Running and falling

I recently went for a run...and a fall.

I took my dog for a run along the Scarborough waterfront last week. I was sucking up the fresh air and enjoying the views. About 1km into it I noticed a man in a wheelchair struggling to go up a sidewalk, he was about to tip over and was only on one wheel. I was on guard. I was about 10 metres away and he had about 10 people with him but they didn't seem to be aware of the imminent accident. I started to run faster. My gait went askew and my dog got confused. She in turn changed her gait to run straight into my legs.

I started to tumble and correct and stumble and correct and this went on for about 10 metres until I landed hard on the road in front of all these people. NoT only was I bruised and battered with scratches and gouges on my palms, knees, shins but I managed to land in a big, dirty puddle of mud.

I got up as gracefully as I could managed and whipped them a quick smile and ran off. Once I got around the corner I started favouring my twisted knee. I brushed off the wet dirt and pebbles and left a streak of blood in it's place.

I did continue on to finish my run, but I was secretly hoping that anyone that saw me thought I was a real trouper.

I was blaming the dog but while I was looking for a photo of her to attach I realised I should have known better. There is overwhelming evidence that she is always underfoot and I should have taken that into consideration.

I love Redcliffe Peninsula and I love it even more on weekends. My girls and I are always on the lookout for weekend activities and we love anything outside. It's usually not hard to find something to do. Redcliffe has so many local markets, fairs and festivals and we also have great parks, bike paths and beaches.

Recently we slapped on the 30+, hats, packed up the car with scooters, children, the Cavoodle and rolled down the hill to the Scarborough waterfront. The tide was out, the water was still, and the temperature was perfect.

I set up camp under a tree. The children played for hours on their scooters, the park and the beach while I greeted every happy walker and their dog. The only thing that could have made the morning better was a coffee van. Seriously, if you have a coffee van, can you just follow me about on the weekends?

A day on the Peninsula

The first stop of the day was Genesis Rothwell.  I survived my Muay Thai hour and it was fun.  I found a photo of Mark so you can see how intimidating he can look.  But, don't that scare you, we had so much fun and he even complained that I was smiling too much.  It was a great work out for relieving stress.  I am sure it'll get harder when I get the techniques correct.  In case you were wondering, Mark didn't seem to notice my intricate fiddly braids and twists but they stayed put for the work out.  Next week I'm going to wear a feathered hair piece and see if anyone notices.

Then, after a shower, off for a girly time at Beautiful you in Margate.  I got a pedicure and a gorgeous bright shellac polish.  One of my daughters got a hair cut and the other got to play with some Lashes, eyelashes.  She looked like the cutest little drag queen.  The Lashes eyelashes are amazing and not Kardashian-like at all.  Toni the owner and I had a funny conversation but I will save that for another post.

 I think my feet now have magical powers

Our last stop was to meet my aunt for lunch at Sangas in Scarborough on the waterfront.  Leonie always has great fresh sandwiches and very yummy homemade treats.  Today she had some delicious brandy, chocolate and pecan balls. I bought some for my daughters and then tried to convince them they were yucky.  They still ate them.  Selfish girls.

We are so lucky living on the Peninsula.  Beautiful weather, gorgeous water views, great shops, even better locals.

Meet my Nemesis

Today was the first day of conquering my fear of singing. I do have a fear of singing and of anyone hearing me sing. I will mime happy birthday, and avoid karaoke and sing-star games (except for one night and that footage must remain buried deep - and yes, this is a threat).

I met with Melissa of Diva Voice Studios located in Scarborough. It's hard to believe she managed to make me completely forget about my fears. I realised when I was going through the exercises, I was forgetting to sing quietly and put on my 'singing voice'. Melissa seems confident there is hope, and she has passed it on to me. I am getting excited.

We are so lucky to have such a great singing school and teacher on the Peninsula.

Anyway, I am off to pick up the girls from school and I am going to practice my vocal exercises in the car, LOUDLY!

The Blonde debate and other Sunday musings

So far, this blonde experiment is going well. Blonde definitely seems more approachable than brunette and morning preparation time is quicker. If anything, this is a strange one, service is slower. I must seem easy going and chilled. I guess, I feel a little like that too.

What a beautiful morning on the waterfront! Scarborough beach was gorgeous, water sparkly and the perfect temperature for a early morning outing with my girls. Walking along the beach, it was so peaceful, sand squeaking under my feet, salty breeze, soft little waves, gentle sun. I am constantly reminded how lucky we are to live here.

Also, completely different subject, I went to Chermside for the first time in months. I was relieved the first 3 hours of parking are free. I love that they tell you how many car parks are free up each aisle. I guess the new chilled, relaxed side of me only sees the positives. Maybe when I am back to brunette, I'll be annoyed and pressured by the 3 hour free limit. Until then, chill baby!

Things that made me happy today...

It is so easy to think of all the things that have gone wrong or that aren't perfect, but today I will not. I am going to make a list of all the things that made me feel good today and it doesn't matter how small they are;

• Woken up by two, warm, daughters for a morning cuddle;
• Beautiful, sunny morning;
• A tight, goodbye cuddle and a smile like sunshine;
• Coffee with a friend after school drop off. She didn't have a choice, I dropped by on short notice;
• A ride on my bike along the gorgeous, sunny, Scarborough waterfront. Perfect temperature, water sparkling;
• Jumping from fright when my aunt and uncle drove past me and honked;
• a funny text from a friend;
• Bought the Rimmel lipstick by Kate Moss. I am sure I'll look just as cool as her, just older, daggier and not a supermodel with a questionable habit;
• A good carpark at the school; and
• A compliment about something I had done.

Wow, I feel really good now and it's only 5.30pm. I hope you have a list of things that made you feel good today.

Mouth-watering delights at The Sugar Deli

My sister and I decided to visit "The Sugar Deli" for one of their famous desserts. They have only been set up for a few months and word has spread fast about Sara's huge, mouth-watering, desserts and excellent coffee. I would like to say that my sister and I are well know for our bird-like appetites, but this would be a massive lie. In fact, we are quite greedy girls and were looking forward to this challenge very much.

We stood drooling in front of the choices for about 30 minutes before we decided to split a Mocha Stack. Coffees and cake came out quickly. The coffee was excellent. The cake was a massive, glistening, mountain of sponge, meringue, mocha, maybe a mascapone mix of some sort and served with cream and jam. We picked up our forks and attacked with gusto. Half way through our pace slackened, by 3/4 we were in slow motion. We did not give up.

Afterwards, we slowly crawled across the road, torn between taking the children to the conveniently located Scarborough Park or the beach. The beach narrowly won. We contently lounged in the sun as the children ran off steam. I am going to make it a personal goal to try one of their desserts every week. A person needs goals.

If you are not a sweet tooth, they also serve a selection of delicious savoury food, amazing deli platters and a mean breakfast.

The Sugar Deli

97 Landsborough Avenue, Scarborough

3880 3192

edit: now open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5pm.