Back in Action...!

Hey folks. Sorry it has taken me so long to update this. Thought I should let you know what has been going on recently...

July: The main focus was the European Touch Championships. Fantastic event with 3 days of fierce competition. I was honoured to referee the mens open final and then be awarded the male referee of the series. Very stoked!

August: I spent most of the month of August back in Australia, visiting family and friends. It was great fun, and really nice to spend quality time with the family. Shame everyone is so far away, or else I would do it more often! It was even quite warm, and managed to spend some time in the sun and at the beach!

September: September saw me back in Edinburgh and back to school after 9 weeks on holidays! It was a bit of a shock, but nice to get back into it. This school year has seen us begin the International Baccalaureatte and with that comes new challenges, but makes things exciting. I've been back into refereeing Rugby and getting more experience which is good. Haven't had anyone throw a punch yet this year, so that has to be a good thing!

October: Had a 12-day half term break where I spent a lot of time doing not much. Was good to really settle into my new flat that I am renting now. Have views of the Firth of Forth and it is brilliant. Love living off campus which gives me a great deal more freedom.

The most exciting news I had was that I've been invited to referee at the Touch World Cup, being held at Stellenbosch, South Africa in January 2007. I have been granted 2 weeks off work to go and referee and represent Scotland, which is a huge honour. Of course that means that I have started a more intense training program, as will need to be quite fit to keep up with the pace of games in heat that we rarely get here in the UK, at least not at this time of year!

I ran the inaugural Aviemore half-marathon which is in the north of Scotland. It was a very scenic run, held on a beautiful, calm crisp morning and was a great day. It was a fast course, with a drop in altitude from start to finish, which helped me equal my pb - 1.28.29. Very stoked! Out of about 550 runners, I managed 29th!

November: Just into the month, there is not a lot to report. I did get to wear my first kilt just recently and was quite surprised about how much I liked it. I didn't, however, wear a traditional tartan one, but a black imitation leather one. I know, it sounds dodgy, but its not what you think! It was all in the name of charity at a ball and loads of fun!!

That's about all from me for now - will try and be more regular in future!

L. xx