Good day

I had a pretty busy day today. Got up at 5.30am and drove down to Stromlo for a ride up the black track (Some of the hardest sections in it) had a great time of pushing the limit with multiple off's and some of the toughest uphill riding I have done, massively technical and seemingly impossible inclines. The 'heart breaker' section has definately been well named! Came home muddy, scratched and grinning from ear to ear at around 8am. 

At around 9am we went to the park in town with the crew with John and Tracey who were visiting for the weekend, for a cuppa and a play. Came home for some lunch and then got the little ones to bed.

I had been promising to take William for a 'long' ride all week so we decided to go around a section of Lake Burley Griffin with Jacob in tow. We went prodominantly around the western section of the lakes pathway looping a total of about 23km. William did really well but hit the wall half way and had to have multiple rests, getting angry at me as he couldnt believe I had made the path so hilly! How could I!?. Its sometimes hard to remember how young he still is.

Finished the day off with a trip out to Gundaroo for a famous wood fired pizza.

Good day....real good day.



Australia Day

We spent Australia day morning down at Lake Burley Griffin. They had the flag raising ceremony, cannon salute and a FA18 fighter jets fly by. Happy Australia Day!

Pushing it

When riding the single tracks of Canberra you tend to see a lot of pretty good riders on amazing machines who leave you for dust when you think your not doing too bad. I have been testing my limits on a number of good single tracks around here and have had a couple of decent falls. Its hard not to push the boundary of your own personal skill level when you see others wipping around the track with ease. Naturally your ego kicks in and you think 'Well if they can, then so can I'! Im learning thats definately not the case just yet, especially on the technical stuff.

Shivers

The greatest band in the world, Dire Straits, playing what I think is one of the most beautiful instrumental piece's during their song 'Brothers in arms'. Mark Knopfler - amazing, but Paul Franklin on the pedal steel guitar is incredible. Some of the symponies in their songs like this one, sends shivers running through me. Magic.

Take my photo dad!

The boys love playing up to the camera when they are in "lets do incredibly amazing tricks" mode. They like me to capture them at that moment of maximum height. I only generally use my phone's camera and it seems to take pretty good shots and even (with a little bit of timing skill) enables me to catch them in full flight without that crappy blurriness some cameras can have when things are moving at pace. After every dazzling display they run over to check the outcome of the photo then back for another try to improve the trick.

They were practicing some 'incredibly amazing tricks' this afternoon in the pool.

Remember that song - part 6

Jem and I went to see the comedy singing act 'Tripod' in Mt Gambier in 2010. We had a laugh filled night and they provided some excellent entertainment. I had already owned one of their DVD's so I knew kind of what to expect and they didnt disappoint, leaving us sore cheeked and giggly going home.

One of my favourite songs, which unfortunately wasnt in the show we saw, is their cover of 'Paranoid Android' originally by Radiohead. Love the song, but love it more now after the Tripod version.

Our baby turned 2!

This weekend our little Lucas turned 2 years old. He had a nice morning of opening presents and hanging out with us all. Then we had the Kannenbergs come and stay for the night and a few people came around in the afternoon to sing happy birthday and have a slice of cake. Lucas had a nice day, breifly interrupted by a hail storm while the kids were playing in the pool.

Got your back

When dealing with teaching the boys about road safety in and out of the car, we usually take on the method of making them overly cautious to the point of being very scared of moving cars. Like crossing the road holding our hand or at least being close to us, or making sure they have their seatbelts on otherwise we tell them they can get very badly hurt or even die. We would much rather them be scared of that than what can happen with young kids and cars, its horrible to even think about it. This scare tactic has definatley worked with seatbelts as demonstrated the other day.

I was driving the boys to the shops and half way there on a busy 80km/h road Sam yells out "Ooorhhh Dad! Lucas has his seatbelt undone!" I turned around to see him trying to climb over his seat into the back with only one strap done up. In the mean time William was trying to reach him from the front seat and pull him back down whilst demanding I pull over and fix it! and Jacob was getting so panicky and cross it sounded like he was going to burst into tears telling Lucas to sit back down. I found a safe place to pull over and strap him back in, to mine and most definatley the boys relief. It was so cute to see how much they care about Lucas's safety, although Lucas couldnt have cared less, he actually thought it was all very funny. Much more scaring to come for him I think!

The boys will often bicker, argue and fight, but when it comes down to it hopefully they will always have each others back and make sure they each remain safe.

Remember that song - part 5

One day mid way through last year after I got Lucas and Sam to bed just after lunch, I had the house nice and quiet I flicked on the TV to see what was on. It turned out that Ellen was interviewing a guy called 'Bernhoft'.  I had never heard of him before, but when I listened to his song I found myself mesmorized.

Bernhoft is kind of a one-man-band/multi instrumentalist singer songwriter from Norway. He does amazing things with his voice and instruments being looped over and over on a special machine, all while he is still singing.

Here is is singing "Cmon Talk" Live.

The Wii

We bought the boys a Wii for Christmas which has been a real hit so far. William and Jacob are the only ones really capable of using it properly at the moment. As they dont get to play it every day and mostly only at rest time when the other 2 are in bed,  they definately make the most of it.

Although its still essentially only a video game, at least they are a little bit active whilst playing it. They get so vigorous playing Wii sports, especially tennis, although im not sure about their technique in this video!

Family trek

We went down to the reserve this moning for a walk and trekked up the hill to look out over the surroundings. Nice morning out with the crew.

Stromlo

I woke up at 4.58 am this morning, 2 minutes before I had my alarm set for. Generally this means you are either busting for a wee or very excited about something. I was definately excited, although in fact I also needed a wee.

I set off for Mount Stromlo forest park (arguably the premier mountain bikers venue in Australia and only 20 mintues away!) hoping to get there for sunrise and be the first out. I got there just at day break and was lucky enough (some would say madly keen) to be the only one in the carpark. There are 6 different official single tracks you can chose from, 1 is for beginners (takes about 30 mins), 4 of them I think are intermediate (all around 1 hour) and the other is very challenging (about an hour and a half). I chose one of the intermediate ones which covered a large area, and set off.

The path winded its way up the hill, having some quite lose bumpy and technical parts where at one point I repeatidly kept losing my footing and balance (annoying!). When you start to see signs pointing to different sections of the track  like 'cardiac arrest', 'the luge' and 'roller coaster' you know your gonna be having some fun but also be hurting at some point. There were some insane bumps and jumps and quite steep inclines around tight bends which really tested my nerve and fitness.

Once reaching the top you are greated with panoramic 360' views of the ACT and also come across what Mount Stromlo was originally famous for, the Observatory. After those really bad fires 6 or 7 years ago that seriously affected parts of Canberra and wiped out most of Stromlo, some of the telescopes and their buildings were consumed by the flames. Although they still have what remains of them up there for you to see.

The downhill part of the circuit was brilliant! Most of the time I was just holding on for dear life and loving every minute of it! Jumps and high banking turns, streams, tunnels and bridges, extremely narrow passes and moguel type mounds were some of the things to concentrate on whilst still trying to focus on the amazing view. I was grinning for most of the day, even taking William back there to try out the beginners track with him later on. I think my newly found interest in cycling has rubbed off on him a little bit.

Lucas talk 2

Jem was changing Lucas's nappy the other day. She called out to me to see if I had heard what he just said, I said no and she told me she'll tell me later, snickering to herself. Apperently it was un-repeatable at the time.

It turns out he had coughed and farted at the same time whilst on the change table, he had yelled out to Jem "Fart-cough!" Which if you say fast you'll understand why it was un-repeatable. Funny! (if you couldnt get it, it sounded like he said F##k off!)

Remember that song - part 4

Having played basketball in many different countries and in many different leagues, tournaments and competitions, I have heard a lot of national anthems in my time. There are some standouts, some bareable ones and some just plain 'ear bleedingly' bad ones.

I was lucky enough to spend a season playing in the New Zealand national league and in that time I heard their national anthem before every game. I grew to really love it and it actually fired me up for each game.

New Zealand will always be a special place to us and somewhere we would love to go back and visit one day. Hearing the New Zealand national anthem just takes me back to the times before games and still gives me goose bumps.

My number 1 anthem - 'God defend New Zealand'

Majura Pines

I have ridden my bike though a number of the reserves, parks and tracks around the northern suburbs and as nice a ride as they are I cant say they have been aimed particularly at mountain biking. This evening I got my first real taste of a proper single track, and loved it.

I took a look at the Majura Pines, a famous bike track in Canberra only a few km's from where we live. Its a mountain bikers Disneyland in there and its where a section of the 'Capital Punishment enduro' will be held in March.

With an abundance of fire trails and a huge number of exciting single track weaving in and out of the pines, its no wonder it is considered one of the better rides in the ACT. I got lost on a hand full of occasions, but it didnt matter, I could have stayed in there all day exploring, if only the sun would have stayed up!

It seems I really picked the right time to get into mountain biking, as living in Canberra you are really spoiled for choice when it comes to quality biking tracks, that for most part seem to be right on your doorstep!

I have only really gotten my toes wet when it comes to cycling and whats on offer in the ACT, thats an exciting prospect.

Sammy talk 4

The boys have been hooked on the animated Star Wars series called 'The Clone Wars' for a while now. I loved the original Star Wars when I was a kid, so its great because once again I get to re-live my childhood. I bought the 6 movies in a box set a while ago and they have watched them only once. The other day we got them out again to watch in order from the first 'The Phantom Menace" to the last "Return of the Jedi".

Just finishing the 3rd installment tonight we got to the end part of the movie where Obi-wan-kenobi defeats his long time apprentice Annekin Skywalker who then is transformed into the infamous Darth Vader. Annekin gets really burned and has to be retrieved by the Sith lord to be put back together (I sound a bit nerdy I know!).

As we tuned it off to get ready for bed, Sam says to me -

"Dad, why did Annekin turn bad?"

I replied - "Well Sam, I think he was very confused and was trying to save his wifes (Padme) life, because he thought turning to the 'Dark side' would do this. He has been tricked and now has turned into a real baddie".

Sam replies in a confused way - "Yeh and now Annekin is a 'grumpy face'!"

I just love the way his mind works and what he comes out with just cracks me up, we had a good laugh together while I tucked him in.

I think I might call up George Lucas and request a 7th installment be made, called - 'Star Wars 7, Attack of the grumpy faces'

Friends

Having family and friends just able to drop by for a visit and even stay the night if they like, has made our life in Canberra much more enjoyable. Especially since we now have the space to accomodate our guests.

Our good friends Jase, Sal and their little boy Hank came for a day visit from Wagga, which turned into an overnighter. We hung out with the kids during the day, then after they all hit the hay, we got the pictionary out and Jem and Sal creamed Jase and me in 2 games straight, not happy!. After the pictionary, Jase and I had an epic Wii sports table tennis battle where there may have been a double 'pantsing' which occured! We did buy the Wii for the boys I swear!

Success

I did end up getting the pool out today after a backfired cubby building exercise this morning. Thankfully this activity ended up with all smiles. All the boys had a merry time splashing and jumping in the water. Phew!

The Zone

Im just writing this post while I sit and watch Micheal Clarke get his triple century in the Sydney test match. An amazing acomplishment and one that not many cricketers can ever say they have achieved. To me he looks like he is just in the 'Zone', can barely do a thing wrong, everything he hits is right off the meat of the bat, his timing, his thoughts, everything is in tune with his intentions. The game would almost seem to be in slow motion to him.

In my years of playing basketball it was a rare and wonderful thing to be in the 'Zone'. You just feel like everything you do will work and even if you make a mistake, you will make up for it the next play down. If only you could bottle that feeling, I would take a swig every day!

It makes you realise that sports are such a mental battle more than anything. You see the athletes that are really struggling for no apparent reason. Their thoughts are all generally negative, the complete opposite of the 'Zone'. Some people feeling invincible, while others feeling so vulnerable, what is the key?

The most recent 'Zone' moment for me would have been a game I played for the Mt Gambier Pioneers when we were in Tasmania. We were playing the N.W. Tassie Thunder in a game that didnt really mean a whole lot in terms of positioning on the ladder, but it was one we really needed to win after a rubbish start to the season. I cought fire early in the game and didnt really look back. Scoring from all over the place and connecting on multiple 3 pointers, I was just feeling it. I didnt ever seem to get tired, I wanted the ball at every opportunity and felt like I couldnt put a foot wrong. Ending up with 42 points and 17 rebounds in an overtime game was definately something to remember.

Everyone can probably relate to that feeling. Whether in work, leasure or life in general, there is probably a time everyone can look back on and remember a similar amazing feeling. Something that made you feel on top of the world and enabled you to forget anything bad for a short while, seeing everything with optomism and positivity.

Whether you are in front of thousands playing a cricket match or by yourself doing something you love, keep striving for the 'Zone', its worth it.

The reigns

In an attempt to keep the boys busy with something interesting to do, we made a cubby this morning out of furniture in the second living area and some linen. It seemed to be a big hit for a while but like a lot of things that are so exciting, the boys seemed to lose control a bit and go a bit mad. Lucas tried to climb on the roof, while Jacob and William were bickering and Sam just wanted to pull the blankets off and demolish it.

One of the hardest things I find with being a parent is how far to let things go before you reign the kids back in. I always want the boys to have fun and explore, but when do you pull the pin on some things? knowing your kids well and seeing what triggers them into bad behaviour. You also want them to enjoy things but at the same time not get hurt or upset.

Its sometimes a very fine line, but the reigns need to keep being released so they can learn from what works and what doesnt.

Im setting the pool up this afternoon, I wonder how thats going to go....

Day 1

Well, Jem started back at work today so that means I have to find a way to entertain the 4 boys for another 5 weeks (not that I'm counting) all by myself, until they go back to school. eeeek!

Day one started off interestingly as Lucas decided he and a few other things needed some nappie rash cream applied to them. His right leg must have been a bit sore as most of it went on there, his hands, the rug, Will's bed and a remote control car battery charger also copped a creaming.

"What?? I didnt do it"

50 and 60

Got up at 5am this morning for a ride, about half an hour before sunrise. I went through Canberra down to the Lake, just it time to catch the sun rising over the water, magic!

Just cought two hot air balloons taking off over Questacon as well. Took a photo of the Questacon balloon right over Questacon itself, I thought that was pretty cool.

On the ride back I broke 2 records on my bike. My first 50 km ride and my first time over 60 km/h.

Brilliant way to kick off the day.

Old Parliment House

The Jetty the Queen arrived on at Floriade this year.

Questacon balloon over Questacon!

A bend in the road at sunrise

The National Art Gallery, with Black mountain and the 2 balloons in the distance.

Pilko's Thoughts - part 3

Since we are in the new year, here is an episode I found from the 'Ricky Gervais show' with Karl Pilkington talking about his new years resolution to learn something new every day. I cant get enough of Pilko, he just hits all my funny spots.

Remember that song - part 3

Josh Kelly was the supporting act to The Counting Crows concert Jem and I went to see in Perth, 2004. We ended up enjoying the 5 or 6 songs he sang better than the Crows whole concert.

It turns out that Perth was the only concert The Counting Crows would play, as Adam Duritz their lead singer, came down with a nasty virus that ended their tour. Therefore Josh Kelly took over for the rest of the tour dates that were booked in for the Crows around Australia.

I havent heard much from him since, but he certainly made an impression on us that night. Whenever I hear this and his famous song 'Amazing', it takes me back to that night at 'Challenge Stadium' in Perth.

Here he is singing 'Home to me' live.

Batemans Bay

We had a fantastic day today over at Batemans Bay, about a 2 hour drive from Canberra. The boys absolutely loved it. As we dont often get the opportunity to get to the beach, they definately made the most of it. Although there were some very tired, wet and sandy bodies for the trip home.