blads blog

I'm just putting in some last minutes changes to documents in readiness for tomorrow's start to the 2011 BDA / James Hardie National Conference .  This year's conference features presentations from Lynn Allen , Autodesk Technical Evangelist (sponsored by IMAGINiT Technologies), Mark Kiker , AUGI Executive Director and UK Sustainable Architect and AUGI member, Elrond Burrell  and a plethora of other great presenters… See you in the Barossa Valley!!!

Wow, what can I say…. it was certainly a hectic day yesterday at times, being the "local paparazzi" at the two Adelaide Autodesk 2011 Product Launch's.  The morning session, where Lynn Allen gave her presentation was hosted by KarelCAD at the Adelaide Crows Training Facility at AAMI Stadium, West Lakes.  Great job Shane, Craig & the guys… No sooner than Lynn's session was over, we were travelling to North Adelaide for IMAGINiT's hosted launch at North Adelaide.  Thankfully, both were a great success, great job Phillip, Michael & the IMAGINiT team.

When Lynn Allen last "toured" Australia, she visited me in hospital and the positive vibes that visit provided was truly amazing… for that, when Lynn mentioned that she wanted a brief break from her hectic busy speaking/travelling schedule whilst promoting the Autodesk 2011 Product Launch around Australia & New Zealand, I was only happy to show her a small sample the best of what South Australia wines have to offer… We started in the Adelaide Hills Wine region and yesterday toured the Barossa Valley and along the coast of suburban Adelaide, where Lynn finally got to "meet" Jedi, our "baby". I now looking forward to Lynn's presentation on Wednesday April 21 - if you're in Adelaide be sure to attend the Autodesk 2011 Product Launch (or April 20 in Perth or April 22 in Melbourne).

Lynn Allen rocks Adelaide AND coincidentally an "earthquake / tremor" measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale has shaken my home town, Adelaide last Friday night. WOW, I can finally say "Lynn Allen has rocked my World…." Adjacent is a photo of Lynn enjoying the pleasures of Nepenthe Wines located in the Adelaide Hills with my partner, Karen & myself. For those of you in the AEC & Manufacturing industries, you can see & hear Lynn Allen at the Autodesk 2011 National Product launch to be held Wednesday, 21st March 2010 hosted by KarelCAD & IMAGINiT .

Wow, its been 3 months to the day since lobbing in hospital with severe cellulitus and subsequent finding out about my diabetes and high blood pressure. At the beginning of this year I was approx 150 kgs (330 pounds) give or take a few kilos... never really knew for sure... I decided then it was time to shed some weight. Landing in hospital in May, I was down to 137.5 kg (300 pounds) but unfortunately I had a raging infection in my leg, blood sugar levels exceeding 15 mmol/l (270 mg/dl) and a blood pressure of 198/116. A few days later after a fasting blood test, blood sugars were taken as 10.6 mmol/l (approx 190 mg/dl) and BP had dropped to about 160/110. Now 3 months later, I'm weighing at 121.6kg (268 pounds) with still a ways to go... ideally around 90kg (198 pounds) will probably look the best even though that is still considered overweight for my height/age.. so we'll just have to wait n' see. My average daily blood glucose reading is about 6-ish (approx 100)...

Well to date May exacty hasn't been a great 'month'. It sorta started off well with me in Brisbane, finishing off the BDA's Eco-Smart training the day before, unfortunately things had deteriorated during the night... my left leg was severvely swollen and it'd looked like I had dipped my leg in red food colouring... for the first time in my life I wasn't looking forward to flying but I made it home where my darling MBH organized an after hours doctor to visit who immediately sent me packing to the emergency department of the hospital. OK Sat May 2 arrives with me having brekkie in the emergency dept whilst waiting to be delivered to my room for the next ??? days After spending a few days here, with the wonderful doctors lancing my 'postules' on my leg, the pain helped partially by the meds a surprise visitor appeared... and man what a spirit-lifter :) Whilst I was trying to type up some minutes, who should appear near the end of my bed... none other than ...

The first AUGI BoD meeting for 2007 is now over & wow! we've got our work cut out for us this year...Saturday night was capped off with a superb sumptuous dinner @ Chez Lynn's place served by "waiter" Conner. Without doubt, that was The BEST steak I have ever had... great job Craig!I had brought over for Lynn a cute Aussie Koala... but Lynn's dog, Tiffany had other ideas... she quickly claimed the Koala as her own - it was hilarious to watch!