Okay, so I’ve been a little slack on the blogging front lately… Life has kind of taken over and it’s been hard enough to catch my breath, let alone sit down and write about what has been happening.
The last blog I posted was back in May for HBF’s Run for a Reason. Well, I did the half marathon – my third half in the space of ten months – and smashed a brand new PB. I was so stunned – I’d been training hard and then came down with a killer cold the week running up to the event. I was so gutted – and even considered pulling out of the half to run the 12km instead – but because I had been selected as an ambassador, and had been training so hard – I decided to try it. The day before the run I was freaking out – I spent time in the steam room and, ate a lot of carbs and drank electrolytes all day. After a very groggy early start and a very snotty run – Anna and I came in at 2:03. I was THRILLED. It beat my previous PB by 12 mins, and I’m still convinced if I hadn’t stopped for the loo 4km in and had to wait for a portaloo to become free, I would have gotten under 2hrs. But still, this time last year I wouldn’t have dreamed I could have done a half mara in 2:03! So I’m happy.
Speaking of medals… I can also tick climbing the tallest building in Perth (1,103 steps to be exact) off my list of Aussie accomplishments – my girlfriend Jenelle and I did that last month for Step Up for MSWA!
In other news, there has been a new addition to my menagerie! Finn came to live with us on 19 May – and he’s literally adorable. When I moved to Aussie in Feb 2014, I had to leave my dog Coco in Britain as he was too old to fly out. I’d never have forgiven myself if he’d not survived the journey – or endured the long quarantine regulations. So we re-homed him when my mom moved out here in Nov 2015, and made a tearful pact that we would get ourselves dogs when the time was right. And so, last month we each chose a chihuahua – and they are the best of buddies. Finn and my weiro Kenickie get along great, and chill out in the garden together regularly. Thor (my galah) however, isn’t impressed. It would appear that his hormones have kicked in lately and he doesn’t like other women – or chihuahuas. Who knew?! It appears I have quite the little eco-system going on now – any seeds the birds throw on the floor is immediately hoovered up by Finn – who buries it along with any stray feathers and crumbs in one of his beds around the house bed. Right now I’d say I’m about two animals off a petting zoo. I’ll be able to charge an entry fee soon.
After years of living here, I can finally take my own little doggie down to the beach for walkies – it’s such an amazing lifestyle for dogs here in Aussie.
I’m off to the UK in a few days to be Maid of Honour at my girlfriends wedding and I’m so excited to head back and help out with all the final preparations before she (finally) becomes Mrs Laura Stuart! Then, I’m off to Cornwall for a few nights with my bestie Laysha for a short but sweet mini-vacay together – staying true to our vow that we made when I moved out here, to see each other once a year.
I’ll miss little Finn and my birdies, however mom is moving into my place for the few weeks I’m away so the house isn’t empty and the menagerie are taken care of! So I’ve been packing for the past week (‘packing‘: throwing random shit in my case as and when I think of things I’ll need. Saves on writing lists I suppose) – and just now snapped this shot of Finn. I think he may be hoping to come along for the adventure. I’m a little in love with the latest Schick Intuition – they recently gifted me some razors to try out and the Intuition coconut milk & almond oil razor has to be my fave of the lot. English summer means I should get to bare my legs at least twice in the two weeks I’m there, so at least they’ll be silky smooth and tropical!
It’s crazy that I only started my new job at the beginning of April – it feels like it was about three years ago already! I’m LOVING it. As with any new job, it’s always a little crazy for the first few months, as you try to learn as much as you possibly can, not get lost in the building/trapped in the stairwell, and try to remember approx. 1,073 names so as not to offend everyone…
Katie: “Hi, it’s so nice to meet you!”
Colleague #738: “Umm, we’ve already met.”
Katie: *desperately thinks of something witty to say* (note: there literally is NOTHING that can get you out of this predicament.)
Yes, starting a new job can be pretty taxing – I’m a terrible perfectionist and always want to try to kick as many goals right away as possible – which has meant lots of late evenings in the office, frantically waving my arms around like a loon so the light sensors stay on – and some pretty restless nights thinking about all the things I have to do. It has been amazing getting public transport to work everyday though – not driving a two hour round trip every day really does make a difference. I’m averaging one new book every three weeks – and I get to take cool shots like this autumnal one which I snapped the other day whilst waiting for the bus 🙂
Running this blog is so much fun, but I’ve always said the moment it becomes a chore or a little demanding, I take a time out. Whilst it hasn’t been a chore as such recently, it hasn’t even been on my radar! But when I’m not as active with my writing, I definitely miss it – so when Dermalogica sent over a package full of skincare for me to try out recently, it couldn’t have come at a better time! Even the very best cosmetics can’t disguise tired, stressed out skin – and after a few firm words from my mumma, I realised I needed to be a little more kinder to myself. For the past few weeks I’ve been trying out their C-12 Pure Bright serum and Nightly Lip treatment – both of which are utterly divine (and will both be coming on the plane with me this week), and a lovely Pure Light daytime SPF moisturiser. They also sent me this nifty skin kit, which includes a travel sized scrub, toner, eye-cream, cleanser and moisturiser – perfect for my UK trip!
I’ve never used Dermalogica before, despite reading excellent reviews and also having friends who swear by it, and I must say I’m really impressed, especially with the serum, lip treatment and eye-cream. Three staples in my bathroom cabinet that I couldn’t live without – especially in winter.
That reminds me, I still need to paint said bathroom cabinet… ahh, the novelty of being a homeowner. It still hasn’t worn off – even if there is always something to do. I have so many fruit trees in my gardens that I’ve concocted loads of delicious smoothie and juice recipes lately to use up all my guavas, limes, oranges and lemons – and fend off any more winter colds. Oh, I feel so domesticated!
On that note, I’m out of here. I have more packing to do and I want to get a gorgeous coastal walk in before I leave P-Town for a few weeks – just look at the snap I took on my last walk… Aren’t Aussie winters the best?!
Thank you Dermalogica and Schick for gifting me products which I have chosen to feature in this post.
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