To the balletmobile!

As I mentioned (or 'raved'... haha... meh.) yesterday, I went to the ballet again last night. This time I went with Theatre Buddy and we saw 'Revolutions', a triple-bill featuring the works of famed Ballet Russes choreographer, Mikhail Folkine.

Included in the triple-bill were 'Les Sylphides', 'Le Spectre de la rose' and 'Schéhérazade'. For more information, see http://www.australianballet.com.au/default.htm?article=192.

Not to take anything away from the Australian Ballet but one of the more enjoyable parts of the evening was sitting on the steps playing 'Mr. Blackwell' with TB. I would like to note that while commenting on other peoples' 'fashion' may seem a little bitchy, we know that we aren't members of the haute couture army nor do we care to be. Dude... It's just clothes.

TB... now there's an unfortunate acronym. Theatre Buddy is no way related, or held in similar regard, to that highly variable communicable disease of humans also known as tuberculosis.

You'll be reading more about my theatre adventures here soon... you should see all the brochures I collected last night. So much to do in July/August... Yay!

It's here...

Sitting in my bag is 'Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories'.

Alas, I'm going to the ballet tonight to see 'Revolutions'.

Yes, the ballet again.

I'm even considering getting a 2007 subscription.

Very exciting indeed!

And when I say 'rave'...

I mean 'mention'.

But seriously, folks... 'Deadwood Falls'.

Put it on your playlist.

Sunday

Having had a restless night, I decided to get up early on Sunday and have a bit of Jude Time.

By 9am (maybe not so early for you parent folk), I was up and at'em, wandering the streets of Abbotsford and Richmond on my way to Victoria Gardens (www.vicgardens.com.au). I thought I might grab a coffee but alas, the only place open that early was Gloria Jeans. I folded and went the large latte only to realise so much dairy at that time in the morning on an empty stomach when I'm about to go see a movie was probably not the greatest of ideas. So I turfed it.

So yes, I went to the movies and saw the 9:40am screening of 'X-Men 3: The Last Stand'. You would have thought from all my ranting a month ago that I would have seen it by now. Well, I've been busy-ish. For a minute, I thought I'd have the theatre to myself but then 4 more people came in.

Anyway, loved the movie but I knew I would anyway. Nothing like a bit of action and tragedy on a Sunday morning. No spoilers here in case you haven't seen it and wish to.

By the way, the new 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie looks fantastic!

After the movie, I headed down Victoria Street for some grilled spare ribs on broken rice whilst mulling over the Sunday paper. I would have taken photos of my lunch but there were too many other people in the restaurant. Ok, I'll admit it... Even if there was just one other person at the restaurant (including staff) I wouldn't have taken a photo. Plus my camera was still sitting on the floor of my bedroom.

One day I might actually remember that my phone has a camera.

Following that, I headed down to my local for a quiet afternoon at the pub, drinking coffee, beer and destroying crossword puzzles.

I think I've worked out the perfect lazy Sunday. Now I'm ready for this week and however many fitouts, hospitals and schools they want to throw at me.

Bring it.

Lip them.

Family Excursion #2

On Friday night, the girls had their first Friday night off together in a few years so we ventured off to the Corner Hotel to see Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea play.

We had a few small adventures between when we initially arrived at The Corner and when Jen finally came on stage.

Continuing my 2006 'stepping out of my comfort zone' resolution so to speak, I went to 4 new venues that evening. Five if you count the band room and the public bar as separate venues. But why would you?

If you haven't seen Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea - chances are that the majority of my reading audience haven't - I highly recommend it. I've raved about her once before so I won't do it again.

(P.s. Big hello to shypants, thanks for the cuddle... PANTS!)

RAH!

I took my camera to the disco on Friday night.

Alas, I only took 3 pictures... the standard photos of Ambie Dextrus and kdj in the mix, as well as a hot hot photo of ye olde birthday girl.

I haven't yet downloaded these photos and I think there are other photos from weeks gone by that are still on there. My camera is currently sitting on the floor in my bedroom where I left it after emptying my handbag (shhhh) on Saturday.

As a result, I have missed out on taking some great photos this week. First there was the magnificent sunrise on Wednesday morning and accompanying said sunrise were my favourite clouds.

On Thursday morning there was another beautiful sunrise.

Then today, there was the strange man goose-stepping down Gipps Street, using a tree branch, complete with leaves, as an umbrella. Please note that while it wasn't raining at the time, it looked like it could have started raining at any point in time.

Maybe I need two cameras...

Battle of the Brains

Last night, whilst waiting for 'The West Wing' to start, I stumbled upon 'Catalyst' on the ABC which was showing 'Battle of the Brains', a four-part documentary about gifted students battling to make the team for the International Biology Olympiad in Beijing.

You're probably expecting me to make fun, yes?

Well I'm not. This is one of the most compelling programs I've seen this year. Probably in a few years actually. Maybe it's because I bombed out in Science at school and hope to pick up something. However, they happen to be studying 1st Year University Biology. All I can say is: Permission to buzz the tower, sir!

I wish I hadn't missed the first part last week. >:o(

Anyway, this is the website:
http://www.battleofthebrains.com.au/www/index.cfm
and if you're in Australia, Part 3 is on next Wednesday, 8:00pm EST on your ABC.

Delayed.

The release of Grand Theft Auto - Liberty City Stories has been delayed.

It is now due out this Friday.

That gives me some time to refresh my gaming skills.

Viva Carl Johnson!

Giselle.

Last night, I continued my forage into the arts - or to be precise, watching the arts - and went to the closing night of 'Gisele' by the Australian Ballet at the State Theatre.

Alas, I didn't go with my theatre buddy but instead it was our first family/house outing. It was a very pleasant evening indeed. Thank you, ladies!!!

I couldn't recall if I'd actually been to the ballet before. I know I haven't been in Australia but wasn't quite sure if there was a school excursion or some sort of Chinese School thing here or there.

Sidebar: I find it rather amusing that I recall attending a lot of Chinese School events but not actually attending Chinese School. I think that Chinese School was also the first time I experienced my worlds colliding - those instances when Chinese School was on at the same time as the General Byng volleyball and basketball tournaments on Saturdays and Coach Gigliotti would make us run our warm-ups up and down the hall and I would see family friends in the classrooms. Good times.

Where was I?

The only 'cultural' things I really remember from my childhood are the Chinese Acrobats and their spinning dinner plates, the Planetarium and the Natural Museum or Museum of Man or whatever it was.

Mmmm... Woolly mammoths.

Whoops...

I've been so busy lately that I forgot to do June Birthday shout-outs...

Anyhoo, better late than never!

Happy Birthdays go out to:

• Edwin
• Claire
• Flamin' Mo
• Mastie (who's an old girl now?)
• Flees
• Big Al
• Nev
• Eila
• Martin

Welcome 5000th visitor!

Yes.

Thank you.

Nothing to see here...

But there may be something after this weekend.

It's Bob & Nev's lidl mate's birthday and celebrations begin Friday night.

The emphasis should be placed on the word *starting*.

It's been a while since I've been to the disco and who knows when I last ventured across the river so all in all, it should be mighty interesting.

Must recharge ye olde camera for the occasion.

Say 'cheese'...

445.

I'm one cost plan short of a nervous breakdown.

See you.

Parental Guidance advised.

This is a warning that in approximately two weeks time, I'll have 'Grand theft Auto: Liberty City Stories' in my possession.

I shall resurface in a few months... or when I get stuck.

Which will probably be a few days after.

Anyhoo, lookout middlechild.

I *love* polar bears.

Even when they're being forced to pull the White Witch around in the middle of summer.

Meanwhile, I saw this photo in this week's 'Animal Tracks' on www.msnbc.msn.com.

This polar bear is watching a whaling crew near Barrow, Alaska. The crew were checking out conditions for whaling and hunting ducks (wabbit season!). The bear did not approach the crew.

The end of an era.

Today, Katie Couric will sit with Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Ann Curry for the last time.

I contemplated getting up at 4am to watch the broadcast on Channel 7.

But I won't.

I'm not crazy.

Much.

After 8 years...

I've finally worked out what the 'loudness' dial on my amp is for.

Uhhhh... stupid.

The view from my desk.

They may be commission flats but they sure are pretty at sunrise through the fog.

So goodbye, my friend...

I moved out of my flat. I have a lot of crap. I got to a point where I decided, 'If it's not packed, throw it out.' With my motto firmly in place, I realised I would have to return after rubbish day as I'd filled up most of the rubbish bins.

Why oh why must I hoard!?!

Stay tuned for photos of my vacating clean. Rivetting stuff.

Rubber band ball envy.

Mine's the one on the right.

This photo would be so much more artistic if J2 was here to take it.

People in the morning.

What is with people who 'queue up' behind you when you're standing at the intersection waiting for the lights to change?

I mean, really, this is Gipps & Hoddle. It's quite a large intersection, not a footbridge.

I am not your crossing guard. Do I look like I'm holding a lollipop?

*yeesh face*

In alliance with middlechild

I, too, would like to know why blogger doesn't have a polling device.

My poll would be about a current hot topic (no, not The X-Men):

If you were climbing Mt. Everest and came across a fellow climber who was dying, would you stop and assist or would you continue your pursuit?

I'm sure there are countless factors involved - especially seeing as I haven't been reading the newspaper articles - but what would you do?

And please don't comment, 'Shoot the hostage'.

Who's Who of the The X-Men Universe.

Courtesy of msnbc.msn.com

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12841419/

Mutants at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ellen Page, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin,

Dania Ramirez, and Rebecca Romijn.

As if you would seek to eliminate them from Earth.

Photo by Jeff Christensen, AP

Madonna aka Madge aka Esther.

On the news last night, they reported that Madonna had launched her 'Confessions' tour. Included in the report were a few snippets from the concert.

I'm not certain Madonna had her singing pants on because what I heard was horrible... Horrible.

Then there was the whole saddle/pole/carousel thing that she was sitting on and being transported around the stage while she sang 'Like A Virgin'.

Wrongtown.

At least she seems to have found a way to conserve her energy and prevent another hernia.

The fans seemed to love it though, as everyone who gets to see her will. And, of course, there's the new controversary about using a cross or something.

Let's just hope they don't threaten to arrest her again in Toronto!

6 out of 8.

Whilst JGT's tipping has taken a turn for the worse, this is the first weekend I've managed to tip more than 5 winners in the Ashley & Martin Footy Tipping competition I'm in through ninemsn.com.au.

However, I have no idea how I'm doing in the pub tipping comp.

This week saw the Tigers withstand a late run from the evil Crows (*shakesfist*) and take home the four points. Richo didn't score a goal but Pettifer took the mark of the year... Go you good things!

Now there's been a bit of chatter about the style of play that the Tigers used against the Crows. I have to admit that I missed the game but saw a few highlights during the Sunday Footy Show and I am quite pleased I missed the game of high-possession, keep away. And while people are calling it boring and Sheeds has got on his soapbox and poo-poo'd Terry Wallace's game plan, the fact is the Tigers caused the upset of the round.

The Crows should have turned around and invoked a full-court press, if you will, rather than let the Tigers build up their stats.

Anyways, now all we need to do is build up our low percentage...

GO TIGES!

Fight Night.

Forget Anthony Mundine v. Danny Green last week, how about Axl Rose v. Tommy Hilfiger!

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12900726/

Cross-cultural pollination.

Last night was the beginning of my new foray into the arts. Actually, foray may be too strong a word but I like it.

I went to my first play in Melbourne, which was also my first time at The Malthouse, which is pretty much the theatrical hub of Melbourne. (www.malthousetheatre.com.au)

Anyhoo, we went and saw "A View of Concrete". Seeing as I'm not in a very descriptive mood this morning, I'm just going to insert the press release here so you know what it's about:

Hallucinogenic dreams and the frisson of terrorist fantasies.

With killing humour and an eye to the idiosyncratic, Gareth Ellis delves into life on the dark side and finds a pop-up panorama of technicoloured paranoia. Ellis conjures what he calls "an alternative present" – where cats and dogs are dying mysteriously, the phone never stops ringing, and drugs are on the menu for breakfast, lunch and tea.

Winner of the 2004 Wal Cherry Award and the 2005 Malcolm Robertson Prize, A View of Concrete is a new play from a new voice in Australian theatre. A voice that signals that the world these people live in is just across the road from our own – and you know them better than you think!

A View of Concrete, directed by Lauren Taylor (Sweet Staccato Rising,Love) is an unapologetic and witty take on the world inherited by Generation Next.

Following the play, my new theatre buddy (we've decided to make this a regular outing) and I ventured into town for a bowl of pho and then delved into the world of female hip hop at The Workshop, complete with dance-off and all! It could have been a Black Eyed Peas video.

All this and home by 11.

And what I really want to know is...

Areyougonnagomyway?

The thing about spring cleaning at supremookie's is that I find music that I forgot I had.

There's a tense issue with that sentence.

And it's autumn.

Pah.

Last night, I was listening to some CD that I have and it was mixed by the wonderful Tony de Vit. I believe this CD was made in the late 90s and it brought me back to the days of 'Milkbar' at The Icebox in Kings Cross, wondering where Lexie had disappeared to in the middle of her set, the wafting smell of pizza coming from the adjoining shop, the big flash of light whenever Charlie walked between the club and the pizza shop...

Coffee anyone?

Well, we've been in Collingwood for a week now. Here is the week in review.

I've tried several different paths to work to find the quickest route but that really doesn't matter anymore.

My work shoes are not made for walking.

I'd like to know why Anh the Vietnamese dressmaker on Victoria Street gets a delivery of 3 boxes of lettuce on Friday mornings. True story.

For the past week, I have tried to find a decent coffee which isn't more than 5 minutes away. Sure, Smith Street is a mecca of cafes but we're in a semi-awkward position with no shortcuts to Smith Street which translates to cold coffee by the time you get back to work.

On Wednesday, I went to what I *thought* was the recommended coffee place in the area. I was advised that they don't make the best coffee but the service is great. My soy latte was the worst coffee I've had that I can remember. And I've recently had percolated McDonald's coffee too. Turns out it wasn't the place recommended to me after all.

I tried the grumpy cafe on the corner yesterday. I ordered a latte to take away and received a scalding cup of something with chocolate sprinkled on top. Classy.

This morning I went to a bakery on Langridge as it is sort of on my way to work. While it was fun watching the bakers and the service was muchos friendly, the coffee wasn't great. I even bought one for the boss man and thought I had to down two large cups of this stuff before he eventually came in. He is a coffee buff (aficionado, if you will) and while he appreciated the caffeine hit when he walked in, I think he might toss the rest of it.

Today I have to go to the Post Office and pick up some more mail. Mental note: there is no door to door postal delivery so I must remember to not get parcels delivered here. I'm going to look for the hole in the wall that makes the best coffee on Smith Street.

And for anyone working in the north end of the city, I highly recommend Cafe Trubi on the corner of Little Lonsdale and Hardware for the best cup of coffee.

Woo... My body is rejecting this coffee. Gotta go...

And a 1, 2, 3, 4...

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Joyyyyyyyyyyyyyce...
Happy Birthday to you!!!

Woooooooooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Dreams... meh.

On Friday night, I had a bizarre dream. It went a little something like this:

I was on my way home from somewhere. I got off the tram at Bridge Road and somehow managed to come out of the shops and nearly ran smack into a couple of scary looking guys. I ended up crossing the road to avoid them and proceeded to my block of flats.

When I arrived, I noticed that it wasn't just one block of flats, but four buildings around a central court a la Melrose Place. Seeing as this was all new to me, I had no idea how to get up to my flat, so I was pulling down fire escapes and playing some sort of live 'Snakes & Ladders' game but without the snakes, of course. If there had been snakes, my dream would have ended here with me screaming like Ned Flanders.

Anyhoo, I was climbing up all these buildings and at one point came across a few members of my family who were moving out of the building. Then I saw some people who I knew lived in my block so I went in their direction. There was a very odd moment where I stopped to notice the terracotta paving tiles in the courtyard and made a mental note - yes, still in my dream - to take a photo of them.

Finally, I made it up some stairs and went inside and was promptly told that I did not live in the Aged Care facility and was told to quickly move along to the next wing. So I walked through the corridor, passed Carla from 'Scrubs', then ran into Elliot (also from 'Scrubs') and asked her to help me find my flat.

And that's about it.

What does it all mean?!

The X-Men.

Last night, I stayed up way past my Sunday bedtime to watch 'X-Men 2'.

With 'X-Men: The Last Stand' about to be released on the big screen, I had some catching up to do.

'The X-Men' has always been one of my favourite comics/cartoons. I love how nasty Wolverine is, never much cared for Cyclops or Rogue, but Dr. Jean Grey/Phoenix were my favourite characters.

Actually, I stopped reading the comics because I couldn't quite grasp the whole Dr. Jean Grey/Phoenix metamorphoses (missing issues doesn't really help either).

Anyhoo, I believe that this will be explained in the the third and final installment of the movie. I now know what the ads are talking about when they say 'the return of Jean Grey'.

I can't wait.

By the way, how come Halle Berry doesn't have an English accent like cartoon Storm?

And why is Rogue so young?

End of the road.

In case anyone is still bothering to look, 'Requests Hall of Shame' has been deleted.

It was a good idea, I just failed with the upkeep.

Jen Cloher.

On the way to downtown Warracknabeal a couple of weeks ago, fitzroyal brought along several CDs, most of which I hadn't heard of before. She even gathered a few 'dancey' CDs that she thought I might enjoy listening to, what with my former life as a dirty vinyl pusher.

Anyhoo...

One of the CDs that came along for the ride was 'Deadwood Falls' by Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea.

Yesterday, I picked up both 'Deadwood Falls' and 'Permanent Marker' (Jen's EP).

The one song I can't get enough of is 'Better off Dancing'. It's my new happy song.

So long Erasure.

And that's the end of my rave on Jen Cloher.

For more info: www.jencloher.com

For all you Melbournians:

I believe there's a public transport ticket blitz today.

The end is near.

Tonight, I'll be catching the 24 for the last time.

That means no more junkies over-crowding me on the tram and making me want to vomit.

No more standing at the wind tunnel tram stop at the corner of Queen and Latrobe.

Tomorrow morning, I will catch the 48/75 tram for the last time.

I will no longer have to endure people standing too close to me at the tram stop.

I will no longer be able to play 'spot the ticket inspector' in the mornings anymore.

I will no longer be able to stalk Di at Federation Square.

I'll never have to spend $98.70 on a monthly tram pass again.

I'll never have to get on the stinky 57 going up Elizabeth Street.

I'll never have another City Weekly thrust in my face on a Thursday morning.

For tomorrow is the last day that I will have to travel into the city for work.

YAY!!!

Skeletor.

These are my new winter cycling gloves. Now I need a rain jacket that preferably isn't fluorescent yellow.

Kent Street Primary tree

Melbourne's Skipping Girl

'And beautifully she sank as up river was the bank...'*

On Saturday, I took a walk down to the Yarra and attempted to take some photos. These were the results. I actually walked halfway across the footbridge (I'm not very good with footbridges and overpasses, generally). Then I freaked out and turned around.

* 'The River' by Missy Higgins.

Graffiti alert.

I had embarked on a search for 'RENKS' but instead I found these:

Go on, I dare ya!

I wasn't sure what this was.

It looked sort of like a mistake.

But then, it also looks like a fireman.

I'll never get my Learner's Permit because I have no idea what this sign indicates.

What a weird season so far...

This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I had 'Sunrise' on in the background and was most disturbed to hear that Collingwood were on top of the ladder. Second on the ladder is Adelaide.

Appalling.

The Tigers are sitting 10th on the ladder (for those who aren't in the know, there are 16 teams) which is fantastic as we've won the last 3 games in a row AND everyone had written us off after the first game when we were annihilated by the Bulldogs.

Saturday's 'Dreamtime at the G' match vs. Essendon came to a nail-biting finish with the Tigers defeating the Bombers 97 to 95. I, along with Jude 1, sat in a very anti-Tiger environment and were most pleased when the siren sounded.

The ladder after Round 6 is as follows:

1. Collingwood - Oh well, it's good for Victorian Football.
2. Adelaide - Meh.
3. West Coast
4. Western Bulldogs
5. Hawthorn - what?
6. Fremantle
7. St Kilda - Poor Kosi. :(
8. Sydney - Finally finding some of their premiership form.
9. Melbourne - Who cares?
10. Richmond - GO THE TIGES!
11. Geelong - So much for winning the NAB Cup.
12. Kangaroos - Make a decision about Rocca!
13. Port Adelaide - Oh Warren, what has become of you?
14. Essendon - Can they find another forward option besides Matty Lloyd?
15. Carlton - Last year's wooden spooner.
16. Brisbane - 'Tis rebuilding time for the team that won 3 in a row not so long ago.

May Birthdays

A great big Happy Birthday goes out to the following people:

Mum
Joyce
Glenn
Heidi
Krista
Stascha
Di
Hayley
Scotty

*throws cookies*

Is it really worth it?

So I went back to the optometrist this morning and told her that I didn't want these monthly lenses. She tried to do the hard sell and blabbed on about how much they're better for my eye health but I just told her rather bluntly, 'The past two weeks have been really uncomfortable.'

She had another look at my eyes and I don't know if this was some sort of punishment for not following her advice but, with my head resting in the opthamological vice and the super bright light shining into my eyes, she says, 'I'm just going to invert your eyelids.'

Yes, that is as uncomfortable as it sounds.

Then I was attacked with the cardboard strip again. This time I had a look to see what it was because I was especially intrigued when she said, 'You'll just have to sit for a minute before you put your lenses back in otherwise they'll stain yellow.'

Right.

(by the way, I did say to her 'those cardboard strips are WRONG!')

Anyway, these are what those strips are... in case you want to use them to torture anyone.

FLUORETS* (strips)
PROPRIETARY NAME(and dosage form):FLUORETS* (strips)
COMPOSITION:Each paper strip is impregnated with approximately 1 mg of fluorescein sodium
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTION:Fluorets stain corneal and conjunctival abrasions or ulcers a bright green and foreign bodies are surrounded by a green ring.Loss of substance in the conjunctiva is indicated by a yellow stain.
INDICATIONS:For use in detecting corneal abrasions and foreign bodies in the eye, in applanation tonometry, in assessing the patency of the nasolacrimal duct and in contact lens fitting procedures.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS:Hypersensitivity.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE:Pull the tabs apart at the right-hand end of the envelope and withdraw the Fluoret. Moisten the tip with tear fluid from the lower fornix, sterile water, or sterile saline, and gently stroke the Fluoret across the conjunctiva. For best results, the patient should blink several times.
SIDE EFFECTS AND SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:Each applicator should only be used once and then discarded. Care should be taken to handle the strips by the non-impregnated end only.
IDENTIFICATION:A lint free, narrow paper strip with an orange-coloured tip.
PRESENTATION:Sterile, individually wrapped paper strips, packed in gravity-feed cartons of 100 strips.

At the end of my visit, I kindly asked the optemetrist to write out my contact lens and spectacle prescriptions as I will not be back. I didn't say that last part tho.

Weak.

Pirate Jack Sparrow falls from coconut tree.

Making news all over the world this weekend was the story on Keith Richards falling from a tree whilst on holidays in Fiji.

In yesterday's Herald Sun, they reported that Richards and Charlie Watts were attempting to climb a coconut tree when Richards fell out.

What makes grown men climb trees?

Especially grown men from world famous rock bands.

Tomorrow...

I'm going back to the optometrist.

I've had these monthly disposable lenses in my eyes for nearly two weeks now (during my awake hours, that is).

The nausea subsided after the first week but then these lenses started to feel like my fortnightly lenses when I stretch out their use too long.

They also have the feel of a contact lens when it's been left out of solution for a bit too long.

Anyway, I've decided I'm going to tell my optometrist that these lenses are not for me.

Now I'll have to revert back to the other lenses and hopefully not go through the whole nausea deal again. I'm sure JGT doesn't want to go through me saying 'I'm gonna puke' on the hour, every hour, again.

At least I got two weeks of 'free vision' out of this.

410 posts ah ah ahhh!

a.k.a Things you see on the Great Western Highway (the M8/A8), Victoria.

The steering wheel of the Holden Commodore we rented

(and fitzroyal's hand and forearm).

Either the Pyrenees or the Grampians. I can't remember.

Farmers burning off out yonder.

Beaufort, Victoria.

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...