Unlike Dorothy and Kansas, home has been many flats and apartments over the years, as the thought of buying a house, being tied down, and owing such a large amount of money to the bank was enough to send my inner “Scrooge” running to the metaphorical hills.

However, recently this has changed as my partner and I have gained permanent residency in the UK, and with this we have both felt an overwhelming desire to have four walls to paint, decorate, and call our own as well as being faced with the economic reality of paying someone else’s mortgage for the last 10 years but owning no capital to show for it. I’m sure there’s material here for a Tui billboard...

A Quick Update on the Riga Half Marathon 15 May 2016

We’re looking forward to our third run on Saturday 23 January - this time along the Thames from London Bridge to Surrey Quays. As always, there will be 5 and 10 km options and the route is paved so you don't have to worry about slippy, muddy paths.

Looking ahead to the Riga half marathon on Sunday 15 May, could you please let Kris know by 29 January whether you are interested in participating so we can get an idea of numbers and book accommodation. The current plan is to fly out on Saturday 14 May as the half marathon starts at 0830 on Sunday 15 May (the same time as the full marathon.) Entry fees are 24 Euro - please register individually.

Every two months a bunch of 20 or so Network members get together to enjoy an informal, relaxed Kiwi style brunch, good coffee....and Book Club! – But not just any book club, we chew our way through development minded books which lead to laughs, honest sharing and some very lively discussions.

In December our book was The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steven Peters (full title -The Chimp Paradox, the Acclaimed Mind Management Programme to help you achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness). For a book on the brain it is refreshingly free of jargon and the Professor uses everyday language and examples to describe his approach which will help you:

• Recognise how your mind is working
• Understand and manage your emotions and thoughts
• Manage yourself and become the person you would like to be

Have a look online for more detail: