One of these days...

I'm going to learn to warm up and warm down.

I wish my glucosamine was here.

I'm a Star 1.

Went to roller-skating lessons on Saturday morning. I reckon I was at least 23 years older than everyone else having lessons but I had no shame. I'd rather fall down in a controlled environment around other people falling down then going for a full face plant on the street!

Our teacher, Shona, didn't bat an eyelid when we entered the rink. She was amazing. Her skates were like an extension of her body... like she was born with them. While she was instructing us, she was skating around and doing little tricks and I think she knew that we thought she was just a little bit cool... especially when she skated backwards and toe-stopped.

Anyway, the first part of our lesson was to learn how to T-start, T-stop and fall down. I was the least graceful of everyone doing the crouch and slide. I'm just not a slider, which explains some of my more horrendous volleyball injuries. It was rather amusing seeing everyone stretched out and lying on the rink. It was like some B-grade horror movie set in a roller skating rink.

After we had the basics down, we learned to crouch whilst moving forward. Shona thought that we were doing well so she taught us to 'shoot the duck', which is to extend one leg forward whilst crouching. She said, 'Have a go lifting that leg so you're on one skate.'

Easy tiger, maybe once we're Star 2s.

Then we learned to scissor skate, backwards scissor skate and jump. I reckon I got a good 2.5cms between my wheels and the rink on a good jump.

At the end of the lesson, we played 'Come over Red Rover' which is nothing like the playground Red Rover. Any breaking of arms was purely unintentional. Basically, we had to make a mad dash across the rink without being tagged. Anyone who was tagged became a tagger. In the first round, Shona was the only tagger. Watching her stalk her victim was terrifying as she floated across the rink, slowly extended her arm and executed the tag of death. She came after me in the 3rd round but I managed to skate around some kamikaze toddlers and was out of her reach. In the end, I was tagged by Rollerblade Boy who proclaimed, 'I GOT YOU! I GOT YOU!'

All up, it was an exhilarating 40minutes. I was a little bit sore yesterday but today, my right leg doesn't want a bar of me. I've dragged it to work with me against its will.

More next week... I think we're doing a 180 degree jump. I might bring my wrist guards for that.

Jinkies!

House of Sticks.

...

When you're sitting at your desk in the inner city and are suddenly overwhelmed by the smell of a bushfire, you know that summer is no longer coming... it's here.

Brace yourself, Melbourne... we are well and truly in for it.

Ryuichi Sakamoto is coming.

And I'm going to see him.

This is the man that brought us that epic piece, 'El Mar Mediteranni' which was performed at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, depicting the arrival of the Vikings to Spain and so on and so forth.

I think I may be correct in saying that he is also the composer of that very familiar Asian riff from 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence'.

For you children of the dancefloor, it's the sample used in 'Heart of Asia' by Watergate, as featured in Show 2 of Red Raw 2001.

How very, very exciting...

Another open letter. (ranting alert)

Dear Moronic Lady on Smith Street,

Just because I'm Asian and standing in a $2 shop, it doesn't mean I work there.

And when I tell you that I don't work there, don't roll your eyes and curse under your breath at me.

I hope someone slaps the make-up off your face one day.

And on another note...

Camper Dan is back from her overseas adventures.

Welcome home, honey!

The results are in...

I can't keep my poll open all day, you know!

I've opted for the iPod Nano. The possibility of having to re-build my music library started to do my head in.

Plus I can't wait for the 8th of November.

Now I bet that my current installation of iTunes won't work with the new Nano as it is associated with my dead Shuffle.

If that's the case, you'll be hearing about it here.

*grin*

A poll.

I'm having somewhat of a dilemma. Should I get the new Sony S200 2G Sports Walkman or a 4G iPod Nano?

This would boost my cache of MP3 players up to 3 but the Shuffle is cactus and the Zen has a crappy battery life.

This Walkman has a flash armband and has pedometer functions. My main concern is that the software will clash with iTunes, which hasn't been the most stable program on my computer. Will it copy all my music twice?

Anyway, it's very pretty. What do you think?

Happiness is not...

Wandering around the perimeter of a rural hospital and having the Project Manager say to you, 'Mind the snakes... I've seen a couple.'

I'm ready for summer... are you???

So I've got knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmet, outdoor wheels, bearings, skate tool, toe stop wrench, watch (thanks J1!), 2006 Rollercon stubbie holder (hehe)... the only things missing are tickets, money and passport. But that's for the northern hemisphere summer anyway.

Oh... and the ability to skate. That's missing as well.

Hot tip: Now would be a good time to invest in Johnson & Johnson and the makers of Dettol and Elastoplast.

Something *wicked* this way come...

Detailed Results:

• Out of Foreign Customs, September 25, 2006, 12:35 pm
• Into Foreign Customs, September 25, 2006, 12:00 pm, AUSTRALIA
• Arrived Abroad, September 25, 2006, 12:00 pm, AUSTRALIA
• International Dispatch, September 22, 2006, 5:07 pm, LOS ANGELES AMC
• Enroute, September 22, 2006, 5:05 pm, LONG BEACH, CA 90810

Just as I was blogging this, they arrived... More on this later!

And by later, I mean tomorrow.

HOT!!!

Not long now...

Until Camper Dan returns to our shores.

I'll miss those random late night text messages but hopefully they will be replaced by random lunch dates.

I haven't forgotten about the 10 meal vouchers!

I'm ba-ack!

I took a week off last week and reclaimed some mental health.

It is *so* hard having to wear shoes again after 9 days of shoeless glory. Whilst away, I bought another two pairs of thongs/flip-flops for the summer. Them Crocs are going to take some getting used to, I tells ya...

Anyway, I'm back and ready to face my desk and inbox. In fact, I've been missing work. I reached my holiday threshold at around 1:15pm on Friday.

Bring it.

Abbotsford Convent.

Another beautiful day, another adventure.

Today, I woke up to another spectacular spring day in Melbourne. I was on my way to Port Melbourne again when I was distracted by the Salvation Army store. I ended up spending $7 on four books, which should keep me out of trouble for a while. I haven't finished reading a book since the last Harry Potter novel and I think it's time I start reading again.

Anyway, instead of going to Port Melbourne, I went back home and picked up the book I've been trying to read all this year, went to the milkbar for a newspaper and bottle of water, then headed over to Yarra Bend Park to soak up some sun.

Whilst in the park, I tried to do a J2 and use the macro feature of my camera.

The was my first attempt... Clearly I didn't know what I was doing.

This next one I quite like... But I have to admit that I didn't even see the purple flower when I took the photo. I'm never going to get this camera.

Baby steps.

I saw this sign last weekend whilst wandering around. For those who don't know, I am absolutely petrified of snakes. Can't stand them. Even when they're on TV. I don't even like the snake in the original Disney cartoon 'The Jungle Book', especially with it's whacky hypnotising eyes.

I'm trying to overcome this fear and in returning to the area where I found this sign, I reckon I might be making some progress. Next week I'm going to Melbourne Zoo... and I'm even thinking about going into the Reptile Pavilion.

Crazy stuff.

Crazy stuff, I say.

Port Melbourne to St. Kilda

Last Sunday, I was up early and decided I would head to Victoria Gardens and catch a movie. Halfway there, I realised it was probably way too early for the movies and because it was such a beautiful day, I jumped on the 109 and headed to the end of the line: Port Melbourne.

Once there, I decided to do the 4.4km beach front walk. This photo kind of shows the walk from start to finish.

good tag vs. bad tag

This I like:

This one... not so much. Moisti? Huh?

Lemming.

I finally succumbed to peer pressure and bought a pair of Crocs Cayman-style.

And when I say 'peer pressure', I mean 'J2 pressure'.

These should arrive sometime next week. I plan on spending a lot of time outdoors this spring/summer/fall, be it on foot, bike or quads, so I'm in dire need of a comfortable pair of shoes. 'Course, I won't need shoes if I'm in my quads but depending what I use them for, my feet might be very blistered in the next couple of months.

Plus my crosstrainers were muddied up a treat at the futbol back in July and I don't like wearing them in public.

The only downfall to the Crocs is that I worked long and hard getting my thong (as in flip-flops, you North Americans) tan last summer, which will now fade away. I wonder how hot these will get under the ozone-destroying Australian sun.

It looks like I'm slowly getting over my white shoe fetish. Although, Big Easy did bestow upon me a new pair of white Lacoste thongs (again, flip-flops) last night.

ARGH!!!

Can someone please explain to me where 'my bad' comes from?

WTF does it even mean?!?!

I find it to be one of the most annoying phrases *ever* and whenever someone says it to me, I just want to throttle them!

Is it because it's so grammatically incorrect? Who can say?

Jeez... *shakenbabysyndrome*

Another Tsai trait?

After an emotional and whirlwind trip back to the Philippines, J1 and I collected the folks from the airport in the early hours on Sunday morning. Mum and dad both had to work that evening and were exhausted but they both got stuck into unpacking. There's just something about leaving bags packed in our family.

When I arrived home after midnight on Sunday night, I was buggered (I fell asleep on the plane when we were *landing*!!!) and fighting off some evil airplane-borne lurgy but couldn't rest until I had unpacked my bags and put things away.

Anyway... as with most trips to the Philippines, there was a bounty of preserved fruit unearthed from the luggage:

'Pressed kitten.

Everyone seemed happier before the pending mortgage.

I remember J1 before the mortgage.

frisky pigeons @ bondi beach

Or are they simply doing 'The Bert'?

Bondi Beach, approx 1:30pm, 2nd September 2006

You know you go to the pub too much when...

I'm staying away this week.

Let's blow this popsicle stand...

Fingers crossed that there isn't a repeat performance of my last attempt flying out of this city, in T-minus 54 hours, I will be on a plane...

Don't get me wrong, I still love my adopted home but I have never wanted to get out of Melbourne more than I do right now.

Why? Because leaving the city means I won't be compelled to work this weekend. And I don't want to inconvenience Qantas and take my Dell with me - yes, as a matter of fact I do have a faulty battery.

And I'm going to take a couple of half days off as well.

But that's not the only reason I'm going.

On Saturday night, we're celebrating the 10yr anniversary of the illustrious career of one DJ Mandy Rollins.

And Sunday is Poppa's Day here in Australia so I'm going to surprise the folks and pick them up from the airport with J1. It's particularly poignant considering why the folks went to the Philippines in the first place.

>=o(

By the way... DON'T TELL MY PARENTS I'M GOING TO SYDNEY THIS WEEKEND!!!

Weekend update.

I had a day off on Friday. I didn't think I'd see a day off for at least another month so that was a pleasant surprise.

And what's a day off without heading down to the local? There I won a few free games of pinball. If you've ever seen me play pinball, you would be amazed as well. Whilst I'm not a double-flipper, I'm pretty bad and a complete wreck (think stress rash) when it comes to multiball situations.

Friday night I headed to the disco. Highlights from the night were running amok with L, Macca and her white boots and Mona playing 'Skydive'... HOT! Phooey to everyone at the disco who didn't understand that they were hearing one of the best tracks ever.

The evening ended with one of my best mates, a can of Haig, the floor of the upstairs hall and chatting away until the wee small hours.

Saturday, it was down to the pub again. There was a birthday party for a 2yo booked in - complete with dodgy celebrant - and we decided strength in numbers was the best bet. Who on earth would have a birthday for a 2yo at a pub? You'd understand if you saw these people.

Sunday, the body revolted and decided to debilitate me for the day. Clearly I'd had too much fun. But that's alright because I got to catch up on some DVDs that I bought many moons ago and it was probably best that I stay in and avoid 3 days of madness.

By the way, Mary Louise Parker and Elizabeth Perkins in 'Weeds'... get it.

Austin, anyone?

(Photos courtesy of A&E)

Happy camper friend.

This is Camper Dan's impression of me in 7 weeks.

We'll see... This blog is still in 'pressed mode.

Crushed.

Camper Dan... don't go.

>:o(

Point, Cloher.

I've turned my boss into a Jen Cloher & The Endless Sea fan.

See?

I'm good, not evil.

*tsai*

Things I look forward to in the near future:

• The sun being up when I leave for/from work.
• Not setting an alarm for Saturday and Sunday morning.
• Being anywhere but Collingwood on the weekends.
• Seeing my housemates more than just in passing.
• Catching up with old friends.
• Meeting up with new friends.
• Playing all the records I've bought over the past few weeks.
• Knowing what day it is when I wake up.
• Being a little bit less snappy at people.
• Buying the weekend paper.
• Having four hours to tackle the Samurai Sudoku.
• Being at home more than I'm at work.

That about sums it up. Hoorah.

Shoes 'n Boots.

I don't like people seeing my socks.

Red canvas isn't for grown-ups.

The Incredible True Adventures of S'mookie's New Shoes

For the next couple of days, I have to endure breaking in these shoes.

I just went downstairs to get a coffee (I finally have a new coffee whore) and my goodness, it felt like my shoes were trying to rip my toes off!

I like these shoes because they make noise when I walk... very much like fitzroyal and camper dan's cowboy boots. But not as Dubya-like.

Hehe... shhhhh...

Ah, the joys of new footwear.

Meanwhile, it's Census Night tonight in Australia... I hope I make it home in time. I wonder how many people will try to make 'Jedi' a new religion. I think it's rather amazing that I remember doing the Census five years ago with AG and CH in our penthouse in the sky. My how things have changed.

S'mookie's got new shoes!!!

Now let's see how long I can go before I split the sole of my right shoe.

Perhaps I should just take them off when I'm at work.

These shoes have a slightly lower heel than my last pair so now the hem of my pants drag a bit. At least it's not my knuckles dragging!

I also bought a new wallet and threw out the old one.

*slams book shut*

*tosses it in a fire*

Good times.

Hmmmm.

That non-visible hole in my shoe is actually a 2-inch horizontal split across the ball of my right sole.

This is the third pair of work shoes that have split in this exact spot.

I don't recall this ever happening in Sydney. But then I guess I did wear Doc Martens back in those days.

I wonder what I'm doing wrong...

Apart from buying poor quality shoes, that is.

Please explain.

I just had a look at the ingredients in my Natural Confectionary Company's 'Natural Snakes'.

Why is there paprika and turmeric in it?

A breather.

Thanks to Camper Dan for getting me out of the office yesterday afternoon... However, I must offer my most sincere apologies for being a zombie.

My venture outside kind of sums up how things have been in my life for the past couple of weeks.

While we were out for lunch/coffee, it started to pour. So we opted on staying for another coffee to see if the rain would go away. Alas, it started to rain harder.

Fortunately, there was a $2 shop nearby and we were able to buy umbrellas that looked like they just might survive the trip back to our respective workplaces.

As it turns out, we both just might get another use out of our umbrellas seeing as it stopped raining halfway back to work.

And I discovered that I have a hole in my shoe. Somewhere. It's not visible, but I had a wet foot for the remainder of the day. Meh.

And a special mention goes out to Ms. Lush for reminding me there's more to life than this.

cotton-eyed s'mookie

Last night I went to the pub to grab some dinner and after about half an hour, Basil said to me, 'Jude... you look like you're really stressed at work at the moment. I used to work in the city and would see the office people with the same look in their eyes as you have right now.'

I wonder if I'm foaming at the mouth too.

So you don't make the same mistake as I did...

There is nothing 'delightful' about Uncle Toby's Oat Temptations Date Delight with a hint of Golden Syrup.

I was opposed to buying the multi-varietal 12-pack box of porridge for this very reason.

As it is, I'm gastronomically opposed to dates and golden syrup (maple or nothing, honey), whether they be separate or combined, but in a bold move this morning, I opted for this one.

Every suspicion that I had about this particular flavour was confirmed. I foresee a collection of unwanted Date Delights in our pantry.

I'll never have that recipe again... A... gaaaaaaaaaaaaaain...

When measuring door hardware...

supremookie chooses to listen to Kate Monroe.

The other night (don't ask which one, I have no idea), I had an urge to listen to 'The Joshua Tree' while I was doing some work at home.

Most of my CDs are still boxed up from when I moved - at some point I will have to go buy some shelving. I realised that when I was packing, I must have been so delirious that when I labelled the boxes, it was in some secret code.

Having opened and searched through all 6 boxes, I finally found 'The Joshua Tree'... in the first box I had opened. Just because it said 'Misc. mixed DJ stuff' or something vague like that, I really should have known.

However, I did happen to stumble across both of Kate Monroe's 'down underground' CDs. And I haven't stopped playing them since...

Favourite song at the moment?

'Lost and Found' by D*Note (who also brought us the brilliant 'Garden of Earthly Delights').

'There's not a thing I can't take in my stride,

I'm on my way to a higher ground.

Feel so calm there is nothing to hide,

Once I was lost but now I'm found.'

Something has to be said...

When you've just spent the past 10 minutes cleaning the tea kitchen because you just couldn't be bothered tidying up after your meeting the afternoon before and while you're waiting for the water to boil so that you can have your first cup of coffee because you know you're going to crack'em if you don't, *someone* goes in there and repeatedly sneezes all over everything.

And we're talking f-off, sneezeguard shattering sneezes. Without covering his mouth.

Nevermind that you've already placed your coffee and milk in a mug (because one likes to be prepared for when the water doth boil) and silly you, you didn't cover it because why on earth would you be expecting germ warfare?

And while you're sitting at your desk cringing, he was considerate enough to finish making your coffee and brings it to you.

Seriously... I can't drink this. I don't even want to go back into the tea kitchen because of the cloud of biohazard. I'm going to have to accidentally knock it off my desk or something.

*places coffee mug vicariously on the edge*

Alright, I've cracked'em.

No surprises here.

*yawn*

Ever come out the other end of a weekend and felt more tired than ever?

The odd thing is that I was home and in bed by midnight every night.

I need a nap.

No... I need a holiday.

The World Game.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back outside...

Yesterday, we had a game of soccer ('futbol') in Northcote.

It was Skiers v. Boarders and whilst speculation was ripe that Camper Dan had unfairly stacked her team (skiers), in the end it was the skiers who had to do a lot more pleading to get all the ladies in red up and on the pitch.

I will admit that I was one of the reluctant ones. I had gone wearing a red shirt as I'm a skier (just... Bird's Hill Park, darlings) but my willingness to play was not overly enthusiastic. I haven't played soccer since Grade 6 and I think it was fairly noticeable. Plus I'm not big on contact sports. Or running. Or kicking.

In fact, my first instinct when I see a ball lobbed high above me is to set the ball for my attackers. Way wrong sport.

In true futbol form, we had a gaggle of Footballers' Wives on the sidelines. I think there may have been more wives than players at one point. Bygones.

Special mention goes out to fitzroyal who took a couple for the team. I never thought we'd have to invoke the Blood Rule at a friendly...

Anyway, Camper Dan's team prevailed before the showers settled in and so ended the 3rd Ladies' Soccer World Cup.

Something different.

After work last night, Camper Dan and I chose to forego our usual after work venues and went to the Gertrude Street Enoteca (www.gertrudestreetenoteca.com). I think this place is close to wine (wino?) heaven.

I had the very nice Moon 'Midnight' shiraz from the Goulburn Terrace Winery in Nagambie, Victoria. CD had a Spanish red which I can't remember and probably couldn't pronounce or spell anyway.

We even had a brush with a bit of a celebrity - although CD might not agree. It turns out that one of the owners of Gertrude Street Enoteca is Brigitte Hafner, who happens to be a food writer (amongst many other talents) for 'Epicure' in The Melbourne Age.

I've posted previously about how much I look forward to reading 'Epicure' on Tuesdays so I needn't go on about it again.

Anyway, a couple of hours here made for a perfect ending to the week. Thanks, Camper Dan!

Clarification.

As it turns out, JGT did not buy the Powerball that lights up for us. Which is fine with me because I don't look at it when I'm using it anyway! And it certainly isn't suitable for use as some sort of dance party accoutrement either.

So last night, I did a little bit of exercise and decided to incorporate a Powerball workout, if you will. I found that I'm much better at getting the thing going with my left arm than with my right.

However, I woke up in the middle of the night and both my arms were numb and tingling. Is this some sort of side effect? Am I giving myself Carpal Tunnel?

The wrists are a bit sore today, darling... A bit sore. I've got pansy paw.

You may recognise this photo...

Because I pinched it off tsaiWare's blog. Very cheeky, I am. (Thanks, J2!)

Yesterday, I received a Powerball in the post (I also met one of our neighbours in our office building but that's a story for another day). Thanks JGT!

Last night, Lady Susan and I attempted the Powerball. I think we managed to incorporate an ab workout as well because it was hilarious! I see what they're saying when they tell you to hold on tightly because if you actually get this thing going, the amount of force in your hand is incredible!

It's kind of freaky and a *very* weird sensation but I like it.

Now I can buff up my forearms for my Camper Dan tattoos.

By the way, does anyone know if this thing is supposed to light up? For some reason I thought it was supposed to.

My Super Crap Movie.

Whilst I embrace Uma Thurman's return to the big screen, 'My Super Ex-Girlfriend' is an awful excuse for a movie.

Horrible, horrible stuff.

The only thing that made it bearable was having good company. Thanks, Lady Susan!

Heaven's above...

I've just realised that I've been one day behind this entire week.

This has nothing to do with the fact that it's Saturday and I'm at work.

*hmph*

My subconscious must be trying to make me feel better about my upcoming deadlines...

Crap.

This is the house that Jack built.

Actually, this is what's used to cut my hair.

Fascinating.

A night at the hairdresser's.

Last night, I had my haircut. I really like that Cisco (sp?) doesn't actually use scissors to cut my hair. He uses some sort of blade-like device. I'll try and find a picture.

Because Cisco was a bit backed up with appointments, his wife, Sophie, who is a colourist at the salon, 'finished' my hair.

I have no problems with this because it's not like she's just there hanging out, but there were a couple of incidents that made me raise my eyebrows.

Firstly, I had issues with her saying, 'Your hair doesn't need much blow waving...' I don't recall asking for a blow wave. Can you blow wave such short hair? What is blow waving?

Secondly, while she was putting product in my hair: 'So... do you know where he was going with this? Is it supposed to be big or flat? I think he makes it big then smushes it down in the end.' You should have seen her accompanying facial expression. And since when is 'smush' proper hair-dressing terminology?

Lastly, five minutes later while she's *still* playing with my hair: 'I could play with this for days...' That's when I started squirming and saying, 'That's great... thanks... *tries to get up*.'

Anyway, now that I don't live around the corner, I had to walk back home... and I was smushing my hair back down the entire way.

By the way, congratulations to Cisco for winning the hair competition on Sunday! Good luck at Nationals!

Songs of the Week

Way back on the 25th of January 2001, I was out on the Prince Bandroom balcony, listening to Guy Uppiah DJ. It was Miss Collins' birthday bash and the birthday girl had yet to arrive. But that's beside the point.

Guy played a song which I'd only heard once before but loved and I was finally able to find out what it was called... That song was 'Shamefaced' by Coldfeet (Francois K remix).

Every now and then when I'm shopping on Hard to Find Records (www.htfr.com), I'll look up this track to see if it's there... and last week it was! Now I have my very own copy - and it was the last copy in stock. SCORE!!!

I also had a look for 'Believe' by The Traveller & In Motion. This track is on the very first Trance Nation compilation by Ministry of Sound. Now I own this record too... and it's a double LP.

Yes, it was a very good day at Hard to Find...

And a big round of applause goes out to...

Grace!

Happy Birthday!

33 today... 33 today....

Hehehehe...

I'm in my happy place...

Meow meow meow meow...

>:o(

Ouch.

I never realised how important my thumbnail was until I damaged it stripping speaker wires yesterday.

What started as a simple split in the nail turned into agonising pain when the bit of nail got caught in some clothing and ripped right off.

Yowch.

Crap.

My CD-burner is broken.

Now I have all this music *trapped* on my hard disk.

Double crap!

Because I believe in buying music.

I just discovered that I have an iTunes account.

So I bought the Feist album 'Let It Die'.

Another fine Canadian chanteuse.

Get it.

Embrace it.

Song of the week

You guessed it... 'Give it Back' by Gaelle. I prefer the Putsch 79 'Lectro Remix.

Give it back

You hijacked my mind so
I'm falling in circles
Can't catch my fall so
I need you to be close 'cause
Where you go, I'll follow
So give it back

In my bed
Sleeping not
I cannot explain what's in my head
Longing for
An empty thought
But I seem to think of you instead

You blew my mind away
And I can't let you go

Took it and ran away
Just had to let you know

Just dropped a line to say
That I lost all control

In my head
And in my heart
I cannot complain
No one competes
Longing for this pace to stop
Never been the same
Since you loved me

You blew my mind away
Now that I'm torn apart

Took it and ran away
Is when you come for my heart

There's nothing left to say
And I don't know where to start

Give back my thoughts to me

Nine records later...

I'm beginning to wonder if I ever will retire from DJing, once and for all.

Still... I can't wait to go home and play!!!

*claps*

She's gone... a thousand mi-i-iles away...

Most likely to be found on a dancefloor in Germany.

I'm not sure what this means.

DJ Grace, vamping it up.

Come back soon, Stasch! Your disco needs you!

stencils

Finally!

I have been tortured for the past two and a half weeks, trying to find a song that I heard at Mastie's birthday... and I finally found it this morning.

It's 'Give It Back' by Gaelle.

Needless to say, I snapped up a copy. If it's out of stock, I might cry.

Seriously.

JGT - YOU FAILED!!!

I am the Lizard Queen!!!

Not really.

This morning I found www.housemusic101.com on iTunes radio.

*loves it*

A first for everything.

For the first time ever in Melbourne, I was asked to play 'tribal' music.

You see, tribal is very Sydney and apart from a few underground parties here, you don't really get a lot of it around the Melbourne discos. At least not the ones I frequent. Which could mean that they're playing tribal everywhere and I'm just unaware. But I digress...

As I blogged last week, I returned to the decks for a farewell party. I had an absolute blast and was subsequently asked to play at someone's 40th birthday... in eighteen months time. Pity I can't remember her name or what she looks like.

And I finally got to play 'Back from Outer Space' by Mirabeau, which is this hot track that samples 'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor. I picked this record up back in March and it went straight from the parcel packaging into a storage case.

I will post photos from the farewell party some time this week.

I'm not coming out of retirement though. Not this time. Apart from the random 40th in 2008, the only future plan I have for DJing is when Stasch comes home.

Wish you'd been here...

JGT, I wish you had come to Melbourne this past weekend and we'd gone to yesterday's Tigers vs. Magpies games.

Then I could do my Dance of Superiority to your face.

GO TIGES!

Meanwhile, it's not really a good idea to taunt Collingwood fans who've just watched their team play horribly.

Especially when you're 4 levels below ground in a carpark and the person you're with doesn't understand why you're running away.

Happy Canada Day!

Test your knowledge on Canadian history:

http://www.cbc.ca/cgi-bin/quiz/quiz.cgi?quiz=quiz060630

I'm not going to tell you my score... because I haven't done it yet.

40 Facts about the Canadian Flag.

http://www.canada.com/topics/travel/canadianheroes/story.html?id=4d297c89-5675-4f20-b801-21e1eda67e7d&k=87266&p=1

I know I'm definitely infringing on No. 40.

Yikes!

Wah.

I missed my show last night. Now I don't know what's happened to Maddy from Shepparton.

This is what happens when you get caught up in other peoples' birthday celebrations.

Bless the greasy spoon cafe on the corner of Peel and Cambridge.

Tastes like chicken.

In two days, it is Canada Day. For you Australians, that is the Canadian equivalent to Australia Day. Seems a bit obvious, yes, but you'd be surprised how many people ask me, 'What's Canada Day?'.

Anyway, in the lead up to Canada Day 2006, I thought I would talk about something Canadian on my blog. The topic I've chosen is ringette.

Ringette is a Canadian game that was first introduced in 1963 in North Bay, Ontario. Developed originally for girls, ringette is a fast-paced team sport on ice in which players use a straight stick to pass, carry, and shoot a rubber ring to score goals.
For ten years, play centered in Ontario and Quebec, however the sport quickly spread accross Canada and is now played in all ten provinces and the Northwest Territories.
In fact, the sport has become one of Canada's favorite activities for females, with over 50,000 participants, including players, coaches, officals and volunteers, across Canada - a remarkable growth rate for such a young sport.
The growth has continued internationally with the formation of associations in the U.S.A., Finland,
Sweden, Russia, and France. In addition, Ringette Canada has been instrumental in demonstrating the game in the Netherlands, Switzerland, West Germany, along with New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

Canada vs. someone at the 2002 Worlds.

(Logo, text and photo obtained from www.ringette.ca)

Note that while there has been remarkable growth, it doesn't seem to be as popular as those other Canadian games like basketball and hockey... even lacrosse.

We played ringette in gym in elementary school. That was pretty much the beginning and end of ringette for me. I don't recall any of my friends playing ringette outside of school or there being any ringette teams in Fort Garry.

Anyway, that's it for the Canadian trivia.

Route 109.

Today I had to catch the tram into the city and back for a meeting.

I think I actually miss PTing in the mornings. Probably because I actually see other people. I know I'm not much of a people person in the mornings (noon or night) but a little bit of human contact in the morning doesn't hurt. These days, all I see are cars, trucks and buses on my way to work.

Anyway, I was tempted to go visit my coffeewhore of days gone by but their cafe was out of the way and I needed to get back to the office.

Meanwhile, City of Yarra, what is up with all the footpath rectification works?!? These days to get from Point A to Point B, you have to cross the road at least twice to avoid the hot, stinky bitumen or freshly poured concrete. Roadworks, roadworks, everywhere... Sounds like an old Iron Maiden tune.

Bozo, I say.

Last night...

Those two words always remind me of a dirty, 90s RnB boy band song.

However, back to this blog.

Last night, after a 1.5km 'sprint' on the exercise bike and dinner, I decided to sit down and have a go at 'Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories'.

I must say I was a little bit disappointed because it doesn't appear to be as detailed as 'Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas', and seemed to return to the old skool 'run-through-the-icon' type format, much like 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'. But I suppose that the game was designed for the PSP so maybe some concessions had to be made. The graphics are great but it seems to be lacking something.

Plus the fact that I was able to complete 4 missions without being wasted seemed a bit wrong.

One thing I do love about the GTA franchise is the effort that they put into the radio stations. One of the stations, RISE-FM, is full of house music anthems like 'Sing It Back' by Moloko, 'Feel What U Want' by Kristine W, 'Spin Spin Sugar' by the Sneaker Pimps, 'Plastic Dreams' by Jaydee, etc... You can guess which station is my favourite. And there's a classical music station too! HOT!

Anyway I got a bit bored so I decided to go through my records. Our very own Swiss Miss is leaving Australia and her farewell party is this Friday so I'm pulling the headies out for a few hours and stepping back behind the decks. Therefore, I thought it might be a good idea to re-acquaint myself with my dusty records.

And when I say dusty, I don't mean Springfield.

I've been listening to a lot of (everybody now) Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea, Maria McKee, Sheryl Crow, The Pixies, Coldplay, Depeche Mode and trance lately so when I put 'Carnival de Sao Vincente' by Cesaria Evora on, the DJ inside me stirred. But just a little.

Then I put on some vocal house and the foot started tapping.

Then I put on what is probably my all-time happy track:

This song always makes me smile.

Iloveitthankyou!

Uh-0h... I think I've got the itch.

JGT - DON'T LET ME BUY ANY RECORDS!!!

Yes.

I think I'm back to my bloggin' self.

Maybe it's because I'm actually doing interesting things.

Or perhaps I'm doing things that I'm interested in blogging about.... who can say?

Chicken or the egg?

I forgot to mention..

That the accompanying music to 'Schéhérazade' was very similar to, if not the same as, the theme music used to announce Gargamel's arrival in 'The Smurfs'.

I also found that rather amusing.

If I were a classical music enthusiast - which I may be after November 27th, right now I would only consider myself an 'appreciator' - would I refer to 'Schéhérazade' as the ballet that accompanies the Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov piece?

Hmmmm?

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.