LAST WEEK OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

6th to 12th October 2012

Over the past couple of days we have had extremely unseasonal weather, and Canberra  experienced the coldest October day in more than 40 years. There was a maximum temperature of 8 degrees on Thursday, which was eleven degrees below the October average and the coldest October day since 1967.  There were also overnight snow falls in the hills between Canberra and Bungendore and in areas around Goulburn and Crookwell.  Our heating went back on and I searched for warmth from hot water bottles and blankets. 

Before the cold snap though we had experienced some of the most beautiful Spring days and combined with the start of longer daylight hours with now being on daylight savings time, it really felt like Spring had arrived.

On the weekend I had a very special visit from Tess my Starlight wish granter who came from Sydney to see me, her sister Gloria also popped in for a little while to say hello.  Tess always makes me smile, she helps me to remain positive and gives the most splendiferous hugs. 

Sunday was Mum's Birthday, I made her a rainbow patterned tissue box cover, which she really loved, I also helped Dad make her a delicious cake, it was a butter cake and we put pink icing on it. We made sure that Mum did not do anything at all so she could relax and be spoilt on her special day.  She was able to start reading a book that she got from Nana and Pop, it is all about Bert Hinkler, who is actually a relative on Nana's side of the family.  Monday was a public holiday in Canberra and with the sun shining we were able to spend some time outdoors soaking up those sun's rays, full of vitamin D. 

On Tuesday I had physiotherapy which was magnificent because I was so sore in my legs, right knee and my glutes.  Kaitlyn worked her magic and helped, I am lucky to have her.  Then I had those delightful heat packs on my back, some days I wish I could just lie there with them on me all day, they help so much whilst they are on my spine.  I also had an appointment with Australian Hearing to have my hearing aid re calibrated, this is done on the computer and when it was done, I noticed a difference in what I could hear, so that will be fantastic for my return to school next week.

At the shops I have noticed that Christmas decorations are all going up, I think Christmas is a magical time of year, it is a time that we can share joy, peace and love with those around us and try to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than we are.  My favourite part of Christmas is giving to others and seeing the look of delight on their faces.  I am working on an idea for fundraising for the Brain Tumour Fund and sharing the joy of Christmas. 

Thursday with the weather been so cold, was a day to keep warm and watch a DVD, we decided to watch Toy Story, it is a terrific movie and one for the whole family to watch over and over again.  Today I had an appointment with the dietitian, she went over some ideas to help me when I am feeling so dreadfully nauseous.  Did you know that eating salty foods, like chips, nuts and savoury biscuits can assist with nausea?  Also having cold food rather than hot food is also beneficial during times when you feel ill. 

Tomorrow is the first Interclub for the Summer Season, the events that I can do are javelin and shot put.  Nalani is going to do throwing and Jarrett is going to run in the 3000m.  I hope that the weather will be fine and not too cold because if it is then my pain levels are affected and I can't throw too well.  Monday is back to school for Term 4, I know that it is going to be an extremely busy term as we have exams and it is a short term also, I am looking forward to the challenges and doing my very best. 

Please say a prayer for Charlotte and her family, she is only four years old, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour the same year as I was, it is a different kind to mine, they have just found out that it has returned.  This is why it is so important that awareness and funds are raised to find a cure, this type of cancer is horrific.

'Be true to your dreams, and keep them alive, never let anyone let anyone change your mind about what you feel you can achieve.  Always believe in yourself.'