I do believe Marsellus Wallace, my husband, your boss, told you to take ME out and do WHATEVER I WANTED. Now I wanna dance, I wanna win. I want that trophy, so dance good.
On my reccommendation do not volunteer to be designated driver at a family wedding. What may seem a dignified event is sure to turn into mayhem. Whips and all.
Arrival time: 1300... met with drinks, overlooking the beautiful beach at Port Elliot. Lovely ceremony to join Jon and Dayle in marriage. 1315: downward spiral. But as Tristan said (slurred) at about 1700... 'at least we are on some sort of spiral'. 1500: whip cracking on road 1600: whip cracking in Elliot Hotel beer garden generously pruning the bushes and trees. 1700: Mum, Krystal and Rhianna dancing to lebanese music in her jeep 1800: more whip cracking, Dad receives nasty whip mark on chest thanks to Tristan 1800: Tristan serenades the crowds 1900: Move inside away from the masses 2000: I put my foot down and ask Tristan not to remove tinsel from dart board. State that it is time to leave. 2130: Finally move about 10m out to door to car park only to start up with the bloody whip cracking again.... Finally arrive home to have a well earned glass of wine except everyone is either not feeling to well or off to bed.... Peace at last...!
Not much else happening... Veggie patch coming on nicely. I invited mum and dad to share my beans and zucchini the other night only to be told that... we really need some red meat darling... hence the 1m x 1m lamb chop they proceeded to eat...! Some people just dont see the nutritional value in eating minute, rather dismal looking ORGANIC vegetables. My new philosophy is the smaller and more pathetic looking the better!! Surely the taste is just more concentrated?!?!
Monday, 10 December 2007
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Dementialympics
Tea can do many things, Jane, but it can't bring back the dead.
Went to do a mobility assessment on a nursing home patient who happens to also suffer from dementia. When I asked her if I could take her for a walk she looked quite offended and said that she didn't really want to. After much coaxing we set off on our stroll and after about 5 metres she turned to me and said 'I can actually run'. Now.. before I had a chance to really comprehend this or do anything about it she was off... striding out down the corridor. Fortunately this lady is actually relatively young and fit or not so fortunate as I had to catch her up!! She had fantastic running technique.. symmetry, arms pumping, high knees... Needless to say she passed her mobility assessment with flying colours.. she probably would have passed an elite level running assessment..
Capoeira is still proving difficult. Especially the flexibility component. The other night I just about put my hip out doing a kartwheel. The loud popping sound worried both me and one of the instructors. I am still suffering and haven't been able to make it tonight!! I think I should stick to ball sports.
Visited good old Booleroo on the weekend. Dry and dusty as ever. Had a great time catching up with my oldest friends although got slightly out of hand. Although.. admittedly I didn't end up dancing on the bar unlike those who shall not be named. There are a few things that become more apparent to me with time. One of those is there are some things you never learn. Hence why.. despite my raging headache driving back to Adelaide I will no doubt enjoy a glass or a few to many glasses of wine at some point in the future. The other is that with time I just realise more and more that I have a whole lot more to learn.
Went to do a mobility assessment on a nursing home patient who happens to also suffer from dementia. When I asked her if I could take her for a walk she looked quite offended and said that she didn't really want to. After much coaxing we set off on our stroll and after about 5 metres she turned to me and said 'I can actually run'. Now.. before I had a chance to really comprehend this or do anything about it she was off... striding out down the corridor. Fortunately this lady is actually relatively young and fit or not so fortunate as I had to catch her up!! She had fantastic running technique.. symmetry, arms pumping, high knees... Needless to say she passed her mobility assessment with flying colours.. she probably would have passed an elite level running assessment..
Capoeira is still proving difficult. Especially the flexibility component. The other night I just about put my hip out doing a kartwheel. The loud popping sound worried both me and one of the instructors. I am still suffering and haven't been able to make it tonight!! I think I should stick to ball sports.
Visited good old Booleroo on the weekend. Dry and dusty as ever. Had a great time catching up with my oldest friends although got slightly out of hand. Although.. admittedly I didn't end up dancing on the bar unlike those who shall not be named. There are a few things that become more apparent to me with time. One of those is there are some things you never learn. Hence why.. despite my raging headache driving back to Adelaide I will no doubt enjoy a glass or a few to many glasses of wine at some point in the future. The other is that with time I just realise more and more that I have a whole lot more to learn.
Monday, 12 November 2007
So..it's been a while..
I mean, can you really trust another human being, Greg?
Yeah, I think so.
No. The answer is you can not.
Back in Oz living the dream... Dreaming I must have been when I thought that I could live with my parents 1 hour away from Adelaide amongst nature and trees and... more nature and trees.
To find meaning in my life I have decided to take Spanish and Capoeira lessons. Bit of a South American theme going on. Capoeira is... interesting... it seems to require a combination of strength, flexibility, coordination and a whole lot of other things that I seemingly don't have. In fact.. to make it even more difficult one is supposed to be able to sing and clap at the same time which I struggle with let alone dodge kicks and reactly swiftly in a chanting hodder. Spanish is coming along in a similar fashion. Although it is difficult to concentrate when there is a group of women practicing samba in their carnivale outfits. Even so, this probably doesn't excuse the following event..
Patty was asking me a series of questions i.e. Do you have family? To which I responded..
"Ci, yo tengo dos enanos".. Now being the intuitive person that I am I noticed that Patty looked completely bewildered and confused. When I asked if what I had said was wrong she asked if I did actually have 2 midgets in my family... No... I don't... but enanos and ermanos do sound similar...
Otherwise my evenings are occupied by my slug and pest control ritual, which involves stealth via torchlight. It astounds me that slugs can actually scale plastic bottles!! I am hoping my Dad doesn't notice that his pale ale supply is rapidly decreasing but if he does I am sure he will be pleased to know that it is proving to be a great slug trap called 'death by beer paddling pool'. Actually.. Dads support of my organic veggie patch has been far from acceptable.. his most recent comment being that if we all tried to farm organically we would all starve. I don't think I would starve. I just think I would have to eat a hell of a lot of tomatos and lettuce over the summer.
What else.. Started some physio work at a couple of practices. Went fishing the other day. Caught a puffer fish and some other minging sea creature. Forgot that when you catch something that you actually have to get it off the hook. Damn those puffer fish.
Other than that just getting back into things. Changing my life plans daily.
Yeah, I think so.
No. The answer is you can not.
Back in Oz living the dream... Dreaming I must have been when I thought that I could live with my parents 1 hour away from Adelaide amongst nature and trees and... more nature and trees.
To find meaning in my life I have decided to take Spanish and Capoeira lessons. Bit of a South American theme going on. Capoeira is... interesting... it seems to require a combination of strength, flexibility, coordination and a whole lot of other things that I seemingly don't have. In fact.. to make it even more difficult one is supposed to be able to sing and clap at the same time which I struggle with let alone dodge kicks and reactly swiftly in a chanting hodder. Spanish is coming along in a similar fashion. Although it is difficult to concentrate when there is a group of women practicing samba in their carnivale outfits. Even so, this probably doesn't excuse the following event..
Patty was asking me a series of questions i.e. Do you have family? To which I responded..
"Ci, yo tengo dos enanos".. Now being the intuitive person that I am I noticed that Patty looked completely bewildered and confused. When I asked if what I had said was wrong she asked if I did actually have 2 midgets in my family... No... I don't... but enanos and ermanos do sound similar...
Otherwise my evenings are occupied by my slug and pest control ritual, which involves stealth via torchlight. It astounds me that slugs can actually scale plastic bottles!! I am hoping my Dad doesn't notice that his pale ale supply is rapidly decreasing but if he does I am sure he will be pleased to know that it is proving to be a great slug trap called 'death by beer paddling pool'. Actually.. Dads support of my organic veggie patch has been far from acceptable.. his most recent comment being that if we all tried to farm organically we would all starve. I don't think I would starve. I just think I would have to eat a hell of a lot of tomatos and lettuce over the summer.
What else.. Started some physio work at a couple of practices. Went fishing the other day. Caught a puffer fish and some other minging sea creature. Forgot that when you catch something that you actually have to get it off the hook. Damn those puffer fish.
Other than that just getting back into things. Changing my life plans daily.
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Hey, did you lose weight, or a limb?
Happy Easter to all. Spent mine in South Wales camping at Cadarn Bunkhouse with about 80 other people for a combined birthday party. Had a fantastic time. Went horse riding which was interesting. Trotting is much harder than it appears and advice such as 'just feel the rhythm' is nigh on useless when all you can feel is jolting through your spine as the pony (mongrel pony might I add) jolts into action without warning. Thank goodness I didn't have to get back onto the horse the next day as my groin/thighs were definately not up to the challenge. Not to mention that when I was delegated my pony who was deceptively named 'Sugar', I was informed that... "Sugar is by himself because he is a little grumpy and doesn't like the other horses"...great. I was fortunate enough to have the honour of mounting this mongrel pony as I had ridden a horse at the age of 5 and was considered slightly more advanced than the 4 other people. Managed to survive two hours of walking/occassional bursts of trots and get back to the farm in one piece. The most challenging aspect of this ordeal for most people was wrenching the horse to stop it from eating grass otherwise you'd receive an earful from the supervisor at the back. Although Rachel/horse whisperer did have a close call as she recalled that as a child she rode a horse and it broke into a canter therefore that qualified her as an 'advanced rider'. It was evident the stablehand didn't agree as she chased Rachel and her horse out of the arena shouting 'stop.. stop.. maybe you should stay in the beginner group'. After being hauled through some brambles Rachel was taken back to the stables where her horse proceeded to do lap after lap without 'rein' (?!?!) instruction .
Other than that.. I am back in Manchester working at St Mary's. Had my flat mates bike stolen on Friday night (was in organic grocery store for 15 minutes and the little vermin nabbed it). Went for a beautiful walk in the Peak District on Saturday. Played with the lambies in the fields and visited a National Trust home/garden. Sunday went for another walk and had a fabulous Sunday roast.
Going to Katrina (ex colleague/house mate) and Matthew's wedding on Saturday evening.
Hope you are all well. Ciao xoxo
Sophie, Ruth, Me and Becky at Rachels Birthday (Theme 'R' or Latino)
Rachel, Ruth, Sophie and Becky... did someone say pout?!?!
Rachel (the horse whisperer).. setting off for Cadarn Bunkhouse...
Jennie all ready for the sun..
Happy Easter to all. Spent mine in South Wales camping at Cadarn Bunkhouse with about 80 other people for a combined birthday party. Had a fantastic time. Went horse riding which was interesting. Trotting is much harder than it appears and advice such as 'just feel the rhythm' is nigh on useless when all you can feel is jolting through your spine as the pony (mongrel pony might I add) jolts into action without warning. Thank goodness I didn't have to get back onto the horse the next day as my groin/thighs were definately not up to the challenge. Not to mention that when I was delegated my pony who was deceptively named 'Sugar', I was informed that... "Sugar is by himself because he is a little grumpy and doesn't like the other horses"...great. I was fortunate enough to have the honour of mounting this mongrel pony as I had ridden a horse at the age of 5 and was considered slightly more advanced than the 4 other people. Managed to survive two hours of walking/occassional bursts of trots and get back to the farm in one piece. The most challenging aspect of this ordeal for most people was wrenching the horse to stop it from eating grass otherwise you'd receive an earful from the supervisor at the back. Although Rachel/horse whisperer did have a close call as she recalled that as a child she rode a horse and it broke into a canter therefore that qualified her as an 'advanced rider'. It was evident the stablehand didn't agree as she chased Rachel and her horse out of the arena shouting 'stop.. stop.. maybe you should stay in the beginner group'. After being hauled through some brambles Rachel was taken back to the stables where her horse proceeded to do lap after lap without 'rein' (?!?!) instruction .
Other than that.. I am back in Manchester working at St Mary's. Had my flat mates bike stolen on Friday night (was in organic grocery store for 15 minutes and the little vermin nabbed it). Went for a beautiful walk in the Peak District on Saturday. Played with the lambies in the fields and visited a National Trust home/garden. Sunday went for another walk and had a fabulous Sunday roast.
Going to Katrina (ex colleague/house mate) and Matthew's wedding on Saturday evening.
Hope you are all well. Ciao xoxo
Sophie, Ruth, Me and Becky at Rachels Birthday (Theme 'R' or Latino)
Rachel, Ruth, Sophie and Becky... did someone say pout?!?!
Rachel (the horse whisperer).. setting off for Cadarn Bunkhouse...
Jennie all ready for the sun..
Friday, 23 March 2007
You have really kind eyes, you know that?
Thanks. Umm... your hat has sequins.
Have had a fantastic week with Champs and Hannah in Les Gets snowboarding. We managed to choose a week where they had their best snow fall for the whole season. Was a little cold but conditions for landing were much softer!! Fortunately no major injuries were sustained despite a few bruises, whiplash and possibly mild concussion. The potential for much worse damage was there especially after going out until 4am and then being on the slopes at 9am the next morning. We were extremely unsteady on our boards but needed to take some video footage. Unfortunately we weren't carving up the slopes as usual but did manage to stand on our boards for long enough to get some footage. The rest of the morning was spent making snow angels in the fresh snow.
Spotted some seriously awful jumpsuits out on the slopes. I can't work out if it is European cool or really bad taste. I started to think there was a crazy jumpsuit competition going on that I was unaware of. Wouldn't have stood a chance anyway.
Anywho.. just waiting for my 10hr bus journey to bologna where I am spending a week at Ca del Buca organic farming. Hopefully it will be a little warmer.
Spotted some seriously awful jumpsuits out on the slopes. I can't work out if it is European cool or really bad taste. I started to think there was a crazy jumpsuit competition going on that I was unaware of. Wouldn't have stood a chance anyway.
Anywho.. just waiting for my 10hr bus journey to bologna where I am spending a week at Ca del Buca organic farming. Hopefully it will be a little warmer.
Hannah, Champs and I on the slopes of Les Gets
Champs donning the celebrity sunnies...
Hannah donning the celebrity sunnies...
Me donning the celebrity sunnies...
Champs in the ever flattering dungarees...
Monday, 12 March 2007
Petition to kill all snorers
I almost numchucked you, you don't even realize!
I am thinking that the bigger the hostel room I stay in i.e. 14 bed dorm the less likely I am to be found out if I smother a snorer with my pillow? Even if I do get locked up sometimes it takes a martyr to start the revolution of change and I am willing to do this for the sake of the many other hostel dwellers out there.
Have arrived in Lisbon after spending a relaxing 24 hours in the hills of the Serra Valley in Portugal with a friends parents. Lisbon seems gorgeous. Am yet to actually explore but from first impression it seems really lively and beautiful. Staying in another Oasis hostel which provides waffles for breakfast... now who is going to complain at that...
Nothing exciting to report. Head up to Porto, Madrid and then going snowboarding for a week and then organic farming. Heading back to Manchester for a while on March 30th.
I am thinking that the bigger the hostel room I stay in i.e. 14 bed dorm the less likely I am to be found out if I smother a snorer with my pillow? Even if I do get locked up sometimes it takes a martyr to start the revolution of change and I am willing to do this for the sake of the many other hostel dwellers out there.
Have arrived in Lisbon after spending a relaxing 24 hours in the hills of the Serra Valley in Portugal with a friends parents. Lisbon seems gorgeous. Am yet to actually explore but from first impression it seems really lively and beautiful. Staying in another Oasis hostel which provides waffles for breakfast... now who is going to complain at that...
Nothing exciting to report. Head up to Porto, Madrid and then going snowboarding for a week and then organic farming. Heading back to Manchester for a while on March 30th.
Tuesday, 6 March 2007
Granada to Seville
You know what your problem is?
I only have one?
Spent a couple of nights in Granada with a bunch of nomadic hippies wearing fisherman pants and dreadlocks. De La Alahmbra beautiful muslim palace! Waffles for breakfast!
Caipirinha...mmmmm.... at least Rachel if I write it I don't have to pronounce it!
View.
Arrived in Seville today. Met American Brandon. Went to 2nd largest cathedral in ?Europe? Sat in a plaza drinking cerveza (beer) and got shit on... twice. Either really bad luck or really good luck..? Having gazpacho, paella and sangria tonight! Yumboot.
Plastic bags are another thing that should be banned from hostels.
I only have one?
Spent a couple of nights in Granada with a bunch of nomadic hippies wearing fisherman pants and dreadlocks. De La Alahmbra beautiful muslim palace! Waffles for breakfast!
Caipirinha...mmmmm.... at least Rachel if I write it I don't have to pronounce it!
View.
Arrived in Seville today. Met American Brandon. Went to 2nd largest cathedral in ?Europe? Sat in a plaza drinking cerveza (beer) and got shit on... twice. Either really bad luck or really good luck..? Having gazpacho, paella and sangria tonight! Yumboot.
Plastic bags are another thing that should be banned from hostels.
Sunday, 4 March 2007
Tapas
You didn't think it was gonna be that easy, did you?
You know, for a second there, yeah, I kinda did.
Silly rabbit. Trix are for kids.
Went down to El Kiosco last nite for a few beers and some Tapas with Irish Will. Will hadn't had tapas before and didn't really know what they were and I am certainly no expert. The fact that the menu was in Spanish (go figure) and the waiter didn't speak any English meant that our attempt was destined for disaster from the outset. After long attempts of trying to find out what menu item was ie making fish gestures etc I finally went up to the bar and pointed to 2 fishy looking things. Will then went up and came back and reported that he had ordered another three things!! Hmmmm... this meant a lot of tapas.... and stares from the locals. As it turns out,Will had ordered more fishy stuff and potatoes so really we just had a huge portion of spanish fish and chips. From what I could see they didn't sell mushy peas. Agghhh gotta love the culutre....
Fireworks at the Las Fallas festival.... scary.... especially as all the paramedics were wearing hard hats?
Heading off to Granada today on 8 hour bus. Joy of joys.
Fireworks at the Las Fallas festival.... scary.... especially as all the paramedics were wearing hard hats?
Heading off to Granada today on 8 hour bus. Joy of joys.
Beach in Valencia.. beach is a beach really?
He he.. think this might be the queen of valencia or something with all her terribly dressed princesses. Boy did she love the attention. Jumping up and down, waving her arms, cheering on the locals... oh the fan fare...
Saturday, 3 March 2007
Barcelona to Valencia
I just don't know what I'm supposed to be.
You'll figure that out. The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.
Arrived in Valencia today and I am in love with this city. Sat in a bar about 3pm and had a coffee and a couple of beers. It was absolutely buzzing with locals drinking and eating tapas (think its called something else at lunch actually).
Very long journey. The train was delayed after supposedly running over an animal? Goddam enormous animal as the train was delayed for about 2 and a quarter hours. Even had a good look for blood and spatterings when I got off the train but there was no sign of any railkill. Either the Spaniards are extremely good at cleaning up dead animals from the front of a train or they were spinning a yarn.
Coming up to Las Fallas in Valencia which means that there are people everywhere and fire crackers going off when and where you least expect them. Sat on the terrace of my hostel in 28 degree heat eating my dinner. First time this trip that I have thought 'this is the life'.
Bar in Valencia...
You'll figure that out. The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you.
Arrived in Valencia today and I am in love with this city. Sat in a bar about 3pm and had a coffee and a couple of beers. It was absolutely buzzing with locals drinking and eating tapas (think its called something else at lunch actually).
Very long journey. The train was delayed after supposedly running over an animal? Goddam enormous animal as the train was delayed for about 2 and a quarter hours. Even had a good look for blood and spatterings when I got off the train but there was no sign of any railkill. Either the Spaniards are extremely good at cleaning up dead animals from the front of a train or they were spinning a yarn.
Coming up to Las Fallas in Valencia which means that there are people everywhere and fire crackers going off when and where you least expect them. Sat on the terrace of my hostel in 28 degree heat eating my dinner. First time this trip that I have thought 'this is the life'.
Bar in Valencia...
Monday, 26 February 2007
Farewell Manchester
Hey Romy, remember Mrs. Divitz's class, there was like always a word problem. Like, there's a guy in a rowboat going X miles, and the current is going like, you know, some other miles, and how long does it take him to get to town? It's like, 'Who cares? Who wants to go to town with a guy who drives a rowboat?
I have been in Manchester for a year and have for whatever reason made a very rash, spur of the moment decision to go travelling indefinitely. One could say that I am slightly anxious about the months to come but have unfortunately finished work thus have no other choice but to pack my bags and catch my Wednesday Ryan Air flight to Barcelona. Stupidly I did not consider luggage limits when organising my flight therefore I am restricted to basically a spare pair of underwear and toothbrush for my travels unless I pay an exorbitant amount for a few extra kilos worth. This could actually be a blessing in disguise as I am really struggling to find the motivation to pack. I find that I pack much better under pressure any way.
Have loved Manchester and would recommend anyone to come up here and work if the opportunity arose. Want to just post on my blog a big xoxoxo MWAH xoxoxo to everyone that I have met whilst I have been here...
The past few weeks have been flat out catching up with everyone before I go and thinking that I should really get organised. Had my farewell soiree at Hannah's house last wednesday night which was fabulous. Plenty of food, wine and champagne as usual. Waking up at 0430am to throw up was probably the only downer of the evening... this was probably a result of the half tia maria/half cream and black zambucca shot topped with cream that I had at the Metropolitan. Bad move...
Since I wrote the above text I have actually arrived in Barcelona. Have spent today wandering around looking at lots of Gaudi architecture/buildings, a beautiful park, many shops and Las Ramblas. I am absolutely knackered. I am wondering how long it is going to take for me to go insane if I have to put up with myself for any length of time. Will post some photos soon. Adios Amigos.
Olympic stadium. So desolate. Great views.
Sorry but the rest of my photos of Gaudi etc are on my phone and I can't get them on my computer.
I have been in Manchester for a year and have for whatever reason made a very rash, spur of the moment decision to go travelling indefinitely. One could say that I am slightly anxious about the months to come but have unfortunately finished work thus have no other choice but to pack my bags and catch my Wednesday Ryan Air flight to Barcelona. Stupidly I did not consider luggage limits when organising my flight therefore I am restricted to basically a spare pair of underwear and toothbrush for my travels unless I pay an exorbitant amount for a few extra kilos worth. This could actually be a blessing in disguise as I am really struggling to find the motivation to pack. I find that I pack much better under pressure any way.
Have loved Manchester and would recommend anyone to come up here and work if the opportunity arose. Want to just post on my blog a big xoxoxo MWAH xoxoxo to everyone that I have met whilst I have been here...
The past few weeks have been flat out catching up with everyone before I go and thinking that I should really get organised. Had my farewell soiree at Hannah's house last wednesday night which was fabulous. Plenty of food, wine and champagne as usual. Waking up at 0430am to throw up was probably the only downer of the evening... this was probably a result of the half tia maria/half cream and black zambucca shot topped with cream that I had at the Metropolitan. Bad move...
Since I wrote the above text I have actually arrived in Barcelona. Have spent today wandering around looking at lots of Gaudi architecture/buildings, a beautiful park, many shops and Las Ramblas. I am absolutely knackered. I am wondering how long it is going to take for me to go insane if I have to put up with myself for any length of time. Will post some photos soon. Adios Amigos.
Olympic stadium. So desolate. Great views.
Sorry but the rest of my photos of Gaudi etc are on my phone and I can't get them on my computer.
Wednesday, 31 January 2007
Disturbing
The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.
Disturbing is how I would possibly describe entering the Walkabout last Friday night. Men in wife beaters and Australian flags, group hugging to Men at Work. Pass me a goddam Fosters and give me a free hat... this is going to be a long night. Turns out the Fosters worked as I had quite an enjoyable night and I did score a free hat. Success all round. I still find it amazing that coming from the same state in Australia equates to being long lost mates. Surely the meaning of having something in common isn't naming as many Adelaide suburbs as you can?
Had a fabulous weekend. Met up with lots of friends, ate great food.. including the most amazing chicken roast on Sunday night. This week has been interesting. Continuing with the national celebration theme I went to a 'Robert Burns' dinner on Tuesday night where we ate haggis and deep fried mars bar like any good Scot does. We all attempted to read some Scottish poetry but came to the conclusion that it would make much more sense if we had consumed several more lashings of beer and wine.
No other news. Trying to keep busy. Have been persuaded to attempt a dark chocolate and orange pudding on Friday night which is turning out to be almost as challenging as the vegan pavlova that I have been promised. Cooking cake and having afternoon tea with 'Aunty Shirley' (Nicola from works Aunty) on Saturday. Fish and chips and beach walk on Sunday... yay!
Disturbing is how I would possibly describe entering the Walkabout last Friday night. Men in wife beaters and Australian flags, group hugging to Men at Work. Pass me a goddam Fosters and give me a free hat... this is going to be a long night. Turns out the Fosters worked as I had quite an enjoyable night and I did score a free hat. Success all round. I still find it amazing that coming from the same state in Australia equates to being long lost mates. Surely the meaning of having something in common isn't naming as many Adelaide suburbs as you can?
Had a fabulous weekend. Met up with lots of friends, ate great food.. including the most amazing chicken roast on Sunday night. This week has been interesting. Continuing with the national celebration theme I went to a 'Robert Burns' dinner on Tuesday night where we ate haggis and deep fried mars bar like any good Scot does. We all attempted to read some Scottish poetry but came to the conclusion that it would make much more sense if we had consumed several more lashings of beer and wine.
No other news. Trying to keep busy. Have been persuaded to attempt a dark chocolate and orange pudding on Friday night which is turning out to be almost as challenging as the vegan pavlova that I have been promised. Cooking cake and having afternoon tea with 'Aunty Shirley' (Nicola from works Aunty) on Saturday. Fish and chips and beach walk on Sunday... yay!
Friday, 26 January 2007
Part time work
This is capoeira, man. This is some hardcore shit.
As it turns out being a locum physiotherapist doesn't in fact pay the bills and I have been forced to seek alternate employment.
Childrens christmas party at St Mary's Hospital.
Ann Summers Party... Wokawow! Hannah dressed as a devil, myself as an army cadet and Jen as an air hostess...
Deemed unsuitable to be an army cadet Claire took on my role whilst I went on to be, more aptly, a massage therapist... If only I could move in my new uniform.
Happy Australia Day!! Work mates kindly decorated the notice board with Australiabilia whilst I took the afternoon off. What better way to celebrate Australia Day than with pavlova! Except sitting in a wading pool, drinking coopers, listening to Triple J's Hottest 100 with the Australian Open in the background...
As it turns out being a locum physiotherapist doesn't in fact pay the bills and I have been forced to seek alternate employment.
Childrens christmas party at St Mary's Hospital.
Ann Summers Party... Wokawow! Hannah dressed as a devil, myself as an army cadet and Jen as an air hostess...
Deemed unsuitable to be an army cadet Claire took on my role whilst I went on to be, more aptly, a massage therapist... If only I could move in my new uniform.
Happy Australia Day!! Work mates kindly decorated the notice board with Australiabilia whilst I took the afternoon off. What better way to celebrate Australia Day than with pavlova! Except sitting in a wading pool, drinking coopers, listening to Triple J's Hottest 100 with the Australian Open in the background...
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
You can ring my bell...
Alex! Don't let him get away!
It's a round track, Nat, he's not going anywhere!
Just downloaded that song. So sad hey! Nothing much happening. Still organising travel plans. Does anyone want to buy a silver ford fiesta called Eujene? Purrs like a kitten.... You know you want it...
Don't know if you read it in the papers but my social netball team went undeafeted throughout the last season and were presented with medallions on Monday night. Certainly one of the highlights of my netball career. The pre-match tension was palpable but we held it together over the course of the match to win about 50-10. Obviously the 20 or so group emails sent around on Monday devising game plans worked wonders. Overkill springs to mind but at least I have a solid gold medallion for all the trouble. Should sell well in turkey.
It must be the month for awards and ceremony's because I also have the opportunity to gain my 'bronze medallion' in both ballroom and street dance. All I have to do is attend a sunday assessment day and complete a dance routine for each. Ballroom should be fine as long as I have an outstanding lead partner... street dance is another matter all together. I am hoping to up the tempo of 'smack that' enough so that they can't actually tell if I am completing the moves properly. If that doesn't work I am going to maintain that I was using my own artistic dance ingenuity to modify the routine so that it is more in harmony with the rythm and lyrics.
Kate Dalwood... you better have read this blog.
It's a round track, Nat, he's not going anywhere!
Just downloaded that song. So sad hey! Nothing much happening. Still organising travel plans. Does anyone want to buy a silver ford fiesta called Eujene? Purrs like a kitten.... You know you want it...
Don't know if you read it in the papers but my social netball team went undeafeted throughout the last season and were presented with medallions on Monday night. Certainly one of the highlights of my netball career. The pre-match tension was palpable but we held it together over the course of the match to win about 50-10. Obviously the 20 or so group emails sent around on Monday devising game plans worked wonders. Overkill springs to mind but at least I have a solid gold medallion for all the trouble. Should sell well in turkey.
It must be the month for awards and ceremony's because I also have the opportunity to gain my 'bronze medallion' in both ballroom and street dance. All I have to do is attend a sunday assessment day and complete a dance routine for each. Ballroom should be fine as long as I have an outstanding lead partner... street dance is another matter all together. I am hoping to up the tempo of 'smack that' enough so that they can't actually tell if I am completing the moves properly. If that doesn't work I am going to maintain that I was using my own artistic dance ingenuity to modify the routine so that it is more in harmony with the rythm and lyrics.
Kate Dalwood... you better have read this blog.
Monday, 8 January 2007
New Horizons
Incredible! One of the worst performances of my career and they never doubted it for a second.
Had a much needed quiet weekend. Had a few drinks with Katrina and a few of her mates on Friday night which was uneventful until my bus ride home when I spotted a very drunk, stumbling guy on the pavement which just happened to be my housemate. Swiftly disembarked from the bus, bundled Paul up into a taxi, despite being wrenched around the pavement which was Pauls attempt at dancing. Got home only to be met by Pauls ex house mate Russell who also was worse for ware. Much to Katrina and my disgust they felt it necessary to (rather noisily) listen to music and play the guitar. Fortunately, Katrina took it upon herself to confiscate the much abused guitar that is now missing a string. It is amazing that even though someone can barely speak they can still manage to make risotto pronto without burning the house down. Scary but true.
The rest of the weekend was, as I have said, lovely and quiet. DVD's, duvets and icecream. Had a yummy roast on Sunday with slightly too much red wine but fabulous renditions of Sam Brown 'Stop' and Allanah Myles 'Black Velvet'. At least we thought so.
Have started making plans for my next stint of travel. I will be spending a week in the UK, a few months in Europe and then a couple on months in South America before returning to the UK for Nicola's wedding. I hope to then get some work to earn a bit of cash (I am thinking selling icecream?) and then going off travelling again before heading back to Oz. If anyone has any travel plans in the near future and needs a travel partner let me know and we might be able to work something out.
Cheerio
Had a much needed quiet weekend. Had a few drinks with Katrina and a few of her mates on Friday night which was uneventful until my bus ride home when I spotted a very drunk, stumbling guy on the pavement which just happened to be my housemate. Swiftly disembarked from the bus, bundled Paul up into a taxi, despite being wrenched around the pavement which was Pauls attempt at dancing. Got home only to be met by Pauls ex house mate Russell who also was worse for ware. Much to Katrina and my disgust they felt it necessary to (rather noisily) listen to music and play the guitar. Fortunately, Katrina took it upon herself to confiscate the much abused guitar that is now missing a string. It is amazing that even though someone can barely speak they can still manage to make risotto pronto without burning the house down. Scary but true.
The rest of the weekend was, as I have said, lovely and quiet. DVD's, duvets and icecream. Had a yummy roast on Sunday with slightly too much red wine but fabulous renditions of Sam Brown 'Stop' and Allanah Myles 'Black Velvet'. At least we thought so.
Have started making plans for my next stint of travel. I will be spending a week in the UK, a few months in Europe and then a couple on months in South America before returning to the UK for Nicola's wedding. I hope to then get some work to earn a bit of cash (I am thinking selling icecream?) and then going off travelling again before heading back to Oz. If anyone has any travel plans in the near future and needs a travel partner let me know and we might be able to work something out.
Cheerio
Monday, 1 January 2007
Bringing in the New Year
You stay classy, San Diego. I'm Ron Burgundy?
Dammit. Who typed a question mark on the Teleprompter?
Bonjour!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I have just returned from a fantastic trip to France on a Fanatics Skifest Tour. Spent the entire week snowboarding, drinking and generally having a great time. I am now nursing a very sore butt and some quite large bruises although I feel that I was extremely fortunate not to come back with more serious ailments.
Like I have already said I had a great time and the group that I went with were great fun. Most mornings were commenced with 'I feel terrible... I am definately not drinking tonight' but by the end of the day these sentiments were long forgotten and the first drink was greatly welcomed (if not just to take away some of the aches and pains). The weather was amazing although this meant that there was a lack of snow cover on the slopes. Managed to pick up snowboarding enough to brave the 'blue runs' which may or may not be a good thing. I figured that if millions of little ankle biters could manage it I certainly could (even if they had already seen about 5 ski seasons out). Logic isn't my strong point.
Christmas morning everyone was feeling decidedly rough after celebrating in style with food and wine a plenty. Opened our secret santa presents and I was fortunate enough to get a pair of matching underwear. I am clearly deluded about my breast size as I was amazed that what looked like a pair of potato sacks actually fitted me quite nicely indeed.
Highlights of the trip were Scoot absolutely stacking it off a rail at the ski park - enough so that the superviser came rushing out to see if she was ok. He was met with a Scoot style laugh followed by 'that didn't even hurt'. The accommodation 'disco-theque' (nightclub) was a popular late night haunt even if it did look like a small lecture theatre? Strange but true! There are a few not so wonderful memories for example having to see Scoot daily walking around in her awful white thermal pants, communal unisex toilets after hard drinking and lack of toilet paper...eugh, getting onto a top bunk after drinking and severe DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
New Years Eve I headed back to Manchester and went to a house party. As this was about my 10th day drinking I was asleep by about 2:30am. I have decided that I will finish up in Manchester in late February and commence some more travel around UK, Europe and beyond. Plan to head home sometime late 2007 (ie before christmas). Am looking forward to heading back to Oz but have no idea where I want to be and what I want to do when I get back.
Happy New Year to everyone. And I will hopefully speak to you soon.
Jennie and I on NYE
Dammit. Who typed a question mark on the Teleprompter?
Bonjour!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I have just returned from a fantastic trip to France on a Fanatics Skifest Tour. Spent the entire week snowboarding, drinking and generally having a great time. I am now nursing a very sore butt and some quite large bruises although I feel that I was extremely fortunate not to come back with more serious ailments.
Like I have already said I had a great time and the group that I went with were great fun. Most mornings were commenced with 'I feel terrible... I am definately not drinking tonight' but by the end of the day these sentiments were long forgotten and the first drink was greatly welcomed (if not just to take away some of the aches and pains). The weather was amazing although this meant that there was a lack of snow cover on the slopes. Managed to pick up snowboarding enough to brave the 'blue runs' which may or may not be a good thing. I figured that if millions of little ankle biters could manage it I certainly could (even if they had already seen about 5 ski seasons out). Logic isn't my strong point.
Christmas morning everyone was feeling decidedly rough after celebrating in style with food and wine a plenty. Opened our secret santa presents and I was fortunate enough to get a pair of matching underwear. I am clearly deluded about my breast size as I was amazed that what looked like a pair of potato sacks actually fitted me quite nicely indeed.
Highlights of the trip were Scoot absolutely stacking it off a rail at the ski park - enough so that the superviser came rushing out to see if she was ok. He was met with a Scoot style laugh followed by 'that didn't even hurt'. The accommodation 'disco-theque' (nightclub) was a popular late night haunt even if it did look like a small lecture theatre? Strange but true! There are a few not so wonderful memories for example having to see Scoot daily walking around in her awful white thermal pants, communal unisex toilets after hard drinking and lack of toilet paper...eugh, getting onto a top bunk after drinking and severe DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
New Years Eve I headed back to Manchester and went to a house party. As this was about my 10th day drinking I was asleep by about 2:30am. I have decided that I will finish up in Manchester in late February and commence some more travel around UK, Europe and beyond. Plan to head home sometime late 2007 (ie before christmas). Am looking forward to heading back to Oz but have no idea where I want to be and what I want to do when I get back.
Happy New Year to everyone. And I will hopefully speak to you soon.
Katy and I early NYE
Jennie and I on NYE
Rachel and I posing
Tim and Philipa fitting the leopard skin body suit. Mmmm....
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