1st Run of 2008

Not exactly a great run. It was only 20 mins although it seemed much longer. It started well though ... as I 'warm-up walked' to the start line I found a $5NZ (about 37p) on the floor. I looked around for the cameras and for the bit of string attached to it but no, so a quick knees bend, arm stretch and it was in my pocket. That'll pay for the kid's ice-creams later today.

The run was hard. I felt sluggish, slow and fat. Every bit of me jigged up and down as I plodded up the road. It had been a long and late night last night (Happy New Year by the way) as we tried to kill 4 hours watching drunk people stagger about at the Mount, waiting for the fireworks at midnight.

Andy, Sally and a Sony Digital SLR

I have to admit there were things to like rides for the kids and stuff. My cousin Andy and his partner Sally (can't spell fiancee) are visiting for a few days and the kids loved having Andy go on the rides with them.

The closest I will ever get to this ride

There was a stage with live bands which we watched for short spells in between touring the streets trying to find somewhere to get a coffee (unsuccessfully) and dodging girls in tight tops and hankies for skirts. Adam couldn't believe it. He said to me at one point "I feel alive". We're thinking of chaining them both up in the basement until they're at least 25.

Main Stage at the Mount

At about 11:30 we started to walk towards the bus stop for a quick getaway after the fireworks. It actually took us closer to the fireworks as they were let off further up the coast. We found a bench and waited. Adam stood on the table to get closer to the sky.

Is that Mars in the background?

Laura took the opportunity to catch a few Zzzzzzzzz. That's my girl!

Ahhhh .... just like her dad. Can sleep anywhere

... and then midnight struck, we said our Happy New Year's and watched the fireworks ... which were a tad disappointing.

I tried to show how the fireworks were illuminating the ocean below but I need a new digital SLR really to do it justice ... Jo?

They had fireworks at Tauranga Bridge this year as well and I think they must have just split last year's budget. Ah well ... it was an occasion and an experience. Just no fun though being stone cold sober watching everyone get drunk around you.

We got the park'n'ride bus straight away to our car and were all in bed by 1am ... which was nice.

4 more sleeps till race day. Is it possible to lose 7lbs in 4 days. We'll see :)

oh, by the way .... a funny thing happened on the way to the Mount that is a bit embarrassing ... but Adam won't let me get away with not putting it on the blog.

The traffic was pretty bad getting over Tauranga Bridge which we soon discovered was because there was a police breath test set up. They seemed to be pulling blocks of 7 or 8 cars over and testing. I got pulled over and directed to a policewoman. She was part of a school work experience group I think (or am i getting old?). She looked about 14.

I wound down the window and she shoved the tester to my mouth and asked me to state my name and address. Now, thinking back, I know the thought did cross my mind for about a millisecond about how I was going to blow into this contraption and state my details. I presumed it was part of the test to see how drunk you were. I wasn't going to be fooled by this double bluff and so with a deep breath I lunged at the box and tried to wrap my mouth around it ready to blow. "No sir", she said, "you don't have to blow into it, you just say your name and address!"

In my defense, she did say that I wasn't the first (idiot) that had tried to eat the detector. How was I supposed to know. I said my name and address, she wiped the spit from the end and it came back 'All Clear'. At least she'll have something to talk about at 'show'n'tell' when she goes back to school after the summer break.

We were all killing ourselves laughing as we drove away. Adam obviously rubbed it in the most.

mmmmm ..... breathalyser!

It was almost a Homer moment where he turns anything that comes near his mouth into food. Mmmmmmmm ...... breathalyser.

Happy New Year Everybody!!!!!!!