Spongebob says it best

By Virginia Winder

As Spongebob sings: "It's the best day ever."

Yep, today was a good one.

The sun was out, we put the tent up in the backyard, went for a swim at Back Beach and, afterwards, Camille and I headed to the aquatic centre to do some lengths.

I powered through 40 without stopping at all and then did another 10 doing drag and using my paddles.

Afterwards, we had Mexican food for dinner out on the deck and then Warren and I went off to The Most to do our radio shows.
My show, called Waxing Lyrical, was a bit eclectic tonight, to say the least. I started off with Monty Python's Always Look on The Bright Side, threw in songs by Alabama 3, Fred Dagg, Helen Reddy, Gorillaz, Manic Street Preachers and that rock star, Spongebob Squarepants.
Yes, I destroyed my street cred by playing Spongebob on the show and then completely ruined my cool persona by finishing off with a deep and meaningful yuletide song about the insanity of war.
Yes, you've guessed it ... I played Snoopy's Christmas.
At lunchtime I was stood up by a bunch of blokes.
Still, one did turn up although he had no idea I was going to.
Poor fella.
It turns out that Vaughan, from my college days, was the perfect lunch partner. You see he's an ironman and had heaps of valuable advice to pass on about nutrition and listening to your body's needs.
Also went to the physio today and she fitted my shoes with supportive insoles instead of taping me up. Annoyingly, I'm terribly allergic to the tape and the skin on my foot has peeled off. Forgot to get the moonboot for sleeping, so will pop over tomorrow (the physio is across the road from home).
I know that for some time I have been hinting at big news on the horizon, well the news will be released in the new year.
When it is, please know these things about me:
A. I am constantly humbled by the goodness of people.
B. I reckon I'm one of the most fortunate people on the planet.
C. I'm absolutely terrified to put myself out there, but am doing it for a cause greater than myself.
D. It still feels weird to write about myself and I constantly ask myself, if I'm doing the right thing.
E. I still find other people's stories way more interesting and inspiring than my own.

Today, I:
Swam 50 lengths of a 50m pool
Went for a swim in the sea
Worked for 30 minutes
Slept for 9 hours
Drank some water (still not enough!)
Had 2 cups of coffee
Ate fantastically well all day
Hung out with family
Went to physio to get treatment for my plantar fasciitis

Living on Back Beach time

By Virginia Winder
After three days fighting a virus, my body has won the battle.That means I'm back to good health and feeling vibrant!
To be honest, being sick is downright boring and a waste of time. Begone illnesses - there is no place for you in my exciting life. Good health, you are welcome and I embrace you.
See that - a positive affirmation slipped in there.
It was pretty easy being positive today.
What glorious weather. No clouds, no wind, just golden sunshine as brilliant as daffodils, or a Canteen bandana. They were being sold on the streets today and there's a cool four square man one and a bright green one designed with help from Lisa Tamati. Good for keeping the sun off my neck while biking and walking.
Went for an amazing walk down Back Beach this afternoon. The waves were perfect for surfing and the bottom carpark was full, but there weren't many people wandering towards Tapuae.
Warren, Xena and I walked to Mum and Dad's rock and then over into the next bay. Warren climbed among the rock pools and I strode to the end of the next point.
It was one of those days when you just soak in the beauty of nature and just be - right here, right now - and feel full of serene joy. Cue angel choir singing and all that.
As I'm writing this, Warren is out cooking the first barbecue of the season, The Rapture is on the stereo, there's a glass of cold pinot gris beside me and I've already made the first Greek salad of the summer (well it feels like it!).
This has been a full day of meeting people, talking to friends, gathering stories and just loving life.
Hey, and good news - I've now lost more than 10kg!

Today, I:

Ate two tiny mouthfuls of Petit Paris tarts (blueberry and hazelnut) and inwardly thanked Fred Laude for making such tiny guilt-free treats!
Drank two Ozone coffees today (mmm)
Drank two glasses of pinot gris
Dranks lots of water
Ate two nutritious, low-fat meals (soon will have)
Walked for 40 minutes on black sand
Slept for 4 hours (couldn't get to sleep)
Worked for 6 hours