What is My Crazy Husband Doing Now?

Dear Friends, 

Some of you may be aware that my husband has decided to put his "crazy" to the test by running the New York Marathon on the 4th November. Barefoot. 

Yep. No shoes in New York for 42kms. Ouch. 

Why would anyone think this is a a good idea? Well it's fairly simple. He's eccentric and he has an amazing heart. 

Since the 80's, John has been a strong supporter of Amnesty International focusing on human rights. As a bleeding heart myself, I love him for doing something to raise awareness and make a difference to those in our world who do not have a voice. He's not just talking about it, he has put himself through a challenge over the past year to get him into a position where he can run 42kms without shoes to raise money for some of the most marginalised people in the world.

Amnesty International started in 1961 by a British Lawyer who had the courage to speak up for two Portuguese students who were jailed for raising a toast to freedom.  Today, Amnesty works relentlessly for people around the world who are denied the fundamental human rights that most of us take for granted. 

As an Australian, I am relatively safe. I have a roof over my head, food on the table and I have the freedom to speak to whoever I want to, about whatever I want, whenever I want without being in danger of being stoned to death. 

As a woman I have access to education, a career and the freedom to chose who I want to spend my time with. 

As a mother, I am safe in the knowledge that my daughter will not be forced to marry a man three times her age, and my sons will not be forced into joining a war that is not theirs. 

As a wife, I know my husband will not be jailed and tortured for speaking out against the injustices of all of the above. 

I am in awe of John and people just like him. They dont just pay lip service to doing something. They don't turn a blind eye or justify crimes against humanity. They put their money (and bare feet) where their mouth is. They are the do-ers of the world. Do-gooders, bleeding hearts, tree huggers. And I am extremely proud to be married to one. 

After 12 months of training, too many blisters to count and a loss of nearly 20 kgs, John departs for New York  this week to prepare for the biggest challenge of all. His first marathon. He has self funded the trip, and has also pledged to raise an additional $9,000AUD for Amnesty International. 

If you have a spare couple of dollars that you are able to throw into the bucket, or have the energy to whip a hat around the office, John and Amnesty would really appreciate it. 

Tax deductible donations can be made here:  John's Amnesty International Fundraiser

A blog of Johns journey can be found here: His Blog!

And the Twitter hashtag if you want to follow him over the next few weeks is #running4rights

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and please join me in wishing John all the best on a massive run! 

Lisa 

Doesn't he look exhausted! 

Friends.

This week found me thinking about new and old friends and how fortunate I am to have so many wonderful people in my life. Those amazing people who I can laugh with, cry with, vent at, listen to, love. And at the end of all that, people who choose to remain in my life. 

A dear friend has been on my mind a lot lately, she lives overseas and I haven't seen her for 2 years! We chat on Facebook and text each other every now and then, but its not the same. It's not like having her in the same city for a quick catch up over a glass of bubbles. Or on the other end of a local phone call that doesn't cost my kidneys.

We were besties well before the term was invented. We met at the beginning of high school and have laughed together ever since. We initiated each other in our first holiday without parents. (Bali). We shared intimate secrets. We gossiped (but not about each other). We cried on each others shoulders as teenage love turned to a painful heartbreak. We laughed at each others jokes and stories until we cracked our ribs and could laugh no more. We fought. At times we hated each other. Especially when she threw out my favourite pair of dusty pink shoes that i absolutely adored! She was the first one to wish me Happy Birthday for many many years. She is the only one who can ever say - "you are NOT wearing THAT are you?" without me feeling the need to punch her. 20 years ago, I was her bridesmaid - she chose my dress! She honoured our friendship even more by choosing me to be godmother to one of her gorgeous girls. 

Sadly we drifted apart when life seemed to take over while we started careers and raised children and struggled through our "every day". Life got in the way, and then distance got in the way even more. 

A message at 2am this week asking which country I was in made my heart sing! Especially because I could see that her location (love social media) was at the airport! I had so much adrenalin from that message that I couldn't sleep.

Finally, after not seeing her for two years we stole a few hours for a quick catch up and it's been the best two hours of my month! 

Life happens around us, and we slowly move betweens friendships. After seeing her again today, I vow to our friendship that I will not let another 2 years grow between us. 

The fact that she lives so far away just means I have an excuse to indulge in my passion for travel.

xxx