So I was fortunate enough to have a conference in Perth in November, so Rochelle & I decided to pop over for the weekend before. I've been before, but for Rochelle, like most Aussies, she'd never been.
Perth is one of the world's remote capital cities, and it certainly feels like it when you spend almost 5 hours on a plane. I mean its like flying from London to New York (almost).
Its known as a "Big country town" to many, and the first thing that strikes you about it is how tranquil it is and then how small it is, we basically backed everything into the first day including
Freemantel for breakfast
Drive to the local wine region.
A chocolate factory... aw my gawd!
Trip to the beaches
Back to the hotel to change, out for a bottle of rose for the sunset at cotasloe Beach (v. famous, and a real novelty for us as we never get to normally see sunsets over water as we live on the East Coast!).
Fish and chips
...phew
All of which are documented very nicely here.
The next day was a trip out to a local island, "Rotnest" (or Rat's nest). Hired some bikes, had a picnic, more views over the ocean and finding the local wildlife. These gorgeous Marcupials, called Quokkas. (originally mistaken by settlers as rats). Have to say v. cute. Apart from a rather rough blowy trip out on the ferry a lovely way to spend the day....
I can recommend Perth!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Lots of photos
Have finally got a decent photo arrangement. Hosted on my not so active cheepdial web site! :-) Can be linked to from this blog all the time, but will be referencing them as I go....
Monday, October 17, 2005
My first proper power tool... I feel like a man
Okay so i've used power tools before, dad had loads them - hammer action drills, circular saws, etc. I've done shelving, drilled holes all that kinda stuff, you know a little knowledge can be very dangerous 'n' all that. But none of it compares to actually walking into a hardware store and asking to purchase your first power drill, with hammer action, keyless chuck, depth guage and laser guided drill bits.... okay i didn't go for the last option, that was just silly. But it was great to walk up, utter the modern yuppy masculine declaration "I'm renovating".
I think the sales guy, who turned out to be a nice enough chap, really thought his luck had come in for the saturday when I uttered my father's famous mantrer (sp!?) "spend good money on decent tools and they'll last for ever"... so I walked out with 800bucks worth of goodies, but I know it'll all last. And of course I can rationalise, I was going to save 1000's by doing the floor replacement myself, and I'd get proper tools out of it... .brilliant!
I think the sales guy, who turned out to be a nice enough chap, really thought his luck had come in for the saturday when I uttered my father's famous mantrer (sp!?) "spend good money on decent tools and they'll last for ever"... so I walked out with 800bucks worth of goodies, but I know it'll all last. And of course I can rationalise, I was going to save 1000's by doing the floor replacement myself, and I'd get proper tools out of it... .brilliant!
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Renovations Stage 1... ground zero, flooring...
We'd already removed the carpets, so we knew that floor boards needed replacing. The whole place had been covered in a single horrible green carpet, and over the years certain boards had been replaced with odd pine snippets, obviously just to make do. So of course, doing the modern thing, removing all carpets and sanding back the floors everything needs to look the same... or at least vaguely similar!
The task, according to Bunnings Hardware was to remove offending boards, simply and easily using a saw, a chisel and a hammer. All sounds simple. I had the tools so i'll just rattle through these. The wood came from a recycled place near the city (A saga in itself to get that back without a ute or stationwagon!
2 days later and the place still looked like bombed out beruit, but my confidence had actually improved and i kinda knew what i was doing! (its all in the dress sense)... the end result actually looked pretty good... but if its taught me one thing.... get a professional ;-).
The task, according to Bunnings Hardware was to remove offending boards, simply and easily using a saw, a chisel and a hammer. All sounds simple. I had the tools so i'll just rattle through these. The wood came from a recycled place near the city (A saga in itself to get that back without a ute or stationwagon!
2 days later and the place still looked like bombed out beruit, but my confidence had actually improved and i kinda knew what i was doing! (its all in the dress sense)... the end result actually looked pretty good... but if its taught me one thing.... get a professional ;-).
Sunday, September 11, 2005
The holiday Passport Saga
"But sir", he said in his heavily accented English, "they're not open until Tuesday. Monday is a bank holiday". It was at that point my jaw hit the counter. In my very broken, rusty French, the counter attendance, slightly better English, we'd cleaned the crux of the matter. No your parcel isn't here, and you (a) can't find out the parcel number as the visa office will be closed (b) the post office will be closed. Stood in the blazing Saturday morning sun in 'La Poste', Belle vue sur Mer, the wonderful 2 weeks holiday seem to disappear. I had no passport, we had flights from Frankfurt, over 1000km away, on Monday evening. The passport, 'somewhere' between Paris and Nice (ish).
The long story short. I had my Aussie residency granted (another story in itself) had arrived. The big problem, you have to leave the country, get your passport 'evidenced' whilst abroad, and enter back through passport control on your new visa. Archaic you might think, yes i'd agree, but okay lets play with that. There was surely no point in planning another week away just to get the passport. But our original plans for the holiday did not include more than 5 days in any one spot. The real kicker is that you need to allow 3 business days for your exit from Australia to register with the foreign offices, then another 5 days for the office to process, then the delay to pickup or post to you. This would be all too good, except where we were going there is no Australian Embassy. None in Nice, none in Switzerland. Only Paris, Berlin or Rome. So the decision, post / courier (registered of course!) the passport to Paris from Chamonix, then get it returned to our Friends residence near where we were finishing up the holiday. All went to plan, email correspondance confirmed everything had arrived, was processed and sent back within 3 days - v. impressive. We then had hope when friends said they'd been one of those "we delivered but you weren't in cards" at their Villa. The only draw back, which we only discovered on Saturday a.m. on the last weekend - this was in fact just a " you've successfully SENT your documents and they've arrived. At this point all sorts of issues arose - we didn't have the tracking number of the sent postage (from the visa office in paris), we'd just been told it was a public holiday on monday, and no idea where the parcel was.
So our original plan of leaving on Sunday, leisurely drive north, perhaps a stop in Annecy, flying back on Monday night, was not really going to happen. Luckily there was lots of availability so flights weren't the issue (apart from a later start at work!). The problem was just not knowing when the passport would arrive. Could be Tues, who knew.... Anyhow, managed to be very nochalant about it over the weekend, well "what can you" I'd say, which was true, totally out of my hands. So we proceeded to enjoy the weekend. Not really that hard in the sundrenched cote d'azure town, a "fairly" relaxed gorgeous girlfriend, a fantastic collection of old Uni friends, an incredible wedding, no work and a not too shabby hotel room.
It was all a bit of an anti-climax in the end, Tuesday I shot to the post office immediately. The passport was there. Right, checkout (well luckily Rochelle managed all that whilst I was battling with traffic), throw everything into the car, and start the long hall back. This time however we had decided on the France, Italy, Switzerland & Germany route. Again, not a good start to the journey as the single file traffic inched its way from Nice to Monaco. Luckily we got to Italy and then started to open up the Alpha, it may not handle well on the alpine routes, but once cranked up to the 150+ would cruise quite nicely. Its well known the Italians, bless their coffee drinking, olive oil eatening hearts, like to disregard road speed limits.... when in Rome! The same was basically true of Switzerland and especially Germany. We had a day in 4 countries, a real novelty for my antipodean lovely, and quite entertaining when you think about it! We managed to accomplish the trip, a touch over a 1000kms in just over 8 hours, 2 petrol stops and almost $250 aussie peso's worth of fuel. We had an extensive 3 hours in the first class lounge at the airport. An eventless flight, no good movies I might add (maybe Sahara http://www.saharamovie.com/, which is a bit of a laugh), was followed by a rather arduous 2 days at the office...
The long story short. I had my Aussie residency granted (another story in itself) had arrived. The big problem, you have to leave the country, get your passport 'evidenced' whilst abroad, and enter back through passport control on your new visa. Archaic you might think, yes i'd agree, but okay lets play with that. There was surely no point in planning another week away just to get the passport. But our original plans for the holiday did not include more than 5 days in any one spot. The real kicker is that you need to allow 3 business days for your exit from Australia to register with the foreign offices, then another 5 days for the office to process, then the delay to pickup or post to you. This would be all too good, except where we were going there is no Australian Embassy. None in Nice, none in Switzerland. Only Paris, Berlin or Rome. So the decision, post / courier (registered of course!) the passport to Paris from Chamonix, then get it returned to our Friends residence near where we were finishing up the holiday. All went to plan, email correspondance confirmed everything had arrived, was processed and sent back within 3 days - v. impressive. We then had hope when friends said they'd been one of those "we delivered but you weren't in cards" at their Villa. The only draw back, which we only discovered on Saturday a.m. on the last weekend - this was in fact just a " you've successfully SENT your documents and they've arrived. At this point all sorts of issues arose - we didn't have the tracking number of the sent postage (from the visa office in paris), we'd just been told it was a public holiday on monday, and no idea where the parcel was.
So our original plan of leaving on Sunday, leisurely drive north, perhaps a stop in Annecy, flying back on Monday night, was not really going to happen. Luckily there was lots of availability so flights weren't the issue (apart from a later start at work!). The problem was just not knowing when the passport would arrive. Could be Tues, who knew.... Anyhow, managed to be very nochalant about it over the weekend, well "what can you" I'd say, which was true, totally out of my hands. So we proceeded to enjoy the weekend. Not really that hard in the sundrenched cote d'azure town, a "fairly" relaxed gorgeous girlfriend, a fantastic collection of old Uni friends, an incredible wedding, no work and a not too shabby hotel room.
It was all a bit of an anti-climax in the end, Tuesday I shot to the post office immediately. The passport was there. Right, checkout (well luckily Rochelle managed all that whilst I was battling with traffic), throw everything into the car, and start the long hall back. This time however we had decided on the France, Italy, Switzerland & Germany route. Again, not a good start to the journey as the single file traffic inched its way from Nice to Monaco. Luckily we got to Italy and then started to open up the Alpha, it may not handle well on the alpine routes, but once cranked up to the 150+ would cruise quite nicely. Its well known the Italians, bless their coffee drinking, olive oil eatening hearts, like to disregard road speed limits.... when in Rome! The same was basically true of Switzerland and especially Germany. We had a day in 4 countries, a real novelty for my antipodean lovely, and quite entertaining when you think about it! We managed to accomplish the trip, a touch over a 1000kms in just over 8 hours, 2 petrol stops and almost $250 aussie peso's worth of fuel. We had an extensive 3 hours in the first class lounge at the airport. An eventless flight, no good movies I might add (maybe Sahara http://www.saharamovie.com/, which is a bit of a laugh), was followed by a rather arduous 2 days at the office...
Monday, August 08, 2005
We bought a house!
So we finally did it, most remarkably for me, it was "almost" an impulse purchase... again (people who know my tales of the first purchase in london will know it kinda happened by accident).
Anyhoo, Rochelle found this place quite by accident walking to the ferry down one of the backstreets to get to manly centre. A hand scribbled sign advertising the vendor's intentions, without an estate agent logo in site - perfect.
The long and short of it, we're now proud owners, due to exchange 4th october 2005 (normally 10 week exchange, but they wanted longer which suits us as we have holiday in between). The place, a small class federation terrace house, laid out most bizarrely on a narrow plot not far from manly centre, 3 blocks from the beach. Totally livable, but definitely needs some work as the kitchen & bathroom, tacked on the back like so many houses round here, really do need replacing!
A few piccies of the outside here.... Outside and this gives you an idea of where it is.... map
Anyhoo, Rochelle found this place quite by accident walking to the ferry down one of the backstreets to get to manly centre. A hand scribbled sign advertising the vendor's intentions, without an estate agent logo in site - perfect.
The long and short of it, we're now proud owners, due to exchange 4th october 2005 (normally 10 week exchange, but they wanted longer which suits us as we have holiday in between). The place, a small class federation terrace house, laid out most bizarrely on a narrow plot not far from manly centre, 3 blocks from the beach. Totally livable, but definitely needs some work as the kitchen & bathroom, tacked on the back like so many houses round here, really do need replacing!
A few piccies of the outside here.... Outside and this gives you an idea of where it is.... map
Friday, July 15, 2005
Surfing with a Dolphins
So I have my work from home friday in sydney today. got up to have a bit of a surf and ended up being out on the glassy waves with a pod of dolphins. Granted I thought it was sharks initially and nearly died on the spot from shock, but when you realise its actually the friendly kind a bizarre euphoria takes over.
Now of course, putting everything in context, when you read surfing, read "Attempting to stand on board", when you read pod, read "2". But its still way cool.
Right, no milk so i'm off to get a coffee before embarking on a days grind, but with a bit of a grin..... almost makes up for the manic form my life seems to have taken over the past month.
Now of course, putting everything in context, when you read surfing, read "Attempting to stand on board", when you read pod, read "2". But its still way cool.
Right, no milk so i'm off to get a coffee before embarking on a days grind, but with a bit of a grin..... almost makes up for the manic form my life seems to have taken over the past month.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Busy Busy Busy....
I haven't been busy like this for a while. Forgotten what its like... no time for personal emails, idol chit chat with friends over the phone in the evening, weekends seem to just go by far too quickly.
Work seems to have got the better of me recently. We had a rather quirky evening the other day, with 4 of us (3 directors and myself) in the lab till 3:30 am assembly one of the products that we had originally intended to go to factory had to be done last minute "in house". Quite a bonding session - bit of music, lots of beer, and we did it - soldering, assembling, gluing, debuging etc. etc. Not something to be repeated!
In the meantmie we need to recruit at a rediculous pace, the growth is scary. But it IS great to be a part of it, learning so much about how a small company and a true "business" copes.
I know i'm stressed, not sleeping well blah blah, really need to get a grp and make sure it doesn't overpower me....
Work seems to have got the better of me recently. We had a rather quirky evening the other day, with 4 of us (3 directors and myself) in the lab till 3:30 am assembly one of the products that we had originally intended to go to factory had to be done last minute "in house". Quite a bonding session - bit of music, lots of beer, and we did it - soldering, assembling, gluing, debuging etc. etc. Not something to be repeated!
In the meantmie we need to recruit at a rediculous pace, the growth is scary. But it IS great to be a part of it, learning so much about how a small company and a true "business" copes.
I know i'm stressed, not sleeping well blah blah, really need to get a grp and make sure it doesn't overpower me....
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Its a crap day... yeehah!
One of the many reasons I love this country is the weather, for sure, its generally much better than I'm used too. However its got to the point where one just has to get outside when the weather's great, as a result, nothing "inside" gets done.... so what does "doing things inside" consist of on a day like this:
1. catching up on DVDs - west wing series 3 is almost complete
2. personal emails - the inbox is full like I can't believe, so finally making inroads and making sure I still have friends at home ;-)
3. golf, well can do that in any weather, so got up v. early with some of the guys and went for a quick 9... played for breakfast, and the other team lost... good outcome for us as a deserved breakfast at one of the local joints.
4. admin - normal stuff, being away all the time means the mail, bills blah blah builds up
5. walk on the beach - even thou its a gray, pretty chilly (by Oz terms), doesn't prohibit that wonderful feeling of soft sand in the feet.
Can't really complain....
1. catching up on DVDs - west wing series 3 is almost complete
2. personal emails - the inbox is full like I can't believe, so finally making inroads and making sure I still have friends at home ;-)
3. golf, well can do that in any weather, so got up v. early with some of the guys and went for a quick 9... played for breakfast, and the other team lost... good outcome for us as a deserved breakfast at one of the local joints.
4. admin - normal stuff, being away all the time means the mail, bills blah blah builds up
5. walk on the beach - even thou its a gray, pretty chilly (by Oz terms), doesn't prohibit that wonderful feeling of soft sand in the feet.
Can't really complain....
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Did you know bananas catch fire in the microwave
Its true. A banana, frozen for later use, put into the Microwave to defrost, has a repeating tendancy to catch fire at its stalk.... would never have guessed...
Monday, March 28, 2005
Dave Matthews Band Rocks
Can't say I was originally a massive fan when Rochelle introduced me to Mr Matthews CDs (http://www.dmband.com/), but over the years certain tunes have grown on me.
However to see the man live, with his zaney band of merry men strutting their stuff, was superb! Great lyrics, amazing musicians... just brilliant. Its weird to think with such a keen following over here, this was the first time DM have actually toured down-under!
However to see the man live, with his zaney band of merry men strutting their stuff, was superb! Great lyrics, amazing musicians... just brilliant. Its weird to think with such a keen following over here, this was the first time DM have actually toured down-under!
Saturday, March 26, 2005
The long weekend
Bizarrely Sydney has not lived up to its tropical reputation, the last week has been atrocious, but the results have been quite spectacular, with massive waves Sydney Massive Surf this week, not that it helps my learning curve!
So the weather's been bad, its kinda good to lounge around, watch DVDs... we got through 5 episodes of "The West Wing". Tomorrow, gonna bet more active, hopng a bit of a golf, Dave Matthew's concert, BBQ, and a bke ride on Monday.... what ths place is made for!
Clock's go back, or is it forward, what-ever, this weekend, so alas tis the start of winter, but that should mean less rain and clear cool days... back to wearing jumpers.
So the weather's been bad, its kinda good to lounge around, watch DVDs... we got through 5 episodes of "The West Wing". Tomorrow, gonna bet more active, hopng a bit of a golf, Dave Matthew's concert, BBQ, and a bke ride on Monday.... what ths place is made for!
Clock's go back, or is it forward, what-ever, this weekend, so alas tis the start of winter, but that should mean less rain and clear cool days... back to wearing jumpers.
Monday, March 14, 2005
My perfect morning.... bloody close!
Today is officially a day off for me. I'm currently based out of melbourne, and the Australian states have a variety of differing public holidays. Although I've decided to work most of it (gives me a day in lieu when NSW has a holiday when I 'really' want a day off), it hasn't stopped an almost ideal day!
Late start (ish) after beloved rochelle gets up early for the start of her week. Finaly got up for a quick surf - waves dropped away quickly but got up a few times (baby steps, baby steps). Back for some eggs, cooked with fresh herbs (another magnificant winner from the lady of my life...)
Needless to say all this in bright autumn sunshine, day start temp around 20deg, promising to be a balmy 29deg, but sure the sea breeze will take the edge of that...
My only regrets to this amazing day
- wish rochelle didn't have to work
- wish some friends 'n' family in the UK could be here to share it (someday soon...)
- wish I'd bandaged up the blister I got yesterday mountain biking... it bloody smarts in salt water
Late start (ish) after beloved rochelle gets up early for the start of her week. Finaly got up for a quick surf - waves dropped away quickly but got up a few times (baby steps, baby steps). Back for some eggs, cooked with fresh herbs (another magnificant winner from the lady of my life...)
Needless to say all this in bright autumn sunshine, day start temp around 20deg, promising to be a balmy 29deg, but sure the sea breeze will take the edge of that...
My only regrets to this amazing day
- wish rochelle didn't have to work
- wish some friends 'n' family in the UK could be here to share it (someday soon...)
- wish I'd bandaged up the blister I got yesterday mountain biking... it bloody smarts in salt water
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Summer problems here downunder, Too many storms
Most people assume that summer equals good weather, which in the case of Sydney is generally the case. The temp here (although I'm melbourne most of the time at the moment) hovers between 20 and 30 degrees, out on the coast (Where we are). Unfortunately, with the hot and humid comes thunder storms. According to an article in the syndey morning herald (you may have to register, but its free) this morning, Sydney has as many storms per year as Cairns (which is up north and 'very' tropical), 2 a month on average.
What you don't realise that summer is wetter here than winter, so that 2 a month actually becomes about once a week. Normally this is not a problem (or "no drama" as you'd hear in the pub), sunny warm morning, building up to a mid afternoon / evening storm, which is ususally a sight to behold over the ocean.
I forgot ALL the positives, when, and as described in said article, you get stuck on a plane, on the tarmac for over an hour. We had a massive storm on Thursday as i was flying in from melbourne. The pilot loaded up on extra fuel, as is SOP if there is a chance of extra circling, and it was a little bumpy on approachh, but once we landed the problems started. It seems, and its is kinda common sense, that no airport workers (baggage, fuel, guys with lollypops, important bloke with big headphones) are allowed out from under cover whilst lightening is within 9km, and until the last thunder is heard 30 minutes ago.
The result of all this is that existing planes can have baggage unloaded, there is no spot to put just landed planes and the problem just compounds as planes arrive. Luckily I had no checked in luggage, but the 75 minutes on the tarmac were complete dead time as they were under the impression we may be let in at any time. So of course we couldn't move around, couldn't use laptops or cell phones. Very annoying. Of course to make matters worse, all the information boards in the airport say the plane has landed, but no-one is told much else. When I finally departed, the scenes were caotic as things had backed up (taxis waiting, busses waiting, people waiting to get on, people waiting for baggage). What a mess.
Thinking out of the box for a minute a few simple solutions to help alleviate these problems.
1. push planes away to make room even though they've not been unloaded, at least passangers can disembark (I believe people in the push back trucks are not in jeapordy, and don't see the need for other people on the tarmac)
2. this alows other planes to at least disembark
3. update those message boards with a new state (i.e. landed, on tarmac etc.)
... oh well I can dream....
What you don't realise that summer is wetter here than winter, so that 2 a month actually becomes about once a week. Normally this is not a problem (or "no drama" as you'd hear in the pub), sunny warm morning, building up to a mid afternoon / evening storm, which is ususally a sight to behold over the ocean.
I forgot ALL the positives, when, and as described in said article, you get stuck on a plane, on the tarmac for over an hour. We had a massive storm on Thursday as i was flying in from melbourne. The pilot loaded up on extra fuel, as is SOP if there is a chance of extra circling, and it was a little bumpy on approachh, but once we landed the problems started. It seems, and its is kinda common sense, that no airport workers (baggage, fuel, guys with lollypops, important bloke with big headphones) are allowed out from under cover whilst lightening is within 9km, and until the last thunder is heard 30 minutes ago.
The result of all this is that existing planes can have baggage unloaded, there is no spot to put just landed planes and the problem just compounds as planes arrive. Luckily I had no checked in luggage, but the 75 minutes on the tarmac were complete dead time as they were under the impression we may be let in at any time. So of course we couldn't move around, couldn't use laptops or cell phones. Very annoying. Of course to make matters worse, all the information boards in the airport say the plane has landed, but no-one is told much else. When I finally departed, the scenes were caotic as things had backed up (taxis waiting, busses waiting, people waiting to get on, people waiting for baggage). What a mess.
Thinking out of the box for a minute a few simple solutions to help alleviate these problems.
1. push planes away to make room even though they've not been unloaded, at least passangers can disembark (I believe people in the push back trucks are not in jeapordy, and don't see the need for other people on the tarmac)
2. this alows other planes to at least disembark
3. update those message boards with a new state (i.e. landed, on tarmac etc.)
... oh well I can dream....
What can you do but laugh...
I admit, i did chuckle
Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.
A backward poet writes inverse.
A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.
Dijon vu - the same mustard as before ?
Practice safe eating - always use condiments.
Shotgun wedding: A case of wife or death.
A man needs a mistress just to break the monogamy.
A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
Dancing cheek-to-cheek is really a form of floor play.
Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
Condoms should be used on every conceivable occasion.
Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.
When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.
A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired.
What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead giveaway.)
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
In democracy your vote counts. In feudalism your count votes.
She was engaged to a boyfriend with a wooden leg but broke it off.
A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
If you don't pay your exorcist, you get repossessed.
With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.
When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.
The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.
You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
Local Area Network in Australia: the LAN down under.
He often broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
Every calendar's days are numbered.
A lot of money is tainted - It taint yours and it taint mine.
A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
He had a photographic memory that was never developed.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is a small medium at large.
Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
Once you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.
Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.
Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
Acupuncture is a jab well done.
Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.
A backward poet writes inverse.
A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.
Dijon vu - the same mustard as before ?
Practice safe eating - always use condiments.
Shotgun wedding: A case of wife or death.
A man needs a mistress just to break the monogamy.
A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
Dancing cheek-to-cheek is really a form of floor play.
Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?
Condoms should be used on every conceivable occasion.
Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.
When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.
A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired.
What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead giveaway.)
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
In democracy your vote counts. In feudalism your count votes.
She was engaged to a boyfriend with a wooden leg but broke it off.
A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
If you don't pay your exorcist, you get repossessed.
With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.
When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.
The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.
You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
Local Area Network in Australia: the LAN down under.
He often broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
Every calendar's days are numbered.
A lot of money is tainted - It taint yours and it taint mine.
A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.
He had a photographic memory that was never developed.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.
A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is a small medium at large.
Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
Once you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.
Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.
Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
Acupuncture is a jab well done.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Cartoon Fan's dream - Bugs Bunny on Broadway
A bit late I know, but a few weeks ago we went to the sydney opera house, which is always a treat. But on this occasson, especially for me, but I think an initial skeptcal Rochelle, was also swayed, was a fantastic treat as we went to watch cartoons there! not just any cartoons, but classic bug's bunny ones at that.
Bug Bunny on Broadway consists of a fairly hefty number of toon's staring all the favourites, along wth major orchestras, in this case the sydney symphony, As with most of the original cartoons, the soundtracks form a large component of the overall experience. To have a large screen, a highly amused audenience and too many classic scores played and conducted in full grandure, was a real treat.
For anyone familar, the renditions of the famous operas, "barbar of seville" were a particular highlight. Can definitely recommend to all!
Bug Bunny on Broadway consists of a fairly hefty number of toon's staring all the favourites, along wth major orchestras, in this case the sydney symphony, As with most of the original cartoons, the soundtracks form a large component of the overall experience. To have a large screen, a highly amused audenience and too many classic scores played and conducted in full grandure, was a real treat.
For anyone familar, the renditions of the famous operas, "barbar of seville" were a particular highlight. Can definitely recommend to all!
Thursday, February 24, 2005
bureaucracy sucks!
Right, its been 2 weeks now, and no visa.... nothing... well something, and email from my visa agent saying they've asked for more documents - 1 to prove that i look like I can speak english. This seems to be because I was born in France all those years ago. I wouldn't mind so much, but you know what, apparently its not consistent. No such luck. It depends on the case officer. All these forms and documents I've had to submit, and it turns out it really depends on luck of the draw and how anal / fanickety / problematic / stubbon the case officer is, depends on the length of time / overhead of paper work you need to go through.... arggggg
not much else to report, what can I say, you've seen my schedule... its getting rather manotanous now!
... sorry a little rant...
not much else to report, what can I say, you've seen my schedule... its getting rather manotanous now!
... sorry a little rant...
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
My days... unemployed
As many now no I quit my big management consultancy job and left the firm on 31st Janurary. Although I have a job to go to, about which I'm extremely excited, its weird giving up a job of almost 8 years and being in a state where you're officially unemployed!
As someone who has always advocated that retirement at an early age would lead to extreme bordem, I can now say, with great certaintity that I have changed my view dramatically.
This is a typical day
- get up early as the other half had to go to work
- help make breakfast, drive to ferry terminal if raining
- do quick bit of shopping whilst the rest of the world is either still in slumber or in process of commtting
- swim the length of manly beach... in training for ocean swimming, should be doing more
- get home, catch up on daily news, make own breakfast, with time to have lots of fruit or more elaborate multi-herbed eggs.
- off to driving range to try and master the art of sticks and balls, 100 of them, but sure they're giving me duds - they never go straight
- down to the surf if there is any, almost standing up consistantly
- back for a spot of lunch, read, basically get out of the sun in the midday heat
- after paper, bit of music, few emails, head to the beach for a spot of volleyball. luckily my partner on court is also unemployed right now, which makes for a good excuse to get some games on the fairly empty courts
- then its time to start the cooking, something i've missed and just never have time for... its been much to the appreciation of Rochelle!... infact she mentioned to a friend that she had no idea what to do with herself when she gets in the door!
its a hard life.... but have to give it up as of monday... the new job starts, getting anxious now....
As someone who has always advocated that retirement at an early age would lead to extreme bordem, I can now say, with great certaintity that I have changed my view dramatically.
This is a typical day
- get up early as the other half had to go to work
- help make breakfast, drive to ferry terminal if raining
- do quick bit of shopping whilst the rest of the world is either still in slumber or in process of commtting
- swim the length of manly beach... in training for ocean swimming, should be doing more
- get home, catch up on daily news, make own breakfast, with time to have lots of fruit or more elaborate multi-herbed eggs.
- off to driving range to try and master the art of sticks and balls, 100 of them, but sure they're giving me duds - they never go straight
- down to the surf if there is any, almost standing up consistantly
- back for a spot of lunch, read, basically get out of the sun in the midday heat
- after paper, bit of music, few emails, head to the beach for a spot of volleyball. luckily my partner on court is also unemployed right now, which makes for a good excuse to get some games on the fairly empty courts
- then its time to start the cooking, something i've missed and just never have time for... its been much to the appreciation of Rochelle!... infact she mentioned to a friend that she had no idea what to do with herself when she gets in the door!
its a hard life.... but have to give it up as of monday... the new job starts, getting anxious now....
Catchup, but come on, its been good weather
I have to admit to being slack. I have good excuses thou, i've been un-employed and the weather has been great - really don't want to spend "too" much time at the computer in doors. But you're lucky now as the weather has turned for the worse and its light rain predicted all day, so time to catch up....
Monday, February 07, 2005
Trek to the Blue Mountains
A close friend from back in blighty, well actually he's moved to Switzerland now, "popped over" (well his wife works for BA, you can do that sort of thing) for a couple of weeks in Janurary.
For part of this we decided to embark into the Blue mountains for 3 days of treking, camping, living off the land, fending for our lives with no water oh and avoiding dangerous snakes....
Blue Mountains Trip
The original plan, and it was well planned, was for 3 days in a large loop around the southeast corner of the Blues. Having gone to the camping store, got maps and advice and certain essential equipment like the self heating ceramic tea mug and ultra-lightweight camping mat that's also a floatation device, we planned our trip out based on advice from those more experienced and also let the rangers know of our plans. Additionally, and as nerves started to set in, we borrowed an EPURB from a sailing friend (These are basically a distress beckon normally used out to sea, but given our distance from civilisation and risks out in the bush, a good safety precaution).
I should say at this point that the entire world thought we were mad, what with summer heat, snake season, lack of water etc. etc. Well the rangers said we'd have a great time, and that was enough for us. Little did we know...
The biggest issue on these types of trips, especially in this heat is water. So we took purifying tables and planned the trip around rivers 'n' streams that could enable us to replenish. Imagine our rather worried annoyance when the first "stream" we came too was completely try. bone. we kept going to the main river, but only to find that the river, although flowing, was only barely. It wasn't stagnent, but we'd need to boil off everything we drank. Rats!
At this point we'd been walking through most of the heat of the day, and poor dave, only aclimatised for 2 days from the northern hemisphere winter (europe, via Narita), was starting to suffer. We made camp, Dave rested (mostly in the river to cool off!) and I set about food and new water. In all we boiled up 7 liters of water for food that night and to get us back to the car the next day. The decision had been made that it wasn't worth risking more excursions to find less water. Despite these woahs, oh and the fact that we ran out of camping gas (leak, carelessness, miscalculation - we're not sure), the scenery was pretty spectactular, especially as the sun set! The widelife also, despite the snakes had been fascinating, and as dusk settled, the number of lizards (almost dinosaurs I might add, one was over 1.5m long) grew.
I should add, that although we may look absolutely rediculous in our fly protector nets over our hats (
Me in stupid fly net), where we were was about the most fly invested place you've ever been, not since King's Canyon in the outback, have I been pestered by so many flies. So glad we brought them along, the only issue was getting used to taking a drink, but forgetting the fly net was there - doh!
The overnight stay, although incredibly welcome, was just a tad freaky - noises and such that you can't quite get your imagination around (i think we were invaded by a large group of Kangaroos at one point, but it could have been a hopping axe-murderer for all we knew).
The day started better, the morning coolness a definite advantage over the previous day much later start. Some great porridge, okay some dodgy burnt bits, but delicious all the same. So after a large aamount of cleaning off the burnt bits from the trangier we set off back teh way we came. A much more pleasant walk, with the thought of fresh water back in the car certainly enough to keep us going! We saw loads more snakes out, which was slightly disconcerting. We made it back after a mammouth up hill out of the valley which did almost kill us, but god the sight of the car was a sight to behold!
The day started to heat up after our midday arrival, but there was nothing more welcoming on the trip home, than the over airconditioned Macdonald's restaurant!
Next time - we're going in autumn.... not mid summer!
For part of this we decided to embark into the Blue mountains for 3 days of treking, camping, living off the land, fending for our lives with no water oh and avoiding dangerous snakes....
Blue Mountains Trip
The original plan, and it was well planned, was for 3 days in a large loop around the southeast corner of the Blues. Having gone to the camping store, got maps and advice and certain essential equipment like the self heating ceramic tea mug and ultra-lightweight camping mat that's also a floatation device, we planned our trip out based on advice from those more experienced and also let the rangers know of our plans. Additionally, and as nerves started to set in, we borrowed an EPURB from a sailing friend (These are basically a distress beckon normally used out to sea, but given our distance from civilisation and risks out in the bush, a good safety precaution).
I should say at this point that the entire world thought we were mad, what with summer heat, snake season, lack of water etc. etc. Well the rangers said we'd have a great time, and that was enough for us. Little did we know...
The biggest issue on these types of trips, especially in this heat is water. So we took purifying tables and planned the trip around rivers 'n' streams that could enable us to replenish. Imagine our rather worried annoyance when the first "stream" we came too was completely try. bone. we kept going to the main river, but only to find that the river, although flowing, was only barely. It wasn't stagnent, but we'd need to boil off everything we drank. Rats!
At this point we'd been walking through most of the heat of the day, and poor dave, only aclimatised for 2 days from the northern hemisphere winter (europe, via Narita), was starting to suffer. We made camp, Dave rested (mostly in the river to cool off!) and I set about food and new water. In all we boiled up 7 liters of water for food that night and to get us back to the car the next day. The decision had been made that it wasn't worth risking more excursions to find less water. Despite these woahs, oh and the fact that we ran out of camping gas (leak, carelessness, miscalculation - we're not sure), the scenery was pretty spectactular, especially as the sun set! The widelife also, despite the snakes had been fascinating, and as dusk settled, the number of lizards (almost dinosaurs I might add, one was over 1.5m long) grew.
I should add, that although we may look absolutely rediculous in our fly protector nets over our hats (
Me in stupid fly net), where we were was about the most fly invested place you've ever been, not since King's Canyon in the outback, have I been pestered by so many flies. So glad we brought them along, the only issue was getting used to taking a drink, but forgetting the fly net was there - doh!
The overnight stay, although incredibly welcome, was just a tad freaky - noises and such that you can't quite get your imagination around (i think we were invaded by a large group of Kangaroos at one point, but it could have been a hopping axe-murderer for all we knew).
The day started better, the morning coolness a definite advantage over the previous day much later start. Some great porridge, okay some dodgy burnt bits, but delicious all the same. So after a large aamount of cleaning off the burnt bits from the trangier we set off back teh way we came. A much more pleasant walk, with the thought of fresh water back in the car certainly enough to keep us going! We saw loads more snakes out, which was slightly disconcerting. We made it back after a mammouth up hill out of the valley which did almost kill us, but god the sight of the car was a sight to behold!
The day started to heat up after our midday arrival, but there was nothing more welcoming on the trip home, than the over airconditioned Macdonald's restaurant!
Next time - we're going in autumn.... not mid summer!
Monday, January 10, 2005
Some historic Seoul Distroying Stories
Have decided to post some long emails originally written during my, sentence, I mean work stint, in Korea back in Mid 2002 ... enjoy Heart & Seoul
Finally Conseouled
Finally Conseouled
Sunday, January 09, 2005
A true, funny, but scary story - a friends blight with cancer
Allan, probably one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet and a top bloke to work with to boot, went through the horrible experience of cancer - his story, well worth a read
www.mybollox.com
www.mybollox.com
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
New Year in the Mountains
Rather than rub it in back home with yet another Sydney New Year's eve fireworks party we decided to head to the mountains. Like the european alps, the Snowies are pretty popular across the summer months, with lots of outdoor sports up in them hills. A large group of friends had decided to venture up, booking a well-regarded local restaurant for new year's eve, 20 of us in all. We stayed in a small chalet close to town with Dave & Vic, friend's of R's from Canberra. Others were scattered around town in apts and chalets.
Having never been to the Aussie mountains in summer it was a fantastic experience, the scenery, air, weather, everything, reminded me of our trips as a family to France in the summer - mum & dad & sis walking, me being a psycho on my bike! Unfortunately (fortunately) as I've got older my bike antics have approached the mundane, however that didn't detract from a couple of great rides.
The second ride was up to a hut a fair ways in - a large group embarked on the trip. The mixed ability group made for a pretty pleasurable trip. The weather was warm, the up and down hills challenging and general banter motivating! See some of the pictures for the views... new year walking etc , breathtaking is the only description. The great thing, as you're off the beaten track, you hardly see a soul, adding to the remoteness and spectasity (word!?)
Amongst the biking, was tennis, walking, eatin' and drinkin'. Having been limited by my beloved other half to only 3 sports a day (spoilsport), it was a balancing act i can tell you! One of the best walks was up to Kosciuszko - the highest point in Australia. Even in summer, as the photos attest to, there is snow up there. So thats where we ventured on New Year's Day. We wimped out and got the chairlift up the first bit, but the walk the remainder of the way was about right considering our post NYE state, me also a little too heavy having attempted a cheesecake overdose ... see later.
The weather started to close in a little, so the views weren't as spectactular as they could have been, but we made it, fairly easily, across all the way to the top. Pretty cool really. Its quite weird seeing snow in summer in Australia (stop press: snowed in Victoria Feb 4th - bizarre!), only one snow ball though... and it was a bit more ice than snow. The wind chill was quite a shock, all glad we'd taken thermal type layers for sure!
All this though, was centered around an evening at a local restaurant that allowed us to obtain two tables for the large group we were, to enjoy a fantastic meal, some Origami
Unfortunatley the evening deteriated post the "awards" led by "Led", who was making the most of the unfortunate trips taken on my most of the sailors present, most of whom had attempted this year's Sydney to Hobart race. Some how the delicious cheesecake desert had not been finshed by all, the result was the classic, late in the evening dare, with lots of left over food... it was I have to admit a rediculous notion that I thought I could consume the equivilant of 1 kg of cream cheese. However I might add, that the rules were changed mid way through, imposing a time limit as mid-night approached, which really made the whole thing a little rediculous... but I might add, there was over 100bucks in the pool at that point ... I did give it a good go! Midnight, regardless of my persuit of cheesecake overdose, was ushered in with the customary cheering, champaign toasting and group wide hugs 'n' kisses. They say a picture says a thousand words, some of these certainly do.... nye celebration
So it was with heavy heart that we departed on the Sunday, with a long drive back to Sydney, with a well needed mid-way stop in Canberra to catch up with Rochelle's parents (although only one in residence this time), dip in the pool, bit of a read, catch up on the boxing day cricket day test, and then homeward bound... back to the beach.
Having never been to the Aussie mountains in summer it was a fantastic experience, the scenery, air, weather, everything, reminded me of our trips as a family to France in the summer - mum & dad & sis walking, me being a psycho on my bike! Unfortunately (fortunately) as I've got older my bike antics have approached the mundane, however that didn't detract from a couple of great rides.
The second ride was up to a hut a fair ways in - a large group embarked on the trip. The mixed ability group made for a pretty pleasurable trip. The weather was warm, the up and down hills challenging and general banter motivating! See some of the pictures for the views... new year walking etc , breathtaking is the only description. The great thing, as you're off the beaten track, you hardly see a soul, adding to the remoteness and spectasity (word!?)
Amongst the biking, was tennis, walking, eatin' and drinkin'. Having been limited by my beloved other half to only 3 sports a day (spoilsport), it was a balancing act i can tell you! One of the best walks was up to Kosciuszko - the highest point in Australia. Even in summer, as the photos attest to, there is snow up there. So thats where we ventured on New Year's Day. We wimped out and got the chairlift up the first bit, but the walk the remainder of the way was about right considering our post NYE state, me also a little too heavy having attempted a cheesecake overdose ... see later.
The weather started to close in a little, so the views weren't as spectactular as they could have been, but we made it, fairly easily, across all the way to the top. Pretty cool really. Its quite weird seeing snow in summer in Australia (stop press: snowed in Victoria Feb 4th - bizarre!), only one snow ball though... and it was a bit more ice than snow. The wind chill was quite a shock, all glad we'd taken thermal type layers for sure!
All this though, was centered around an evening at a local restaurant that allowed us to obtain two tables for the large group we were, to enjoy a fantastic meal, some Origami
Unfortunatley the evening deteriated post the "awards" led by "Led", who was making the most of the unfortunate trips taken on my most of the sailors present, most of whom had attempted this year's Sydney to Hobart race. Some how the delicious cheesecake desert had not been finshed by all, the result was the classic, late in the evening dare, with lots of left over food... it was I have to admit a rediculous notion that I thought I could consume the equivilant of 1 kg of cream cheese. However I might add, that the rules were changed mid way through, imposing a time limit as mid-night approached, which really made the whole thing a little rediculous... but I might add, there was over 100bucks in the pool at that point ... I did give it a good go! Midnight, regardless of my persuit of cheesecake overdose, was ushered in with the customary cheering, champaign toasting and group wide hugs 'n' kisses. They say a picture says a thousand words, some of these certainly do.... nye celebration
So it was with heavy heart that we departed on the Sunday, with a long drive back to Sydney, with a well needed mid-way stop in Canberra to catch up with Rochelle's parents (although only one in residence this time), dip in the pool, bit of a read, catch up on the boxing day cricket day test, and then homeward bound... back to the beach.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
