Thursday: The end of a DISAPPOINTING day and begining of a FABULOUS weekend

Today couldn't have started out more disappointing. Days of patience, ice, and stretching weren't enough for my knee. I was only able to complete 3 miles before the pain started really bothering me. This "IT Band" strain is more stubborn than I imagined. No running till Monday. Doctor's orders. So I will be joining the prestigious "power walkers" in the mean time. :'( How lucky am I...

However, the silver lining to this day came with the mail. I got a package from my mom with postcards, a letter, and a map from Galveston (a beach in Texas). We go there at the end of each summer as a family and have been doing so since before I was born. BUT being in Australia I missed it. The entirety of the package is now on my wall with my other letters and postcards from friends and family. The mail is always a highlight of my day. I think that may make me a loser?

The rest of my day consisted of school and laying by the pool. Pretty much the norm these days. AND of course while I was at school I went out of my way to go do my stretches on that "cylindrical roller" for my knee...since it works wonders. False.

We are thinking of going back to Irish Murphy's tonight with some more people, but I was also debating on going to see the movie Despicable Me. It's opening night tonight here. Even though it has been out in the US for over a month now. Not fair. But be aware that Harry Potter (in November) comes out here a day earlier than in the US...payback! So I am leaning towards movie night rather than party night since I have to be up for Lamington (rainforest hike) at 6:00 a.m. I've also been dieing to see this movie since everyone has absolutely loved it.

Plans for Byron Bay are still being finalized but as of now, since it is supposed to rain Friday, we are going to leave early Saturday morning. Personally I think this might be better after a long day at Lamington and then we won't have to camp with the possibility of rainfall throughout the night. We'll then have all day Saturday, camping that night, and then all day Sunday. Sounds like a plan.

Thanks everyone who has sent me any type of mail. All of it makes me feel at home.

Marathon Training:
Morning: cereal

Afternoon: bow tie pasta with meat sauce; cantaloupe; strawberry smoothie (Boost)

Night: pb & j sandwich; apple

(water all day)

Workout: 3 miles

Just another ordinary Wednesday

First update of news...No South Korea due to the fact that tickets are more expensive than my ticket to come to Australia...outrageous. Today started out normal. A couple hours poolside, school, and then I hit the gym. An easy day though of course and I worked on the stretch the trainer showed me for my knee. Painful, but I could feel a huge difference afterwords. Tomorrow I start running again, cross your fingers that patience, ice, and stretching paid off.

Instead of our usual Re or Regatta on Wednesdays, we went into the city to "Irish Murphy's." It was a really fun Irish pub with a live band and chill atmosphere. I really want to go back on a weekend when the city is at its peak. We danced all night and met so many people from all over Australia and the world (mine was from the outback and a friend's was actually from Ireland). I forgot to mention, our cross dressing show that happened right before we left for the night...our next door neighbors (Jon, Anna, and Sarah) played a little dress up. They even walked down the street in their attire. Oh how I admire their (especially Jon's) gumption. On our way back we found the sweetest kangaroo "statues" I guess is what you would call them...either way they were precious and uniquely Australian.

I'm feeling 100 times better today after sleeping a full 11 hours last night and loading up on the meds. I'm hoping to be back to my old self by the weekend. Lamington Park should be beautiful and we have a van to drive down to Byron Bay and then are planning on camping by the beach for the duration of the weekend. However, rain has been forecasted for Friday in Byron so we'll see how our plans turn out.

Since we booked the Whitsunday Islands from October 27- November 2 we are possibly thinking of Fraser Island for mid semester break (the week after next)...or I may go back to Sydney for a week of relaxation and surfing...who knows. BUT I was also considering the options of: Perth, Cairns, Darwin, Barbie Island, or Hamilton Island...All I know is I now have 9 days of no school, endless possibilities, and the decision is in the hands of inflated ticket prices. If not...Brisbane and I will be taking our relationship to a whole new level...I will see EVERYTHING this sunshine of a city has to offer.

Off to bed. Night.

Marathon Training:
Morning: cereal
Afternoon: grilled chicken sandwich; apple; cantaloupe; granola bar
Night: strawberry smoothie; turkey and cheese sandwich; apple
(water all day)
Workout: 7.5 miles on elliptical; ab lab