do my physiotherapy exercises every day, it is important to do them as they assist me to stay strong.
An exciting event from this week was the arrival of an electric wheelchair, it is to allow me some independence and also it provides more support for my back than what the manual one I have does. Tom, my Occupational Therapist came and showed me how to operate it, he even brought me an 'L' plate to begin with, but I was not on that for very long, I quickly progressed to my 'P' plate. The wheelchair is operated with a joy stick, similar to one you find on a game controller, then there is also a speed button, it goes from very slow to faster. Jarrett and Nalani also got to have a go on it so that they could experience how it all worked and how to operate it, in case I ever need any assistance.
My Occupational Therapist is an extremely inspiring person, he ran in the Canberra Marathon, he told me that at the 36km point he did not think he could continue but he thought of me and that gave him the determination to continue and finish. I was so excited for him, running such a long distance would take its toll on a person and would take such courage and determination. I think competing in a Marathon is very much like battling cancer, it can be so difficul, yet getting to the end of the race would be so rewarding. Just like beating cancer would be like crossing that finish line after going such a long distance. So you can imagine that I was so honoured, humbled and quite emotional when he wanted me to have his medal, I will treausre it and whenever I look at it I will be inspired and determined.
Finally my Wests Tigers won a game and they won so convincingly, beating the Panthers 30-0, I was so thrilled and hope that they will now be on a winning streak and forge their way back up the ladder just as they did in 2005.
It was our oldest cat Paris Birthday on 20th April, she turned 13, the vet told us that she is now a geriatric cat , as with people, old age brings a number of changes for older cats. Old cats are often less active and their muscle tone tends to reduce, frequentlyy older cats suffer from a poor appetite as their senses of taste and smell often deteriorate, they have reduced vision and hearing, they often have an increased water requirement due to reduced kidney function, but reduced mobility and reduced appetite may result in reduced water intake, putting them at risk of dehydration, with increasing age their immune system can become less efficient, leading to increased susceptibility to infection, they tend to sleep less heavily but more frequently and they often have poor coats. Paris is keeping well at present and just lately she has started sleeping on my bed all the time.
On Saturday Jarrett is racing in the Anzac Day Relays at Stromlo, it is supposed to be a lovely day and it will be terrific to watch him race. The race is not on the grass course it is on the bicycle criterion course, so it will be run extremely fast. Last year the team that Jarrett was in won the relays, so he is hoping they can do it again.
I hope that the second week of the holidays will not go too quickly, we are planning to go up Telstra Tower to look at the spectacular view of Canberra so hopefully the weather will stay perfect for that adventure.
Thanking everyone for their encouraging comments I appreciate them all. With my school work load I have not had much time to work on fund raising for the Brain Tumour Fund but I am hoping that I will be able to work on a project over the next few months so that I can continue to contribute towards helping towards research to help find a cure for this destructive cancer.
School holidays are always a time to rejuvenate, discover, laugh and give your brain a break from working so hard. I have spent time resting, visiting friends, reading, playing games and enjoying some time outdoors in the glorious Autumn weather.
I had physiotherapy this week and it was such a relief for me as my spine had been rather painful. Kaitlyn discovered that my lower spine has twisted slightly to the left while up the top part was to twisted to the right whilst up in my neck was to the left. She was able to release it which provided me with some relief from the pain. I have a new exciting exercise to do and that is sitting in a chair and having someone throw a ball to me, alternating throwing it to the left and then to the right, this is a balancing exercise. I do my physiotherapy exercises every day, it is important to do them as they assist me to stay strong.
An exciting event from this week was the arrival of an electric wheelchair, it is to allow me some independence and also it provides more support for my back than what the manual one I have does. Tom, my Occupational Therapist came and showed me how to operate it, he even brought me an 'L' plate to begin with, but I was not on that for very long, I quickly progressed to my 'P' plate. The wheelchair is operated with a joy stick, similar to one you find on a game controller, then there is also a speed button, it goes from very slow to faster. Jarrett and Nalani also got to have a go on it so that they could experience how it all worked and how to operate it, in case I ever need any assistance.
My Occupational Therapist is an extremely inspiring person, he ran in the Canberra Marathon, he told me that at the 36km point he did not think he could continue but he thought of me and that gave him the determination to continue and finish. I was so excited for him, running such a long distance would take its toll on a person and would take such courage and determination. I think competing in a Marathon is very much like battling cancer, it can be so difficul, yet getting to the end of the race would be so rewarding. Just like beating cancer would be like crossing that finish line after going such a long distance. So you can imagine that I was so honoured, humbled and quite emotional when he wanted me to have his medal, I will treausre it and whenever I look at it I will be inspired and determined.
Finally my Wests Tigers won a game and they won so convincingly, beating the Panthers 30-0, I was so thrilled and hope that they will now be on a winning streak and forge their way back up the ladder just as they did in 2005.
It was our oldest cat Paris Birthday on 20th April, she turned 13, the vet told us that she is now a geriatric cat , as with people, old age brings a number of changes for older cats. Old cats are often less active and their muscle tone tends to reduce, frequentlyy older cats suffer from a poor appetite as their senses of taste and smell often deteriorate, they have reduced vision and hearing, they often have an increased water requirement due to reduced kidney function, but reduced mobility and reduced appetite may result in reduced water intake, putting them at risk of dehydration, with increasing age their immune system can become less efficient, leading to increased susceptibility to infection, they tend to sleep less heavily but more frequently and they often have poor coats. Paris is keeping well at present and just lately she has started sleeping on my bed all the time.
On Saturday Jarrett is racing in the Anzac Day Relays at Stromlo, it is supposed to be a lovely day and it will be terrific to watch him race. The race is not on the grass course it is on the bicycle criterion course, so it will be run extremely fast. Last year the team that Jarrett was in won the relays, so he is hoping they can do it again.
I hope that the second week of the holidays will not go too quickly, we are planning to go up Telstra Tower to look at the spectacular view of Canberra so hopefully the weather will stay perfect for that adventure.
Thanking everyone for their encouraging comments I appreciate them all. With my school work load I have not had much time to work on fund raising for the Brain Tumour Fund but I am hoping that I will be able to work on a project over the next few months so that I can continue to contribute towards helping towards research to help find a cure for this destructive cancer.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
LAST WEEK OF TERM ONE
7th to 13th April 2012
This week heralded the last week of Term 1, how quickly those ten weeks have gone and I have reflected on all that has happened in that short ten week period of time. I had my 14th Birthday, I was diagnosed with a relapse in my spine of my medulloblastoma, my family and I had a terrific time at the Canberra Show, in the ACT Junior Championships I received a Gold Medal in Javelin and a bronze in both Discus and Shot put, I have had five sessions of radiotherapy treatment in Sydney, my Uncle James took me for a special ride in his classic mini and I blew the musical horn all the way up our street, we had a visit from Nana and Pop, Mum, Nalani and I competed in the Women and Girls Fun Run and I achieved a quicker time and higher placing and with Nalani and Mum's assistance I competed in the School Cross Country and was the 1st AWD Athlete as well as that I came 7th in my age group.
I have enjoyed my subjects at School and even though I have been in pain and often exhausted I have managed to do well in those subjects and coped with the demands of the workload. In English this week I worked on some persuasive writing on that too much money is spent on toys and games. In Maths we have now moved on from probability to perimeter, area and volume and in Sports Science we are now doing work on the human body systems, we looked at the skeletal system as well as the muscle system.
In Assembly this week I was both surprised and extremely honoured to be awarded one of the Senior School end of Term Character awards, peers chose who they think has made a special contribution to the school during the Term. I got to sign my name in the special book that is kept at the school and has all the names of the students throughout time who have won it.
Health wise I have had some difficulties this week with pain and tingling down my arms but this has been assisted with physiotherapy, heat, pain killers, rest and massage. Some days are more difficult than others but I always wake up and face the day with a smile on my face and a positive outlook. I remind myself that there are people that are in so much pain who can not get up and those who for whatever reason can not move without assistance. How lucky am I to be able to go to school, do my sport and enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the world outside.
I have my fingers, toes and everything else crossed this week that my West Tigers will win their game against the Panthers. In footy tipping Nana is ahead of Pop by one and ahead of me by two but that could change if Pop or I have a good week. I already have two right this week, as I chose Broncos and Dragons so hopefully my other picks will all be winners.
Next week I have something exciting to look forward to, my Occupational Therapist, Tom has organised an electric wheelchair for me, this will give me more independence and assist me to use less energy so I will hopefully be able to do more in a day than I can now.
May you all have the most splendiferous week and remember to treasure every rainbow moment that occurs in your week, take a picture of it in your mind and keep it there for days that seem difficult.
This week heralded the last week of Term 1, how quickly those ten weeks have gone and I have reflected on all that has happened in that short ten week period of time. I had my 14th Birthday, I was diagnosed with a relapse in my spine of my medulloblastoma, my family and I had a terrific time at the Canberra Show, in the ACT Junior Championships I received a Gold Medal in Javelin and a bronze in both Discus and Shot put, I have had five sessions of radiotherapy treatment in Sydney, my Uncle James took me for a special ride in his classic mini and I blew the musical horn all the way up our street, we had a visit from Nana and Pop, Mum, Nalani and I competed in the Women and Girls Fun Run and I achieved a quicker time and higher placing and with Nalani and Mum's assistance I competed in the School Cross Country and was the 1st AWD Athlete as well as that I came 7th in my age group.
I have enjoyed my subjects at School and even though I have been in pain and often exhausted I have managed to do well in those subjects and coped with the demands of the workload. In English this week I worked on some persuasive writing on that too much money is spent on toys and games. In Maths we have now moved on from probability to perimeter, area and volume and in Sports Science we are now doing work on the human body systems, we looked at the skeletal system as well as the muscle system.
In Assembly this week I was both surprised and extremely honoured to be awarded one of the Senior School end of Term Character awards, peers chose who they think has made a special contribution to the school during the Term. I got to sign my name in the special book that is kept at the school and has all the names of the students throughout time who have won it.
Health wise I have had some difficulties this week with pain and tingling down my arms but this has been assisted with physiotherapy, heat, pain killers, rest and massage. Some days are more difficult than others but I always wake up and face the day with a smile on my face and a positive outlook. I remind myself that there are people that are in so much pain who can not get up and those who for whatever reason can not move without assistance. How lucky am I to be able to go to school, do my sport and enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the world outside.
I have my fingers, toes and everything else crossed this week that my West Tigers will win their game against the Panthers. In footy tipping Nana is ahead of Pop by one and ahead of me by two but that could change if Pop or I have a good week. I already have two right this week, as I chose Broncos and Dragons so hopefully my other picks will all be winners.
Next week I have something exciting to look forward to, my Occupational Therapist, Tom has organised an electric wheelchair for me, this will give me more independence and assist me to use less energy so I will hopefully be able to do more in a day than I can now.
May you all have the most splendiferous week and remember to treasure every rainbow moment that occurs in your week, take a picture of it in your mind and keep it there for days that seem difficult.
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