Did someone say 'road trip'?

Yesterday, fitzroyal and I embarked on a journey across Victoria to the quaint country town of Warracknabeal.

Being completely exhausted, I failed to download all the pretty pictures I took from the car and went to sleep at 8:30pm. I can't imagine how tired fitzroyal was having had to drive for over 8 hours.

Hopefully I'll remember to download them this weekend and write a brief synopsis on our road trip.

Toodles...

Oh yeah!

I want a puppy.

>:o(

Damn puppies.

I was at Melbourne Central this morning, killing some time while waiting for my pants to be altered - not the ones I wore in today, but different pairs - when I walked past the pet store and saw a tiny Chihuahua x Jack Russell terrier puppy who saw me at the same time and came running to the window.

He was the cutest, yappy, whinging puppy I'd seen in ages and was sooooooooo lonely. I decided I couldn't look at him anymore so I went around the other side of the glass box (shut up) and he followed me and kept yelling at me.

So I turned my attention to the three Cocker Spaniel x Jack Russell puppies in the glass box below the little fella, and they all looked up at me.

So I moved again but then the Cocker Daniels/Jack Spaniels all re-positioned themselves so they were facing me again.

*hmph*

I didn't bother trying to have a look at the Pomeranian because the same thing would have happened.

There was a point to this story but now I don't know what it is.

Ever had one of those days...

Where every thing is just going swimmingly, you feel like you're right on top of your game and then BAM!!! you drop a heavy baking tray on your toe?

That was my day yesterday.

The pain wasn't too bad at first but I think I wrenched my back when I was cringing at the sound of the pan hitting the floor after bouncing on my toe.

Plus it was a circular pan so it was doing that swirling thing... so, so noisy.

Now I *want* that Erasure song in my head so I don't think about my discoloured toe.

Toe.

Rhymes with Bozo.

Meanwhile...

Yesterday I was suffering from severe nausea all day.

I'm hoping it has nothing to do with these new contact lenses I've been given.

JGT says that I wasn't well before I went to the optometrist.

Right now I'm having little pangs of dizziness from reading the computer screen and I seem to be suffering from the same photosensitivity as yesterday.

I hope I don't have to resort to viewing everything in the font for the visually impaired.

Also, these contact lenses feel a lot stiffer than my last pair. Makes me think the the whole 'more breathable' business is a hoax and a scam to get an extra $280 out of me every year.

Stupid bastards.

And so it continues.

I recently picked up the first three seasons of 'Scrubs' and subsequently spent most of my weekend watching it.

Now, thanks to one episode in Season 1, I haven't been able to get 'A Little Respect' by Erasure out of my head. And lucky enough for me (or unlucky enough, haven't quite worked it out yet), I even have it on CD. I knew I bought 'The Best of Erasure' for some reason all those years ago.

I'm not as clever as JGT so all you're getting is the lyrics:

I try to discover

A little something to make me sweeter

Oh baby refrain from breaking my heart

I’m so in love with you

I’ll be forever blue

That you give me no reason

Why you’re making me work so hard

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please give a little respect to me

And if I should falter

Would you open your arms out to me

We can make love not war

And live at peace in our hearts

I’m so in love with you

I’ll be forever blue

What religion or reason

Could drive a man to forsake his lover

Don’t you tell me no

Don’t you tell me no

Don’t you tell me no

Don’t you tell me no

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please give a little respect to me

I’m so in love with you

I’ll be forever blue

That you give me no reason

You know you’re making me work so hard

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please give a little respect to me

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please give a little respect to me

Exit stage left.

So I went for my contact lens fitting.

I will be the first person to admit that I have difficulties with my lefts and rights.

However, in a period of 3 minutes, Optometrist Jade asked me to look left at least 10 times.

Every single time, I had to quickly think 'which hand makes an L?'

Wrongtown.

You would think that I would have remembered which was left when she asked me 15 seconds before. At least I got 'right' correct.

GRRRRRRR...

The hem on my right pant leg just came undone.

Ruzzafruzza...

Rah.

Post long weekend blues...

It's Tuesday and back to work.

I'm not very motivated.

In 90 minutes, I have to go get fitted for a new brand of contact lenses. These are monthly disposables and apparently they 'breathe easier'. That must be to alleviate my blood vessel bursting eyeballs.

Apparently, I can sleep in these as well. But only occasionally.

Right.

I don't know about any of you contact lens wearers but I find sleeping in contact lenses to be yucky. When I do find that I have fallen asleep with them in, I usually try to take them out immediately and that is not pleasant at all. Imagine if you could peel off layers of your eye... that's what it's like.

I wore my glasses last night. After my optometrist told me that I didn't have to change the prescription unless I was planning on wearing them all the time, they didn't give me a headache like they normally do.

Nice one.

This is definitely not normal.

I've recently discovered that when I'm laying down and stretch - you know, one of those 'I can make myself 3 inches taller' stretches - my right knee feels like it's going to give.

Like, I can almost hear the tendon/cartilege/ligament/whatever-because-I-didn't-do-any-sort-of-anatomy/biology-after-Grade-9 in my knee saying, 'Go on... one more millimetre... one more millimetre and I'm just going to snap... I dare you...'

This doesn't happen when I'm sitting in a chair and reaching for the sky though.

Happy 400th post!

What I'm wearing today.

I received this t-shirt yesterday.

It's a surprise present from J2.

Now I have a new favourite t-shirt!

Sure it is.

'You have burst blood vessels in your eyes... but that's quite normal.'

P.s.

I did make myself laugh a lot when I got to work, took off my jacket, put my yoghurt in the fridge and then placed my bag under my desk...

Then I looked around and realised something was missing and subsequently realised that my computer was still in my bag.

It's going to be a mighty fine day.

Why I don't go out on school nights.

I feel revolting today.

I want something deep fried and/or greasy.

Yes, even at this hour in the morning.

Even though the thought of eating is making me want to gag a little.

I have to go to the optometrist in 3 hours.

Hopefully my eyes won't be as tired-looking.

But then again, maybe I can blame my over two week old contact lenses for that.

I hope I will have new contacts by tomorrow because I don't think I can cope with these ones until Tuesday.

Meh.

And as much as I would *love* to be at home and in bed by 5:36pm, I have a dinner date.

Double meh.

Can I just say...

That playing GTA without cheats is a lot more exciting but also involves a lot more swearing.

This is a bolster cushion.

JGT asked if I was missing cushions from my new lounge. The answer is no. The double extension doesn't come with cushions but they threw in a 'free' bolster cushion, which is this weird little 'portable' cushion that you can put wherever you want.

As JGT pointed out herself, the double extension is 'the sleeping part' of the lounge... No leaning required.

The eBay Beanbag debacle

Just to keep you updated on the Pink Beanbag situation (refer to post on 29 March, 2006), when I last left you, I had officially lodged a complaint with PayPal about the beanbag.

Last week, I received an e-mail from PayPal saying that they had decided in my favour and refunded 70% of my payment and that if I think I'm entitled to a full refund, then it's up to the seller to pay me the remaining amount.

Well, I think Benjy has fallen off the face of the earth (or is just ignoring me).

So I still have this awful pink beanbag sitting under my desk at work. I would gladly send it back to him so he can re-sell it, only I would send it C.O.D. as I refuse to be out of pocket for this piece of pink pleather crap.

Woo... I started off calm enough.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas re-visited (again)

I've decided to have another go at 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas', only without cheats this time.

So far, I've been powering through the missions and even completed two missions that once upon a time took me three months to get through. (That three months is inclusive of me swearing for two and a half months to never EVER play GTA again because I was so frustrated.)

It's somewhat easier this time around now that I know Los Santos a bit better and, I guess, since I've done these missions before.

Still, it's hard getting used to being chased by the cops. I was very fond of the 'Wanted Level Never Increases' cheat.

Now I can't just shoot dealers for their cash and weapons like I used to.

Maybe this time I'll be more than just a Foot Soldier.

I still suck at driving.

8:30am, Sunday, 9th April, 2006.

My new lounge makes the 70th PGA Masters worth watching.

(These photos are also very similar to me at 10pm, Saturday, 8th April, 2006,

watching the Brisbane Lions Vs. Essendon footy match)

No need to ask what I did this weekend. >:o)

The trumpeting elephants sound...

Please... no comments on the colour clash.

Will my warranty be applicable, Part 2

It arrived... Wrapped in plastic.

I know I normally jinx myself...

But the ETA on my new couch is between 11am and 2pm tomorrow.

*throws arms up and Riverdances*

Ring in the new v360 (pardon the pun).

Announcing the retirement of the Motorola v300.

Banks.

I was just reading jelkie's blog and was reminded about something that happened to me this week.

My incident wasn't nearly as exciting or embarrassing as hers but I'm telling it anyway.

On Wednesday, I received a new bank keycard in the post. I didn't even realise that mine had expired. Correct me if I'm wrong but Wednesday was April 5th, yes?

Why send someone their new keycard 5 days AFTER their old one expires? Hmmmm? What's with that?

Fortunately, I have a habit of taking out chunks of money and not using my keycard often because of a) bank fees; b) I like to be prepared; and c) I get paid monthly and it helps me budget.

I do recall that when this happened a few years ago, I was out shopping only to have my EFTPOS transaction declined.

You'd think with all the fees, the bank would send your card out on time.

What do you do...

When you wake up with *this* in your head:

I can’t fight this feeling any longer

And yet I’m still afraid to let it flow

What started out as friendship, has grown stronger

I only wish I had the strength to let it show

I tell myself that I can’t hold out forever

I said there is no reason for my fear

Cause I feel so secure when we’re together

You give my life direction

You make everything so clear

And even as I wander

I’m keeping you in sight

You’re a candle in the window

On a cold, dark winter’s night

And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might

And I can’t fight this feeling anymore

I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for

It’s time to bring this ship into the shore

And throw away the oars, forever

Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymore

I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for

And if I have to crawl upon the floor

Come crashing through your door

Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you

I’ve been running round in circles in my mind

And it always seems that I’m following you, girl

Cause you take me to the places that alone I’d never find

And even as I wander

I’m keeping you in sight

You’re a candle in the window

On a cold, dark winter’s night

And I’m getting closer than I ever thought I might

And I can’t fight this feeling anymore

I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for

It’s time to bring this ship into the shore

And throw away the oars, forever

Cause I can’t fight this feeling anymore

I’ve forgotten what I started fighting for

And if I have to crawl upon the floor

Come crashing through your door

Baby, I can’t fight this feeling anymore.

- REO Speedwagon

Why, you blog it so that everyone can read it and have it in their head too!

Now picture the lead singer... *waves lighter in the air*

What cold front?

So far, there are no signs of the unsettled gusty, squally weather we're supposed to have through until Sunday. There was a bit of a shower yesterday afternoon but it cleared up by evening and remains clear.

On the other hand, it is quite brisk outside now.

You know winter's coming when the couriers stop wearing shorts.

Couric moves to CBS

I used to be a big fan of 'The Today Show'. I loved the rapport between cranky old Bryant Gumble and Katie Couric, and subsequently that between Katie Couric and Matt Lauer (and to a lesser extent, that with Stone Phillips).

Well, Katie has announced that she's leaving 'The Today Show' and NBC altogher.

Why?

She's going to become the first female night time news anchor in television history. I believe she's taking over the spot left vacant by Dan Rather.

I wonder if Ann Curry will replace Katie. Hopefully they won't repeat the whole Deborah Norville disaster when Jane Pauley left.

Here's part of the transcript from her announcement taken from msnbc.com:

Couric: Well I know it's the worst kept secret in America, but I'm going to be working on the CBS Evening News and "60 Minutes" and I'm very excited about it, but I can't tell you how much I'm going to miss everybody.

Lauer: Congratulations. Well the good news is....

Couric: Can I come and visit?

Lauer: You can come anytime you want, and the good news is we have a couple of months to say a proper goodbye. We're going to have a lot of fun and relive a lot of good moments.

Couric: You are going to be so sick of me by the end of May, you're going to be like "goodbye already!"

Lauer: No. No. We are so proud of you.

Couric: Thanks.

Lauer: And we'll to miss you so much.

Lauer: Let's get a check of the weather from Al.

(After the weather report)

Al Roker: Hell just froze over! (laughter)

Lauer: Hail Hail! The gang's all here.

Did someone say 'sudden change in weather'???

An Antarctic cold front is due to hit Melbourne early this afternoon.

I knew there was a reason why I looked at my Mooks jacket as I walked out of the house. Also, I've been thinking about putting a beanie in my bag all week.

I need to quit thinking and start doing.

Weather bureau duty forecaster Stuart Coombs said the front, which was currently over the Portland area in south-west Victoria, would hit Melbourne early this afternoon, bringing cold and squally west-to-south-westerly winds, showers and local hail and thunder.

"We'll start to see showers develop in the early afternoon and by mid afternoon conditions will have deteriorated," Mr Coombs said.

"This air's coming from a long way south," he said.

"It's moved fairly quickly up towards us so it hasn't really changed a lot in its nature. That's part of the reason why it's going to be so cold because it's effectively come express delivery."

Mr Coombs said Melbourne could expect five to ten millimetres of rain, with the outer-eastern and south-eastern suburbs likely to be hardest hit. - The Age

I'm sick.

:(

I've got a cold. Looks like I started taking my multi-vitamins again a bit too late.

Also, although I've been told by my scientist mate, Lanie, that you can't get sick from being cold, I'm sure the sudden change in weather has something to do with it. It's more windy so peoples' germs are travelling faster.

Anyway, I had to buy some lozenges and a pocket pack of tissues yesterday. Today I can hardly breathe.

Chicken soup for dinner, I reckon.

Must get some crackers and 7-Up on my way home too.

So goodbye, my friend...

fitzroyal has closed her blog.

Booooooo...

I want my couch. :(

Bozo.

I should be happy today.

But I'm not.

I should be happy because I paid off a credit card today. Being set free from ties to a financial institution always calls for celebration.

However, I was meant to finish paying it off next month.

You see, I have a carefully laid out monthly budget with set amounts of income set aside for bill payments, etc. I get paid on a monthly basis and that is why I have to do this.

So when I accidentally make TWO payments on one account, it throws the rest of my month into disarray.

Especially when I know that I've just bought a new mobile phone AND I have a trip to the optometrist next week.

I am a dumbass.

Also, I woke up with the niggling symptoms of an evil lurgy attacking my immune system. I blame the stupid bastard on the tram last Friday morning who let out an explosive sneeze in my direction. And no, he didn't cover his mouth. It was a spray all.

Hey...

Did anyone change the battery in their smoke alarm(s)?

I did.

Only because it's been a long time between trips to the dentist.

And the 9V batteries were on sale.

The Cusacks.

Yesterday afternoon, I started to watch 'High Fidelity' again. It's kind of like 'Empire Records' but the story unfolds around a break-up.

Which reminds me, I want to get a copy of 'Empire Records'.

'Oooooh, Rexy, you're so sexy!'

Anyway, watching 'High Fidelity' reminded of a question which JGT and I have raised many times and now I put forth this question to you:

Why are John and Joan Cusack in so many movies together? Do you think it was a buy one get one free family deal?

To name a few: Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, High Fidelity

I wonder if there even is a reason.

Oh, it's hard being a Tigers fan.

So far, the past 2.5 days have not been fun.

April Birthdays!

Alas, it seems April is a quieter birthday month than normal.

Birthday shout-outs to the following:

The Park Hotel
Danielle Crookes
Bernadette Yao
Cedric Yao
Claire Hunter
Betty Windsor
Ambie Nicoll

Hip hip...

My mobile phone is cactus.

My mobile phone is dying.

It really struggles to stay on when I flip it open.

It doesn't like me sending text messages.

Or reading text messages.

Or answering calls.

Or changing the time.

Or setting my alarm.

Or doing anything which requires the screen to be on.

Do I try and get this one fixed or do I get a new one? That is the question I've been struggling with for the past few days.

*tsai* What to do, what to do?

Another one bites the dust.

Another weekend has been and gone.

Friday night, I watched this year's footy season begin in horror fashion. Technically, the footy season started on Thursday night but only if you're a Saints or Eagles fan.

Saturday was The Park Hotel's 3rd birthday where I had my first DJ gig of the year. You can read more about that on http://requestshallofshame.blogspot.com

I went to the pub early to set up my CD player and do a bit of an anti-skip test. Later on, I went home for a nanna nap but ended up watching 'Crash'. Mental note: 'Crash' will kill whatever party mood you have inside of you.

I made it home at around 3am, which was actually 2am. I managed to stay awake long enough to have a shower and change half my clocks back.

Sunday, I woke up in time to watch 'The Sunday Footy Show' but decided I wasn't in the mood for watching ex-footy stars argue with each other. So I went to Coles to do a spot of grocery shopping and puttering about. It was very noisy in Richmond what with the start of the junior football season (noisy footy parents) and the Grand Prix (not just the cars but the associated air show).

The rest of the day is a bit of a blur. I think I spent a lot of it sitting in front of the tv. Except when I had a bout of gastro. Nice. Sunday gastro is getting to be a habit with me.

And that was my weekend in a nutshell.

Let's just say the footy season starts THIS week.

You know you're in for a rough 22 weeks when you go to your local pub and the fellas come up to you and pat you on the back saying, 'I'm sorry about Friday night'.

My beloved Tigers suffered a SHOCKING defeat on Friday night, having been completely annihilated by the Bulldogs in a 115-pt defeat.

They were simply run over. Tired legs, tired bodies, no fight. And Richo was playing in defense! What the...?

Oh well. First week jitters. These will last about 4 weeks, and then we'll get going.

Under the Friday night lights (again), we'll be facing the Saints at the Telstra Dome. I say let them feed the ball to Reiwoldt and he can kick behinds all night.

Yes, yes, I know young Nick will now kick 10-0.