A 4 Month Haitus.... Siobhan Who?

So I could write some awesome post about how much racing I have done and how hard I have been training...but I am 100% sure anybody anywhere with any sort of goal would be doing the same as me, and no one wants to hear long race reports, and excuses why one didn't win the race they probably should have or how awesome they are with all the races they are winning

In between 2 separate camps in the 1st week of January, Matilda's Mum, Sam met us in Canberra whilst we waited our flight to head to a Triathlon NSW. Whilst I dragged them both to Parliament House (Matilda was LESS THAN IMPRESSED) We sat in the House of Reps discussing all of life's tales. Sam told us that everyday we had to think of 5 things we are thankful for. So I thought I would leave out the triathlon talk, and the other stuff and outline 5 things I am thankful for.

1. Mum & Dad - they are by far my biggest fans. In fact Canberra Half Ironman saw them both sporting numerous blisters on their fingers from ringing cowbells. They are the ones who offer me the "nice cup of tea" when I need cheering up, tell me to stop whinging when I am tired, and listen to me rant about every odd observation I make about anything.

2. A piece of paper and pen - I can talk ALOT, and could probably talk under water with enough practice. The amount of rubbish that I talk is probably 30% of what actually runs around in my head. Being able to write my thoughts, my dreams, my hopes, my fears gives me perspective on everything. One day I hope my internal monologue will amount to something resembling somewhat a piece of readable prose, as opposed to utter nonsense.

3. A good pair of sunglasses - The way we see the world can be brightened by a fun pair of sunglasses. If it makes someone laugh, or you become the butt of a joke, you know life 'aint so bad. Quite often I wear purple glasses, heart shaped glasses, clear glasses to training or even out. Why? Well, why not? If the look of a footpath looks brighter through a pair of multicolour aviators - that 2hr run just got a whole let less monotonous.

4. Music - my iTunes is stacked with every genre to suit my every mood. I have Beethoven to inspire me -The greatness of a large orchestra with every instrument playing to create one tune reminds me that greatness doesn't happen alone, but a collaboration of many. A bit of Eminem to fire me up, Celine Dion for the romantic Siobhan, Willow Smith for when I just need to 'whip my hair back and forth' And most importantly the band of all bands The Killers, the sound track of my life - without my eclectic collection of music, my life would be too quiet and I would be lacking in any form of inspiration.

5. Coffee - My daily ritual of a coffee reminds me that the most simple things in life don't cost a lot. I love my morning coffee with friends, or by myself, at the same cafe, with the same talk. The 30 second flick through The Telegraph whilst the coffee is brewed and the first sip of coffee is my favourite part of any morning.

So, as I continue training, racing, working & running around like a headless chook, it is nice at the end of every day to remind myself of what I am grateful for. I am thankful for lots, and reminding myself of this make the dark days not so dark and the bright days even brighter.

So when you see me sitting in a coffee shop, sipping coffee, iPod on, wearing ridiculous looking sunglasses, having just spoke to my Mum or Dad on the phone, you know that so long as I have these simple things - life is pretty damn good!