boxes f,,,,,, boxes

2009-08-28T23:04:00.003+08:00

i am glad i had today off to pack boxes (not).

there are now a mountain of the suckers. i am looking forward to Monday when all i should have is a suitcase. no more boxes at least for a few weeks.

there is much to be said for the buddhist monk way of life i reckon.

all we need to do now is move the bloody things. YAY

another job comes to an end

2009-08-27T17:42:00.003+08:00

I finished my job today to give myself a few days to do the final bits of arranging required to ensure we can go to the UK next week.

tomorrow we will do our final packing and then over sat, sun and monday we will move everything out of our house.

once we are out it will be cleaned and then hopefully rented.

we are now pretty much all systems go for the trip:

- everyone has a passport and visa now (cut it a bit fine but all that ends well).
- we have money in the bank.
- Sue has a job to go to and i have a potential job (just need to turn up without two heads).
- we have a short term accomodation set up (3 weeks when we get there).

all that needs to happen now is for us to move out, say our goodbyes and then get on a plane. once we get there we get to do everything again in reverse (yippee not).

so how does it feel? its still a bit strange really.

- it is highly likely today was sue's last work day in Australia (she is celebrating this right as i write - it could be a bit messy later), and it is quite possibly mine as well.
- we both feel we may never return to live in this house and
- we simply have no idea what turns the four lives (sue, jeff, ash and georgia) will take over the next couple of years.

there is much to be hopeful about - new jobs, new friends (and for some maybe lovers), new experiences, travel - but only time will tell where this next little journey in the great game of life will take us.

wish us well - see you on the other side of a brief intermission

the realm of possibility exists where

2009-08-24T00:37:00.006+08:00

today we had a family farewell (sort of).families are so interesting dont you think. everyone seems to truly love each other (if only once a year).

we had a treasure hunt (sort of). we had so much stuff and we offered our family those things we could not send into our future, or see value in placing in a storage unit (perhaps never to see the light of day again).

i suspect most of us have stuff we no longer need but which have some real value to someone (family, friend or foe).

i would like to think that today we payed it forward (again) and that our small gifts will make our families happier and potentially grow into something even more valuable.

sky is blue and black

2009-08-12T00:20:00.004+08:00

i like this song. sometimes i use it to lull myself to sleep.

tick tock

2009-08-09T10:40:00.002+08:00

well folks its now only 4 weekends till we (well at least 2 of us) put our bums on plane seats. this week we sent some boxes on a ship and moved some things to mum and dads. we are progressively getting rid of all of our stuff.

Sue has a plane ticket, but no visa. this is going to be interesting.

Georgia has a plane ticket, but no visa. she is going to have her identity checked tomorrow (what if she is not who she says she is?)

there is still a lot of junk to get rid of (or store) and all the admin tasks to finish (cancelling all of the accounts etc).

it looks like there might be a chance of me getting a job before i get to the UK which would be handy.

At the UK end there are still a few issues to sort out - like we dont have anywhere to live yet. We need to arrange some short term accommodation and then find a place to rent. Just another minor detail in the great game of relocate yourself to the other side of the world.

tick tock the clock is ticking. we just have to hope its not attached to a relocation bomb

never a great dancer - for georgia

2009-07-17T01:07:00.002+08:00

no michael (well almost) but i bet it could make a great pub night (30 sec blitz)

can u spot the resemblance?

London here we come

ok ok i know

2009-07-14T22:40:00.002+08:00

again its been a while (sorry).

tour de france duties, work, packing and organising for UK. all poor excuses i know.

life is just peachy in Perth (except it is bloody cold). Get over it sucker i hear you say. i am contemplating a trip to the store to find some headgear for "bald head" and a big warm overcoat and some gloves for "smooth office hands" - dont mock they come in handy sometimes.

box packing has started. there is going to be some god awful last minute scramble i suspect but whatever is left will be the best verge leftovers for a while in town (tell your friends to bring a trailer).

i cant believe it is only about 7 weeks and the key ingredient to this adventure still doesnt have a ticket.

oh well - what will be will be. this could be just the shortest/greatest holiday in town. all we need now is the lotto numbers

go LANCE - stick it up the French and Alberto!!

life goes on

2009-06-16T23:03:00.003+08:00

its been a while again. while we havent been too busy, life has been "solid". everyone is working, some are travelling, we are still organising ourselves to go to the UK and the countdown clock is running faster by the day. it is now only 11 weeks till we go (unless i can bring my flight forward - i am still trying to get in touch with the company i brought the ticket through).

Sue is heading off to the UK this week for work and to spend 3 days looking around for areas for us to live in.

at this time we still really have nothing sorted:

- Ash and i are still waiting to get our British Passports
- I am still trying to change my flight
- Sue and Georgia still dont have flights booked or visas sorted
- we have no idea where to live in the UK and it is doing our head in looking at properties on the web
- georgia needs to get a new Aust Passport
- we still need to sort out shipping of the things we need to the UK and to relocate/store anything we want to leave behind
- Sue needs to go to UK for 10 days, to Melbourne for a week
- jeff still needs to spend a weekend in Melbourne while Sue is there
- ash still needs to go to Melbourne (as does Georgia apparently)

other that there is not really much to do, besides organising a range of going away events

so please forgive me if i dont spend too much time here over the next few weeks/months

look after your beaver (s)

2009-06-07T00:29:00.002+08:00

seems you really do have to look after them after all

Beavers blamed for train derailment

time goes by

2009-06-05T02:17:00.002+08:00

i wrote the following a couple of months ago when my life was on the cusp of change;
_________________________________________

i now live with a sense that the days will look after themselves without too much interference from me and we will be OK or better (in a relative sense)
___________________________________________

quite frankly i am not sure that i havent interfered too much but life has certainly changed and it has more change to go. one can only tell if my musing at the time will become reality for all concerned.

whatever happens i think we will all be OK or better (in a relative sense) but like any journey in life - if you dont like the ride - you might simply have to choose to get off the "train".

apologies

2009-05-22T00:59:00.003+08:00

this blog is neglected i know, but one has been busy. its strange but it seems that the lives of all the people close to me (and me) are interesting at the moment. there are dramas (some of them serious but generally not "major") but all of them together make life just a little bit interesting.

in some instances the parts do not know the whole so my apologies for being distracted/aloof/distant. i think of you all often i promise even if it is only fleetingly.

so what is actually happening in Dullsville:

- grandad is back in hospital (nothing serious it seems). he was struggling to get around - then he gets admitted to hospital and it now appears he is doing laps (go figure)
- nanna is getting better (but she will need some pretty major back surgery sooner or later
- georgia is being repatriated back to Australia. it sometimes happens when all monetary reserves run out
- nan and pop seem to be going ok (she has 300+ cds, a buddha, a couple of metal dogs and some more freebies on the way, he has steroids)
- maggie (a real dog) passed away today
- fi and Kee are battling on in Melbourne (one of Kee's cousins has terminal cancer - ps girls get a pap smear done regularly)
= sue and jeff are still trying to work out how to manage the transition to London (and the WA Govt arent really that helpful - frankly i am being kind. maybe one day i will actually tell the story to inside cover)
- jeff has stopped working in the BWS and has cut back his hours to 3 days to help the company he is working for weather the global economic storm

other than all that things are damn rosy. so please forgive me if i leave you out. i care for you all and i will be back

life she is a changing again

2009-05-14T00:53:00.003+08:00

the past few months have been busier (at least in a structured way) than those n the recent past before them and things are going to change over the coming months:

- nanna has had her ops and is getting better and Grandad went home (tuesday) after spending his time in respite care for ~2 months. as with every situation there is always good and bad. while it was necessary it was "awful" (and i am sure i will never go here - the smell alone affected me everytime). however, it provided the opportunity for us to spend more time together than would have been likely otherwise. i really enjoyed these times - even when we sat and said nothing!!

- i am giving up the bottleshop (i like it but it was getting to be too hard) but

- i am changing my consulting arrangement as well (moving from 5 days to 3) so while the money might go down again for a while i will have some freer (or certainly less structured) time over the next couple of months which might come in handy.

- we are going to London for sure

- nan/pop are kicking arse (no kidding) - give me some of their drugs

one thing which isnt changing - i am still not sleeping well!!

life in the faster lane

2009-05-06T23:27:00.002+08:00

life above ground generally speaking is a good thing, but i suspect for many it is actually a chore.

i reckon the past 18 months have made me a more grounded and in my own mind a better (but still no way close to a perfect)person.

Philosophically, i have reached the "tipping" point where one says one should have a good life (rather than simply have a long life) and frankly i personally will not grow old (and be infirm) for the sake of it.

my attitude to what looks like success and especially to money/property has changed drastically i think (but if i had none i might not be so philosophical about it) to one where i now think money/property is simply a means to an end rather than an end (or symbol) in itself. having said that clearly we do not live yet (i will win lotto one day) in a world where money is no object.

however, that is not my key thought (well nearly its not). having spent some time on the bench (as a "redundant person") and more recently having spent some time in the "faster" lane i have come to have a different view or it.

the world is simply a network of maybe faster lanes -like highways next to freeways or Autobahns.

if you are in any one of these lanes on a busy day it can look like an autobahn (bit like some women/men look better/bigger after a skin full of your favourite alcohol). but in reality life is sometimes not an autobhahn but simply just a fast highway lane turning into a country lane if something doesnt change soon.

rushing around like an "idiot" in a small car on a small highway will never solve the problem.

__________________________________

its related i think

a man goes to see a hooker and he says "honey do you take american express." she retorts - "honey you pay your money you can go as fast as you like".

the question here is - was he driving on a country road or an autobahn?? the size of the tunnels may not be relevant.

maybe he will never know unless he stops (at some point) and looks around.

_________________________________

the more time i now spend in the faster lane the less enamoured i am to it overall. there seem to me to be too many "idiots" running around madly "shouting" at people.

but that might just be a symptom of my age or experiences.

maybe my lotto ticket will save me and allow me to get out onto the bikepaths of life.

humourous

2009-04-29T23:34:00.002+08:00

things have been a bit hectic over the past few weeks and i havent had the time or the inclination to blog. However, i could not let the opportunity to post this joke/story sent to me today (thank you Sue) go by. I laughed but i guess i have this kind of sense of humour.

The Meaty Bites Diet

I've got 2 dogs. I bought a large bag of Meaty Bites at Big W and was standing in line at the check-out.

A woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

On impulse, I told her that no, I was starting The Meaty Bites Diet again, although I probably shouldn't because I'd ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 25 kgs before I woke in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IV's in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Meaty Bites and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry & that the food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again.

I have to mention here that practically everyone in the line was by now enthralled with my story, particularly a guy who was behind her.

Horrified, she asked if I'd ended up in the hospital in that condition because I had been poisoned by the food. I told her no, it was because I'd been sitting in the middle of the road licking my d… and a car hit me.

I thought one guy was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard as he staggered out the door.

Stupid bitch...why else would I buy dog food??

melbourne - great place to visit

2009-04-19T23:33:00.004+08:00

i quite like melbourne as a city to visit. it is people friendly (as a tourist). the food is cheap, the public transport is good (at least when we travelled on it) and the choices of settings (mountains/snow, beaches/surf, cafes, restaurants and great food which is cheap by comparison to perth) are all available in easy reach of the city (3-4 hours drive).

the weather is sometimes a bit iffy (4 seasons in 1 day) and in comparison to Perth the locals are less concerned about their environment (there is way too much rubbish and crap graffiti. My only other gripe is smoking - the sooner they stop it at restaurants and cafes the better (my view) as it detracts from what would otherwise be fantastic street eating.

overall we had a great time in Melbourne due largely to family and friends but it is a city well worth visiting for the sport, arts, scenery and food/wine. I'd go back.

some photos (not all from the same trip to prove my point):

tourists for a day

2009-04-17T20:03:00.004+08:00

Sue and I played tourist today. Dale and Tony and the girls left for Noosa around 9.00 and we had breakfast in Williamstown then we got in the car and drove down towards Geelong. when we got there we drove straight through town and went to the beaches. We visited Lorne and Appollo Bay and we drove along the Great Ocean Road - .

we stopped at Bells Beach and watched some surfers play around in the waves.

I took this photo from about 1/2km away with a canon photoshop sx 100 camera (great little camera)

we spent quite a few hours in the car (travelling about 400km) but it was fantastic to play tourist for a day.

I cant believe how big, uninhabited and how varied this great country is. we went from city to world class surf to forests and then farmland all in half a day and we only went 400km in a circle

life's a beach (again) but someone's got to do it

2009-04-13T14:37:00.003+08:00

been out to brunch with friends (laura, bob, chris and phil). very nice. now we are sitting watching the beach (i love Australian beaches)

its tough - weather is a perfect 29 and there is little or no breeze.

having drinks at 6 with Adelle, but other than that not much is happening.

adelaide - friends

2009-04-12T20:00:00.002+08:00

the last few days in Adelaide have been fun. lots of food, some wine, a little chocolate and a bit of sleep. tomorrow will be no different then we will be off to melbourne for more of the same.

sometimes i wonder what the poor people are doing (then i realise it is us it just might take a little time to catch up with us)

hope you have all had a happy easter

j

happy easter

2009-04-09T00:11:00.002+08:00

well folks its nearly that time of year and we will be heading off tomorrow on what has over the last couple of years been an easter pilgramage to the east. we are visiting Adelaide and Melbourne over the next 10 days to see friends and family and to say goodbye (for the next couple of years) because we probably wont see them again until after our UK trip (unless they come visit us).

I hope everyone of you has a great and safe easter and that you get all the chocolate you deserve.

love and best wishes

new languages

2009-04-02T01:27:00.002+08:00

came across this the other day. No offense meant. Sorry made me laugh

Learn Chinese in 5 Minutes

(Must Read Out Loud)
1) That’s not right................................................Sum Ting Wong
2) Are you harbouring a fugitive......................... Hu Yu Hai Ding
3) See me ASAP.................................................. Kum Hia
4) Stupid Man.................................................. ....Dum Fuk
5) Small Horse................................................ .....Tai Ni Po Ni
6) Did you go to the beach................................ .....Wai Yu So Tan
7) I bumped the coffee table...............................Ai Bang Mai Fa Kin Ni
8) I think you need a face lift................................ Chin Tu Fat
9) It’s Very dark in here...................................... ...Wai So Dim
10) I Thought you were on a diet........................... Wai Yu Mun Ching
11) This is a tow away zone................................... No Pah King
12) Our meeting is scheduled for next week.......... Wai Yu Kum Nao
13) Staying out of sight......................................... Lei Ying Lo
14) He’s cleaning his automobile ......................... Wa Shing Ka
15) Your body odor is offensive............................ Yu Stin Ki Pu
16) Great..........................................................Fa Kin Su Pah

state of the ART - women and men

2009-04-02T00:58:00.002+08:00

**Hell Explained by Chemistry Student **

The following is an actual question given on a University of
Washington chemistry mid term.

The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared
it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now
have the pleasure of enjoying it as well:

Bonus Question: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic
(absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law
(gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some
variant.
_________________________________________________________________
One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we
need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate
at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once
a soul gets to Hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different
religions that exist in the world today.

Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their
religion, you will go to Hell. Since there is more than one of these
religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we
can project that all souls go to Hell. With birth and death rates as
they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase
exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in
Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and
pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand
proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:

1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls
enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase
until all Hell breaks loose.

2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in
Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes
over.

So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman
year that, "It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you," and
take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then
number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic
and has already frozen over.

The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it
follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore,
extinct..., leaving only Heaven, thereby proving the existence of a
divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh
my God."

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED AN A+.
>

gosh idiot

2009-04-01T18:48:00.002+08:00

I just love internet media - i get a laugh everyday.

this guy clearly has too much time on his hands.

next - need for speed

2009-03-30T23:02:00.001+08:00

this could be fun

http://www.v8race.com/page/V8Race-Promotional-Video/

it is supposed to be quick. 7 laps of FUN i suspect.

just need to book

50th birthday - still going

2009-03-30T20:26:00.002+08:00

well my birthday looks like it could take 3-6 months to actually finalise the celebrations. i am not complaining. thank you sue.

on Friday we enjoyed a great meal and night at the Loose Box (its not what you think - but i am sure it is often what you think). initially it was a restaurant in a "stables". while it is no longer so, many people eat hay i am sure.

sue had friday off (sort of) and she picked me up from work at 2:30. we drove to Mundaring (its on the outskirts of town) and after doing some administrative chores (submitting passport forms) we signed in.

we had a bottle of champagne, some fine cheese and a bottle of red while we talked about our impending migration to the UK.

the setting was wonderful, the company was fantastic and the wine and cheese were exquisite.

then we had dinner (i kid you not). which was a joy. the degustation menu with associated wines was excellent and well worth the journey and the money. Go ahead - treat yourself you wont be disappointed.

following dinner we watched tv, drank a little more wine and slept.

check out was late so around 10:00am we got up and had breakfast. this was a basket of fresh fruit, croissants, a quiche, some brioche and juice. We skipped coffee and drove back to town.

another fine event in the 50th birthday calendar.

All that remains to do now is buy a book (s) with a voucher and arrange to drive really fast around a race track in a very fast car.

life is tough in Dullsville but someone's got to do it and it might as well be us

girls

2009-03-26T00:15:00.002+09:00

its funny u know (or maybe not) but i have always been a girl/women kind of man. any real friend i have had in my life (with very few exceptions) has been a girl and most have been very platonic (much to my despair on some occasions)

I cant work it out really but while i like and respect many men, pretty near all of the key people in my life are women (and i dont think i would have it any other way).

what i cant figure out is why this has happened or why it is so important in my life.

oh well i guess there is not much wrong with the current situation so why lose any sleep or hair (i know its pretty much all gone - because of the women in my life?) over it.

opinions welcomed

well hello!!

2009-03-20T23:23:00.005+09:00

seems like an age since i wrote a post, but its only 9 days. its not that i havent sat at the computer. indeed i have, but i havent really had much i thought worth saying. tonight is not much different really but i thought i better say hello to those few precious people out there that i know call by otherwise they may simply stop dropping by.

life has suddenly got busy. a new fulltime day job, working a couple of nights a week at the bottleshop (i really enjoy the people contact associated with this job - weird really because i am an expert at holding people at arms length or further away), visiting people in care after work and thinking about going overseas and organising for it are taking up my time.

i am not complaining. i like work. i care about the people in care and i like doing things that cause me to "think" but it is consuming my hours.

it seems like i am not alone in my blogging tardiness. some of my friends are under the same pressure it appears and i have a daughter whose blog has "died" for lack of care and attention.

so now i have put you to sleep with "drivel" how about a rude joke? if you are easily offended leave now!!! otherwise scroll down.

ok i gave you a chance to leave:

a women is complaining to her mother and says I intend to leave my husband because all he wants all the time is A... Sex.

She goes on to say, "when i met him i had a A... the size of a 5c piece and now it is as big as a 50c piece.

Her mother looks at her and says, "you are married to a multi-millionaire, you live in a palace, you have fine clothes and maids/servants" and lots of beautiful clothes.....

and you are going to give all that up for 45c"

Made me laugh

horoscopes

2009-03-11T23:23:00.004+09:00

i always wonder (especially when i get up early enough to see the hugest and orange-ish, reddish moon) whether there really is anything in the stars (i know - its not a star). notwithstanding that my future (tomorrow) because it has been delivered early because of daylight saving (does that make any difference) is:

care of Astrology.com (thank you again)

Daily Extended: March 11, 2009
AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18

You really want to get something good started today, but no one else seems very interested in doing anything but forwarding their own agenda. That doesn't mean that you can't move forward with whatever you're thinking of doing. In fact, you should! Once you start putting things into place you'll pique the curiosity of other people -- and suddenly they will want to jump on board! Sometimes you have to get the party started on your own before anyone will join you.

___________

Its party time (but not business time - despite the fact it is wednesday at least today. see daylight saving does make a difference).

maybe i will go visit someone in hospital and see if i can cause a stir

13 months

2009-03-06T23:51:00.002+09:00

well the time has come... for all good things to come to an end. It is hard to believe that i have not had a "real job" since 1 feb 2008. how time flies when you are having fun.

so what does a man do when he is not "working"?

- he cooks and he cleans (well some do apparently)
- he helps kids learn how to drive (maybe)
- he does a few odd jobs - including a couple of backyard blitz'
- he reads the paper and magazines (cooking ones actually) (but no books - i cant believe that)
- he rides his bike less often than when he was working (go figure)
- he starts, but never completes french lessons so he still has "un peu francaise"
- he does some manual labour - like window/carpet cleaning, being a brickies labourer and working in a bottle shop
- he spends a bit of time with his dad (especially when he was first in hospital)
- he sets up a consulting business (well sort of)
- he applies for probably 25-30 real jobs (but only those that really interest him)
- he loses money (lots of it) like everyone who ever owned a share
- he loses no weight (despite his best intentions)
- he changes his outlook on life (well sort of)

So after turning the big 50 and getting a real job and also learning that he (and his remaining nuclear family in Perth) are off to London later in the year what does he do?

- he goes off to his "real job" for 8.00am on Monday and gives them his best
- he carries on working in the bottleshop (tues/fri nights); and
- he gets set to go to London (in 25 weeks and there is so much to do/think about)

life is going to get real interesting/busy again real soon (like Monday morning).

Oh - i did manage a 10 day actual holiday in the 13 month i was off. strange really i might of had more "formal" holidays if i had actually been working.

Do i regret a minute of it - definitely not. it was fantastic to have a year without real structure.

Am i ready for the next 6 months - you bet, let me at it.

beyond that who knows what life holds? I dont and frankly i dont care. Sometimes we worry about things we simply have no control over.

I feel lucky - i now live with a sense that the days will look after themselves without too much interference from me and we will be OK or better (in a relative sense)

vicky christina barcelona

2009-03-02T23:40:00.003+09:00

Sue and i went to see this movie today (on Mel's recommendation - sort of).

this is an interesting film well worth the entry fee. Barcelona looks like a great city to visit (who knows we might just go) but the story line (sexuality/fidelity) was much more interesting at least to me.

God knows how P Cruz got an oscar for her role though (she was just a bit player really - a sort of attractive one - but still a bit player). PS - the brunette could ......(not kidding)

if you havent seen it and want a good film experience with some intellectual/personal challenge do yourself a favour

changes they are here

2009-02-28T22:50:00.003+09:00

things are going to change around here - now.

As of Friday i am no longer a man of leisure (now it appears i have two jobs rather than none). Shit. I liked being "retired/redundant" (dont you find redundant a strange term for a degree educated person with 25 years business experience). I never felt redundant (i just was). the jobs will help the bank balance (and it will certainly please my mum - now i have a "real" job).

Also it looks like travel (for 2 years minimum) to a foreign land is also in this family's stars. London here we come (well we think so) in September. Know anyone that wants to rent a house or buy a car or two? Sue looks like she is going to work for the WA Government in their London Office. Looks like Ash and I will just have to tag along and see what happens. I should be able to work as i am actually a british subject (yep) and Ash should be able to as well as she can also get a passport.

the next few months are going to be interesting. New job, work out how to "emigrate" move house, sell cars etc, get passports, actually move and get accomodation/set up in UK.

oh what fun.

do you believe in Karma? well it looked like "she" just landed on Ashby St.

horoscope

2009-02-26T23:30:00.001+09:00

tomorrow's horoscope (thx to astrology.com):

Daily Overview: February 27, 2009
AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18

It's easy for you to blow minds today -- your big ideas are just a bit farther out there than most people are comfortable with. The good news is that you're setting the stage for what's to come.

watch the space - changes are a coming!!!

humour - you just have to laugh

2009-02-22T21:13:00.002+09:00

the following was sent to me by Paul (thanks mate). I am sitting here in tears - i hope you enjoy some of them too. Apparently they are based on US Court Transcripts.

These are from a book called Disorder in the American Courts, and are
things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now
published by court reporters that had the torment of staying calm while
these exchanges were actually taking place.

____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan!
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?
________ ____________________________________

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep,
he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: He's twenty, much like your IQ.
___________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Are you shitting me?
_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Getting laid
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different attorney.
Can I get a new attorney?
____________________________________________
ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
WITNESS: Take a guess.

____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
WITNESS: Unless the Circus was in town I'm going with male.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition
notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead
people?
WITNESS: All of them. The live ones put up too much of a fight.
_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK?
What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
_________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: If not, he was by the time I finished.
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Are you qualified to ask that question?
______________________________________

And the best for last:

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a
pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive when you began
the autopsy?
WITNESS: No .
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: I see, but could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing
law

50 + 1

2009-02-18T00:45:00.002+09:00

well this "special" day cameth and wenteth (do you like that). in many ways it was not so special, but u know what in most ways it was. i was contacted by people close to me (thank you), i got some really nice presents and i had a really nice dinner (at Galileo). We drank some nice wines (and we thought of absent friends).

now its back to the real world (well sort of) - if only i could find a nurofen (kidding).

it will be real interesting to find out what the next year will bring to me and our flock.

Happy Birthday 2 Me

2009-02-16T22:37:00.003+09:00

in 1:30 mins i will turn a big fat 50 so happy birthday to me.

not much planned - breakfast with Sue, a visit to a "hospice" my dad will be spending some time in March (after my mum has an operation), an appointment with the dentist (an emergency - i cracked a tooth in half on the weekend) and then dinner with Sue, Ash and Cam (at Gallileo). probably have a nice bottle of red (or two) to celebrate.

other than that i am sure the day will be just like normal. I have already received a couple of presents in the mail (thank you) and i will probably get a few more tomorrow (not that i need anything really).

______________________________________________________
horoscope (courtesy of Astrology.com)

Daily Overview: February 17, 2009
AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18

Your easy social energy makes it easy for you to make new friends today. It's one of those days when you can really see the best in people and that makes you want to get to know them better

so what would you take if you only had a minute

2009-02-11T14:21:00.005+09:00

the recent fires/floods in australia have demonstrated that natural events can leave you with but a minute or two to choose what you would take if you had to "run for your life" and when (or if) you came back everything you had ever had as a possession was gone. in other places man-made events (wars) continue to have the same affect.

so what would you take (and how would you prepare) for such an event. its strange but when i think about all of "my possessions" i cant think of any single physical object i would feel compelled to pick up and put in the car. i dont think i have a sentimental attachment to anything i own (is that weird).

there are things i like but would never consider taking like:

- my bike
- my collection of books
- any of our electrical products (i might try to take the laptop and camera and a memory stick or two but thats about it)
- my clothes (i might take a change of clothes but only if i had time)
- there are some photos (not many) but i could live without them (i have the memories)
- music (cds/records) - i could live without them (but i might try to grab my ipod)

so (other than the people in your life) what would you simply have to take (couldnt live without after the event) if you were forced to run for it?

On reflecting on how i might "prepare" for such an event i think i will develop a little stash of memory cards/thumb drives with key things on them (identity information, copies of key banking, insurance and other papers, photos, music) and always keep them handy somewhere safe just in case.

if you ever find yourself with a few minutes and you are "not ready" its too late and as experience shows (at least in our fires) even if you are ready and get it wrong at least sometimes its too late (sadly)

Cleaning Day

2009-02-09T12:37:00.002+09:00

i have decided i dont like cleaning much (certainly not as much as i like clean).

the house hasnt had a top to bottom clean for a couple of weeks so it took me longer than usual but it is now done.

While i dont like the job i am grateful (in the circumstances currently occuring around Australia - fires and floods) that we have a nice house that is safe and secure and now clean.

My heart goes out to all those who have lost life, limb or property. I am struggling to comprehend the horror that has been faced by so many over the past 48 hours. It will take many years i am sure (if ever for some) to recover from the losses that have been suffered and the experiences they have had.

a prayer

2009-02-08T23:42:00.003+09:00

today in Australia a lot of Australian people (~100) - men, women and children - lost their lives to fire and whole communities were "eaten" by the wildfires.

_____________________________________________

this is a quote for them

Prayer indeed is good, but while calling on the gods a man should himself lend a hand.
Hippocrates (460 BC - 377 BC), Regimen

____________________

the only question is - NOW WHAT?

at this time i simply dont have an answer

Some days you just realise those "small" things in life really dont matter - no matter how much we want them to or make them out to. its only when you are smacked in the face by real tragedy that your sense of perspective is re- adjusted.

May whatever divine force is looking down - protect the volunteer firefighters, and the communities they seek to protect, from the ultimate sacrifice.

because - 2 mins is better than 1 min

2009-02-02T23:12:00.004+09:00

has anyone been watching golf lately - we do - if so you might have seen louis. no he is not the lead singer here, but he could be his relative (what's the link between South Africa and New Zealand i wonder)

i havent worn my business socks lately - need everyday to be Wednesday (maybe) or a different haircut, different attitude, new socks or jocks. I am still trying to work it out!!!

vale John Martyn

2009-01-30T23:51:00.010+09:00

Sometimes it pays to take the time to "show respect". I am not a musician but i can relate to the life and the lyrics

Couldnt love u more

oh what a difference 20-30 years of life (and a few drinks) can make - i can relate

sweet little mystery - everyone needs them

how deep can it go?

may you never lay your head down ...

quote for today + horoscope

2009-01-30T00:23:00.001+09:00

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.
C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)

"such is life"
________________________________

Daily Overview: January 30, 2009
AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18

Something clicks in your mind and you can see how things really are -- in some small part of your life, anyway. You're great at seeing patterns and today you can easily see the latest

interesting day all round

2009-01-30T00:07:00.003+09:00

I had the day off today (but i worked tonight) so i took the opportunity to do some "work" on a small consulting job i picked up. I spent the morning completing some research and preparing a presentation (its 85% complete - needs a couple of hours tomorrow).

I went into town to meet an ex-colleague for lunch and i got into town a little early so i sat at a cafe bar in one of the main streets - had a coffee - and let some people bump into me. I met 4-5 people that i knew and chatted for a while and handed out some business cards. During lunch with my mate i bumped into another ex-colleague and handed out yet another card. We are going to catch up for a coffee and chat. On the way back to my car i met someone else and handed out yet another card. Who knows where all this might end up (possibly in the bin - but i suspect not).

it was nice to meet people who were clearly pleased to see me and who wanted to shoot the breeze. During the warmer months i think i could operate an "office" out of the multitude of cafes around town. I have the means (a laptop and a mobile)

After i got home from the city i pottered around a bit then went to work for 4pm. I have been working at a bottleshop since late November. It is funny, but i really enjoy going to work (and its not for the money). I like the physical activity (movement) that comes with the job and i actually enjoy the interaction with the people. It is not something i have ever done before(deal with lots of people for hours on end). today was a bit slow, but during any shift you can usually get a laugh, some of the women are not hard on the eyes and there are some real characters. we also get the odd "idiot" who wants to steal booze or who has had too much and wont take no for an answer, but in reality they are a small minority.

so overall today it was interesting and fun all round. Its doesnt really feel like work if you "enjoy" it. If everyday was like today - and i could balance out the financial returns - i could be quite happy doing this for quite a while.

soulful - l

2009-01-28T23:58:00.004+09:00

i am not a KD Lang fan but i heard the song Hallelujah tonight and went looking for the song in a format to post - there are lots of versions.

this song is haunting and KD sings it with the best of them:

why do some songs get into your ears???

BTW - its better if you listen with both ears (not kidding)

aquarius

2009-01-25T23:43:00.003+09:00

just went to look to see what the stars said today (anyone seen gran torino - great film worth the entry price)

I resemble this "portrait" i think

Traditional
Aquarian Traits

Friendly and humanitarian
Honest and loyal
Original and inventive
Independent and intellectual

On the dark side....

Intractable and contrary
Perverse and unpredictable
Unemotional and detached

____________________________

and my stars for tomorrow as today is already gone:

Daily Extended: January 26, 2009
AQUARIUS
January 20-February 18

As happy as you are to be going where you are going right now, not everyone is right there on the same page with you. While you must be aware of it and make adjustments accordingly, you don't have to completely change your path -- that will only cause you to feel resentment. Just tone things down a bit. Spend and act more modestly, and don't be too outgoing with your energy. You could end up overwhelming those folks who still need some time to catch up with you

looks like a quiet day ahead before i go to work tomorrow night (Australia Day). Should be fun as everyone has a holiday and many will be looking for a drink while they watch the fireworks (even though drinking will be banned - yeh good luck).

quote for summer

2009-01-25T23:04:00.001+09:00

looks like you might have been in esteemed company

Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

____________________________

plus a thought for the day:

The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)

go figure!!!

quote for day

2009-01-23T18:58:00.003+09:00

Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards.
Vernon Sanders Law

but you only get the lesson if you take the time to think about the test in my experience.

i, like most if not all of you, have had my fair share of tests.

your stars

2009-01-21T01:32:00.002+09:00

do you believe in your stars? i do sort of

if it ever happens - watch this space. dont ring or drop by because i wont be around but if you are a friend i might just find you. PS - i had a dream

now here is a quote i disagree with

2009-01-20T23:01:00.002+09:00

Music is essentially useless, as life is.
George Santayana, Life of Reason (1905) vol. 4, ch. 4
US (Spanish-born) philosopher (1863 - 1952)

i am not sure of the context of this quote but i disagree with the two fundamental statements - music is "essentially useless" and life is "essentially useless".

go figure -

quote for today

2009-01-20T22:55:00.002+09:00

“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he (she) is someone today.”

Stacia Tauscher quotes

_________________________________________________________________________________
this is truly one insightful guy (before electric light)

One's real life is often the life that one does not lead.
Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900), L'Envoi, 1882

i wish i was ever quoted as saying that!!! wilde is smarter than the average bear or human. oh to be so wise

Achilles Rehab

2009-01-20T00:43:00.003+09:00

I went looking for some posts tonight that i had done in 2006/7 related to my AT story (unfortunately i deleted the whole blog a while back and all the AT related posts with it) and realised that there were some posts out there which pointed to my blog. Sorry guys, the story of the journey is now mostly lost - there are some comments on Simon Barratts blog and i probably still have some photos laying around somewhere.

I am now a veteran AT club member (9/9/2006 with an op on 10/10/2006). i feel that i am a lucky vet - no problems really ever. have ridden thousands of kms on my road bike with no issues from the surgical repair, have no pain, soreness or wound issues. done a whole heap of "manual labour" and am currently working in a job where i am on my feet walking/carrying for 6-8 hours a day.

The only "variation" now is that my injured calf never regained the same degree of muscle mass (it is still about 2-2.5cm smaller despite a heap of work). the only time this has caused any problems has been on really long rides where it fatigues/cramps earlier or in out of the saddle sprinting where the same occurs. I am not sure what occurred to cause this, but my gut tells me that the operation changed the way the tendon was acting on the muscles and taking so long to have an operation resulted in the leg effectively being "inactive" for 4-5 months, rather than 3 perhaps if you have an op straight away. this lead to a much more significant degree of muscular atrophy and it has never recovered.

While the individual posts are lost, the memories are not so if you want to ask questions, make comments etc leave a comment and i will get back to you.

mostly quiet on the western front

2009-01-17T23:37:00.003+09:00

been a relatively quiet day. Sue had a haircut, we had some breakfast, i went to a chiropractor for my back and then we spent most of the day laying on the lounge watching movies.

the only real "excitement" was to get a text from Daughter X in canada asking her mum to ring ASAP. you know the alarm bells that kind of text sends. well they were ringing (and justifiably so). she was at a hospital in Canada and needed a credit card number to pay $750 canadian before they would examine her. She fell on ice and hurt her elbow. apparently its not broken which is a good thing because if it was they were going to ask for another $3000+. What do they do with you if you cant pay - throw you out on the street i guess.

_________________________

quotes for the day

The more passions and desires one has, the more ways one has of being happy.
Charlotte-Catherine

and on a medical note

Don't worry if you're a kleptomaniac, you can always take something for it.
Unknown

quotes for day

2009-01-14T15:40:00.001+09:00

By all means marry; if you get a good wife (or husband), you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.
Socrates (469 BC - 399 BC)

and because it appealed to me:

Each person has an ideal, a hope, a dream which represents the soul. We must give to it the warmth of love, the light of understanding and the essence of encouragement.
Colby Dorr Dam

qfd

2009-01-12T10:29:00.000+09:00

It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny.
Jean Nidetch

been a while

2009-01-12T10:09:00.006+09:00

its been a while since my last post. sue was on holidays so we were out and about and last week i worked nights from Sunday to Wednesday, then sue and i jumped in the car and drove to albany (about 400km south) to stay with some friends - kim and mike.

we had a great time - too much drink and food - but the company was fantastic and the house and setting were wonderful. Kim's daughter steph and her husband giles and new baby (kaydan) also stayed. new babies are such a distraction (they are a bit like a fire). we played golf one day and had a really nice lunch in Denmark on another day, otherwise we stayed home and chatted/relaxed.

I was supposed to work today but i have strained my back (not sure how but probably too much golf) and i am struggling to bend over so i would be no good lifting anything.

here are some photos (random order) of kim and mike, steph and giles, the baby, the view from the balcony, the moon (we had a full one to watch).

my QFD

2009-01-03T03:00:00.000+09:00

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.
Chinese Proverb

qfd

2009-01-03T02:46:00.001+09:00

something to sleep on:
_______________________________

One's dignity may be assaulted, vandalized and cruelly mocked, but cannot be taken away unless it is surrendered.
Michael J. Fox (1961 - ), in "Saving Milly" by Morton Kondrake
_______________________________

DONT SURRENDER

song for summah

2009-01-03T02:06:00.003+09:00

i wish - life could be different (imagine)

no one can take away the memories!!

"memories are here to stay"

song for others

2009-01-03T01:40:00.002+09:00

some just cant get over those that came before (i not one) but this is a great song for the others:

there are more - find the album (da'ville)

lifes a beach - again

2008-12-29T21:21:00.009+09:00

worked today (10-3) while sue had a day out with Alex (girls day at the movies). after work i had a quick shower and then we dropped alex home. After some dinner we decided to go to the beach for a walk - it was about 36c here today.

the beach was fantastic but there was a fairly stiff breeze blowing. By the time we finished our walk (around an hour) the sun was getting ready to set so we waited and i took some photos.

here are some photos for family and friends from around the cottesloe beach area:

North Cott looking to scarborough:

the sun was still reasonably high

Cottesloe Pines

the wind was great for sailboarders and kite surfers

then the sun began setting:

Georgia - for the NYE memory (Cott and OBH). these places will not be so tranquil in a couple of days. they will be full of beautiful people too pissed to stand up and to care for each other and the environment (unfortunately)

and finally because i had to:

the triffids eat Fremantle

and where i am sure to end up (or somewhere like it)

if i dont get back before NY have a great new year's eve and day

xmas - come and gone

2008-12-25T23:42:00.002+09:00

xmas has nearly come and gone here for another year. Sue and i had a very quiet day. the first we can remember without children since forever. we got up late and pottered around. no fuss, no noise, no pressure. whilst it was a lovely day it is quite strange to be "alone" on Xmas day (especially in the morning)

while the tree is still flashing most of the presents have now been delivered or collected. i got a heap of things - kitchen related in the main (thank you), but there were some other interesting presents for all and sundry as well (wine), a car, vouchers for all kinds of things so in the main people have done quite well despite the economy.

we all ate well tonight at dinner and everyone seemed to go away happy.

so what does the next year hold in store for us and where will we all be next Xmas. my hope is that everyone is healthy and happy. only time will tell.

qfd

2008-12-25T02:04:00.002+09:00

Females are fussy for good reason .... (from a late night wildlife show).

fill in the blanks if you want/dare.

living in a female world i have some thoughts but hey its not my show

Hope - 4 Xmas and New Year

2008-12-24T21:03:00.001+09:00

Dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.
John Updike (1932 - )

may your dreams over the festive season be delivered upon in spades.

best wishes from me

aquarius

2008-12-22T18:29:00.003+09:00

a friend sent me an "chain email" but i am not into chain anything - looks like i might be in for 11 years of bad luck (apparently starting tomorrow). i do, however, resemble these stars:

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart

Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

music photos

2008-12-21T02:18:00.009+09:00

ok so i liked the other ones better, but there were some "concert" photos - but not a single usable one of alicia (i bet youtube will have some photos and videos soon):

we got there early

we werent supposed to like the support acts but they "rocked":

the hand of?

jordan sparks

anyone think the following guy is good looking? if so why the hell is he event staff?

the best looking girl at the event (yep you in the middle)

pictures and 1--- words

2008-12-21T02:09:00.013+09:00

you know what taking photos is not easy. you know composition, light, subject etc etc. Sue and i went to an Alicia Keys concert today/night and i took some photos. not a single one of alicia worked (camera got tired) but i did manage some interesting shots before the main event. lesson to idiot behind camera (carry extra batteries, drink less red wine). notwithstanding this self advice i did manage some interesting shots. every single image here was taken on the same camera from the same spot in the field (go figure):

open them up and find the faces:

anyone see a woman here - leg cocked - waiting for a "cloud" or is it just red wine getting in the way of trees and clouds:

what do you see? anyone see a bird fight? or maybe its love - sparrows mating in flight (thought not). Dont buy sandalford red, it wont help u take photos (kidding)?

you think it is a mistake ? - look/think deeper

merry xmas and a happy new year

2008-12-19T16:15:00.002+09:00

well all my largely silent visitors may i wish you a merry xmas and happy new year. may you be happy and safe and may 2009 bring you all great things.

i dont think we will get one but i am sure some of you will

love and regards
jeff

it got nuked last time - just like rainbow warrior

2008-12-18T03:23:00.004+09:00

it had to come back because - a minute in heaven is heaven and two is heaven on a stick:

my business socks still got holes in them.

song 4 g

2008-12-18T02:30:00.007+09:00

nice song (cant attest to all the lyrics though)

i think the following is a better clip though:

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrSSVyjJLFc
love u

j

q4t - true love

2008-12-18T01:47:00.004+09:00

The things we truly love stay with us always, locked in our hearts as long as life remains.

--Josephine Baker
___________________________

So what or whom is locked away???
___________________________

i got my list but i am not telling

j

q4t - something to ponder

2008-12-18T01:37:00.002+09:00

The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

-- Allan K. Chalmers

________________________________________________

happy pondering. given its soon to be xmas this could be an interesting exercise for some

q4t - dearness

2008-12-18T01:32:00.007+09:00

What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

-- Thomas Paine

_______________________________________

oh so true:

everyone in my family is dear (expensive some of them are too).

_______________________________________

to all my dear friends, colleagues and acquaintances i value your friendship, collaboration and occasional stinging wit/criticism/advice.

please have a great xmas and new year

j

q4t - life

2008-12-16T10:27:00.005+09:00

Life is just one damned thing after another.
Elbert Hubbard (1856 - 1915)
________________________

aint it so. only thing i can say is that in the main our damned things are tame by comparison to those faced by others around the world.
________________________

on a separate note - I have always struggled with the spirit of Xmas. I dont know why, but I have never found it much of a celebration. I dont think i am that good at the giving/receiving thing. I also think that the western version of Xmas is too commercialised and that it lacks spirit. Maybe its me, but i dont know.

too tackle this malaise i am off to wrap presents (at Mission Australia) for those people who will attend their Xmas lunch. Maybe that will bring me a change of perspective.

q4t - ignorance

2008-12-14T02:47:00.004+09:00

"His ignorance is encyclopedic"
- Abba Eban (1915-2002)

yep that me. hope u are all doing better on the I-front

does anyone know this a eban? yet another example.

q4t - wisdom

2008-12-12T00:39:00.005+09:00

Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure.
William Saroyan (1908 - 1981)

________________________________________________________________

I have had my fair share - i am still not sure if i am good though (or certainly not good enough)

aim to fail today and maybe you will become better (at whatever)

Happy Birthday - Sue

2008-12-11T23:41:00.003+09:00

today was Sue's birthday. she got up early to play golf with a friend (kim) and had an average round apparently. I am not really sure what she did with the rest of her day as I was working, but we had a nice dinner with Kay, Ash, Cam, Sue and I at Ria.

before you knew it the day was over. another year under the bridge.

what is always interesting is who remembers and calls (or these days texts) and those who dont. there were no surprises.

I hope sue wins the lotto (one of my presents) and then we will surely fly the coop. if not it might just have to wait until the next birthday i guess.

2008-12-08T02:43:00.002+09:00

seems it is a strange world i live in really (and a bit disappointing). no-one can be bothered to ring up and tell me my dad has gone back into hospital again. seems it is not that "serious" but i cant help but wonder if anyone will let me know if he dies one day? Why can that be do you think?

oh - today (yesterday actually) was Nicky's birthday - Happy Birthday Nick. We enjoyed the sausage sizzle. We expected to see dad there but he wasnt which was a bit of a surprise

quote for the day:

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Ralph Waldo Emerson

african queen

2008-12-06T00:22:00.011+09:00

watched a movie tonight (with oversized ladies - phat girlz). Interesting movie (deeper than the title) but the thing that caught my ear was this song:

this guy can sing - oh and btw he is not hard on the eyes(for all my female friends) - seems he is too hot for me to insert a link (i tried) so search for 2face idibia.

another week

2008-12-05T21:56:00.002+09:00

so another week has gone by and what has happened in Dullsville:

- Dale (and Tony) and the girls have been in town. We had a nice dinner over the weekend. then Thursday, Dale and the girls came over for dinner with some of Dale and Sue's friends. the dinner was nice and the "babies" are precious. I got woken up with a flower this morning (from cassie) and i got a "slap" from the baby (gemma) because i wouldnt let her take my flower. i sorted this out quick smart - i suggested i might smack her back (with a twinkle in my bleary eye) and she got the message. some boy/girl better watch out for this one in the future.

- i have worked a few shifts this weeks. call me mr shift and carry. I quite like this job for the physicality of it. some of the characters are also interesting. Tomorrow night (saturday), my first night shift, could be interesting.

- I had a meeting with the garden BBlitz ladies (lorna and cathy) and we should have some changes to the concrete early in the new year.

- sue and I talked to G tonight (it was nice to hear her voice). Pity i got cut off. its strange but someone seems more real when you actually hear their voice. i miss her voice.

otherwise this week has been pretty basic in a dullsville kind of way. on the family front there is no news. on the sport front - ben's future in the AFL looks grim no takers.

maybe next week will be more "interesting"

yep - parents dont "understand"

2008-11-29T00:58:00.003+09:00

couldnt embed the video so if you are interested watch via the link"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpQczxLSWD0

i finally learned something - pity it took me so long. hope all you kids dont make the same me-stake

good for a laugh

2008-11-28T22:26:00.005+09:00

a friend of mine sent me a file last night which had a joke in it. I have shared it with some people but i thought everyone might enjoy a laugh so here is a link to the file

quote for the day: "It is hard to tell if a man is telling the truth when you know you would lie if you were in his place." H. L. Mencken

on a brighter note:

"I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose." Woody Allen

so so

2008-11-27T15:25:00.002+09:00

another week has rolled on by. what has been achieved this week?

- done a couple of shifts at my new job and have some more lined up next week
- had an interview for a "real" job (as ash would have it) yesterday. wont hear back until next week
- have just spent a couple of hours cleaning the house top to bottom. a clean house always feels better for some reason
- had a couple of meetings with people about the consulting business. slow progress being made here
- cooked a few meals. had a nice slow cooked pork belly last night with the best crackling ever (yum).
- finished ~1000 out of 2500 riders on Sunday in the great bike ride. not bad for a fat "b.....". Average speed was 28km/h which is probably quicker than i have ridden for a while (and i did very little drafting)

So what's coming up:

- going to visit friends (Dale and Girls who are over for a couple of weeks) tonight
- going to a party on Saturday night (an ex work colleagues 60th). that's how you know you are getting old - when friends start turning 60.
- working Monday, Wed and Sat next week (at the moment)

Update:

- everyone seems to be going ok (nothing really to report)
- ben cousin's football career is hanging by a thread. he has nominated for the draft but it looks like only Brisbane might be interested and there is no guarantee
- the lynx continue to get flogged every week (Mel is still getting splinters)
- the weather has been shit (coolish, stormy and windy) and not conducive to cycling
- Xmas is coming (but the money tree has died so all you can expect is a hug)

till next time think about this - I am a kind of paranoiac in reverse. I suspect people of plotting to make me happy.
J. D. Salinger (1919 - )

new job

2008-11-24T23:31:00.005+09:00

i started a new job today on a casual basis. there are many ways to describe this role, none of them very sexy, but i suspect life in this role could become very interesting (if today is anything to go by).

i dont expect this job to be the balance of my working life but i would not have applied for it (and done it today and tomorrow and other days into the future) if i wasnt interested in it at some level (i am sure).

so what do you think i might have become in my spare time? some hints:

- i will surely work with/around interesting people
- cash is involved
- its outside (sort of)
- music is nearby
- there is a uniform (of sorts)
- cars are allowed

PS - family members or those in the know are barred from voting

a brave man or a fool

2008-11-20T23:03:00.003+09:00

the following was a story in today's electronic media and i am not sure what to think. on the one hand there is so much to agree with, but on the other hand the sentiment is almost (if not actually) repugnant.
_______________________________

THE retail king Gerry Harvey may have a personal fortune of about $1.6 billion but the Harvey Norman founder thinks donating to charity is "just wasted".

Asked in a new book about the role he and Harvey Norman play in the community, Mr Harvey said giving money to people who "are not putting anything back into the community" is like "helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason".

He said he believed in helping "develop people to their potential" because "when they achieve [their potential] they will put a lot more back into the community".

"You could go out and give a million dollars to a charity tomorrow to help the homeless. You could argue that it is just wasted. They are not putting anything back into the community.

"It might be a callous way of putting it but what are they doing? You are helping a whole heap of no-hopers to survive for no good reason. They are just a drag on the whole community.

"So did that million you gave them help? It helped to keep them alive but did it help our society? No. Society might have been better off without them but we are supposed to look after the disadvantaged and so we do it. But it doesn't help the society."

Mr Harvey added: "That is not to say we don't give money away to charities because we have given plenty away over the years. At the end of the day, the more quality individuals you develop in the community, the better off the community should be."

Earlier this year, Harvey Norman donated beds to a charity, Bridge Back to Life, that helps homeless men find rental accommodation.

The comments are in a new book, Master CEOs, by the Sydney funds manager Matthew Kidman.

Clare Martin, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, said: "I have really been impressed at corporate Australia and their real involvement in the wider community … and I always thought that Harvey Norman shared that as well.

"It does surprise me that Gerry Harvey, who's a very significant business figure, should not share the values of many other corporates."

In the interview, Mr Harvey also said that despite his wealth, "I still have a fear about going broke. I always think about it."

___________________________________

only a brave man or a fool would actually make such statements and allow them to go into print. I am not sure which Gerry Harvey is but i am sure he is bound to stir up an interesting debate especially in the current economic crisis.

It is highly likely that the excesses of the "worthy" achievers in the finance sector and elsewhere will result in a good many "lesser" people in our society ending up as a disadvantaged person (define it). one can only hope gerry harvey remains wealthy (define it) because it would be very interesting for him to be "poor".

Maybe mr harvey should revisit the movie - trading places - for a refresher on the random nature of the universe in relation to wealth and wellbeing.

not much to say (or so i thought)

2008-11-20T12:14:00.004+09:00

its funny you know but i sometimes sit in front of the computer and wonder what i might say to that small group of people who sometimes wander through this blog. Over the past few weeks it has been a real struggle and i am not sure why. it seems that i may not be alone as some of my blogger "buddies" also appear to be afflicted by the same malaise.

but then i sat here a bit longer and i thought this (i didnt expect that to paraphrase S Cowell)

is anyone out there "worried" about what is happening in the global economy? I am now starting to get a bit concerned about what the next 2-3 years might hold for all of us.

My instinct is that it is not going to be pretty and we are all going to experience a "once in a life time" event (if you werent around in the mid 1930s and perhaps in the 40s). it now looks to me that the global economy - despite increasingly desperate efforts by a host of governments - is going to go to "hell in a hand basket" in many if not all of the major economies. This will change our societies and will influence all of us either directly or indirectly.

if you are young, now is a good time to pay attention (and learn the inevitable lessons). you may actually be young enough to see another one of these global meltdowns in 20-30 years once "we" recover from this one.

no matter what happens the world is going to become a different place (and damn quick) for many people and i dont necessarily mean better. However, that said there will be some incredible opportunities arising out of this debacle.

I think i might just go and plant a few vegetables (kidding)

Irony

2008-11-14T15:10:00.004+09:00

Saw a newspaper article today that although tragic made me smile (i know i am a sad sack)

_______________________________

a woman (in south america somewhere) was killed by a coffin containing her dead husband (coffins usually do that - contain dead people) on the way to a funeral when the hearse came to an abrupt stop and the coffin slid forward and fell on her killing her instantly (broke her neck).
___________________________________________

My thoughts on reading this was oh that's sad then on reflection i thought there could be other ways of thinking about this - like:

- Guess he could not bear to go without her so he found a way to take her with him; or
- she pissed him off so much in life he was still looking for a way to get his own back in death.

Anyway, whatever is the truth of the matter, they will now obviously be re-united. Hope the answer was the former otherwise he/she are destined for a "hellish" future.

family update

2008-11-14T14:58:00.002+09:00

well life in dullsville has been generally dull. This week just seems to have glided by with no really notable events - well sort of:

- mum has been a "bit" sick - yep she got the lurgy but not the full blown version thankfully.

- Ash got a job and she might be getting sick (today). She is not sure about it yet but it is still early days

- Nanny Max is getting over it

- grandad is still going ok and Nanna is ok too

- Lauren turned 18 this week (we will be there sunday afternoon/night for family drinks)

- Paul and Amber had a great time in Vietnam. Now they are back to domesticity (and planning for the future)

- the stockmarket is still chewing up our money (as is our "poor" family)

- i am getting the business thing sorted out (should have new emails and website up soon) and I am also applying for jobs of all kinds (Bunnings, Bottleshop Attendant, Project Director/Manager etc)

- no riding has been done for weeks but i am going to do a ride next Sunday week so i probably should dust the cobwebs off the bike and make sure the wheels still go around next week

- have not heard about or from anyone else so the assumption is that all is fine on the western front

Other:

- looks like Ben Cousins might get clearance to play. He might be wearing a wig though as he gave a hair sample that came up clean. Clubs in the running appear to be brisbane and st kilda

- the weather is fine (and improving)

a face only a mother could love

2008-11-07T13:51:00.003+09:00

what a little beauty - a new baby pygmy hippo

a new member of the family at taronga park zoo

a winner - no matter what

2008-11-07T01:51:00.004+09:00

australia is a great country. it is the land of opportunity. it will judge you harshly if you deserve it, but it will also recognise you if you deserve it.

this person (whom i dont know from adam) is a winner whether he wins this competition or not:
_____________________________________

African among award finalists
Lorna Edwards
November 7, 2008
A TEARFUL Dr Berhan Ahmed believes he won the quinella this week.

He cried with joy when Barack Obama was elected US president-elect on Wednesday and the eyes trickled again yesterday when he was named a Victorian finalist for this year's Australian of the Year award.

Both events helped bring hope to Victoria's African youth. The community was still recovering from being demonised by previous immigration minister Kevin Andrews, who last year accused African refugees of failing to integrate, he said.

"I'm really thrilled. I had no words," Dr Ahmed said. "It means there is hope for my community."

He was named along with indigenous leader Paul Briggs, environmental campaigner Don Henry and charity founder Rachel Stanfield-Porter as the four Victorian finalists.

Finalists from other states include climate change expert Ross Garnaut, Olympic gold medallist Stephanie Rice, retired cricketer Glenn McGrath and Aboriginal leader Mick Dodson. State winners will be announced later this month.

Dr Ahmed, chairman of the African Think Tank and head of the Eritrean Community in Australia group, was jubilant just to be named a finalist after spending two decades working with refugees since his arrival in Australia from Sudan in 1987.

He learnt English by getting a job as a tram conductor in Melbourne after convincing the tram depot he had experience working on trams in Sudan, even though none existed.

Since then, he has worked to bridge the gap in education and basic services for African refugees leaving their war-torn homelands for Australia.

Dr Ahmed was also involved in the Cormo Express debacle of 2003 when a shipload of 57,000 live Australian sheep was rejected by the Saudis. As outrage grew over the doomed sheep stuck at sea, Dr Ahmed helped negotiate for them to be sent to impoverished Eritrea as a gift.

His latest endeavour is working with Athletics Victoria to get African refugee children into sport. "We would like to train them to be the new champions in the world for Australia."

_________________

go Dr Ahmed - you deserve whatever you (and those that follow you) achieve.

well it looks like i am over the flu

2008-11-07T00:04:00.002+09:00

got through today without cough mixture or throat lozenges or other drugs (sort of) if you discount a glass of wine or three with dinner.

spent most of the day at home doing research - i kid you not - in front of the fire (can you believe that) because it was cool and pouring rain (must be the after affects of the cold).

otherwise my day was pretty quiet. Took Sue to work and picked her up. Had coffee for breakfast and later in the day (and bought ash 1 too).

Cooked dinner - i am getting pretty good at roast chook but i still have to work on the stuffing apparently (too "sharp/tangy". Obviously too much lemon as well as the red wine vinegar the recipe suggested). Not much wrong though with the chicken (none left) so i guess i have to be grateful for small mercies. there did not seem to be any gripes about the vegies either.

G seems to be settling well in Vancouver. its cold - and its going to get colder. Get a coat and get over it. Havent heard from the "love birds" - must have run out of credit.

the wedding

2008-11-04T13:15:00.007+09:00

Paul and Amber got married a couple of Friday's ago in Melbourne. It was a fantastic day (congratulations guys). We all hope they enjoy the rest of their lives together. They have clearly started off on the right foot - they love each other and they are "drinking buddies".

here are some of the best of the photos i took:

the beautiful bride (amber) and her equally "charming prince" (paul)

the bridal party (lee, paul and holly, georgie) with Mr and Mrs Harcus

Nan and Pop

Dale (who looked after Georgia and all of us - thank you)

Georgia

Ashleigh with Laurie (paul's dad)

Sue (paul's mum) with Fiona ("best cousin") and Keegan

the bride and groom are currently honeymooning in Vietnam (sitting by the pool with a few quiet ones no doubt)

GOOD LUCK GUYS. we all hope you enjoy life after marriage

Georgia Does Canada

2008-11-04T13:00:00.002+09:00

well daughter #X has finally made it to canada to start her working holiday. She is going to chronicle her experience so if you are interested you can follow it here.

she is sure to attract a little bit of attention because she is smart, has more front than a double decker bus and she loves to party. She is also pretty good looking which will undoubtedly help (if anyone can see her under her "snowbunny" clothes which she will undoubtedly need to keep her warm in sunny vancouver)

we all hope she has a great experience - so she doesnt want to come home too early (kidding). Guess only time will tell.

still sick

2008-11-02T19:51:00.000+09:00

eyes have improved dramatically which is good, but i still have a head/chest cold with a horrible dry cough and a sore throat. the cough comes in waves when the cough mixture and throat lozenges wear off. Doctors for me tomorrow to get some heavy duty medicine.

after i get this illness thing sorted out i will be working fulltime on getting some income coming in. the world economic crisis has got in the way of my grand plans but that is ok. the time off has been good while it has lasted and it has served a purpose in the family sense allowing me to "help" out in a number of ways.

Sick

2008-10-31T22:46:00.000+09:00

Well folks we got back to Perth late Wednesday after being in Melbourne for Paul and Amber's wedding. Wednesday was a long day as we took Georgia to Avalon Airport, getting up at 5.30 to get her there for 7am, so she could catch her flight to Sydney and then to LA via Auckland (she arrived safely), then we drove back to Melbourne in peak hour, finished our own packing and took ourselves to the airport. We sat in the airport for an hour and half and then enjoyed a 4 hour flight and then more time in a cab.

Sue and I had some celebratory drinks - for making it through the week.

On Thursday i woke up sick with the sorest throat (could hardly swallow) and then i got conjunctivitis from hell. I couldnt open my eyes this morning - had to wash them to get them apart and i looked like i had been in a rocky movie (on the wrong end of a good beating).

I probably need to go to the doctor but lets see what happens over the weekend. I am treating the sore throat with an old fashion remedy - lemon juice, honey, hot water and a slug of brandy and i have been putting some prescription antibiotic drops in my eyes. Both work for a short time then i need more. I will need to get some more brandy if this keeps up.

life is wonderful

2008-10-30T01:07:00.000+09:00

oh to be able to create lyrics like this

I'm yours - yep all yours

2008-10-30T00:33:00.000+09:00

interpret this however you want. it works all round

its easy, or not

he's not the messiah

2008-10-30T00:20:00.000+09:00

fools overture

take your pick

nobody knows what's next

2008-10-29T23:53:00.000+09:00

i went looking for some music to "launch" the new blog. not sure if it is the future (but maybe it is). Its interesting (if you listen)

nobody knows what's next - even me. That's either a great thing or a tradegy. But you pays your money you watch the show (s)

if you used to come here I guess you might be surprised

2008-10-29T23:06:00.001+09:00

Next - dust anyone?

this URL used to belong to another blog which recently got nuked - i over-reacted apparently.

I tried to call it "apparently@blogspot.com" but it seems it was taken so i just ended up right where i started with a new header and look and feel (not sure this will last)

So what does it feel like to nuke a diary of sorts which contained the chronicles of life (some 400 odd posts i think)over a couple of years?

For me it was neither here nor there. It was the water of the Ganges - there was a lot of S... and a few things really worth diving into save. But sometimes babies go out with bathwater.

Hopefully NEXT will be of interest to you the lurkers who visited me before and never commented, but if not I guess i will simply talk to myself yet again

what better way to start again

2008-10-29T21:17:00.001+09:00

Vietnam halts plan to ban short and flat-chested motorists

29th October 2008, 18:45 WST

Communist Vietnam has suspended a much-criticised plan to ban very short, thin and flat-chested people from driving, state media reported today.

The new draft guidelines on motorcycle and car drivers had drawn widespread criticism and ridicule from motorists, newspaper readers and bloggers since they were published by the health ministry two weeks ago.

Under the 83-point plan, people shorter than 1.5 metres, lighter than 40 kilograms or with a chest circumference of less than 72 centimetres would no longer qualify for new drivers’ licences.

The proposal worried many in this nation of slender people and spurned jokes about traffic police with tape measures enthusiastically flagging down female motorcyclists, and predictions of a run on padded bras.

The justice ministry has asked the health ministry to temporarily suspend and review the plan, the Vietnam News daily reported.

“After receiving public opinion about the decision, the health and transport ministries agreed there had to be changes,” senior health department official Tran Quy Tuong was quoted as saying by the state-run daily.

They would have been better to have proposed a BAD Driver ban.