Seems that way lately. Maybe its just a convenient excuse. Either way, there has been some factors. I split them down as follows:-
Television ~ now normally I dont really bother with this at all, except for a bit of F1, or the occassional interesting program. But right through July I had the great pleasure of getting up every night at midnight, to take in 3 or 4 hours of watching the worlds greatest road cycling race. Some nights it was longer. Very enjoyable being able to watch the whole thing as I never have before. Now its the Olympics. National pride and all that. I really get a kick out of watching all the emotion from the Athletes, when they win gold at something they have really tried hard at. My favourite so far was the big German (I think?) 110kg weightlifter, whose wife died last year in a car crash. He was so happy to win, it made me want to cry. Really proud of how NZ has gone at these games.
Sleep ~ Or lack of. Both kids going through a funny phase at present, think its related to the very cold temperatures we have been having lately. Amy wakes up at least 6 times every night, just needs the dummy reinserted, and back to sleep she goes, but it is a hassle. Blake, he wakes up at 4am. Comes into our room and jumps in bed for an hour, then wants to get up and watch a DVD. I have gone past the point of wishing I could get a night of 8 hours unbroken sleep. At this point I cant see it ever happening again.
MTB Tauranga ~ Our wee club is really gaining momentum now. Over 60 paid up members and counting. Regular meetings once a month, along with meetings about the website, meetings with the TECT All Terrain Park manager, plus Im running another event in late September, plus our monthly Rotorua night rides, plus the Summer Grass Track racing Im trying to get off the ground. Yes, this has been taking up some time.
The Targa Car ~ only just over 2 months to go now until we are off for a week on the Dunlop Targa. Richard, the car owner, is full time in Australia now, so its down to Kerry and me to get all the work done. 4 weeks ago it was a bare shell with a rollcage. Its now about 30% complete, but we only have another 2 weeks before the car disappears to have engine/gearbox/wiring/fire-up done, and will probably only arrive back with about 3 weeks before the main event. Im spending 2 nights a week on it at the moment. Already I can see its going to come right down to the wire to get this thing finished on time.
Events and riding ~ 2 biking events I have entered are coming up. The (unofficial) NZ Cyclocross champs in Hamilton on August 30, and the Taupo 12hour Day Night Thriller on September 13 which I have entered solo. Trying to get 2-3 decent rides in each week in preparation, but just doing what I can around the weather lately. Still, Im really looking forward to both of them.
Apart from that stuff of course, there is work, being a Father, and dreaming of getting to the mountain for some snow fun. It is busy, but I cant wait for Summer and some warmer days and nights. Thought I would chuck a couple of recent photos on here, Amy turned 6 months old on August 21, Blake will be 2 on September 19.
