Here I am!

I'm back. It's been a while because things have been pretty hectic of late. I've had the double whammy of my business and personal lives exploding with activity and I've somewhat migrated to Facebook whilst upkeeping Myspace. But enough excuses... where the heck have I been?

I won't go too much into work detail as that will stress me out. It's better to stay within this false sense of comfort leading up the fortnight before Christmas meltdown.

Tomorrow night, the Victorian Roller Derby League (VRDL) is holding our first public demonstration. We've invited the folks who have helped us along the along as well as friends and family who've been wondering where we've been for the past 9 months. And to think, all of this started with a casual skate outside Melbourne Museum with a woman I met on Myspace.

October is a blur but whilst November is still pretty fresh in my mind, I'll blog about that.

On the weekend of November 10-11, the VRDL hosted the inaugural National Roller Derby Boot Camp. We had 70+ skaters and support from Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales converge on Rawson Village Retreat for two days of full-on training, both on and off skates. We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Smarty Pants from the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls, the original revivalists of modern day roller derby.

After camp, Smarty came back to Melbourne and coached our ladies for the next 3 weeks. If you had said to me a year ago that I'd have skated with anyone from TXRD, much less Smarty Pants, I would have told you to get lost (or worse). It was nice to receive some validation from Smarty that after all the months of self-taught DIY roller derby, we were definitely on the right path.

On a side note, I know I'm not supposed to be skating because of my knees but after national derby camp and spending time with Smarty, I've been inspired to buy new skates and put myself out there in 2008. I'm not fully committing to getting back on skates right now as I'm going to Cambodia in February to take part in a charity bike ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh to Sihanoukville and can't really afford to injure myself.

This might seem like an aimless rambling blog but I'm also trying to watch 'Survivor: China' at the same time.

Anyway, here are some photos from November:

This is my Mama T. bearing ring, made for my by Otto from the Steel City Roller Derby League. Behind it are my new skates. Yes, I'm using the macro function on my camera.


This are my new Riedell Wicked 265s. In the background is my bike, which I love, but will be leaving behind in Cambodia.

Smarty Pants, three-time League Champion, national and international roller derby coach and her publicity manager.


Why there are no balls in roller derby or how not to catch a Nerf football.


Participants of the 2007 National Roller Derby Boot Camp (aka the blurriest photo in the world).

Oh, and I went on my very first Critical Mass Bike Ride last week... YAY!

So you think you can blog?

I know I've been relatively absent from Blogger for quite some time now. I've been super busy with work and roller derby and not much else...

But I will be back shortly.

I have some lovely photos of ladies on skates to post!

I can't remember what font I use on this thing! How annoying and inconsistent!

Hot tip.

Green is the next big thing.

Why?

Because of its association with being environmentally friendly.

Even if it's just a colour on the wall.

How annoying...

It's just taken me 12 attempts to log into Blogger and now I have nothing to blog.

At least I didn't delete my entire page.

*jabs J1*

These are a few of my favourite things...

My city by night.

The State Arts Centre.

Eureka Tower and Southbank.

Random people on the river cruise. Haha... JOKING! Yeesh.

I have many photos of J2 taking photos.

Port Melbourne.

J2, HMAS Lonsdale Complex and Port Melbourne.

Learning how to use the macro function on my camera.

*le sigh*

J2 and the folks have since been and gone to Melbourne.

I'm going to give you an executive summary of their visit as I don't know how detailed J2 will be with her account of her trip. I'm also not going to put my photos up because a) I haven't downloaded them yet; b) J2's will be muchos better. On that note, J2 did teach me how to use my camera. I think I've had it for nearly 2 years now... so long blurry pictures, hello macros!

On Thursday night, we walked along the Southbank Promenade and headed in Chinatown for dinner. After the long(ish) walk and dinner, the folks were tired so they headed back to the apartment while J2 and I hunted down some photo ops.

On Friday, while the parents seemed content with hanging out in C-Town and the Packer Playground, we ventured out on a sightseeing tour and took in a river cruise and a bus tour out to Mount Dandenong on Friday. Unfortunately it was an overcast day and we didn't see panoramic views of Melbourne as promised but the drive through Ferntree Gully was magnificent. We also stopped at a bird sanctuary J2 even let a bird land on her! Ok, 'let' might not be the right word.

Saturday morning, J2 and I ventured out looking for street art. The morning fog was pretty thick and not very conducive to taking photographs. Then we met up with the folks for lunch and walked out to Fitzroy and Collingwood for something different. J2 met a fellow Magic Pony-ette at the Robio Store on Gertrude street (www.robio.com.au). That evening, we stayed in and had a Thai food and movie night.

We jumped on the 109 and headed out to Port Melbourne, one of my most favourite places in all of Melbourne. I haven't been there in ages and not much changes but it is wonderful all the same. We walked along the beach (ok, on the footpath) and took many, many photos and then up to South Melbourne Beach and then caught the tram back into town for some lunch and more shopping. That night we descended upon Crown Casino for some surf and turf and a small flutter.

And that about wraps it up... The next morning we were up at dawn's crack and said our goodbyes. >:0(

So after 7 years of living in Melbourne, it was finally nice having the folks visit... a planned visit, at that, and not just a 'Surprise! We're here!' visit.

And last but not least, it was great seeing J2 and spending some time with her... I can't believe it's been nearly 6 years since we last saw each other and 10 years since we had time to hang out! Cor blimey!

My aim now is to get over to North America late next year and join her and AM in Vegas or couch surf at their place or BOTH!

YAY!

J2 - I miss you already!

Victorian Roller Derby League Photoshoot 14 July 2007

The ladies gathered on Saturday, 14th July 2007 for the first official league photo shoot.

Here are the photos:

http://www.ashotaway.com/VRDL/

Big thank you goes out to Nicole Reed for her time, patience and beautiful photography!

They're coming...

Not long now until J2 and the folks arrive in Melbourne!

Woohoo!!!

Oh where, oh where has J2 gone...

SHE'S HERE!

T-minus 10 days and a handful of hours, minutes and seconds until I see J2 and the folks.

More important news

In other news, in February, I am embarking on a charity fundraiser cycling trip in aid of the Future Cambodia Fund. There will be a group of 10-15 riders cycling across Cambodia on a 14 day trip.

If you'd like to know more or send a donation my way, please let me know.

Now... Time to book me in for some vaccinations!

My doctor is going to think I'm the biggest hypochondriac as this will be my 4th visit in as few as 5 months, especially seeing as it's my 4th visit to a doctor in 6 or so years.

Victorian Roller Derby League (aka Melbourne Grind Girls)

We had a visiting photographer from Virginia at training on Sunday.

Here are his photos.

At the moment, I spend approx. 4 out of 7 of my free days/nights with these women in various suburbs and rinks around Melbourne.

We have exciting, sexy (a la Borat, *shudder*), tumultuous, tired, drunken and, everyone's least favourite, push up times.

But at the end of the day we're all happy little skatermites.

The Sunday Age, 20 May 2007

Caption Correction: That is Cherry Rockette in the photo, not Betty BamALam.

Belinda Emmett 'So I Am' featuring VRDL Inc.

Mother's Day Classic 2007

To celebrate Mother's Day and to raise money for breast cancer research, members of the Victorian Roller Derby League participated in the 10th Annual Mother's Day Classic in the Botanical Gardens, Melbourne.

We gathered at 8:45am, were pinned, sashed, posed and filmed, walked 4km, called 'emos and goths', herded through a bizarre charity walker hussling pen, collected showbags, collapsed on the grass and departed... All before 12pm.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Did I mention I *heart* the Victorian Roller Derby League Inc.?

Housewives knees.

The news from the orthopaedic surgeon is that I have chondromalacia patellae.

Chondromalacia Patellae (also known as CMP, Patello-femoral Pain Syndrome, or Runner's Knee) is a degenerative condition of the cartilage surface of the back of the knee cap, or patella. It produces discomfort or dull pain around or behind the patella. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runner's_knee)

Next Monday I'm having an MRI on my left knee to see if I've torn my lateral meniscus.

There's a lot of literature on this condition as it is fairly common. There also seems to be a lot of discussion as to whether or not it is treatable. The orthopaedic surgeon said that it was inoperable and he didn't seem all that confident that it could be fixed. He also said, 'There's so much damn clicking, I can't tell where it's coming from.'

For the time being, I'm going to wait and see what the MRI says but the good news is that I'm back on skates. While I'm not likely to become a roller derby queen, as my knees can't handle the squatting and knee slides, I'm going to try and coach instead. And if there is no tear, I'm going to try and manage the pain and go from there.

I'm glad I have roller derby...

Because the Richmond Tigers are woeful this year.

*shakeshead*

Skater down.

It's been about two and a half weeks since my last post.

Many things have happened and the majority of them have to do with roller derby, work and sleep, as that seems to be all that I've been doing for the past few months. I'll try to give a brief run-down on what I have, and haven't, been doing.

First of all, I have been off skates for the past couple of weeks. All those years of volleyball have been hard on my knees and since I started skating, the grinding/clicking/locking is becoming very audible and painful. Sensible me has decided to finally get this checked out before some permanent damage is done. I have been rather grouchy during this down time because it is no fun watching and supervising training. What really upsets me the most is that I can't do the falling drills that I have grown to love over the past three months. I can't really gauge if I'm being a wuss or if I've done serious damage because I've been living with it for many years now. The fact that I now feel pain when I'm laying down or sitting still makes me think I've done some serious damage.

We had our first league meeting in April and doubled our database of girls. Every week, we get newbies (aka fresh meat) turning up at our training sessions. Every week we wonder when girls have been sneaking in private sessions when they astound us with their agility/endurance/crossovers/falls.

Sunday sessions are really starting to take shape. My favourite task was marking out the track. For 17 years, I've been holding on to Dad's imperial tape measure and finally, there was a reason for it. As roller derby is huge in the States, most of the info that we've been finding, including track measurements, have been in feet and inches. Rather than converting to 1/100th of a metre, keeping things in feet has made it so much easier.

As winter is approaching, we've moved Tuesday sessions indoors and are working on fitness, strength and getting used to contact.

Thursday sessions have always been about a general skate and more social but it's also turned into a media almost-frenzy during the past couple of weeks.

Two weeks ago, The Age came to a session for a photo shoot. They've now written the accompanying article and we're hoping it's going to be in the papers this weekend.

Last Thursday, the girls were filmed for the video clip of Belinda Emmett's song, 'So I Am'. Belinda Emmett passed away last year after a long battle with breast cancer and her album has been released posthumously to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. I believe the video is due for release on Mother's Day.

On Saturday, Betty BamaLam and Hidden Magenta were interviewed on Triple R 102.7FM. Most of us slept through it. Sorry, ladies.

This Sunday, we are participating in the Mother's Day Classic, which is also a fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research. We're doing the 4km walk. We don't run for fun.

And that's the update.

Oh yeah, we're in Incorporated Association.

*double derby rock hands*

Now... to get my driver's licence.

Skate update.

Last Sunday (the 15th), we had our first official indoor training session at a private rink. We started off with warm-up laps and then followed with slaloms, figure eights, forward and backward scissors.

Then we were taken through some leg and abdominal exercises, with our skates on, to strengthen our core, followed by upper body work, ie. push-ups. I've always stuck with the one standard push-up. We did the standard, then the wide arm, and finally the narrow arm. I don't know if you've ever done a narrow arm push-up but it hurts. Lots.

After getting back on our feet (not as easy as it sounds after that workout), we did a few more laps then started a snake drill. I stuck with it for a couple of rounds but had to pull out once the speed really picked up. I really need to work on my stamina and breathing.

Our final drill was sprints and falling. This has to be my favourite drill. From one end of the rink, we'd sprint and either double knee slide/single knee slide/180-degree knee slide/baseball slide, scramble back up and sprint back and do it all over again. After about 10 of these, gravity is not your friend. What I also like about this drill is that it is one of the only drills where I forget that I have skates on.

Finally, we cast our sweaty, disgusting pads and skates aside and warmed down with some stretches and balance exercises. We were stuffed.

Monday was difficult. My hip flexors wanted nothing to do with me. I drank lots of water (sorry about the drought) so that I would be forced to get up every 45 minutes and stretch my legs.

I can't wait to do it all again this Sunday.

'Hell on Wheels' movie trailer (warning: coarse language)

Who would have thought...

Before I moved to Melbourne, I took a part time contract job as an Event Producer's Production Assistant (Prod. Ass. to some).

After I moved to Melbourne, I continued to work in Events and worked in various roles including Production Assistant, Volunteer Supervisor, Publicity Manager, Design Director's Assistant, Show Director's Assistant, Scissor lift operator and Bump Out Crew, to name a few.

When I finally realised that contract work, and more specifically, event management, wasn't for me, I walked away thinking, 'What a waste of 15 months.'

Five years later, all those 'skills' that I picked up in that 15 months have become very useful and there are times when I wish I had paid a little more attention.

Fortunately, being a hoarder, I think still have my notes from my first job. I just have to find the time to dig them out.

I'm just babbling because I've been reading over Sponsorship Packages and By-Laws for the past two hours and it's all becoming discombobulated.

All's quiet on the Melbourne front.

Not.

It's actually frantically busy here.

I'm involved in a very special project.

No, J1 and J2, it doesn't involve anything to do with India. Not yet, at least.

Apart from working, I have been skating, training, researching, documenting, reading and editing... it seems like I'm only ever home to eat and sleep. Sometimes I forego the eating because I need to sleep.

It's as exhausting as it is exhilirating.

But soon, hopefully, I will have some good news to tell and all these long days and trips to suburbs I've never even heard of will bear some results.

But get used to the following names because you're going to be hearing a lot about them in the very near future: Betty Bamalam, Cherry Rockette, Hidden Magenta, Denim Destructor and Baby James.

Peace, love and toestops...

Another reason to love derby.

Sez's new healthy obsession: her fisheye camera.

(photo courtesy of Sarah Keogh, taken 02-Mar-07, Kent Street, Collingwood)

Wednesday, 21 March 2007.

After a simply magical night with AB at the ballet, I had the worst cab ride home EVER.

Now I know I should never fight my instinct to catch a tram.

This is how it went down:

AB and I leave the ballet and walk down to Flinders Street Station where I hop into the next available cab. The following conversation ensued (this might make more sense if you live in Melbourne and know it well):

Me: Hi, how are you? Can you take me to Abbotsford please?
Cab driver: Abbotsford?
M: Yes, near Collingwood, off Hoddle.
CD: Hoddle?
M: Hoddle.
CD: You show me which way you prefer to go?
M: Ok. Drive down there and turn right.
CD: Right?
M: Yes.

We get to Flinders Street and he turns right. At every intersection, he asks if I want him to turn. Finally, I tell him to turn left at Spring Street.
CD: Left?
M: YES.
We near Victoria Street and I tell him to turn right.
CD: Ah yes, right onto Hoddle.
M: That's Victoria Parade. Do you even know where Hoddle Street is?
CD: To be honest, I just arrived. This is my first time driving.
M: *rolls eyes*
CD: You come from home or work?
M: The ballet.
CD: Ballarat?
M: No, the ballet... at The Arts Centre.
CD: What's ballet?
M: It's a type of dance.
CD: What kind?
M: Classical.
CD: You teach or student?
M: It was a performance.

Somehow, we eventually make it to my house. I say somehow because there were a few near death experiences and also, he thought it was fun to drive alongside a fellow cab driver and have a conversation. I ask him to stop, he drives another 10 metres. I give him a $20 and he tells me he has no change. This was the final straw.
M: How can you have no change?
CD: I just filled up with gas.
M: And you have no change... you're driving a cab!
CD: Do you have a credit card?
M: I'm not paying by credit card and getting charged EXTRA because you didn't bring any change with you.
CD: We don't charge you extra, the credit card company does.
M: I'm paying by cash... Why would I pay with credit when I have cash? How did you expect your customers to pay tonight?
CD: But I don't have any change?
M: And whose fault is that?
CD: What are we going to do?
M: What are YOU going to do? You drive a cab, you should have some change!

Some police drive by and tell the driver to move because he's blocking the road. The cop says, 'It's no standing, mate... you can't stop here.' So the cab driver starts to drive away.
M: You're taking me away from my house.
CD: Calm down, I'll just drive around the block.
M: Give me my money and I'll go inside and get you some change.
He continues to drive me AWAY from my house.
CD: They said 'No standing' so I can't stop.
M: We wouldn't be 'standing' if you had some change.

Eventually, he got me back to my house and I went and got him the fare. In retrospect, I should have given him my jar of 20 cents. He would have made a tip then.
As I shoved the money in his hand, I said, 'You might want to THINK before you drive a cab next time, you idiot.'

There was a lot more swearing but I thought I'd keep it nice. Normally I'm quite patient with cab drivers but this guy just took the cake. I should have taken down his number. One day I will officially make a complaint. Thank goodness I had my BP checked last week.

Tonight

Technically, it began last week but for me, the Australian Ballet's Melbourne season begins tonight and AB and I are off to see 'Don Quixote'.

Woohoo!

How I spent my Saturday.

On Saturday morning, I woke up at 7am as I had a scheduled delivery time for 7 - 11am.

At 7:30, I heard a truck approaching so I scampered downstairs to find Ray and his mate ready to delivery all my stuff.

Big thanks to the House of Sticks for being so understanding with all the noise between 7:30 and 8am.

So many boxes.

The bedside tables.

The 4-drawer chests of drawers.

Slats and rails.

Bed in progress.
Bed on completion.

Finally.

Freedom rang on Saturday morning (this can be taken both literally and figuratively).

My furniture hath arriveth.

I will be arranging a delivery for this Saturday.

Yesterday, I cleared out some clothing and tried to work out where everything is going to go.

I don't think anyone understands how much I can't wait to throw out my current bed frame and how much I long for underbed storage.

Look forward to next week's blog on putting together my furniture. And maybe even some accompanying photographs.

Mental Health Week

Been wondering where I've been? Perhaps you thought I went postal after that last blog?

Well, I've had most of the past week off in order to refresh and recuperate my brain. I've also had one of the best weeks EVER!

On Saturday, BM and I went shopping in the city. I visited my (now) favourite store in the world and walked out a little depleted financially but very happy with my new shirts and cufflinks. I also bought a new pair of jeans. I quite enjoyed buying clothes in person.

Sunday. Sunday was a very good day indeed. Yes.

Monday, went to work and cleared my desk.

On Tuesday, BM and I got on our bikes and visited my old stomping ground, Coles at Richmond Plaza. Then we went into town and strolled around. I picked up 'Hip Hotels Atlas' by Herbert Ypma. One day I will have ALL of this series.
Tuesday night, BM, LDR and I convened at Melbourne Museum for roller derby training. Joining us were Miss Minx, Betty Bamalam, Miss Malice, Hidden Magenta, Ket and Cherry Rockette. We were meant to be meeting Otto and Lisa from the US but they didn't turn up until after we left.

Wednesday, CT and I ventured into the city where I had my passport photos done. We had a spot of lunch then returned home. I headed back to the museum that night and met up with Betty, Cherry, Otto and Lisa and we had a skate around. I asked Lisa to teach me to cross-step but seeing as balance has never been my friend, I decided to have a go at the double knee, single knee and 180 degree knee slides.

Can I just say how much I enjoy falling down on my skates and scrambling up... I must have thrown myself down 50 times. My pads are scuffed, my skates are scuffed... I love it!


Thursday night we went to Caribbean Gardens Rollerama and met more future rollergirls including Jo No Mercy, Miss Mayhem, Denim Destroyer, Hetty Machete, Jess and Lex, and had a social skate. Scoresby is an interesting place. Power-sliding on a rink is a lot safer than on concrete pavers.

Friday morning I headed off to VicRoads and got my driving learner's permit. I now have photo ID! Then I went to the local cop shop to have a stat dec signed and then sent off my passport renewal forms. The rest of Friday was a blur as there was much celebrating going on and general booziness.

Today is a rest day. Tomorrow we have skate training. Betty, Minx and Magenta have gone to Brisbane for the Australian Roller Derby Association Launch Night and Demonstration. Tuesday we'll be starting regimented training.

One day... one day I'll be able to cross-step turn.

*ahem*

*SHAKENBABYSYNDROME*



That's all.

Yesterday was a very good day.

Because sometimes it pays off to be bold and do something that no one would ever expect you to do.

Not even yourself.

Now for the follow through.

2007... A very interesting (and somewhat cryptic) year so far.

Last year I vowed to step out of my comfort zone and did just that.

This year I'm upping the ante and continuing to challenge myself in many different aspects.

This could become very addictive.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

Special combination stir fry for an excellent Wednesday night.

Method:

1x beginner skater
4x new acquaintances
1x pair of Reidell skates
1x pair of Pro-Tec knee pads
1x large, smooth, flat surface

Meet, greet and skate for approximately 2 hours and then separate.

2x housemates
Handful of favourites
Generous amount of adrenalin-filled rantings
Dash of the sillies

Place in local pub and dissect the current day's events and then separate.

1x House of Sticks
1x 'The Devil Wears Prada'
2x comfy couches

Combine and rest.

Worst slide ever.

I took this photo at the Lunar New Year festival on 4th February 2007.

Is it just me or is it a bit wrong that they used a sinking ship as the model for this inflatable slide? Hmmm?

I *heart* volleyball (a.k.a. I am not 15 anymore)

And that's with high shock absorption, patella protecting knee pads on!

Probably didn't help that I got the same spot as last week.

Progression of pain.

I've done my right hammy and am walking with a noticeable limp.

Good times.

Happy International Quirkyalone Day!!!

Today, I am one with my people.

My peeps, yo!

*swaggers*

I have moved.

That's right.

I'm using new Blogger.

I didn't realise I could use an existing e-mail address to create a Google account but now I have... I have a thing about having a bunch of unused e-mail accounts floating around.

Passwords, love... Can hardly ever remember them what with all my elderly moments.

Now let's see what this new fandangled blogger can do.

This is the beginning...

Last night, Neville and I went to Tuesday night social volleyball with the Melbourne Spikers. It was Nev's first time since primary school and whilst I played through the majority of the 90s, even travelling to New York for 2 weeks for it, I can't remember the last time I was actually on a court.

Needless to say, this morning my knees are a little bit more noisy, travelling up and down stairs is slightly painful, I've got that broken capillary rash on my forearms and my right wrist gets agitated easily. This is nothing though considering halfway through last night I thought I had broken my right forearm.

I freakin' love volleyball.

My kneepads are arriving some time this week which means next week I can throw myself around a bit more. I did smile a little when I was pulling on my socks this morning and saw a little bruise on my knee. Indoor court volleyball isn't that popular a sport here so buying a good pair of kneepads isn't as easy as walking into your local sports store. I don't even think I have a local sports store. Anyway, I wanted a pair of Mizunos with patella support and I have some coming. No J1, I did not wear my skate pads.

Speaking of skating, I hope volleyball doesn't interfere with my skating and vice versa. Not that I'm actually skating. My intention to skate, if you will. I now fully appreciate my uncomfortable wrist guards.

Melbourne Cricket Ground, 3rd February 2007.

There's something about this photo that I really like...

I just can't quite put my finger on it.

Welcome back, lady!!!

You know who you are.

I found him. (a.k.a. Time flies)

(the old toy museum, smith st, collingwood)

Further to my post of March 2006, I finally found another 'Renks' tag and had a camera readily available to take a photo.

I have actually seen more 'Renks' tags around town in the past 10 months but being a sufferer of occasional absentmindedness or 'elderly moments', I've never remembered to take a photo using my camera phone. Also, the quality on the Motorola phones is rubbish.

So, now that I have a Carl Zeiss lens on my 6288, I can take photos and do.

Uh oh... methinks I have the rambles today.

Flow it, show it...

I took this photo so that I could refer to it when doing my hair. Pity it doesn't really show me anything. Also, at this point, I'd already squashed it with my helmet and rode home.

I try really hard to pay attention when Cisco is styling it at the end, but I think after more than an hour of sitting around at the salon, my attention span is just shot.

Anyway, it's finally growing. I'll have pigtails in no time!

Postscript.

Native American headdresses are the new black.

New Year's Day Choreography revisited.

On New Year's day, I was set a simple task: Teach choreography at 3pm.

With ten minutes to spare and a little help from BM, I managed to throw together a contemporary number which was a fusion of the African Anteater Mating Ritual and Funniest Home Videos.

You would be surprised how four people doing the same dance can bring dozens of conversations to a grinding halt.

Anyway, there's no video evidence of the dance but Nev managed to capture the *wow* moment of the entire choreography on January 2nd, 2007.

Caption #3: ........................................

What do you mean I'm 37???

Happy Birthday, J1!!!

Happy Birthday Al!

For good measure.

Seeing as I showed you how 2007 started off, here's a photo of how 2006 ended.

Contrary to what mum always said, I did not wake up blind after going to sleep with my hair wet.

Fitness regime recommences.

Having felt mighty lazy since the beginning of the holiday season, I finally got around to starting up my fitness regime for 2007.

On Wednesday night, CT and I ventured to Gahan's Reserve for some volleyball drills via moonlight and train station spotlights. I intend on returning to social volleyball on February 6th and have no desire to look like an idiot on my first day back.

On Friday, my Shadowboxer belt arrived (www.shadowboxer.com.au). This has brought a tremendous amount of joy to the House of Sticks. I'm sure it will also bring a tremendous amount of pain. We'll have to set up some sort of schedule because it's the current hot item in our ever-growing home gym.

Saturday morning I embarked on what was meant to be a walk to Port Melbourne and back. My head decided to play a game of 'Amazing Race' with my legs and threw in a few detours and roadblocks. 19,000+ steps, 13.30kms, and 2.5 hours later, I was in Port Melbourne, clambering onto a tram to bring me back home. When I got off the tram in North Richmond, my legs and feet were jack of me and it was a very long and painful walk home from the tram stop. Thank goodness for Peppermint Cooling Foot Gel. Thanks to dad and mum for walking me home via the phone.

Here are some photos that I took of Port Phillip Bay. Whilst my IR-300 does take panoramic shots, my Nokia 6288 does not. It was a very windy day and trust me, I had death grip on my phone for fear of dropping it into the Bay. The last three photos are of wishlist apartment developments.

Tonight I'm going to try and complete the Shadowboxer Workout.

Caption Competition #2

J1 said the first one was too hard. How about this one?

Correction.

Dad's not having surgery today as he's running a fever.

What a strange expression 'running a fever' is. I wonder if I just made it up.

Things that will be here waiting for when you get back:

1. Midsumma Carnival.
2. Luna Park.
3. Melbourne Zoo.
4. The Australian Ballet.
5. Comfortable Chair beer garden.
6. Fed Square Atrium.
7. Plenty o' Cooper's Pale.
8. House of Sticks madness.
9. Church-Chapel Street Walkathon/Pub Crawl of the Temporarily Insane.
10. My mania and indecisiveness (but I'll work on the latter!).

See you *very* soon, honey.

Family Update

Dad's been in the hospital since Thursday night and this morning will be heading in for keyhole surgery to remove some gallstones (or one, I'm not really sure).

Thankfully he doesn't have to try and pass these ones.

Get well soon, Dad!

Caption Competition

As you may or may not have noticed, the Tsai-Koid family blogs sometimes turn into a slagging match of snappy answers and stupid comebacks in the comments section.

Completely unrelated to this, I've decided to mix things up a little on my blog. Every now and then, I'm going to provide a photo and I'd like you to provide the caption.

We'll start off with something easy. Maybe. Happy captioning!

Good grief.

I've heard that the way you spend New Year's Day is a

good indication of how the rest of your year will pan out.

(photos courtesy of Miss Mateless)

01-01-07: Before the madness.

No matter how many times she took the photo,

someone was always going to look a little wrongtown.

(photos courtesy of Miss Mateless)

Choose my own adventure.

I want to take myself on a little holiday this year. I have about 10 days off in March so it's too short to go all the way to North America but long enough for a quick jaunt to Asia.

I'm tossing up going to:

1. Singapore - never been there before.
2. Hong Kong - it's been ages and I can't remember anything.
3. Malaysia - never been there before.
4. Vietnam - never been there before.

Where do you think I should go?

P.s. Hoping to make my RD tour next year which will focus around RollerCon 2008 in Vegas (baby).

I know what I've done this summer.

Or so I think.

Prior to this morning's blog, I think the last time I wrote was a few days before Christmas. So let's pick up from...

22nd December: We went to the Yering Station Winery for our Christmas party. A lot of food and wine was consumed before we made our way back to civilisation - apparently I have a 'look' which says 'getmebacktothecity'. I think that look was more 'I'mnotsittingbackwardsonthewayorI'llbesick'. After the winery, we ended up at the Park Hotel for several hours and then eventually I stumbled home and woke up to a pizza delivery man knocking at the front door. Interesting.

23rd: My poor, poor head. I don't know what made me think I could outdrink an Irishman but I gave it a good shot. Sat at home with the girls and then it was off to the airport. J1 and T picked me up and I saw their furnished abode for the first time. Puppy was very affectionate. Brownie gave me donuts. Caught up with the M&M's for dinner. Good times.

24th: Shopping. Can you believe it? Then it was off to the folks' place for the annual Christmas feast and Carnivore 2006.

25th: Spoke with J2 & AM. Church. BBQ lunch at A&E's. A moment to reflect and digest. BBQ dinner at J1 & T's. Who knew Carnivore 2006 was going to be a multi-day event?

26th: Shopping. But only because we were waiting for our bowling lane to free up. I played my best game ever, I reckon... more importantly, I beat J1. Hehehe... We should have pre-booked our lane for 2007!!! Stepped back in time and visited KB at her cafe.

27th: This is where my memory starts to fade. I know there was cricket involved in here somewhere. Cricket and beer.

28th: Ummmmm... Cricket, beer and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007? I know we went to Broadway and did some shopping for dinner. Then had dinner... and watched a DVD.

29th: Lunch with the folks, J1 & T in Eastwood then off to the airport to return home. Got home and immediately unpacked, had a quick bevvy with BM and then it was off to town to see CN. We caught up over a beer or two at Lower House in Federation Square then headed off to St. Kilda to see Modest Mouse play at The Palace. Having only heard a few tracks of Modest Mouse prior to the concert, I wasn't sure what I was in for but once I saw TWO drummers and a double bass on stage, I knew I was in for a good time... and they were brilliant. After the concert, we grabbed a couple of travellers and headed down to the beach where I was given a brief astronomy lesson on the constellations of the southern hemisphere. Now, I might be having one of Corkars' blonde moments when I say this but I swear I saw the Big Dipper, only it's called something else here... The Giant Pot or something. Whatever. I was never good with astronomy.

30th: Hmmmm. Drawing a blank here. Hung around at home with CT. Had a quick beer with A&L and their new edition, Frankie the French Bulldog... Oh yeah! Had dinner with Momma Julie and then it was off to the Glasshouse to play my last gig. Can't believe I forgot about that. Actually, I can because it was a rather uneventful evening. Thank you to those who came out... even though none of you read this blog. Hehehe...

31st: We tried to keep this day as lowkey as possible. Had a few drinks at home. Headed to the Glasshouse for its final hurrah. Came home for the midnight hour. Went to sleep.

1st: It was like Christmas morning in our house. Everyone was up early and nervous wrecks for what the day had in store for us. We'd been planning this one for a while and it was finally upon us. First we headed off to 'Nurse Betty' at Altitude for a wee bevvy and then our limo arrived, taking us for a scenic drive down Beach Road and Beaconsfield Parade. Then it was off to 'Give It Up' at Waterfront City, Docklands, where we spent the rest of the day and part of the night. There was such a random mix of people there. Caught up with old friends I hadn't seen for years, friends that I'd recently made and even made new friends... All in all, I reckon this may have been the best NYD I've ever had - And I didn't even want to go in the first place! Afterwards, it was back to the House of Sticks for a wind down. BM and I battled on the decks and tried to out-anthem each other but in the end it was a draw.

2nd: Second verse, same as the first!!! Well, we all woke up feeling a little sorry for ourselves... So we opted for the Hair of the Dog, CN and CH came around and next thing you know...

3rd: A lot of today was spent horizontal. I managed to get my work attire to the dry cleaners though. Today was sponsored by Nurofen.

4th: This day was worse than the 3rd. Nevermind that the temperature in Melbourne was hovering around the low to mid-30s all week. Gross.

5th: Got out of the house today thanks to my friend, Aspro-Clear. Went to the National Gallery of Victoria with CN and caught the Tezuka Exhibit. Also squeezed in the Sneaker exhibit and some modern art. Tried to spend my gift cards but to no avail. Tried to find a belt but there was nothing for me. Seeing as I was going back to work on the 8th, I gave myself a mini-holiday and stayed at the Oaks on Collins. Went to Girl Bar for a few hours.

6th: Mad dash to Myer to buy myself new summer pantaloons. Still no belt. Probably would have helped if I went to a different store from yesterday. Went back to the serviced apartment and spent the rest of the day watching movies and television.

7th: Back home and prepared for the return to my 'normal' life.

8th: Back in the saddle again.

back in the saddle again...

Welcome 2007!

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and I wish I had more to show for it than a couple of photos on my phone but some time between now and December last year, my camera decided it didn't want to be friends with my notebook anymore and I can't transfer the photos.

So between J1 and I, there is no photographic evidence of Christmas 2006.

Ka-chow.

Anyway, when I'm a little more focused, I'll tell you what's been going down in mookieland.