Something To Look Forward To

"Start every day as if it was on purpose".

The above quote was actually taken from a bookmark I recently discovered whilst sorting out some of my belongings, which was taken when I stayed in The Chateau On The Park hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand in March 2009...but more about that later.

Although I firmly believe you should always try to live in the 'moment', I also believe that everyone should always have something to look forward to.
I'm fortunate enough to be able to experience both at present, as 'The South Downs Way' charity walk in aid of Cancer Research UK offers the ongoing opportunity of getting involved in organising the event now, as well as looking forward to actually participating in the trek itself in the future in a few months time.

Incidentally, my initial target for donations has already been surpassed!
At the risk of repeating myself, may I thank everyone who has so far sponsored me ~ what originally started out as a personal quest to raise a few quid for a worthy cause, has grown into a serious campaign.
Please find the link to my donations page below:

http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010

A fortnight before the walk, I hope to visit the west country when I intend to catch up with my great friends Jimi & Denn, in Cheltenham, and then Trace, and my old drinking buddy Posty Dave in Batheaston.

Then over the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend in early June, I am scheduled to fly over to see my 'family' in Ireland, and share a few jars with Glenn & Ruth, and also catch up with the lads to enjoy the 'craik' as only the Irish do.

But other than these plans and the charity campaign, my main focus is returning to New Zealand, and so back to my opening reference and that hotel...

I have the wonderful thought of preparing to celebrate my 45th birthday in October in the place which is forever closest to my heart...even if it just happens to be on the other side of the world!
Constantly at the back of my mind is the thought of visiting Christchurch once again. This great city which was devastated by that awful earthquake, continues to get aftershocks (10,000 and counting!), but that doesn't deter me from wanting to return. I have some very fond memories of my stay at the aforementioned Chateau hotel. In fact, I've just received notice that the hotel is currently undergoing further repairs from all the damage that the earthquake caused, greatly reducing its' capacity and availability, but hopefully by the time I visit some form of normal service will have resumed.

My great Kiwi friend in Christchurch, Ange remains a very special and precious lady in my eyes, and I feel very lucky that she's still in my life. Catching up with her is the main reason why I'm looking forward to returning to my 'spiritual home' ~ she's forever been scheming up ways of getting me back to NZ, and offering to help me out anyway that she can ~ TWL...you are one helluva girl & I love ya to bits! ♥
I'm obviously also intending to spend some time amongst the lakes and mountains, and revisit some of my other favourite places such as Queenstown and Wanaka.

So you can clearly see from all of this that... 'I do indeed have much to look forward to'!

I'll be taking a little break until my next blog, and I will then be concentrating on the main subject matter of 'Ramblin' Man!' which is the charity event in aid of Cancer Research UK.
This will include an update on the progress of the campaign, as well as feedback from a meeting with a fundraising representative, due to be held shortly.

Until then, stay happy, be safe & take care x

Ramblin' Steve