Day Skipper

Aye Aye Captain

Its official......when you have the Clipper 11-12 jacket, as demonstrated by a certain red-head in the photo below ;)






Well...so the Clipper story continues, and this time away from the sea - dry land ahead!! A five day theory based course with 2 exams on the last day. To learn all about the roles of a Day Skipper such as :- safety, chartwork, tides-tidal streams-ocean currents, meteorology, visual aids to navigation, international rules for preventing collisions at sea and much much more!



It sounds easy...but certainly was not!




The day began at 9am and finished about 6pm, time for dinner - do a work out (well, that was my intention to keep up my training for the World Transplant Games in July), then do the homework set and revise! Phew

Here, I am looking all studious and smiley on different days....but the real 'me' was actually a stressed, panicky, fear of not being able to pick up all the information crammed in - in what felt like an extremely intense course. There were various levels of intelligence...hahaha..and mind being least so - just not getting all this chart work marlarky. Like another language and no amount of teaching was going to get through to me. I really wanted to socialise with the rest of the group, but felt I needed to re - read all we were taught after each lesson and keep reading my navigation book and the day skipper book given on the course. Also from going over anything I just didnt understand and keep re-doing until I did. Our teacher was very kind, and I expressed to him how I was struggling and couldnt figure out some of the answers and asked for extra help. I really wanted to do well and almost every night was up to about midnight. On the 4th day, exhausted would be an understatement. My brain was fried and I think I was going into overdrive. One night, I had dinner and my body was so tense - I just couldnt relax and unwind...and silly to say, but was close to tears a few times over this week. Well, I decided to socialise and go out for dinner with the group the night before the exams, and was the best thing I could have done! Change of scenery from being in a classroom or in my room revising and charts all over the floor and books everywhere in a small space. Giggles, yummy foods and fresh air - all helped to ease the little stress head I had made myself become with panic over the intensity of learning a new subject.

However...I did still stay up and revise to midnight, the night before the exams - then absolutely flake out!!

I did try to train one day during the week - along the seafront and go for a run. I was out for maybe 30 mins in the heat and trying to run on the pebbled beach. It was very tough, but, good to get some sea air. Have you ever tried running on pebbles?? I think I started then quickly stopped after like a minute - outa breathe and kicking stones - not ideal..hahaha. I am NOT a runner by no means and can't run continuous anyways due to my lung function. It reminded me of the Bupa Great South Run I did in 2009 - running a few mins, walking a few mins and repeating the whole distance ....but I did do it :)

I felt bad not exercising much as normally I would try do so 5 x week in my various disciplines, and when you stop you loose some of what you have achieved to date. But...I just gave up of trying to train - I needed to get my mind set into this course and put the work in as much as was required for me - to pass!!




And here we have some of the lovelies also doing the Day Skipper course:- from left to right:- Barrie, Lesley, Richard, Pete, Tim & Patrick












The same crew - this time with Vanessa making an appearance. There was also another lady called, Lora - but somehow not in the pic (maybe because she was absorbed into a pint of guiness ;)






So, as I said I was a goody two shoes revising most nights until midnight and had the night before the exams out at a nice Tapas Restaurant. Oh....but, I forgot to mention (or maybe I didn't want to mention)...a homemade lasagna experience cooked by Sam - another chap in Clipper doing his Day Skipper Practical, with Wend (met from Level 1) and others on this course on their yacht one night. I am the Queen lasagna maker - FACT!! No one has ever made a lasagna as good as me - ever!! I enjoyed the banter and sat and ate thinking this is pretty good..even more so, being made with soya mince. Ok..so, Sam.....Lasagana WAR it is! And anyone else..think they can match me - bring it on! I still think I am the best....hahahahahaha.


One of the new yachts for the race - pretty kool - eh!.....and some red head yet again managed to be snap shot into the background. She creeps up everywhere .........

It was lovely also how the weather was stunning and hot and below I am trying on the Clipper 11-12 jacket - not knowing that Rich was actually taking piccies of me before I said to take a photo. But a natural photo - so thought worth posting :)







SOoooooooooooooooooooo...EXAM day! Well, I was at the point, what will be will be and nothing more I can do. I had spoken to my Dad and so very stressed and just thought I can only do my best now. Wend had told me, that you do get a 'Eureka' moment, when it all clicks. That hadn't happened to me at all during the week. Oh well.

Exam 1, general questions based and Exam 2 - the chartwork paper (eek).

Hallelujah.........Eureka...Woohoo moment has hit the Miss J Laymond on day 5 exam day, and things really DID all come together and make sense, and I found that I could do the chartwork even if a slow mo.

And I passed both exams - such a relief - I can't tell you! So a happy me and a happy everyone, as the whole group passed. So, we all had lunch sitting in the sunshine before my drive back, and the rest of the group going onto do their Level 3 practical.

And thats it...for now. About 6 weeks until I'm competing in Sweden with other transplantees and then in July 2 more practical sailing courses...then the race begins.

Stay happy everyone and much love for now...I will end on......

Day 'theory' Skipper Jussie happy happy

OVER

Clipper Level 2 Training

Woohooooooo!!! Ninja Jussie..Queen of the world ;)

Friday 25th Feb

Interesting start to the week ahead as I was coming out in a cold, and really didn't feel well at all. So, was dosing up on cold/flu capsules hoping for a miracle. Driving down to Gosport took forever as a 'Starbucks' pit-stop on the motorway tempted me in (and a cheeky slice of cake). Upon arrival, I still felt poorly and after a little rest, shower...decided just to go out for dinner then sleep. I met up with Nick (from Level 1) and also met Luke and Adrian other chaps part of the Clipper 11-12 and had a lush pub grub then back to the B&B.

Popped some more capsules along with my transplant meds and hoping to wake up feeling better the next day.

Saturday 26th Feb

Today was a course on Radar ...how to read, use the radar machine and so on. Quite technical, but made more sense doing - than actually reading the manual we are sent out before each level's training. I must admit though, each manual does seem like a foreign language and I panic...gulp. But, after doing level 1 and then re-reading the manual again, things did seem easier to understand. I knew that would be the case too - for the week's training on level 2.

So...course now over and time to make my claim for the sleeping quarters on the Clipper 68 foot yacht.....lower bunk past the galley. And an amazing carpet with sails to fall onto in the early hours. Check out the luxury...really back to basics - but you do get used to it - and sharing a floating hotel with up to 20 people. This time, I was sharing with 14 people in total (incl. Skipper, Scott and 1st mate, Flavio).

Also, thankfully my cold was drying out - phew :)

Its a small space to move about and walk all over sails on the floor...balance a must! But, once onboard the yacht you do get used to the living quarters.

I must admit I was quite suprised to learn that no 'watch' system would happen on this level - and that we would get a night's sleep. Level 2 was more technical to learn sailing procedures. Pleasantly quite happy to hear....not going to grumble ;)

Thumbs up all round.

Sunday 27th Feb

Today's sailing started with a hailstone fenzy followed by rain..I actually enjoyed the foul weather. However, I may not be saying that when in gale force winds.....waves crashing over the yacht in rough seas and feeling sick (hopefully not being so). Not sure if you can see the hailstones falling on the deck..?

I was on 'mother' duty today with Nick to cook all meals and refreshments throughout the day/night. Breakfast was bacon and scrambled eggs; lunch was cup-a-soups with rolls/butter; dinner a medley of sausages with mustard mash and onion gravy. And, if I do say so myself was totally yummy! If you can't cook - you soon learn how too. Luckily, I can and I can tell you - you get so hungry and eat so much fuel type foods. In the real world - I would never eat as much as we do onboard, but, it's amazing how energy is used throughout the day. Not like a day in the office - sitting at a desk!

And here is moi, the galley assistance demonstrating how to hold a loaf and bread and juggle onions.....onboard entertainment whilst prepping food for the crew. It's a thrill a minute, to create your own in-house humour cooking for the mass in a tiny space.

Here I am with Stefan and Callum chilling for a quick bit before time to tack. And craziness after the hail storm followed glorious sunshine!!? The evening was a pub end, infact, most nights ended with a pub ending. Lime and soda's did well from me. Although, I rarely drink...but failed on the last night to a lil glass wine..shhhhh....

Monday 28th Feb

Peace out baby!

A long day at sea today and full of drills.....tacks, man overboard, sails (yankee,staysail,mainsail) up/down..reefs in/out (main sail) and repeat repeat! I even had a go on the coffee grinder...geesh that was a shock...quite tough actually and I'm sure I will get some arm muscles like Arnie soon enough. At times, I found some things quite physically demanding on my lungs and know I don't have as much lung function as everyone else onboard. So, also working within my limitations too - but sheer determination to try as much as I can do. On some occassions I needed help (thanks) but otherwise felt like GRRrrrrrrrrr I can and will do it.

If I'm honest, I do get frustrated sometimes that my lungs are not like 100% - but I DO appreciate I am still here, still breathing, and do more than people who are perfectly well. And, it will be a case finding a 'role' suitable for me when part of my team. By the end of the week, that position came clear to me..where I would be better suited. Although, Obviously happy to help in other areas too - just good I'm starting to realise my own strengths/weaknesses doing the training.

Here we all all flaking the main sail...."Awooma Awooma...Away" thanks to Flavio's chant to help us get the main sail sorted.

Hard work today and tiring - but still loved it.



Ollie and I demonstrating red apples cores for the latest fruit at sea...how to look kool. NB: anyone tell me how I ate mine with just my eyes showing? Send answers on a postcard...

Glad when we got to moor in and have a shower. I haven't commented on the fast dry towel that everyone has. On level 1, I brought along a regular towel and this time thought would get a fancy quick dry towel. Hmmm....like drying yourself on wet cardboard......comes to mind.

Tuesday 1st March
I think I never wrote any notes in my journal for today...so brains gone sparko, so here is a photo instead for today. I really like this pic, as to me it captures a tranquil view at sea and why it is simply stunning being here and being part of the Clipper team.

Wednesday 2nd March

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz......wow! Slept like a baby! Exhaustion and physically demands onboard you can't not sleep as the body needs time to unwind. Infact, I sleep better on the yacht than I do at home! But, you should see me in the morning - puffy watery eyes - sunken like a pumkin ;)

A busy hard day at sea, more drills and some great emotions being at an angle of about 40-45 degrees..check out the photos below. We went from East Cowes to Yarmouth today, and guess where the evening took us!?

I really enjoy meeting new people on the training courses, and a great bond is formed and many laughs shared/stories......everybody has their own background why doing Clipper and no1 person is alike.

Things are now starting to make more sense now from Level 1 - and that makes me feel happy.

Scott at the helm and Phil as good as in the sea ;)

Thursday 3rd/Friday 4th March

Both today and Friday was learning about the spinnacle pole/sail up procedures. Quite an amazing thing - seeing a sail as large as a tennis court go up - truly spectacular!

Some dramas along the way.....having the sail go into the sea and then going below deck with a couple other people to take the sail down and fold back away.

Grabbing hold of a wet sail and seeing the whole yacht being swamped with a sail down below. ....geesh. Four of us took on the task to fold the sail back away. I wanted to do this, and was excited at first....then after minutes of constant rolling...my arms ached and the smile disappeared just a tad. And I looked to see how much was left to roll and it seemed like an endless mile..hahaha......like the never ending sail....but good to be part of this mission ;)

Also, a lot to learn and just when you think you have kinda got your head around the other procedures - then this enormous element is thrown in! yikes! Nevermind Man overboard...for me it was/is a case of Mind overboard..lol

Here is:- Phil, Ailsa, Wendy, Shona, and Ollie having a cuppa moment...

And that's almost a wrap...Friday more like a half day as still need deep clean the yacht which takes a few hours. Some grim jobs - but it needs to be done to keep hygiene/cleanliness at a high standard. Then all cleaned up and ready for another pub visit and a hefty pub meal...oh yes please - yum! Oh as to where I think I should be based (as mentioned earlier in my blog) is the snakepit, which I still need to master more. But, that role will be great for me and manageable once A+++ in executing all areas :)

Saturday 5th March

Last day today, based on shore, a Radio course - to which I got 19.5 out of 22 in the exam (like being at school) and now I have a radio licence on it's way........Clipper Clipper Clipper this is Jussie Jussie Jussie..Over.

Sad to say goodbye to everyone...like the same feeling I had after level 1 - but know that whether on my leg/see at ports...friends made for life.

And that's a wrap.......from Janine..Rebecca..Brenda...Doris..!!??? Confused....well wait for next blog installment and I reveal all my 'alter ego's'............apparently ;)

Happy smiles - out xx

The Clipper Adventure Begins....

Before I start with Clipper - not sure if I informed you all of being selected to represent the UK as Team GB at this year's World Transplant Games (in June,Sweden)? Well....thats more blog news inbetween this news.......exciting times ahead :)

So....how did this Clipper 11-12 Round the World Yacht Race come about? Last year, I applied to an advert, and emailed Steve Wigmore (Professor of Transplantation Surgery) who was looking to get a team of transplantees to be part of the Clipper 11-12. I flew to Edinburgh for the initial meeting/interview and to meet David Cusworth (Clipper Recruitment Manager ) and get what felt like a grilling by others. But, never the shy me - went in all smiles and just gave it my best shot. A once in a lifetime opportunity, and I wasn't going to walk away with a 'No...sorry....your not suitable'.

So to the present day - here I am about to embark on my first level's training and feeling all smiley and nervous and like 'WoW..reality it's happening now'. It all fell together at the very last minute and for a while I thought it wouldn't happen due to sponsorship and over Christmas felt very down for this reason. I knew I needed a miracle - and I got it :)

Here I am at the London Boat Show whereby I got to meet the amazing, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Sir Robin is the founder and Chairman of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

I am the first ever double-lung transplantee to be involved in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, both making and creating history - yipes.

I am going to do the last leg (8) which sails from Usa, Canada, Europe, Ireland and back to the UK. This involves,
4,000 miles, 22 days at sea, with 4 races in total. But, I need to complete all my training this year before the race starts.

Friday 21st Jan

A long happy musical drive down to Gosport after saying goodbye to my parents. Not really sure what I have let myself into and full of nerves and excitement. I arrive early evening at a local B&B and a quick walk which leads me to a local pub for dinner. Time to snooze - ready for the adventure.....

Saturday 22nd

Up nice and early - cooked breaky in my tum tum and away I go to find the Clipper offices and marina. Well...lots of bags with clothing, sleeping bags and a crammed office full of people feeling all sorts of emotions like me rock up for the unknown.

There were about 20 of us and the first day was to learn about yacht 1st aid survival, safety and basic sea survival (more would be covered on this on last day). Info overload, but necessary! Then we were split into 2 groups and away we went onto a 60 foot Clipper training yacht and time to live it up onboard with 11 people. We were all going to be trained by Olly (Skipper) and Rich (1st mate).

A quick tour - bed claim and 1st meal with chatting and getting to know each other. My initial reaction was what a great bunch of people and little did I know how much we would bond by the end of the week. I also met, Nick another transplantee (kidney) and great to have a connection as its not easy for people to understand how close to death we both were - to suddenly still be alive and able to fulfil what were once mainly dreams.
















Here I am with Level 1 training crew:- Dan, Tim. Nick, Wendy, Dmitri, me, Jim, Steve, Pauli, Cath and James. All smiles and ready to test our mini space bunk style beds/sleeping bags after a dinner of roast chicken/salad/bread.

Bring it on Clipper Big Brother ;)






Sunday 23rd

Quite a learning curve having a tour outside the yatch and learning about all the sails...then as easy as 1,2,3 - out to sea!!

We were split into two watches - Baywatch and Crimewatch...I ended up in Baywatch (no red swimsuit though) and had competitions to see which watch could tack the fastest moving sails back and forth with wind changes. Some people already had sailing experience and for me it was completely from scratch. I did feel very overwhelmed with the amount of information, technical names etc to learn and just did as best as I could.

Today was a tough day for me and by the end I felt physically exhausted. The highlight for me, was when the yacht was on an angle and I sat with the team on the high side with my feet over the edge looking at the view in the distance. I felt quite emotional and it just hits me unexpectedly realising how lucky I am to still be alive to witness this beauty. I could have cried happy tears - but difficult to explain...so just I smiled to myself and drank a cuppa (it's a hard life - eh) x

Can you guess whose feet - Clipper training crew ;)

Ahhhhh..what a cuppa :)








Monday 24th

Living life on a yacht strips away all glamour and it is a case of back to basics. No bath/shower..no makeup...no fancy clothes...no privacy...and toilets (heads). Wet wipes as a shower and suitable clothing was the glamour!

I actually enjoyed this part - even though I do like to pamper and feel good..but a good experience for me to be 'au natural'. At the end of the day - it will be about winning a race and having an amazing experience and thats why I'm here. Anything else can wait! However.....I would be lying to say when arriving at various marina's and having the opportunity to shower, was like O.M.G Lush!!!! :)

When you get to see views like this - it makes it all worthwhile. I'm not saying sailing is easy...it's not......you have to put the hard graft in to reap the rewards.

Today, we sailed from Gosport to Yarmouth in the Isle of Wight and again learnt so much to do with sails, rope knots, wind techniques and so on. Still loving my experience and eventually all end up in a local pub. Many pub games were played led by Tim (supposedly drinking games) and a great social and more bonding with us as a team. A giggly and fun evening and all I will say now is

ZOOM
ZOOM (us Clipper crew will know what I mean) :) xx

Tuesday 25th

Woohoooooo!!! Look at me here hanging over the edge of the yacht trying to get above the spinnacle pole. Actually, I was petrified even though harnessed and my ever fear of heights. But, I thought what the hell I will try what I can. I never got to sit on the pole...nevertheless, it was still an achievement for me.
And felt very shakey and breathless upon returning.

Part of the team's duties is not only to be split into 'watch' groups whereby you work on a shift basis hours on (to look after sailing)/hours off (whereby when not sailing - you sleep). There are also, 'mother' and 'engineer' roles. The mother role is responsible to feed the crew with breakfast, lunch, and dinner and with copious amounts of tea+coffee!! The engineer role to check engine before sailing and other bits.

Today was my mother day with Pauli whilst actually sailing at sea! So breakfast...nice and easy, a display of various cereals/fruit. Then for lunch I buttered about 20 rolls and Pauli filled with turkey,brie, and cranberry. Dinner....hmmm, pasta and red pesto..however I wasn't a very good Mummy.....was down in the galley (kitchen) and the waves were having a little rocky motion. I started to feel a bit queasy..so it was like...get lifejacket on...get back into the cockpit and hope I'm not another victim of the sea sickness lurgy.

Thankfully a sea sickness tablet soon rectified that - I just felt for those who actually were sick and a couple of people felt rough for quite a while. Ok, so maybe a mini 'low' but left Pauli to cook by himself - sorry for my blunder.

The sail we were doing was to get to Brighton - a 12 hour sail turned into a 24 hour sail. And the watch system started after dinner - with 3 hrs on/3 hrs off. Baywatch started and after 3 hours, I tried to sleep - no such luck. Back on deck..barely able to keep my eyes open. All sorts of jokes, games, stories were told - probably best not repeated on here..whats stay on the yacht - stays there and the wind blows into the sea ;). That must have worked as 2 hours passed and I thought only 1 more hour! Then back to sleep for 3 hours - dont think I really slept doing this and quite hard task doing so. However, it is all about setting us up for how things will be and what to expect, and the body will adjust and I will sleep when have the chance..that I know.

Wednesday 26th

Still on the watch system through the night and daytime until we arrived at Brighton about 2pm. This was a real flavour as to what it would be like on a watch rota. I sat in the cockpit dozing and finding it hard to keep awake. I almost felt defeated - but tried to keep my eyes open. This is the reality of it and mustered on I did.

I reckon this must have been the hardest challenge - the mental aspect to keep strong and focused..regardless of all the physical labour to maintain a yacht at sea.

Needless to say...I was happy when Brighton was in view and a shower was on the horizon..lol

The evening was spent off shore at a local pub......funny this sailing lark seems quite fun now ;)





NB: This photo is not from today - we certainly didnt look this fresh and bouncy sailing through the night....just, I thought it was a nice photo ...Tadaaa...Jazz hands...(me, Jim, James).




Thursday 27th

WOOOOOoooeeeee I slept like a trouper last night, exhaustion won me and sleep I did! Rock n Roll baby!!






Check me out at the helm ;)

Here I am with Cath, Tim, Dan, and at the front James...don't know why they are smiling...wasn't exactely a good driver ;)

Today's adventure was to go from Brighton back to Cowes and at sea for approx 8 hours. Urm....and have you ever tried having a wee whilst onboard a rocky yacht.....LOL......don't ask!!!

But, Ohhhhhhhhhh, one of the heads got blocked...ewww. And you really should have been a fly on the wall - all the toilet humour thereafter..best not repeated here. But many laughs from this and even when Tim and Dmitri bravely tried to unblock the heads when back at Cowes Marina.

I totally loved today - such an amazing feeling being at sea.

The evening was another night out - a need for team morale, ok any excuse to get to a pub!


Friday 28th

Check this view out - makes the experience ever more enjoyable and rewarding regardless of hard work and lack of sleep. Simply Stunning!

















And for the latest sexy fashion wear - we have our top models from left to right:- me, Wend and Pauli





Last day at sea and time to get back to Gosport for a deep clean taking a few hours inside and out of the yacht. Team work still needed here to take on this huge challenge. But, we did and had time to shower, check out a Clipper 68 foot yacht that we would actually be racing in. Then you guessed it - PUB!! And, no I'm not an alcoholic - but J2o's did make good business from me over this week.

Saturday 29th

I was kinda feeling sad as today was the last day and such a great bond made with amazing people that I have met this week. Already on Facebook, Twitter, email, and number exchanges - whether we cross paths again on more courses or during actual race, definitely fabulous friends for life.






Featured here:- me, Olly (Skipper), Nick, James, and Wend

Well, before I get too soppy - let me finally talk about the sea survival day course. Phew this was a learning curve - firstly how not to swim to safety and how to correctly swim to safety. I was quite anxious stepping off the pool side and falling into deep water with a fully inflated life jacket on. But, it's amazing how quick you return to the surface of the water and remembering to cover airways and keep body warm. Trying then to swim on our backs using arms only to get to the life-raft and get in - like a mound of bodies being thrown in helplessly. Everything needs to be done correctly as it has been known for people to still drown whilst entering face first into a life-raft if a pool of water inside. This was repeated twice whilst buckets of water where being thrown over us...quite scary and I hope this never happens! As cold water - shock - and actually swimming/getting into a life-raft all a mission. But, I'm definitely glad learnt this!!

And that's it!

Sunday 30th

Woke up feeling still drained and a little swaying. Breakfast....then homeward bound. All excited and ready for Level 2 starting 26th Feb. but, in the meantime I still have to train for the World Transplant Games inbetween all Clipper courses and revise everything I've learnt. Also, to be a genius at mastering the various marine knots required onboard a yacht. And the bruises that I have been left with - all part of the experience - thankyou Clipper!! xx

Canada 2010

The long awaited blog from my trip of a life-time to Canada from October last year, which I started writing in Nov'10. I have been so busy since returning and finally...here it is..happy reading :)








Wednesday 20th

Well this is it!! YippY!! The day I will be flying to Canada :) Last night, was almost impossible to sleep and maybe got a couple hours if that. It was hard saying goodbye to my parents and didn't want to cry, guess they also felt the same. Something, I have yearned to do and concerned about the long flight and how my lungs would cope for this duration. My fear of my lungs collapsing or picking up infection in the plane and getting sick again. However, as my taxi waited - I just hugged my Mum & Dad goodbye and said "behave" to lighten the atmosphere. So, in the taxi and away I go...

I arrived at Heathrow airport with all mixture of emotions, like 'OMG......reality says later today I will be in Toronto, gulp'. But, nothing runs smoothly in reality. My flight was delayed and I was finding it hard to stay awake and relying on coffee's to keep me going. Coffee literally to keep me upright! I was at the airport for 7 hours before we were told, time to board.

However, for the first time in 12 years the pilot informed all of us, that the front tug to remove the wheel on the airplane wasn't able to be released!!?? So, manually a handful of men were trying to elevate this away and another hour I spent cooped up inside the plane!

Argghhhhhhhhh!!! My nerves at this point were all over the place, I just wanted the plane to go and feel that finally I'm on my way to Canada. Waiting for hours and feeling like a zombie and anxious as ever.

"We are ready for take off"...................................... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (pilot announces)

Up up and away...WOW...in the clouds and here I go, gobsmocked, speechless, emotionally overwhelmed, excited.......it's going to happen.....please lungs keep me going until I get there. I was going to arrive early evening, but, now it will be about 11pm and I knew when meeting Sandra, instead of being bubbly I would be a ball of exhaustion. Sandra is a lovely lady, that I have been speaking with over the years via an USA Website-click here for link . The website was set up by, Nelson Freytes for transplantees all over the world and has been a great source of support/networking for me across the globe.

Finally, the plane landed and I met Sandra, and as I expected I could barely string 2 words together..but was greeted with 'Tim Hortons' doughnuts and crashed out at a hotel that night in Toronto.

Goodnight Canada....I'm so excited, but, will look forward to greeting you properly and speaking to my friend properly when I awake...watch out!!!! xx

Thursday 21st
Is this really happening? I am awake in Canada...WOW....early morning and on form to finally have a proper chat with Sandra over breakfast. Today, we discussed plans for the day & night and all systems were a go - go!! First stop going to the CN Tower and taking a lift to the top. However, probably wasn't a good idea going into a lift facing the outside all glass surrounds...saying "I'm scared of heights" think I went blue..hahaha..but was amazing once there. Beautiful views of Toronto city and I even tried walking on the glass floor - where you can look down thousands of feet through your feet!!

It's quite bizarre how media follows me or I get into the media...by which I mean after reaching the bottom of the CN Tower..upon leaving Sandra saw a film crew and a famous TV Breakfast Presenter was there called, Frank Ferragine. So....Jussie did her magic too and got talking to Frank and the camera man, and here is the proof :)

Here I am inside Toronto's famous Art Gallery of Ontario - taking an abstract form - always the artist ;)

I was informed before leaving the UK, that Sandra had a suprise for me......what!!??? It was driving me crazy,hahahahaa.......and that night we arrived outside a theatre, to which my suprise, was to see a show called, 'Wicked'. A truly fantastic show and a great way to end day one :)

After the show, it was time to get back to Muskoka for a couple nights, and experiencing my first snowfall in Canada - a snow blizzard that Sandra unfortunatley had to drive through. But once in Muskoka no snow whatsoever! We arrived at Sandra and Al's home 1.30am and definitely ready to flake.

Friday 22nd

Good morning! I'm ready for more adventures and us girlies went into Gravesend, a lovely scenic part for lunch and lots of photograph opportunities.
What I have noticed is that shopping is nothing like in the UK, whereby our shops are next to each other and for many streets. Here, shops seem to be in a block of maybe 5 shops (always very large stores), then you need drive another long distance to get to another block of for example 5 stores. It is not possible to walk and a car is definitely needed!

The evening was a last minute decision to go to a casino and watch a show. Ooooh how exciting, I have only ever been to a Casino once before (student days) and thought would gamble $20 dollars only. Haha, big spender!! Upon arrival, I was asked for ID, how old was I and the security didnt believe me at first. Guess I was flattered :)

Once inside, I decided to have a wonder in a gift shop, and Sandra met her other friends joining us for the night and telling them about my ID incident. No sooner was Sandra informing them, I came back and got stopped by another security asking for ID! What!! I couldn't believe it, staff there thinking I was like 18 or 21...but I'm like late 30's..LOL. Drama over, and time to watch the performance of a French Canadian singer from Montreal called, Roch Voisine.

Roch Voisine ..... hello handsome...drool, oh, yes - good music too!!

Saturday 23rd

Today was a day I was very much looking forward to, to meet a few people I have been chatting with via the internet/emails. A lovely lady, called Bree who also had a double-lung transplant, and a couple of ladies with LAM disease, Kelly and Beryl. A lot of work has gone into getting all of us to meet and where, time etc and fabulous that reality was about to happen later today.

We all met at a very quaint little restaurant for yummy foods, chat, laughter, and talking heaps. truly wonderful that this happened. After, the meal there was another event to celebrate 'Thanks Giving' with other Canadian transplantees. More food and laughter, chats, and making new friends. Many people have been an inspiration for me - for being years post transplant, and it turned out I was an inspiration for these people, so relatively new with their transplants. I am only 4 years in, but I remember when I had my transplant I met someone also 4 years post, and was like 'wow'. At one point we all sat down in a circle and went round saying a little bit about us/our journeys. Everyone has a different story to tell and it is amazing and truly wonderful to hear how organ donation DOES change lives!





Here we all are - all alive thanks to the gift of life!








That evening, Beryl offered to let Sandra and I stay over at her house, what lovely hospitality and very much appreciated too! Then to wake up to breakfast cereal, followed by tasty scrambled eggs. Then back onto the road for my next pit-stop.....





Got to get in a Tim Hortons photo, their equilavent of our Starbucks!














Sunday 24th
Time to change over and meet Sharon (and her husband Steve) to go onto Niagara Falls - Yippy!!!!! Sharon and I used to run at a weekly ladies running group in the UK, then Sharon imigrated back to Canada. Such a shame to say goodbye to Sandra ,but, we had already discussed perhaps meeting up again before I return to the UK.

So..part 2 of my journey begins and a drive to one of the wonders of the world! Everywhere is a long drive, so sit back and lets go adventure trailing.

Great chat and giggles getting there catching up on all our news, and finally arriving at the most highlighted part of my trip. I first went up into the Skydome to overlook Niagara Falls and yes, take lots of photos. Simply amazing and awe inspiring, words perhaps won't do this feature any justice and photos merely demonstrate the beauty being here. Next, we all walked along the Falls and took a boat ride called, Maid of the Mist. Then we were told, it was the last boat trip into the Falls of the season and the last but one going out!! Wow, how lucky were we all, going and seeing this and dressing up in sexy blue raincoats ;)

I must admit I wasnt sure whether I wanted to go on the boat, and Sharon convinced me that it would be a great experience. I am so grateful I listened, as I was blown away not only from getting soaked, but, by actually going under the Falls. WOWie!!! Again words/photos could never really explain how emotionally amazing and breathtaking it was. At times, I was overwhelmed and delighted that my donor was allowing me to breathe and happy to be here.

How could I not get a photo of me with the Hershey's Choccie feature.

Here are some more photos, which I hope you all enjoy and try to imagine how incredable Niagara Falls really was.















The evening, was a trip to cross the border, with a stop at customs, then into the USA to eat/shop that night, and stay at a hotel. It was a very late night by the time we all had eaten and shopped at Wallmart's.


Monday 25th
The next day we shopped at the Niagara Falls Outlet...a girl needs and must shop!! It was quite nice to be in USA for the day before crossing back again into Canada. I had fun looking at all the designer stores at a ridiculous reduced price compared to Canada and the UK. After a few hours checking out the stores I ended up treating myself to the latest running NIKE trainers, a jumper and one of those stylish 101 ways to wear a garment from DKNY. Yum Yum clothes and shoes = one happy Jussie :)

Now back across the border to Stirling to Sharon and Steve's home out in the lovely piece and quiet. Goodnight world xx


Tuesday 26th
Feeling refreshed for a new day filled with horseriding and badminton ...oh what fun fun!















Here we all are ready to go horseriding with Sharon, Steve, Lisa and I. Then I played some locals at their weekly badminton doubles games in the evening, and won 2 games out of 4. I couldnt carry on after that as was simply exhausted and a lil breathless after all that competing.

Wednesday 27th

Quad biking four wheeling few a few hours of fun today , thru paddles, rocks, woods, hills, bumps











Woohoooooooo!!!! There was no stopping me - I totally loved this, and if I the had opportunity to do this here in the UK...I would be first in line! Adrenalin driving fast (but still had to stick within speed zones) and racing through massive muddy puddles - such a wild kid at heart.

Then back in the evening for Sharon's casserole - yum! Then over to Lisa to meet her hubby, Phillip + kids. The evening was rounded up with an evening walk with Sharon with such wonderful views and memories hard to forget.


Thursday 28th
Question: How much shopping can a girl do in one day? Answer: When her feet hurt from walking ;) and you thought I was going to say, when the money runs out (and that too).

Well, today was a busy day shopping and visiting The Mohawk Territory (The Indian Reserve), Belleville and also designing T-shirts (never any rest for an artist). A real mixed bag type of day too - experiencing another culture in The Indian Reserve and trying on some traditional clothing whilst there. I was also amazed by their drive through 'smoke' shops and like driving through to get a MacDonald's burger. Not that I eat MacD's, but so you get jist - I couldn't get my head around this concept, very bizarre!

Next stop to Belleville, for shops and yummy food pit stop, whereby I indulged in a peanut butter stack cake. WoW...sugar levels through the roof, even for sweet tooth me, I just couldn't handle it!! Haha officially a cake drop-out...after a few more mouthsfuls - I called it quits! Nice, but just way too rich for me.

Whilst out, Lisa bought some blank orange T-shirts for her children for Halloween and asked me if I could design a logo/design on them. How could I say no :)

So with a felt tip marker I drew on some jack-o-lanterns and "BOO" on both backs of the t-shirts. Naturally, I signed my name at the bottom of the orange fabric..hahaha...and I was happy to do so and enjoyed doing this.

So...now for the evening and onto meet a lovely lady named, Micky a cancer survivor. So, inspiring for me to meet and hear other people's journey with health issues. But, I felt so tired and sleepy, maybe even exhausted too from such a busy day. So, the normally bouncy, chatty Jussie turned into a little quiet curled up ball.

During my time in Canada, I have met many wonderful people and sorry if I'm not mentioning everyone, as names may seem meanliness to you. But, for me an important part of my memory, and guess its plenty enough to know I met great lovlies during my vacation.

Goodnight time ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzz

Friday 29th
BANG! BANG! Jussie's shooting!!! But, first another trip to Belleville and shops...hold up, thats no longer interesting....lets get firing Miss Jussie.

Amazing experience and not something I would be able to do in the UK or even have contemplated of even doing. Steve organised this for me and a variety of guns were brought out, bullets, target point, ear-protectors.















The guns were - .357 ruger magnum revolver, shot gun, .22 semi automatic gun and a .22 rifle

Lara Croft and any kind of superhero/women - watch out Jussie the Terminator is on the war path!!!! I was actually scared to use one of the guns due the large force of the pull back and let the experts do this part whilst I watched. The smoke as you can see after the bullet is quite intense and yes...its a loud Bang! This was quite an exhilerating experience - and added to all the rollercoaster of a ride whilst staying in Stirling (Ontario).

In the evening was Phillip's Birthday and we were all invited around for cake :) Another top day and with that time to sleep.

Saturday 30th
Busy day - off to check out Pickering market - to say it was massive, would be an understatement! An indoor market in large warehouses joined together. I have been searching for a Canadian sports top, as I like the style/logos and finally got a great bargain on a bright blue and white T-shirt (for the Maple Leaf Team).

Back at the house and time to get all spooked up, and with a quick turnaround to get ready. Hey check me and the ghouls out ;)

Time to celebrate Halloweeeennnnnnnn!!!!!! The Canadians love their Halloween and it was great to enjoy in the festivities here.

What an amazing house party and fab fancy dress outfits by all who attended. Great Halloween foods - and spooky games played. Even an outdoor quiz and clue games rewarded with chocolate at the end. Over and out for now.......to be continued....

Sunday 31st
A day to chill before going to dinner for a roast meal and all the trimmings, quite yummy indeed. Then for me to house sit giving out candy and crisps to Canadian kids - whilst everyone else went out trick or treating. It was too cold for me, hence happy to give treats out, so many kids approached the door...I daren't say trick...lol. I wasn't guna allow any tricks, and judging by the kids goody bags full to brim - not many neighbours must have done either ;)
Short and sweet entry and a nice breather to carry on into the new next day. What will it bring......

Monday 1st November
All packed up, and time to say farewell to Sharon and Steve, an amazing time and great hospitality for full action packed, fun and chilling out time in their area. Going back to Toronto today for my last few days - to see more of the city before back to home sweet home. I was meeting up with Sandra again for more adventures and last minute eats, and more tours of Toronto.

And, here we go - first stop to catch a ferry to Ward Island - and WOW - amazing views as the ferry left Toronto and all the high rise buildings could be viewed from a distance. Like a postcard snap shot. Quite a blissful day too - slight chill, but the sun shone for me to get some awesome photos! Happy days :)













Then back off the ferry, and time to check out 'The Eaton Centre' a huge shopping complex on many levels. Great architecture on the inside too...I surely could get lost here - shopping and indulging on apples coated in choc,candy,toffee and anything and eveything and sprinkled with all sort of heavenly toppings...MMMmmmm....drool factor!

No rest for the wicked, and now onto dinner 'Green Jeans' for a full on Canadian meal feeling full to the brim - now time to go to the cinema. Still with me? hahaha....

'Hereafter' movie with Matt Damon, which sadly I didnt rate at all and infact thought it was rubbish. A little cheeky episode happened after and somehow ended up watching another movie 'A Funny Story' but left 1/4 way through as quite late, and I was simply exhausted from a long day.


Tuesday 2nd
Today was a busy day visiting the 'Hockey Hall of Fame' followed by lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe for the ultimate burger :)


Here Sandra and I are wearing 'Donate Life' jumpers designed by Holly Werlein who is also actively promoting organ donation/awareness in her country. Holly has a facebook link to advertise the clothing range which is available to purchase click on this link Holdols Transplant Wear

The evening agenda was to devine a heavenly ultimate dessert to the Eaten Centre again at 'Green Jeans'

Calling out all fork lift trucks please - I can't move...require removing from the building - stomach overload!


Wednesday 3rd
Last day In Toronto before returning to the airport - for homeward bound. Aww, I feel quite sad but also I have a feeling of soon I will be home, back to reality and for life to resume where it left off.
Sandra made sure that it was still full on and spent my remaining hours meeting one of her friend's, Karyn who is waiting for a liver transplant. We spent a couple of hours at her home chatting and exchanging stories and I hope Karyn gets her life-saving gift soon.

Then final stop was to meet Sandra's parents and they were truly lovely people. And thats it! OMGosh........next stop the airport :(

When Sandra dropped me off I was actually quite emotional and didn't want to cry. A holiday of a lifetime about to finish. How my lungs were still breathing and no lung collapses, and I did it!!! I am still alive to tell the tale...just got to get home safely..lol

I knew for the return flight it may be worth to try and upgrade if seats available to the next level - not like business class/first as out of my league and had little funds left. I did try enquire on the phone system and it was too much money even for basic upgrade...but worth one more shot checking in. I was greeted by a lovely lady and I was the first to check in. I was still very emotional and the lady may have thought I was mad......as suddenly I got on one. For those who don't know me I just started babbling away and probably didnt stop talking. The helpless look on the lady's face - but nevertheless I just continued saying things like "Wow...love Canada..1st time here..amazing..nearly cried whilst at Niagara Falls..breathtaking.....then briefly said I thought I would never make it from having an illness/transplant......blah blah..back to Wow...Omg...sad to be going home" I'm sure you get the gist...hahaha.

Then the lady said what happened to you - do you mind I ask..so said all I've endured...15 lung collapses, surviving weeks in a coma, having a double-lung transplant..this being a dream trip that never knew if ever would become a reality and I was pretty teary eyed by this time. So emotional..such a mess...lol

I had already paid my last monies left for a mini upgrade - yay! and as I walked away with my new ticket, the lady said, "I have upgraded you again to business class...now go away before you make me cry" I was gobsmacked and thanked her profusely and walked away in shock and couple tears running down my face...... This happens in films - not real life!

I then proceeded to the business class lounge with free food, booze (shame not an alcholic..was help your self), fresh buffet foods, hot meals, snacks, cold foods, any soft drink, infact was like a mini supermarket - and all FREE!! Then free laptops to use with wi-fi, luxury armchairs, the most biggest blingest chandelier I've ever seen. Free newspapers/magazines....I was amazed at how fantastic this really was, and something I could never ever pay anyways in my lifetime. I wanted to ask a posh looking lady and some business man to pinch me (thankfully I didn't). I just ate, smiled, sat in awe until we were called down for boarding.

Boy oh boy.......here was me walking into business class with a bed and first class service WOW! What an amazing end to a simply breathtaking holiday........I could also have had a full cooked brekkie, shower, beauty treatments once landed in the UK...and hope my collection from the airport would be late. No chance...hahaha..I land...phone rings.."I'm here" typical!!

The flight also included a free Elemis overnight beauty kit - amazing choice of food with a menu, and also fed, taken my pills..recline time to sleep for the overnight flight.....

And now here I am dazed, tired, confused I'm back with my parents for an overnight pit-stop before I return to my base.

Thursday 4th

Back in my home....unpacking...washing...uploading photos...reminiscing..still in awe.....WoW WoW WoW and all thanks to my donor who lost his battle, but signed to be an Organ Donor. This wonderful act - saved my life and gave me this opportunity. I love my second chance to still be here, I loved my holiday! Thankyou to all who made it happen, my parents, friends and new friends made for life - your kindness and hospitality will remain close to my heart and I appreciate everything you've done for me.

Until the next blog installement..watch this space.... xx