Glasgow, UK
September – Keeping Busy.
September seemed to all be leading to one thing – our upcoming trip to Munich and Spain. But prior to this, we had a bunch of things to keep us busy.
Early in the month Amy and I completed the Pedal for Scotland ride, which runs the 45 miles between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Having never cycled that distance, I was pleasantly surprised at how well we went. We were treated to cool, but clear weather and gorgeous, if not repetitive, scenery. Since it was the last one ever, I’m glad we did it – cycling through Glasgow city on open roads was a lot of fun.
I also attended the Edinburgh Sports Medicine Conference with two of my colleagues, Kate and Diane, which was great – except for an old-fashioned and curmudgeonly key-note speaker who presented antiquated ideas regarding spinal surgery – grrr.
The week after, Amy’s football team, the Greater Glasgow Giants planned a night out for their end of year awards – we had the rooftop bar at Malone’s all to ourselves and were to watch the Brisbane GWS preliminary final and the replay of the All Ireland final – which was drawn the week before, so was to be replayed this week. Before long, drinks began to blend together and the night became hazy, before typically ending up in typical Malone’s fashion – a not-so-pretty Ceilidh in front of the live band. It was great – even though I had the fear the next day.
I also had a going away party for one of the girls from work, Marianne. We had a delightful afternoon of minigolf at Foreplay in Kinning Park, followed by drinks at Tingles in the city – where I very much felt the wrong side of 20 – before ending up at Bar Revolution around the corner. Curry, cheese, chips, and haggis may or may not have been ordered on the way home.
Amongst all of this I’ve been keeping up the BJJ – trying to go 2-3 times per week. I’m now no longer a toy to be thrown around by the other jujitseiros, but I’m a long way from being competent – but that’s a big part of the journey, learning how to overcome, which I’m enjoying thoroughly.
I’ll be a white belt for some time longer, but I’m working up the courage to do a competition in the New Year.
Time seems to be moving quite quickly, having already passed the one year anniversary of our move to Scotland…
JC
"There is no losing in jiu jitsu. You either win or you learn."
Carlos Gracie, Sr.
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