Monday, March 21, 2011

Happy World Down syndrome day

Today the 21st day of the third month is a reminder that people with DS have three copies of chromosome 21. Down syndrome international have put together a video of people with Down syndrome from 45 countries and it is our Noah (and Hannah's boyfriend Thomas) who represent NZ - you can see the video by clicking here.
We've just had a great w/e seeing Beth who was over here for a few days to be bridesmaid to one of her friends. We've sorted out a few more details for her wedding which is now less than 4 weeks away! We also went to the dedication of Malachi (Beth's nephew to be) which was lovely.
Joe gets back from Korea in under 2 weeks and will see our house for the first time.
I am finding it very very hard work being back at uni after 30 years but I'm enjoying it. I have realised though that I was not at home doing nothing as I believed. it is very hard fitting in uni round the kids and tomorrow I'm going to have to miss a lecture as our babysitter is sick.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Marshmallow woman

Paul and I just had a weekend away together in Taupo to watch the ironman that my brother Jon and Rachel's brother-in-law-to-be Josh were in.
Jon was hoping to finish in under 12hours (his last one took just over 13 hours) and did easily
Josh is a 28 year old fire fighter doing his first iron man and finished eighth in his age group in 9 3/4 hours - a fantastic achievement

I high-fived Jon just as he approached the finish line and he then got terrible cramp in his legs and could only stagger forward so I felt rather guilty! It was quite good for him though as it meant he was really singled out by the commentator and got huge applause as the commentator said "Keep going Jonathan and in a few steps you will be an ironman!"

It poured with rain the whole day and meant Paul got a new pair of shoes - waterproof asics sneakers - he had to buy a pair of socks first and wring out the others.
I have decided I am as far from an ironman as it is possible to be and have renamed myself 'marshmallow woman" as I remarked to Jon I noticed nobody did the over a mile swim wearing a giraffe patterned swimsuit like mine or doing breast stroke with their head well out of the water, also they all used 4 kg racing bikes not a trike like I have.
It is hard to believe that there are over 1000 people who think it is worth while driving their body to the limit and swimming in lake Taupo for over a mile, then cycling for over 100miles (that's longer than the round Taupo race) then running a marathon.
For that they got a T-shirt and a towel, but if you took over 17 hours you didn't even get that or hear "You are an ironman"

It was a great w/e though, in spite of the weather and lovely to meet up with Rachel, meet Adam's family and see Jon and my nephews Jack and James. Time away without children is always wonderful, sitting in a restaurant without anyone knocking anything over, not having to stop children going onto the ironman course, recovering very fast when tired as there were no grouchy children to pacify.
It was good to get a warm greeting from them as we returned home - Isaac trying to say "mum" and "dad" and hugging us tightly. Noah proudly telling us he had made 100 photocopies of a page from his book (the printer now says out of toner). Hannah racing to leave as she'd had the kids all weekend. I appreciate the family much more after a little break!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Earthquake and starting Massey

My second day at Massey University and two minutes of silence to think of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.
Such such a tragedy - watch this very moving footage set to the national anthem
I am so proud of the New Zealand spirit though and how people have reacted. This may be the push for us to become New Zealand citizens.

it is really interesting to be studying again after a 30 year break. It is wonderful how text books now try to help you learn and I am loving having time out from family just for me.
Isaac only goes to school from 8.50 till 12.30 but I've managed to arrange it that we only need a babysitter on Tuesday.
I am studying psychology, - research methods, cognitive psychology, biological psychology and abnormal and therapeutic psychology over this year which works out as half-time of a usual course.
I'm hoping it will integrate lots of what I've learned through my life experiences (with disability and adoption) with psychological theory and brain science.
Hannah has been great showing me round, taking me to my lecture theatres and I got to meet two of my friends who are lecturers and have a child with Down syndrome.