Mumbai Marathon dominates all thought....

Our almost month long vacation is over - we leave on Sunday to get home. It will be a straight slip into real life, quite a switch from the real vacation we have had. I have not had to make any decisions lately - the worst of them had a straight 'yes' answer.....like, yes, please, I would love that awesome southeastern australian merlot! Yes, rocky landing likely but it will be good to see home and my people/plants. Have lots of resolutions this year from home building to health building - if 25% happens, I will be better off at the end of the year.

Mumbai Marathon - here I come. My loyal readers and forced readers, please do pledge to my effort. The funds will go to Dream A Dream - my pet NGO and employer. I have donated as well, so this is not a 'employer mandated' event.

We are now just a week away and I am woefully short of my goal - only 25%. With the financial downturn hitting harder in the months to come, I am sure Dream A Dream will feel it. We have come too far to let something as small as this downturn affect us - yes, you scoffing corporate types - the problem we have set out to solve is equal to a 1000 downturns and the surety that my cause will probably outlive me. So please do give - Rs. 100 is not much for anyone (but do not limit yourself to that number!).....we will take a 100 in other currencies as well! :-D

New Zealand rocks with its beauty and options. We were lazing around in a beach today where there were people able to teach you to windsurf, kayak.....you name it in the water and it could be done. Water cycling, water scooters......but what got me most of all was the confidence in the kids' eyes. They are able to laugh without shadows and try for fun and keep at it, no inhibitions.

Oh for the day that all the children in India can do that - not just our 'privileged' kids who get exposure, education and most importantly, a childhood!