Sunday, August 10, 2008

Preparations...

So, we have been frantically getting ready for our Zambian trip for the last few days - I say we... Lurch spent the day with his feet up reading the paper or watching Carry on Cruising, but then again he has spent the last six weekends working and he is SO stressed. Fair enough. Boys thoughtfully have been changing their clothes on the hour every hour - they are now wearing tiny clothes destined for the charity shop and, if I could tie their hands behind their backs, I would.

I have hardly had a spare moment to myself, why? I'm afraid it's that time of year, or should I say every 4 years, yes it's the Olympics. Whilst everybody else is bored or vaguely interested I have had to fit my washing, ironing, shopping, social life, work etc around an extremely heavy schedule of viewing; the opening ceremony (big WOW! is all I can say, there were tears in my eyes at the beauty of it and I nearly booked a ticket to China there and then) boxing, swimming, synchronised diving, archery, extremely long bike rides, rowing, badminton and gymnastics. I love it, all of it. I think it's to do with pure admiration for people spending their whole lives training for one moment, however strange, it's absolutely incredible. I will miss most of it though as we'll be in Zambia and Lurch assures me televisions will be few and far between. He believed me when I said I was getting up at 3.50am to watch the swimming tomorrow, that's how engrossed I am.




Which leads me on to another subject, I am concerned about my Great North Run training, how am I going to do it in Africa? Any advice would be greatly welcomed. I have visions of early morning runs, to avoid the heat, finishing in being hunted down by savage packs of hyenas and eaten for breakfast. Will have to consult local experts, put on my trainers and hope for the best. Work has given me the She Wee so my night-time dilemmas are sorted. We're leaving on Wednesday and I can't wait now.




I am looking forward to our small, sometimes very stressed family spending a lot of time together without housework, schoolwork or just plain work interfering। I am looking forward to relaxing by pools and reading lots of novels. I am looking forward to exploring Zambia and meeting new people and experiencing new things.



Crisis! Lurch has just walked in to say that it will be freezing in the roof tents at night and we need winter pyjamas. Got to go, will have to re-pack and read a few of my favourite blogs before we leave. Hope to be able to visit a few internet cafes and report on the trip in Lusaka. If not, have a lovely summer, will be back in September, bar any hyena incidents...



13 comments:

Lindsay said...

Good luck on trip. I am like you, I love the Olympics - got very excited when Cook won the Road Race. Am looking forward to Tom Daley and the diving.

Buddhist in Training said...

Oooh, I'm so jealous! I'm not going anywhere this year :( I do hope you have a fantastic time and I look forward to hearing all about it.

Kitty said...

Am so relieved a She Wee has been sourced - I was going to say that the Corner Cupboard at Birdforth does a candle canoe thingy that looks just like one (my sister and I couldn't speak for crying and snorting with laughter, much to the consternation of the blue rinse brigade taking afternoon tea there) that would have sufficed at a push.
Great North Run? I'm shaking my head in awe, admiration and confusion.
Am loving the hottie.
Have a great holiday. I'll keep my eye on NYorks while you're away.

Exmoorjane said...

OK, so now I am just a teeny weeny bit envious - I guess I'd even get rid of the fur for a trip to somewhere fabulous like this. I'm howling like a hyena though at the idea of me giving any tips for how to run in hot climes....I could do with some for How to Walk...or How to Get off My Fat Backside....
have a fabulous time - sure you will.
jxx

Expat mum said...

Training - find yourself a pride of lions, (do they have them in Zambia) tease one of them then rull like hell! But have a great time anyway.

blogthatmama said...

Lindsay, I managed to be late for work because of the 4 x 100m men's relay, tut, tut!

Bddu sorry to hear that, hope you have a good time anyway.

KittyB - the most fascinating Corner Cupboard is a cow's breath away from me! May have to dash there the She Wee wasn't in evidence on my desk this morning.

Jane and expatmum, the road to hell and all that - I know I'll take my trainers and they'll stay in the suitcase while I get fatter and fatter on beer and massive animal steaks. Never mind!

ADDY said...

Have a great holiday. I am sure it will be a wonderful experience.

Mean Mom said...

Sorry I missed you. I certainly couldn't have given you any advice about running, anyway! You won't read this until you return, then, so - I hope you had a really great holiday and I look forward to reading all about it, when you get back!

Casdok said...

Have a super time!!

Milkmaid said...

You will have left now, so too late to wish you a good trip. So i hope you had a great time and avoid the hyenas

Salute said...

Hope u have a wonderful trip

The Accidental Author said...

Bon Voyage, BTM. My advice? Ditch the trainers and do the Great North Walk. VLiF

Miranda said...

Oh, I have just discovered your blog and am DELIGHTED you're going to Zambia. I hope oyu have a FABULOUS time! I grew up in Zambia - in the South Luangwa National Park - I wonder if you're heading there. I just moved to Tanzania 8 months ago and miss Zambia like crazy. Can't wait to hear your stories when you get back. Will now go back and read thru your blog...