19 August

On a trip out with the family to Castleton for a trip through the caves.  Named comically 'The Devil's arse'.  Was all really good and was nice to spend time with Gran particularly.  Had loads of good Vegan food throughout the day and constantly feel stocked up on all the goodness I need and finding out more about nutrition etc which is always really enjoyable.

I read some of my You can do it Marathon book which I feel is definitely going to help me come through Auckland Marathon on 1 November.  I also got some DHA pills delivered after doing quite a bit of research and realising a top up of this could be a healthy option for me at this point to be sure i'm really getting all I need.

It's been great how becoming Vegan has really gone hand in hand with constant interest and research into food and nutrition while at the same time enjoyiing cooking too (the cooking part atleast while I'm in NZ anyway)

I'm thinking when I get back to NZ I will be getting onto the Thrive diet idea by Brendan Brazier to help all the marathon stuff.  I can tell how since I saw my folks last I am calmer and more compassionate.  I know i have cultivated well in NZ.  I feel it's my personal development group and then becoming Vegan which are key.  Food really is thy medicine.  I think too of that great study about the Vegan diet being used in a prison to great effect.  It does seem like it constantly just filters out of my being :)

14 August and bit of 15th (7:30 pm)

Had a relaxed evening last night watching 'The girl next door' which was fun.  I was feeling not so great I think it was hayfever so had a pill.  Today again I've felt a little bored and missed NZ a bit.  I spoke with my Doctor to see if I could get a DHA test and then had to explain to him what DHA was again showing how little Doctors know about nutrition and any kind of natural health. Was quite amusing but bad too.  I managed to get some pills online for a good deal.  It does seem like the body converts it to atleast some degree but Vegan experts sometimes recommend a supplement too.  I figure you can't be too careful and do value my own piece of mind

http://www.nuique.com/omega3/
http://veganhealth.org/articles/omega3#dhasup

Here are a couple of links.  One is to get the DHA pills and the other is by Jack Norris who writes about Vegan nutrition, etc.

I met with Karl and Barbara today which was nice.  Great to see them both again and treat them to lunch. 

Meeting with Ric etc tonight which should be nice.  I enjoyed connecting with a few Vegan friends on Facebook today.  I didn't go out for a run as still not feeling 100% after last night.

Again I'm missing NZ and was good to get that feeling supported from a friend back in NZ.  Really want to have a soft drink night again tonight.  I just feel so much better like that. 

Was good to send my latest ebay sales today. I do almost feel a bit lost for stuff to do at points.  Tomorrow will be good to have another day out.  It is all that not feeling an actual connection with being.  My trip is all about seeing people.

I've booked my ticket to Newcastle and feel quite good with the upcoming plans and like I'm doing the best I can with my time here.  It doesn't excite me unbelievably much but I am doing the best I can/ :)