Heart & Head: A Compromise!

"Believe in yourself and make the best of your situation, no matter how difficult it is, and surround yourself with positive, loving people..."

~ Tom Hallberg ~ Livestrong Blog Quote

A brief follow up from my previous 'Mixed Emotions' blog, where I can definitely state that although I remain torn between the excitement of an unconfirmed opportunity on the other side of the world, and the regained stability secured back 'home' after three years of continual struggle, I have reached a compromise in my thinking.
I've come to realise that my personal history proves that I rarely let my head rule my heart, but despite the contradiction between these two parts of my body I do feel that a solution can be found.
I am commited to fulfilling the charity event for Cancer Research UK, and doing all that I can to raise awareness and funds for this worthwhile cause.
Thereafter, I intend to save some funds for a personal treat: I've decided to fly out to New Zealand for my 45th birthday in October, and see how the land lies once I'm there.
Specifically, I want to see Christchurch for myself and witness the rebuilding of this great city after the devastating earthquake and ongoing aftershocks, as well as taking in the sights in two of my other favourite places: Queenstown and Wanaka.
After recently talking to my great friend, Ange, I've also come to realise that it's been far too long since I was last over there, and far too long since I last saw the TWL (tiny, wee lady).
I dearly want to enjoy the special and magical hospitality that the Kiwi's always seem to offer once again, as it's been nearly three years since I last experienced this, as I lived my life long dream...which is where Mr.Hallberg's opening words ring true!

As for the charity campaign ~ it is now only 12 weeks away...

Much progress has been made; in fact due to the support of the lads (Jon, Curph, and Chappers), the only thing we all really need to do now is drive the sponsorship and make everyone aware of our intentions.
The local contact at Cancer Research UK has suggested a press release to advertise our event, and we are currently trying to organise a convenient time to promote this coverage.
All that remains for me to do is plug the donations page again (please find the link attached below & at the foot of every blog), and thank everyone for all of their support.

http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010

A BIG thank you goes to TWL & Elona  ~ your continual love, support & friendship means the world to me...and always will ♥
Ramblin' Steve

Mixed Emotions

"take me to the fantastic place, keep the rest of my life away..."

As a slight departure to the Cancer Research UK sponsorship theme, (although I must say that the campaign is gathering pace very nicely), todays blog is my personal reflection on the events of my recent long weekend, when I experienced four very different days complete with some very mixed emotions.

This long weekend was a great personal release, as I didn't fully appreciate how stressed I'd been inside, as I always keep my emotions in check, and outwardly nobody would neccesarily know how I was feeling as I hide it pretty well. I think the whole situation with the emotional pull over the circumstances surrounding my ex-girlfriend had finally taken its' toll, and maybe I was running on empty. The escapism I've recently found in walking and planning the charity event in April, only served to mask how I was really coping with things...which was why this last weekend was such a wonderful break from the norm, and it did me the power of good. I really needed to let my hair down (?) and blow off some steam and so a very BIG THANK YOU goes out to all those friends who shared this diverse weekend alongside me.

Friday was taken up by travelling up to Theale to visit a dear friend, and enjoy her company over a great lunch, before embarking on some retail therapy in nearby Reading.
Saturday was spent sharing drinks with a friend from work, and we both had a real good laugh.
Sunday was mainly enjoyed back in the pub with the lads watching the football, whilst on Monday I visited Brighton on my own for a spot of shopping, where I especially enjoyed browsing down The Lanes and the less commercial side streets.
On my return to work today, I went out to lunch with another great friend, to talk over some of my conflictions and try to gain an independent female perspective on my 'Mixed Emotions'.

Now this is where these mixed emotions kick-in...

I love the fact that I keep in touch with special, old friends.
I love the fact that I can meet new people, and 'wine & dine' women as a single guy.
I love the fact that I can enjoy a few beers with the lads with a clear conscience.
I love the fact that I can revel in my independence.

I do like being a single guy and an eligible batchelor, with the allowance that I can readily smile at, and flirt with a lady, knowing that I'm not doing anything wrong. Although I must stress that I am not a 'player'.
But I also like the thought that maybe one day I can settle down with that special woman in my life... I just haven't met her yet...or more appropriately, when I think that maybe I have met her, I find out that the feeling isn't reciprocated. I do think that maybe I have a tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve, but like I've always said and maintained...I'm not bitter, as I've enjoyed some very special moments with some very precious ladies in my life.

When you factor all of this into the equation, the calculation gets further complicated with the fact that I love to travel, and I rarely stay in one location for a long period of time...I have currently been living in Sussex for two and half years, which is quite a lengthy period for me ~ no doubt the itcy feet syndrome will apply soon?
Specifically (hence the new picture attached at the foot of this blog), my heart is continually drawn towards New Zealand.
My head has been spinning over the past week or so, due to the possibility of a potential opportunity for me to return to this fantastic place (hence the opening lyrics)...thanks for the suprising early morning phone call Ange!
The reasons behind this chance of a return to NZ may be disclosed at a later stage, but needless to say...it's got me thinking!

So dear readers, that's my mixed emotions for you. Please forgive me this poetic license to pour out my heart, but at the end of the day I guess I'm just lookin' for a little bit of lovin'.

Normal service will be resumed with my next blog, I assure you.
Thanks for listening (or reading) ~ it's much appreciated.

Ramblin' Steve

Last Chance Saloon

"Read some Kerouac and it put me on the tracks to burn a little brighter now..."

A brief update on the progress of the charity event in April in aid of Cancer Research UK.
After our previous meeting the lads and I have decided on one or two things, and I must especially thank Jon Oakley for his input and support.
Jon's parents have very kindly offered to be our "support unit" throughout the entire week of the event.
They are willing to make up lunches for us all, and drop off our gear at our destinations, thus meaning that we will only be required to carry the real essentials (like Mars bars for Chappers!) whilst walking The South Downs Way.
The whole operation seems to be similar to a support team on The Tour De France, although hopefully we won't need any punctures repairing or any hospital treatment for fractured collarbones! Lol.

The booking of the accomodation should be confirmed for all five nights shortly, and it looks like we may also be lucky enough to receive a lift to Winchester on the first morning, meaning that we won't have to struggle on the train with our gear, and it will also allow us a prompt start on the Monday.

Additional promotional material has been requested from Cancer Research UK, and there remains a possibility that a further sponsorship event can be organised to link in with our campaign, thanks to Curph.
I've recently posted some pictures of me sporting the promotional T-shirt, and I'll continue to try to raise awareness leading upto April by wearing it when I go out training at the weekends.

Talking of pictures, I've changed the photos at the foot of my blog to show a couple of scenes taken whilst I was out walking towards the end of last year - the first is of me and my shadow at Brandy Hole Copse, just off Centurion Way, and the second is of an archway of trees whilst I was walking amongst the woods in Kingley Vale - not bad for an amatuer photographer with only a mobile phone camera at my disposal.

Well, this coming weekend gives me plenty to look forward to. I have booked the Friday and Monday off work, as on Friday I will be travelling up to Berkshire to catch up with my good friend Elona for a lovely pub lunch. This will be followed by a leisurely weekend, including a possible visit to Brighton on the Monday, and I fully intend to let my hair down (?) and have some fun over Saturday and Sunday!
This will be my last chance to enjoy myself for a while, as I have no further holiday time available until after the sponsored walk in April, and I am determined to stick to my training regime between now and then...so I hope to make the most of this coming weekend as a final pre-event blow-out!

"Read some Kerouac and it put me on the tracks to burn a little brighter now,
 It was something about roman candles fizzing out, shine a little light on me now
 Found a strange fascination with a liquid fixation, alcohol thrill ne now..."

Finally, as an avid reader of my blogs, I would just like to wish another great friend of mine, Trace, all the best of luck as she's about to bring another beautiful baby girl into the world...like I always say to her, "Keep smilin' hun" Lol.

Until next time, I'll leave the link to my 'Just Giving' sponsorship page for Cancer Research UK once again, along with the grateful thanks to all those who have so far donated, and additional thanks in advance to all those who will contribute at a later date ~ your support is very much appreciated.
Also, a big thanks goes to my great friend Ange in NZ, for thinking of me concerning a potential future opportunity ~ much love to you TWL xx

http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010

Ramblin' Steve

Discovering The Way

"It's always a struggle to let somebody go..." ~ Fantastic Place (S.Hogarth)
These lyrics are relevant to me in the context of why I'm doing a sponsored walk, and also in light of the subject matter of this blog.

Here's what some critics said about the movie, 'The Way'...
"moving and incredibly uplifting". ~ Mail on Sunday.
"a soulful and cinematic journey". ~ Empire.

Whenever I find myself in need of some inspiration, specifically when it comes to forcing myself to go out training, I sit down and watch Emilio Estevez's lovely and charming film entitled 'The Way'.
The movie stars his real life father, Martin Sheen, who embarks on 'The Camino de Santiago' in Spain; a spiritual walk originally started by his son, but who was unable to complete the journey himself due to his tragic and untimely death. So the father has his son cremated, and then embarks on the walk 'together' with his son as he scatters his ashes along the way. Rather than appearing as a morbid tale, it is in fact a very heartwarming little story. It's an inspiring film which challenges the real meaning of your life, and makes you realise that you should always strive to achieve what you set out to do; to smell the roses along the way; and to understand that life is indeed far too short.

My parents watched the film when it came out on dvd recently, and I think it helped them both understand me a bit better. I also think that maybe it also helped them relate to my decision to walk away from work for a while, and fulfill a personal ambition of mine to go travelling around New Zealand a few years ago.
Additionally, I don't think they ever really understood my strength, faith and belief in trying to forge a relationship with my ex-girlfriend, and it's only now after we've split up and the full details of her condition became apparent, that they realise why I had remained so commited and supportive towards her despite the fact that I was continually receiving anguish, heartbreak, and countless setbacks.

If the pilgrims of 'The Camino' can trek over 800 km's then I'm sure I can handle the 100 miles ahead for my charity walk along The South Downs Way in April for Cancer Research UK!
Who knows, if this event is a success then maybe I can think about walking this sacred road myself next year, or maybe I could 'tramp' around one of the magnificent National Parks in New Zealand, as I'm always looking for a reason to return to NZ...and what could be better than raising funds for a worthwhile cause?
I've trekked for single days along certain tracks, especially around The Abel Tasman National Park, but maybe I should seriously consider the possibility of embarking on a longer adventure?
Anyway, it would be a great excuse to catch up with my great friend, Ange in Christchurch if nothing else!
In fact at the time of writing this blog, it appears that she may even found a way for me to return to NZ?
More details to follow...I hope, or maybe it was the 'giggle juice' talking, eh TWL?

Whether or not Curph, Chappers, Jon & myself will enjoy similar adventures along 'Our Way'' covering The South Downs remains to be seen, but I'm sure we'll all have some stories to tell afterwards!
Yesterday marked the inaugural meeting where the four of us had the chance to discuss our plans and the various logistics involved surrounding the event. Some great ideas and suggestions resulted from this meeting and again, more details will follow shortly regarding the charity walk...so please watch this space!

Thanks for all your love & support ~ take care & be safe :)

Ramblin' Steve

Giving Up The Five Sacred C's!

"Back to the gym seriously tomorrow...wanting to compete again next year, last day of naughty food (apart from the odd gingernut)"

The above wise words (?) were posted on a good friends' Facebook wall at the end of last year...
TWL ~ I Love Ya! Lol.
Whereas her weaknessess are Gingernuts (I hope she means the biscuits?!) mine are Cookies, along with the other four C's: Costa coffee, Chocolate, Cheese and my worst vice, Crisps!
It's quite common for resolutions to be made in the New Year, so rather reluctantly I am sacrificing these favourites of mine to enable me to get in peak condition for the charity walk in April.
Thereafter, we'll have to see...

However, there are a few exceptions to these rules as although I'm serious about this fitness regime, I also know it's important to maintain a certain sense of fun along the way too.
So on a Friday I will allow myself a weekly treat of a Costa Latte, and I will also indulge in a couple of pints of Guinness after work, as I feel it's important to unwind with the lads after a hard weeks graft.
The only other time that I may indulge in some alcohol (or Giggle Juice as TWL calls it!) would be if I was ever entertaining a young lady... but those days are long gone! Lol...or maybe not?

I intend to write my blogs on a weekly basis from now on, and although there will always be a serious message with regards to raising funds for Cancer Research UK, I also intend to keep some of the sentiments rather light-hearted, by attempting to provide some words of wit and wisdom where possible.
I'll also contradict the 'ramble' aspect of my subject matter by trying to keep my blogs just like the tiny, wee lady herself...short and sweet! Lol.

Ramblin' Steve

The Countdown Starts Here!

Hi everyone and a very Happy New Year to you all.
A New Year brings new dreams, new hopes, new love (?) and maybe even New Zealand once again...you just never know in this life?
But the New Year does mean a fresh start and hope forever springs eternal as far as I'm concerned.

Welcome to the first of my regular, and slightly re-vamped 'Ramblin' Man!' blogs.

"Above all do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it."

As previously stated I now intend to concentrate a large amount of my efforts towards raising funds for Cancer Research UK, and I aim to do this specifically by organising a charity event in April.
Cancer Research UK is a cause close to my heart due to the recent news that my ex-girlfriend has just been diagnosed with terminal throat cancer. Although we are no longer together, I still wanted to offer her and her family my love and support wherever possible, as our split was amicable and we remain good friends.
She was quite adamant however, that she didn't want me to put my life on hold, and that I should move on as I deserve to find true happiness with someone else. Unbelievably gracious though she is, I still felt totally helpless regarding her situation.
Therefore, I decided the least that I could do was put something back, which is why I'm concentrating all my efforts towards this worthy cause, and organising this charity event.

The campaign that I am organising involves walking the entire length of The South Downs Way along with three workmates ~ a total distance of 100 miles.
This event is now less than four months away, and the confirmed schedule is as follows:

April 23 (Mon) - Winchester to Buriton  (24 miles)
April 24 (Tues) - Buriton to Amberley  (22 miles)
April 25 (Weds) - Amberley to Pyecombe  (20 miles)
April 26 (Thurs) - Pyecombe to Rodmell  (14 miles)
April 27 (Fri) - Rodmell to Eastbourne  (20 miles).

This route and the locations chosen are determined by the availability of appropriate overnight accomodation, which is why a couple of days are slightly longer than the daily average, and day four is considerably shorter (apparently Rodmell is a lovely pretty liitle village and must be experienced).
As previously stated, a lot of the guide books describe 'The South Downs Way' walk by travelling in the opposite direction, but I've decided to travel west to east for two major reasons:
Firstly, were we to encounter any severe weather conditions it is more likely to come from the west, meaning that any winds or rain should be at our backs.
And secondly, I like the idea of ending up by the coast in Eastbourne, where we intend to relax and celebrate the achievement of completing our quest over the weekend!
For further information about The South Downs Way, please click on the following link:

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southdowns

Joining me on my trek are Alan Curphey, Ross Chapman, and Jon Oakley.
We all have seperate 'Just Giving' Fund Raising pages set up, and our employer, Mercer has very kindly offered to match any donations upto a value of £300 for all four of us.
So if all four of us can achieve this we will generate a minimum of £2,400 which can't be bad, although I remain optimistic that we may raise even more!

My individual sponsor page can be found via the following link:

                                         http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010

Alternatively, you can click on the link at the foot of any of my blogs, where it shows:

Steve Muskett is fundraising for Cancer Research UK 

Over the coming weeks and months, I shall be publishing further blogs with updates on our progress, as well as sending out e-mails to all of my work colleagues.
I'm also hoping that the local area fundraising manager for Cancer Research UK will be able to organise some promotional T-shirts, to further help raise awareness of my campaign.

And finally...
If you scroll down to the bottom of the blog you will see pictures of two of my inspirations ~ these images will remain attached to my blog as personal reminders.
Firstly, the cyclist is of course Lance Armstrong ~ the legendary seven time winner of the Tour De France, but more importantly, an unbelievable survivor of cancer.
Although all my current efforts are concentrated towards Cancer Research UK, I also remain a supporter of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and LIVESTRONG, as his campaign attempts to raise awareness worldwide of the various conditions, circumstances and treatments for cancer.
The second picture is my favourite and funny photograph of my great friend Angela Paul, affectionately also known as TWL (tiny wee lady). Ange lives in Christchurch, New Zealand and she remains an inspiration to me, as she reminds me of where my spiritual home is, and also because she provides hope and optimism over the rebuilding of this great city, previously devestated by that awful earthquake as well as all the continual aftershocks which are still occurring upto the present day.
I also remain a supporter of the 'Rise-Up Christchurch' campaign, and I genuinely wish all the wonderful residents well, as they strive to rebuild their great city.

Please feel free to send me any questions, suggestions, or points of view, either by commenting on these blogs, or by posting comments on my facebook page, or by e-mailing me at: stevemuskett@yahoo.com

Many thanks in advance for all of your support & here's wishing everyone a great 2012.

Ramblin' Steve