I’m sure my parents meant well when they told me to give things my all…
Monthly Archives: January 2013
Running With a Buddy – Another First!

As I’ve mentioned before, one of the 13 experience oriented goals I set for 2013 was to run my first race. So I registered for the Wellington Round the Bays 7km fun run next month.
I will be running 7km in the sun, surrounded by people, in less than three weeks.
Until this morning I hadn’t run in weeks. Not since before I left for America on Christmas Eve.
This morning was, erm, hell. It was hot, fiery, uncomfortableness and I only made it 2km before I had to give up the treadmill for the bike. Disappointing, but my own fault.
I was never trying to break world records, but I’m going to have to pick it up a bit.
And I’ve got my first ever buddy run tomorrow night after work. I’ll be running along the waterfront with my workmate who’ll start with me in the race (though we’ll likely split at some point).
Ive never run with a friend before. I’m excited.
Here’s hoping we both enjoy it and want to make it a regular thing.
My lungs would certainly approve (eventually)!
Motivation Mega Drive
What motivates more than a new tshirt?
Think about it – did you really run that marathon to run the marathon or to get the tshirt that said you did it?
Okay, I kid a little but I know that new things spur me on so I got a couple of tshirts printed for the gym.
Get fit AND meet new people via this blog? Perfect!

What do you think? Too much?
Amy Meets America: Home Sweet Home
Woah. Well, I’m back – much lighter in the wallet but much, much richer nonetheless. Oh, too cheesy? Sorry, I’ll stop.
The last couple of days in America were a whirlwind of travel, crab, and copious amounts of alcohol. Rickhouse in San Francisco make a damn fine Old Fashioned. They come with complementary hangovers, too – so you get plenty of bang for your buck.
We ate and drank a lot.

And – a fact that I’m not proud of – my last day in America was spent extremely hungover, gorging on a Big Mac (the ultimate hangover cure), and incorrectly referring to Alcatraz as “Alakazam” and “Azkaban“. After the boozy night prior, I was unable to actually make it to the ferry out to Alcatraz. This makes me (and my $50 pre-paid ticket) mighty sad.
I’ve been home for a couple of days now and the last month (and limited sleep on the plane) is catching up with me. No run yet, but I’ve managed to go out for every meal and hang out with friends at the beach on a very sunny day here in Wellington.
That, I think, is the epitome of success. Or maybe tied for first place with a nap.
Work tomorrow!
Just Do It?

On the train from Seattle to Portland a little girl sitting at the back of the carriage sang the whole way. It was happy singing, the kind that makes you smile and get back to your book, rather than want to hurl a shoe in her general direction (note the use of want, if you ever actually acted on this you’d be a dick. She’s two. Jeez). Every now and then she turned to potty musings, breaking the lyrics about her mum and stuffed dog with the things she liked to do on the potty.
While I won’t share her actual lyrics, I will share the story it prompted from my neighbour.
My neighbour’s husband had always wondered what it was like for kids and using nappies (diapers), not remembering what it was like when he was it that situation. Afterall, who does?
So he and his mates wore adult nappies to a bar where they proceeded to drink beer until they couldn’t physically fit any more down. When the time came – and we all know what time that is – they all looked at each other, gave the eyebrow raise and a nod.
All used their nappies.
At the bar.
At same time.
Grown adults.
Full bladders.
Of course, the diapers couldn’t hold it all. There was a massive mess and the group had made half a dozen puddles on the floor.
With wet pants and heads hanging low, the group left the bar leaving a dripping trail behind them.
So, if you have ever considered trying something similar…you might want to rethink that. The experiment has been done!
And if you haven’t… Giggle away! We did.
Amy Meets America: Getting Comfy in Portland

After almost a month of staying in hostel dorms of varying quality, I was really looking forward to Portland and getting to stay in a pretty nice hotel. Gotta love those online early-bird sales.
After a last minute change of plans I upped my reservation at Hotel Vintage Plaza from just one night to two. Best decision I’ve made all trip. This place is great.
Sure, it’s got the basics that every hotel has – but it’s the little extras that had me grinning from ear to ear (and throwing myself onto the bed) within minutes of walking into the room.
They included a stuffed animal, suggestions for local jogging routes and robes that were so ugly that they’re actually gorgeous. The winning touch, though, was the note from Laura the housekeeper. See, it’s the little things.
Without a doubt, I would recommend Hotel Vintage Plaza, and by association the other Kimpton hotels, to anyone looking to relax in a new city. A++





‘Cuse Me While I Just…
Weekend Funny
Amy Meets America: Seattle’s Underground
When I initially arrived in Seattle I asked a friend for suggestions on what to check out. The response I received was (you can kick me later):
“Well my first suggestion would be to avoid Seattle… But in the absence of that… I have no idea.
Starbucks?“
I’ve been here less than 24 hours and I really like the city, and hate Starbucks (original or otherwise).
The highlight of the day was definitely the Underground Tour I took this afternoon.

The tour was fantastic. Hands down the best tour I’ve taken on this trip, and certainly in the top 5 I’ve ever been on.
Packed full of humour, the history of the city was presented in a captivating format – starting with a talk at the Pioneer Square base location, and further talks as we worked our way through several underground passageways. The tour covered off exploding toilets, the rebuild of Seattle after the big fire, the talented ‘seamstresses’ who earned much more than men of the city in an given hour, and the profitable mischief that only prohibition can inspire.
Intrigued? You should be.
They also do an adults only tour in the evening to cover off the other fun stuff not suitable for an all-ages daytime tour. More on the ‘seamstresses’ and all that. I was tempted, and still might this evening.










