1. I have a cold. It's totes annoying because I have heaps of things to do in the next few days and all I want to do is curl up in bed feeling miserable.
2. Going out drinking with my lovely mate Bridget was not perhaps the wisest of ideas when I have a cold, but it was fun nonetheless.
3. I bought a new top. In Zara. Which I vowed I wouldn't go into here in Melbourne because I don't think it's as good as it is in Europe. But the top was essentially free, because the head office of my company sent us all $50 Visa cards today, so technically, I haven't broken my vow.
4. Police Academy is on TV. So unashamedly sexist and ridiculous. I'd forgotten how wonderfully bad it was. I'd also forgotten: (a) how hot Steve Guttenberg was when he was young; and (b) how attractive Kim Cattrall was before she started in on on all that surgery.
5. Apart from one last purchase, which will be made on the way from the airport to LB's on Saturday morning (because there is no Bunnings within easy PT distance of me here in Melbourne); my Christmas shopping is done and dusted, kippers and custard. Aces.
6. No matter how hard I try to not let it bother me, it really, REALLY bugs me that I've still not heard a peep from (former) Bestie P. No word after the birthday card I sent her at the beginning of December; no word after the Christmas card I sent two weeks ago; and no word after the Christmas present I sent my gorgeous god-children a week ago. I know I need to just let it go, but it's still really difficult.
And on that cheerful thought... I'm off to bed. Gotta kick this cold in the gonads.
x
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Saturday... hurry up
I'm really feeling the pull to write at the moment but I have very little time this week - both my jobs have kept me busy and I've had a load of other stuff on.
But Saturday I have free*. Saturday is all mine and I'm going to dedicate at least a few hours to writing.
I'll be posting something. Not sure what yet, but I will.
Promise.
* When I say "free", I mean I don't have any appointments, or meetings or social engagements. I do have laundry, a house to clean, grocery shopping and packing for 3 weeks in Adelaide over Christmas to do, but that's just stuff.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Daily Reminders
I stumbled across this today:
- Be aware.
- Anxiety is fear of the future, depression is fear of the past.
- Most people don’t do anything with their lives because the mediocrity they experience is not painful enough to motivate them. Feel the pain and be motivated.
- Being realistic is the most commonly tread path to mediocrity.
- There is no reason for a Plan B – it only distracts from Plan A.
- Exercise daily.
- Drink water.
- Eat as fresh as possible.
- Don’t eat things that come from those which have a heart beat.*
- Don’t smoke.
- Don’t drink too much.
- Be honorable in acts of sexuality.
- Be strong.
- Be total feeling.
- Be noble.
- Be clean.
- Be on time.
- Be patient, prepare for the long haul.
- Scarcity is powerful, but make yourself available to those who need you and are worthy of your time and attention.
- Live up to your own expectations.
- You are tougher than you think you are and you can do more than you think you can.
- Don’t be a pussy.
- “Make friends with pain and you can never be alone.” Ken Chouber.
- “The world is large but in us is as deep as the sea.” R. M. Rilke
I like it. I'm adopting it. Apart from the one about not eating things that come from those which have a heart beat... I'm a useless vegetarian!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Little Things
Small things that have made me happy today...
Getting my nails done
There are two nail places adjacent to my local Woolworths, one was offering shellac for $50, the other for $30. I went for the cheaper option, because they were less busy. Next time I'll go the more expensive option and wait patiently. It's not the worst shellac-ing I've ever had (pun intended), but it's not the greatest either. Still, my nails are a nice shiny brown-black colour and look way better than the weak, peeling, splitting mess they were.
An afternoon nap
More commonly referred to in my world as a disco nap, nanna nap, or kip. I was about to start reading my new book (Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project), when I had an overwhelming desire to close my eyes. So I set my alarm and forty minutes later woke up feeling refreshed and ready to get on with it.
Catching up on the blog rounds
In particular catching up on the blog of my gorgeous friend Debbie who has been re-doing The Artist's Way and has kept a blog of her journey. As someone who's done The Artist's Way quite recently, it's been fascinating hearing someone else's account of how they went and what they found easy/rewarding/difficult in comparison to my journey. I was also reminded today that we pledged to both do Walking In This World in February 2012 - I can't wait to get stuck into it!
Sock curls
On a whim last night while watching TV with freshly washed hair, I decided to do sock curls. I haven't done them since NYC. It's what my Granny would've called "rag curls" - only instead of bits of fabric you use socks. So today I've been walking around with curly hair, which (even when I'm wearing jeans and converse) makes me feel glamorous!
Talking to The Mater
My mama hasn't been very well of late. In fact she's spent more time in hospital in the last two months than she has out of it, and it's looking like a good portion of my trip to Adelaide at Christmas will be spent sorting her house out in preparation for the eventual downsizing that she's finally accepted will have to happen (let's face it, the upkeep on a 4 bedroom house with a granny flat and huge garden, is pretty demanding for a young couple, let alone a 72 year old widow living alone). Understandably, she's been feeling very flat and down, but today she sounded much perkier and was looking forward to an afternoon of Christmas cake preparation with her grandchildren, which will hopefully lift her spirits even more.
Walking
I often forget how much I love walking. Walking anywhere - the city (NYC - where I'd walk 40+ blocks a day), the country (Sussex - long walks through the country fields with my cousin's wife and her dogs), or just around Melbourne and its gorgeous suburbs. I only walked for about an hour today, but I felt so much better afterwards and full of ideas. It reminded me of what Nietzsche once said: "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking".
Well, that's it. I'm off to make dinner. Pan fried haloumi and fresh salad. Yummmmmmmm. That's another little thing that will make me happy today!
What little things made you happy today?
Getting my nails done
There are two nail places adjacent to my local Woolworths, one was offering shellac for $50, the other for $30. I went for the cheaper option, because they were less busy. Next time I'll go the more expensive option and wait patiently. It's not the worst shellac-ing I've ever had (pun intended), but it's not the greatest either. Still, my nails are a nice shiny brown-black colour and look way better than the weak, peeling, splitting mess they were.
An afternoon nap
More commonly referred to in my world as a disco nap, nanna nap, or kip. I was about to start reading my new book (Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project), when I had an overwhelming desire to close my eyes. So I set my alarm and forty minutes later woke up feeling refreshed and ready to get on with it.
Catching up on the blog rounds
In particular catching up on the blog of my gorgeous friend Debbie who has been re-doing The Artist's Way and has kept a blog of her journey. As someone who's done The Artist's Way quite recently, it's been fascinating hearing someone else's account of how they went and what they found easy/rewarding/difficult in comparison to my journey. I was also reminded today that we pledged to both do Walking In This World in February 2012 - I can't wait to get stuck into it!
Sock curls
On a whim last night while watching TV with freshly washed hair, I decided to do sock curls. I haven't done them since NYC. It's what my Granny would've called "rag curls" - only instead of bits of fabric you use socks. So today I've been walking around with curly hair, which (even when I'm wearing jeans and converse) makes me feel glamorous!
Talking to The Mater
My mama hasn't been very well of late. In fact she's spent more time in hospital in the last two months than she has out of it, and it's looking like a good portion of my trip to Adelaide at Christmas will be spent sorting her house out in preparation for the eventual downsizing that she's finally accepted will have to happen (let's face it, the upkeep on a 4 bedroom house with a granny flat and huge garden, is pretty demanding for a young couple, let alone a 72 year old widow living alone). Understandably, she's been feeling very flat and down, but today she sounded much perkier and was looking forward to an afternoon of Christmas cake preparation with her grandchildren, which will hopefully lift her spirits even more.
Walking
I often forget how much I love walking. Walking anywhere - the city (NYC - where I'd walk 40+ blocks a day), the country (Sussex - long walks through the country fields with my cousin's wife and her dogs), or just around Melbourne and its gorgeous suburbs. I only walked for about an hour today, but I felt so much better afterwards and full of ideas. It reminded me of what Nietzsche once said: "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking".
Well, that's it. I'm off to make dinner. Pan fried haloumi and fresh salad. Yummmmmmmm. That's another little thing that will make me happy today!
What little things made you happy today?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Blizzard of '96
In last week's brief, but gushing post about my lovely new Coach wallet, I made reference to the story of The Blizzard of '96.
Yesterday, as I was framing my gorgeous poster obtained at the Alexander McQueen exhibition in NYC in July, I discovered some photos taken during that blizzard. (As an aside, heavy photo albums are great for flattening out posters prior to framing them.)
Thus I was reminded of my promise to tell the tale of the Blizzard of '96.
We'll start with an excerpt of my journal entry from Sunday 7 January, 1996:
"After dinner, Michele and I went to her friend Regina's house on E66th, between 2nd & 3rd, which was absolutely gorgeous! Three bedrooms, a big lounge, kitchen, dining area and is really, really nice. We just sat around until 2am talking - Regina is really nice and has offered to put me up when I come back. Which I definitely will - we saw jack shit today!
We got up late - around 10.45-ish and went to NYC Bagels to get breakfast (didn't see Cindy Crawford again though!). Afterwards Michele and I dropped our stuff back at her car and went to: (1) The Empire State Building (visibility was zero); (2) Rockefeller Center (skating rink was closed); (3) NBC (Michele's friend Kurt wasn't working and they'd cancelled the tours); (4) FAO Schwartz (we got there at 3.35pm, they were closing at 4pm so they wouldn't let us go upstairs to the 'Big' piano). We were freezing and it was snowing pretty badly by then, so we decided to ring Regina for advice. She said we should try to get out of the city ASAP so we did! Had to dig the car out, and it was a pretty hairy drive, but we made it to Michele's grandma's house [in Weehawken, NJ] and here we are!"
The following two and a half days were spent with Michele's grandmother - stuffing our faces with her yummy spaghetti and meatballs, watching soaps and shovelling snow.
And when I say snow, I mean SNOW.
Want proof?
View of NYC from the street outside Michele's grandma's house in Weehawken. That's Michele's car in the middle.
Me standing next to Michele's car. Yes. NEXT to it. That's how high the snow was. We'd already dug out the snow on the passenger side. (Remember, this is in the USA - the passenger side is the driver's side in Australia).
Post-shovelling. Our hair is frozen. Solid.
A day after this photo was taken, we managed to make it back to Philadelphia, where we then had to dig out my car, so that I could travel home to Virginia. That drive, much like the drive from NYC to NJ, was another "hairy drive", mostly due to the fact that the tyres on Michele's car were so worn that we had almost zero grip and were sliding around like a pair of first-timers on skis. It was alternately thrilling and terrifying. Actually, more terrifying than thrilling. I do recall at one point thinking "I can't die here, I haven't even been to the top of Rockefeller Center yet!". Still, at least it would have been an interesting way for a shy young girl from Radelaide to die.
But we didn't die. We weren't even injured. Just cold and tired and a bit sore from shovelling so much snow. My memories of that weekend are mostly (with the faded hindsight that comes with 15 years passing), of it being so much fun, of sharing such a crazy once-in-a-lifetime experience with a good friend. Someone, I am proud to say, who has remained a good friend, no matter how much physical distance is between us.
As Michele would say... "no worries".
Yesterday, as I was framing my gorgeous poster obtained at the Alexander McQueen exhibition in NYC in July, I discovered some photos taken during that blizzard. (As an aside, heavy photo albums are great for flattening out posters prior to framing them.)
Thus I was reminded of my promise to tell the tale of the Blizzard of '96.
We'll start with an excerpt of my journal entry from Sunday 7 January, 1996:
"After dinner, Michele and I went to her friend Regina's house on E66th, between 2nd & 3rd, which was absolutely gorgeous! Three bedrooms, a big lounge, kitchen, dining area and is really, really nice. We just sat around until 2am talking - Regina is really nice and has offered to put me up when I come back. Which I definitely will - we saw jack shit today!
We got up late - around 10.45-ish and went to NYC Bagels to get breakfast (didn't see Cindy Crawford again though!). Afterwards Michele and I dropped our stuff back at her car and went to: (1) The Empire State Building (visibility was zero); (2) Rockefeller Center (skating rink was closed); (3) NBC (Michele's friend Kurt wasn't working and they'd cancelled the tours); (4) FAO Schwartz (we got there at 3.35pm, they were closing at 4pm so they wouldn't let us go upstairs to the 'Big' piano). We were freezing and it was snowing pretty badly by then, so we decided to ring Regina for advice. She said we should try to get out of the city ASAP so we did! Had to dig the car out, and it was a pretty hairy drive, but we made it to Michele's grandma's house [in Weehawken, NJ] and here we are!"
The following two and a half days were spent with Michele's grandmother - stuffing our faces with her yummy spaghetti and meatballs, watching soaps and shovelling snow.
And when I say snow, I mean SNOW.
Want proof?
View of NYC from the street outside Michele's grandma's house in Weehawken. That's Michele's car in the middle.
Me standing next to Michele's car. Yes. NEXT to it. That's how high the snow was. We'd already dug out the snow on the passenger side. (Remember, this is in the USA - the passenger side is the driver's side in Australia).
Post-shovelling. Our hair is frozen. Solid.A day after this photo was taken, we managed to make it back to Philadelphia, where we then had to dig out my car, so that I could travel home to Virginia. That drive, much like the drive from NYC to NJ, was another "hairy drive", mostly due to the fact that the tyres on Michele's car were so worn that we had almost zero grip and were sliding around like a pair of first-timers on skis. It was alternately thrilling and terrifying. Actually, more terrifying than thrilling. I do recall at one point thinking "I can't die here, I haven't even been to the top of Rockefeller Center yet!". Still, at least it would have been an interesting way for a shy young girl from Radelaide to die.
But we didn't die. We weren't even injured. Just cold and tired and a bit sore from shovelling so much snow. My memories of that weekend are mostly (with the faded hindsight that comes with 15 years passing), of it being so much fun, of sharing such a crazy once-in-a-lifetime experience with a good friend. Someone, I am proud to say, who has remained a good friend, no matter how much physical distance is between us.
As Michele would say... "no worries".
Sunday, November 20, 2011
One in 8 Million
A sure-fire way to distract me from what I'm supposed to be spending this sunny Sunday afternoon doing (writing copy for a mail-out):
One in 8 Million
So many stories. So many amazing differences, yet so many amazing similarities.
So much inspiration.
x
One in 8 Million
So many stories. So many amazing differences, yet so many amazing similarities.
So much inspiration.
x
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Spoiled
Will you just lookit at what arrived in the mail for me today!!
That there is a Coach wallet. And a Coach keyring. Courtesy of my awesome friend Michele, who I've known since we were 20 and who survived the infamous NYC Blizzard of '96* with me.
She. Is. Awesome.
And I am one capital S Spoiled capital B Brat.
Hells yeah. I make no apologies for being a label queen. I loves it.
* Remind me to regale you with the tale of the NYC Blizzard of '96 sometime. It's a fun story.
That there is a Coach wallet. And a Coach keyring. Courtesy of my awesome friend Michele, who I've known since we were 20 and who survived the infamous NYC Blizzard of '96* with me.
She. Is. Awesome.
And I am one capital S Spoiled capital B Brat.
Hells yeah. I make no apologies for being a label queen. I loves it.
* Remind me to regale you with the tale of the NYC Blizzard of '96 sometime. It's a fun story.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Almost There... or not.
Today was a public holiday here in lovely Melbourne-town. Something to do with a horse race. I could care less about horse racing, even though I was invited to a couple of lunches. To be honest, I was feeling a bit knackered after recent life events, so I decided to have a pyjama day.
I woke up at 11am, lazed in bed for a bit longer, then moved to the sofa and watched an entire season of Downton Abbey. I did have regular breaks for food, cups of tea, chocolate, etc, but essentially, I did nothing but watch TV all day. Well, to be technically correct, I watched my laptop, seeing as I have yet to purchase a TV. I'll get around to that eventually. Maybe next Tuesday.
But I feel very relaxed and refreshed and surprisingly guiltless. Normally when I have a pyjama day I'm beating myself up for not having actually achieved anything. Because I still feel house-wise that there are still things to be achieved. The TV being one of them. Getting the pictures re-strung so they will hang properly on the picture rails, which are much higher here than in my old place is another. Buying a proper chair for the study, some plants, a sofa bed for guests... oh the list is seemingly endless. And I always feel like I should be doing something productive, like write or do some research for the book I keep harping on about writing.
But today I've let all of that go, and I've just had a restful day for me.
Which is good. And necessary. Because I suspect that the coming months are going to be quite stressful. And I need to be prepared. And apply that Howard Jones Principle* like crazy.
* See other post.
I woke up at 11am, lazed in bed for a bit longer, then moved to the sofa and watched an entire season of Downton Abbey. I did have regular breaks for food, cups of tea, chocolate, etc, but essentially, I did nothing but watch TV all day. Well, to be technically correct, I watched my laptop, seeing as I have yet to purchase a TV. I'll get around to that eventually. Maybe next Tuesday.
But I feel very relaxed and refreshed and surprisingly guiltless. Normally when I have a pyjama day I'm beating myself up for not having actually achieved anything. Because I still feel house-wise that there are still things to be achieved. The TV being one of them. Getting the pictures re-strung so they will hang properly on the picture rails, which are much higher here than in my old place is another. Buying a proper chair for the study, some plants, a sofa bed for guests... oh the list is seemingly endless. And I always feel like I should be doing something productive, like write or do some research for the book I keep harping on about writing.
But today I've let all of that go, and I've just had a restful day for me.
Which is good. And necessary. Because I suspect that the coming months are going to be quite stressful. And I need to be prepared. And apply that Howard Jones Principle* like crazy.
* See other post.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
One Line A Day
On my last day in NYC, I wandered into a bookstore (one of the many, many bookstores I frequented on the trip) and discovered this little blue gem*.
Since funds were running low and luggage space at breaking point, I didn't buy it, but it did get me thinking. What if I were to create an e-version?
So I have.
Over here.
I hope you'll stop by and visit. My goal is to write one line every night before bed. For five years. Let's see how we go, shall we?
* I was also sorely tempted to buy the book above it (Talking to Girls About Duran Duran). For now it's on The Book Depository wishlist.
Not Just Gen Y...
This morning I was scrolling through a well-known Australian media/marketing website, having been directed there via facebook by a friend, who was sharing an article about his brother's new job.
Yay for MT's brother. Not that I know him, but I adore his brother and if he's got even a tenth of the heart that MT has, then I'm sure he's a wonderful guy and he'll be a huge success in his new job.
But I digress.
While trawling through this website (which is a professional, industry website) my eye was drawn to a column on the left hand side with a synopsis of a blog post about the passing of Steve Jobs. This "guest" blogger's opinion was that "the world got a bit carried away with the death of the man behind Apple".
I happen to disagree with his point (I think Steve Jobs was a remarkable person who made a significant contribution to our world and how we interact with each other), but that wasn't what bothered me.
No, what bothered me, what REALLY got on my wick, was that in his opening paragraph, this "writer" used the word "morning" to describe the scene in his office, and across the world at the moment of the announcement of Steve Jobs' passing.
Morning.
Not MOURNING.
Morning.
Seriously.
For a start, how can you call yourself a writer if you don't have a basic grasp of the English language? Secondly, where was the editor? Surely that's what they're employed to do - correct those mistakes?
Perhaps I am just being picky. Perhaps the shudder that runs through my entire body every time I see someone writing "hope your having a nice birthday" instead of "hope you're having a nice birthday" on a mutual friend's facebook wall is just a complete over-reaction and merely a consequence of having a father who was a complete pedant when it came to spelling and grammar.
Some may put it down to Gen Y and their reliance on spell-check and auto-correct and unwillingness (or inability) to properly proof-read their work. But gauging by the accompanying profile photo, this writer doesn't appear to be a Gen Y-er. And most of the people writing facebook posts which give me shudders aren't Gen Y either. No, they're Gen X-ers. The majority of whom are becoming world leaders and shaping the future of this planet and it's people.
I worry for the preservation of our beautiful, expressive, intricate English language. I really do.
Yay for MT's brother. Not that I know him, but I adore his brother and if he's got even a tenth of the heart that MT has, then I'm sure he's a wonderful guy and he'll be a huge success in his new job.
But I digress.
While trawling through this website (which is a professional, industry website) my eye was drawn to a column on the left hand side with a synopsis of a blog post about the passing of Steve Jobs. This "guest" blogger's opinion was that "the world got a bit carried away with the death of the man behind Apple".
I happen to disagree with his point (I think Steve Jobs was a remarkable person who made a significant contribution to our world and how we interact with each other), but that wasn't what bothered me.
No, what bothered me, what REALLY got on my wick, was that in his opening paragraph, this "writer" used the word "morning" to describe the scene in his office, and across the world at the moment of the announcement of Steve Jobs' passing.
Morning.
Not MOURNING.
Morning.
Seriously.
For a start, how can you call yourself a writer if you don't have a basic grasp of the English language? Secondly, where was the editor? Surely that's what they're employed to do - correct those mistakes?
Perhaps I am just being picky. Perhaps the shudder that runs through my entire body every time I see someone writing "hope your having a nice birthday" instead of "hope you're having a nice birthday" on a mutual friend's facebook wall is just a complete over-reaction and merely a consequence of having a father who was a complete pedant when it came to spelling and grammar.
Some may put it down to Gen Y and their reliance on spell-check and auto-correct and unwillingness (or inability) to properly proof-read their work. But gauging by the accompanying profile photo, this writer doesn't appear to be a Gen Y-er. And most of the people writing facebook posts which give me shudders aren't Gen Y either. No, they're Gen X-ers. The majority of whom are becoming world leaders and shaping the future of this planet and it's people.
I worry for the preservation of our beautiful, expressive, intricate English language. I really do.
I'm Back Baby
Well, good afternoon.
So, it's been a while... want a quick update? No? NO? Too bad. You're getting one anyway.
I moved house 3 weeks ago - my move occurred just a day prior to the commencement of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Of course, who had put up her hand to take on extra box office shifts for the duration of the Fringe Festival? Sigh. What a silly idea that was. I was/still am knackered. Working all hours (including a couple of 2am finishes), 7 days a week for 3 weeks was not the finest idea I've ever had.
Still. The extra money has been great. Those of you who've moved recently will be nodding your heads in agreement. Moving house is expensive. Stupidly so.
But it's worth the expense. I love my new place. LOVE it. Not only is it all mine, but it's closer to transport, in a much nicer (read: less industrial) area and there are loads of great shops within strolling distance. Granted, the nearest major supermarket is about 10 mins walk away, but that wonderful invention of 'free home delivery' has made that less of an issue.
My commute into the city is also a lot quicker and less hassle than the commute from my old place. Yesterday it took me 18 minutes to get home. That's 18 minutes from the moment I stepped out the door at work to the minute I stepped in the door at home. Incredible.
It's taken me a while to get organised (including three trips to Ikea for extra bookshelves and other bits and pieces) but I'm nearly there. As I write this, I'm sitting at the desk in my study (yes - I have a study - bliss!!), while outside the breeze blows the trees, the birds chirp and the blue sky is trying its darndest to get through the pesky grey clouds. The study was the last thing to get organised - in fact for the first two weeks it was chock-a-block full of boxes and crap. But now it looks more like a proper office and I'm loving it.
I'm hoping that finally having an office will discipline me into writing more. Now that I have a dedicated spot where I can leave my laptop set up, a spot which doesn't impact the rest of my living space, I think it will be easier to set aside the time to write. That's the plan anyway. We'll see if it comes off.
In the meantime, I'm going to get my tax stuff together. I've been putting it off for months now... it's time to bite the bullet and get it done. Who knows, I might be lucky enough to get a refund!
I'll be back soon. Promise. Really.
x
So, it's been a while... want a quick update? No? NO? Too bad. You're getting one anyway.
I moved house 3 weeks ago - my move occurred just a day prior to the commencement of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Of course, who had put up her hand to take on extra box office shifts for the duration of the Fringe Festival? Sigh. What a silly idea that was. I was/still am knackered. Working all hours (including a couple of 2am finishes), 7 days a week for 3 weeks was not the finest idea I've ever had.
Still. The extra money has been great. Those of you who've moved recently will be nodding your heads in agreement. Moving house is expensive. Stupidly so.
But it's worth the expense. I love my new place. LOVE it. Not only is it all mine, but it's closer to transport, in a much nicer (read: less industrial) area and there are loads of great shops within strolling distance. Granted, the nearest major supermarket is about 10 mins walk away, but that wonderful invention of 'free home delivery' has made that less of an issue.
My commute into the city is also a lot quicker and less hassle than the commute from my old place. Yesterday it took me 18 minutes to get home. That's 18 minutes from the moment I stepped out the door at work to the minute I stepped in the door at home. Incredible.
It's taken me a while to get organised (including three trips to Ikea for extra bookshelves and other bits and pieces) but I'm nearly there. As I write this, I'm sitting at the desk in my study (yes - I have a study - bliss!!), while outside the breeze blows the trees, the birds chirp and the blue sky is trying its darndest to get through the pesky grey clouds. The study was the last thing to get organised - in fact for the first two weeks it was chock-a-block full of boxes and crap. But now it looks more like a proper office and I'm loving it.
I'm hoping that finally having an office will discipline me into writing more. Now that I have a dedicated spot where I can leave my laptop set up, a spot which doesn't impact the rest of my living space, I think it will be easier to set aside the time to write. That's the plan anyway. We'll see if it comes off.
In the meantime, I'm going to get my tax stuff together. I've been putting it off for months now... it's time to bite the bullet and get it done. Who knows, I might be lucky enough to get a refund!
I'll be back soon. Promise. Really.
x
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Keep on Movin'
Apologies for the lack of posting... am up to my eyes in boxes.
Boxes?
Yes. Boxes. That's right, I'm moving house again. Our landlords gave us notice while we were both on (lengthy) overseas holidays. They're moving back in November.
Of course, them giving us notice for November didn't mean we had to stay until November... and luckily for me, my cousin has offered me an open-ended lease on his flat over the other side of the river. The "nice" side, as my mother puts it. The fact that my new place is within minutes of: (a) the church where she and my father were married; (b) my father's childhood home and the houses of his family; and (c) much fancier shops, are all contributing factors to her enthusiasm. Also adding to her excitement is the fact I'll be living on my own again for the first time since I lived in London and (in her mind) means she can pop over for visits whenever it's convenient (for her).
Sigh.
Anyway.
So far I've only packed the books and that's about 12 boxes. Someone helpfully suggested that I ditch the books and just read books on an iPad. Clearly that person is not a true reader. Whilst I am a fan of all electronic products, I prefer my books the old fashioned way. You know, the sensation of holding a book. Smelling it. Flicking through the pages. Until they invent smell-sation for the iPad, there's no way I'm getting rid of my books. Besides, they look cool all stacked on the shelves. They're just a pain in the arse to pack. Mainly because I get distracted while packing them and start reading...
Moving day is not for a couple of weeks, but I know what I'm like... and I'm also aware that while I'm moving out now, my flatmate is not leaving until November and she now works from home, so I'm trying to do it at times which won't inconvenience her. Which, given she's currently away on a course, means now.
On that note, I'd better get back to it. Linen cupboard next I think...
Oh and any recommendations on internet providers for the new place? Not Telstra. I loathe Telstra.
x
Boxes?
Yes. Boxes. That's right, I'm moving house again. Our landlords gave us notice while we were both on (lengthy) overseas holidays. They're moving back in November.
Of course, them giving us notice for November didn't mean we had to stay until November... and luckily for me, my cousin has offered me an open-ended lease on his flat over the other side of the river. The "nice" side, as my mother puts it. The fact that my new place is within minutes of: (a) the church where she and my father were married; (b) my father's childhood home and the houses of his family; and (c) much fancier shops, are all contributing factors to her enthusiasm. Also adding to her excitement is the fact I'll be living on my own again for the first time since I lived in London and (in her mind) means she can pop over for visits whenever it's convenient (for her).
Sigh.
Anyway.
So far I've only packed the books and that's about 12 boxes. Someone helpfully suggested that I ditch the books and just read books on an iPad. Clearly that person is not a true reader. Whilst I am a fan of all electronic products, I prefer my books the old fashioned way. You know, the sensation of holding a book. Smelling it. Flicking through the pages. Until they invent smell-sation for the iPad, there's no way I'm getting rid of my books. Besides, they look cool all stacked on the shelves. They're just a pain in the arse to pack. Mainly because I get distracted while packing them and start reading...
Moving day is not for a couple of weeks, but I know what I'm like... and I'm also aware that while I'm moving out now, my flatmate is not leaving until November and she now works from home, so I'm trying to do it at times which won't inconvenience her. Which, given she's currently away on a course, means now.
On that note, I'd better get back to it. Linen cupboard next I think...
Oh and any recommendations on internet providers for the new place? Not Telstra. I loathe Telstra.
x
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Things I Miss
Bananas
$18.99 a kilo at the moment. It kills me, especially as when I was in NYC a few short weeks ago they were 5 for $1. And that's a US dollar, which means they were probably about 5 for A$0.95. Gah. Makes this great idea a tad difficult...
Bagels
Even though I'm not supposed to really be eating wheat, I couldn't help but treat myself to bagels every morning while I was in NYC. They're so gooooooood. Not like the shitty supermarket bagels you get here. I have however, tracked down a kosher bakery in Melbourne and will be road-testing their bagels tomorrow on my way to work. Watch this space. I doubt they'll have blueberry flavoured cream cheese to go with a cinnamon and raisin bagel, but at this point in time I'll settle for the bagel with plain old Philadelphia cream cheese.
Piper J & Tater Tot
For reasons beyond my understanding, I've had zero communication from their ma (scroll through previous posts for context), therefore I haven't actually spoken to my godchildren since March. That's a long time. I sure do miss the little munchkins. I hope they're well and happy.
Summer
I have a new wardrobe full of cute little summer outfits (not to mention shoes!) bought in NYC and London and it's frickin' freezin' (albeit sunny with blue skies) here in Melbourne... the only thing I can wear is the new North Face coat I bought on my last day in NYC. Hurry the feck up, Summer.
x
$18.99 a kilo at the moment. It kills me, especially as when I was in NYC a few short weeks ago they were 5 for $1. And that's a US dollar, which means they were probably about 5 for A$0.95. Gah. Makes this great idea a tad difficult...
Bagels
Even though I'm not supposed to really be eating wheat, I couldn't help but treat myself to bagels every morning while I was in NYC. They're so gooooooood. Not like the shitty supermarket bagels you get here. I have however, tracked down a kosher bakery in Melbourne and will be road-testing their bagels tomorrow on my way to work. Watch this space. I doubt they'll have blueberry flavoured cream cheese to go with a cinnamon and raisin bagel, but at this point in time I'll settle for the bagel with plain old Philadelphia cream cheese.
Piper J & Tater Tot
For reasons beyond my understanding, I've had zero communication from their ma (scroll through previous posts for context), therefore I haven't actually spoken to my godchildren since March. That's a long time. I sure do miss the little munchkins. I hope they're well and happy.
Summer
I have a new wardrobe full of cute little summer outfits (not to mention shoes!) bought in NYC and London and it's frickin' freezin' (albeit sunny with blue skies) here in Melbourne... the only thing I can wear is the new North Face coat I bought on my last day in NYC. Hurry the feck up, Summer.
x
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The View From Here...
Two of 'my' places... one old, one new.
Primrose Hill, London
Primrose Hill has long been one of my favourite places in the world... when I lived in London I spent many hours there, both alone and with the people dearest to me. Winter and Summer it was a place of reflection, amusement, natural beauty and a reminder to be thankful for everything good in my life.
I will never, ever tire of spending time there and I'm so glad I got to revisit it on this trip.
The High Line, NYC (view of the Empire State Building)
Since my last visit to NYC, the High Line has been completed, and what an amazing place it is. A little track of green amongst the bustling city. Views of the city amongst some gorgeous plant life, with loads of places to sit, take time out and contemplate the world around and how magnificent it is.
A new favourite place to add to my favourite NYC haunts.
x
Saturday, July 02, 2011
When Garmin Gets It Wrong...
According to Garmin, I drove on water yesterday. Right across the George Washington Bridge towards Queens.
I never knew I was such a talented driver... that's a skill not taught in Advanced Driver Training!
Well that is one way to get around the traffic jam...
I never knew I was such a talented driver... that's a skill not taught in Advanced Driver Training!
Well that is one way to get around the traffic jam...Wednesday, June 29, 2011
"Absolute. Frickin. Pants." aka "Blogging Will Not Get A Book Written..."
One of the TBAs (Two Blonde Amazons) has just suggested "Absolute. Frickin. Pants." as the title of my book. I like it.
The subtitle will probably be "Blogging Will Not Get A Book Written".
Which pretty much sums up for me how successful I feel these past five days have been in getting me writing the book I've been banging on about for ages.
I've got a document full of ideas, starts and character outlines, but nothing concrete. Not even so much as a proper chapter.
Absolute. Frickin. Pants. indeed.
However, a thought has just occurred to me.
The one book I've read since I've been here in the Catskills is "Makeovers at the Beauty Counter of Happiness" by Ilene Bleckman.
It was a short read - 128 pages - most only containing a paragraph of information and some pictures. An adult's picture book if you will.
Maybe this is the type of book I need to start with, instead of trying to force myself into writing one massive novel. I have the attention span of a gnat, I am a typical Gemini and my mind flits from topic to topic with such rapid speed that even I have trouble keeping up at times. Blogging is actually the perfect writing outlet for me. So why not keep on in that vein with the book?
It's a good idea.
(I think.)
There I go second guessing myself again.
It's the best idea I've come up with so far.
I'll run with it and see what happens.
x
The subtitle will probably be "Blogging Will Not Get A Book Written".
Which pretty much sums up for me how successful I feel these past five days have been in getting me writing the book I've been banging on about for ages.
I've got a document full of ideas, starts and character outlines, but nothing concrete. Not even so much as a proper chapter.
Absolute. Frickin. Pants. indeed.
However, a thought has just occurred to me.
The one book I've read since I've been here in the Catskills is "Makeovers at the Beauty Counter of Happiness" by Ilene Bleckman.
It was a short read - 128 pages - most only containing a paragraph of information and some pictures. An adult's picture book if you will.
Maybe this is the type of book I need to start with, instead of trying to force myself into writing one massive novel. I have the attention span of a gnat, I am a typical Gemini and my mind flits from topic to topic with such rapid speed that even I have trouble keeping up at times. Blogging is actually the perfect writing outlet for me. So why not keep on in that vein with the book?
It's a good idea.
(I think.)
There I go second guessing myself again.
It's the best idea I've come up with so far.
I'll run with it and see what happens.
x
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Discoveries (Part 1)
Things I've discovered since being alone in the Catskills for the last 4 days:
Stay tuned for Part 2. And possibly even Part 3. I don't leave here until Thursday afternoon.
x
- I am a city girl. No denying it. As lovely as this place is, there is nothing TO DO. And although I'm rather good at not doing something, I'm absolutely awful when I have nothing to do.
- I hate bugs. Seriously. I'm as eco-friendly as the next person, I use green products where possible, I try not to waste energy and I recycle. But damn, if a bug enters my space, it's gonna die, by whatever means I have at my disposal - eco-friendly or not.
- If I didn't have my laptop with me and this cottage didn't have wireless broadband, I would have left two days ago. I can't not be in contact with the wider world, no matter how hard I try.
- I'm a champion procrastinator. I really am. Even out here where there's very little to procrastinate with, I'm doing a brilliant job at procrastinating on writing that book.
- When there's nothing else to do, I drink a lot of tea.
- I need to live in a house with a bath. This place doesn't have one and I've really missed it.
- There are only so many episodes of Spooks you can watch before you start locking all the doors and checking outside for MI5, FBI or CIA agents hidden in the trees.
- I talk to myself. A lot. Our conversations are usually quite lighthearted though, so it's quite entertaining.
- Thinking about someone won't make them contact you. I could probably contact them, but then I might be accused of "communication pressure". Ball. Court. Theirs. That's all I'm sayin'.
- Thunderstorms are way more awesome (and way more scary) when you're in the middle of nowhere. Especially when there are skylights in the roof. And even more so when you're on your own.
- Having no mobile reception is both liberating and frightening. At least there's a landline here, even if I only can only make local calls on it.
- "Over At The Frankenstein Place" from The Rocky Horror Picture Show is not really the song you want to pop up on shuffle when there's a massive thunderstorm occurring overhead. Unnerving, much.
Stay tuned for Part 2. And possibly even Part 3. I don't leave here until Thursday afternoon.
x
Aaaaand, breathe.
Actually, it's ok to just chill and do nothing. This is what I have to tell myself.
I'm up in the Catskills and I'm putting pressure on myself to write. To create. To churn out that book I've been yabbering on about for ages.
But nothing's happening. A few pages here and there, but my brain jumps from idea to idea and I find myself getting distracted.
I'm also feeling a bit poorly. Every morning since I've gotten here I've woken up feeling dizzy, with the room spinning... the first two mornings I was physically sick. Yesterday was a lot better but today it's returned with a vengance.
I think it might be the lack of air flow in the cottage and the fact the bed is up in a loft area. There are windows and they do have screens, but despite that, there are these pesky black bugs that are a cross between a fly and a roach, which manage to make their way in of a night if any window is left open. There are no fans either, which is a bit of a pain since there's not much of a breeze.
I'm usually alright by about midday, but then I feel like I've wasted half the day so I berate myself for doing that.
But maybe it's just my body's way of telling me to slow down. After all, this is my first proper holiday in 3 years.
So I'm telling myself to breathe. And just be. I'm in one of the most gorgeous places on earth, I don't HAVE to do anything or be anywhere, for another couple of days at least, so I need to just step back and enjoy it.
Starting now.
I'm up in the Catskills and I'm putting pressure on myself to write. To create. To churn out that book I've been yabbering on about for ages.
But nothing's happening. A few pages here and there, but my brain jumps from idea to idea and I find myself getting distracted.
I'm also feeling a bit poorly. Every morning since I've gotten here I've woken up feeling dizzy, with the room spinning... the first two mornings I was physically sick. Yesterday was a lot better but today it's returned with a vengance.
I think it might be the lack of air flow in the cottage and the fact the bed is up in a loft area. There are windows and they do have screens, but despite that, there are these pesky black bugs that are a cross between a fly and a roach, which manage to make their way in of a night if any window is left open. There are no fans either, which is a bit of a pain since there's not much of a breeze.
I'm usually alright by about midday, but then I feel like I've wasted half the day so I berate myself for doing that.
But maybe it's just my body's way of telling me to slow down. After all, this is my first proper holiday in 3 years.
So I'm telling myself to breathe. And just be. I'm in one of the most gorgeous places on earth, I don't HAVE to do anything or be anywhere, for another couple of days at least, so I need to just step back and enjoy it.
Starting now.
Monday, June 27, 2011
I ♥ NY
First day of my 40s... an early morning stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.Greetings from New York! Well, technically I'm no longer in NYC, but I'm still in New York State... up in the Catskills in an old one room schoolhouse which has been converted into a sweet little cottage. I am completely surrounded by trees, grass, streams and sky. It is bliss.
The celebration of my birth-day was more amazing than I could ever have imagined - five of my loveliest friends made sure that I had the most amazing time and I love them so much for it.
We started the day with a trip to Tiffany & Co. Two of our party had arrived a little earlier and informed the staff of our plans, so as I walked through the revolving door in my LBD, I was greeted by the doorman (and about ten other staff) with a resounding "Happy Birthday!" and an invitation to enjoy some champagne in a private room. Total VIP treatment! We then spent two hours enjoying lots of trying on and purchasing, then went to the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park for lunch. After lunch we got to recreate one of my favourite chapters from one of my favourite childhood books (Elizabeth Enright's "The Saturdays") and took rowboats out on the lake. Then it was a stroll through Central Park and martinis on the rooftop of 230 Fifth, directly facing the Empire State Building. A quick trip back to the apartment to change for dinner and it was off to Balthazar in Soho for more festivities. What an amazing day.
In fact the only glitch in the whole day was the total lack of communication from my so-called-Bestie-P, who couldn't even be bothered to call, text, email, skype or facebook me to wish me a happy birthday. I had a minor meltdown during dinner with the subsequent result that I was too tired and emotional to actually last until the end of the night and had to be taken home to bed, which spoilt things somewhat, but luckily I was with a wonderful group of women who understood what I was going through.
Our friendship has been pretty rocky the last few months - I think Bestie P feels like I've abandoned her and I feel like she resents me for moving to Melbourne and starting a new life - but to be so petty as to not even wish me a happy 40th birthday is pretty much a dealbreaker for me, especially given both her sisters (one of whom I've never even met!) both sent me lovely messages on the day. It's been 6 days and I've still not heard from her... now I'm not sure I actually want to, except that I am godmother to her children and feel like I've been pushed out of their lives because of her issues with me.
But I'm not going to dwell on it.
I have five wonderful friends (the Two S Wives, the Two Blonde Amazons and Edina, as they've been nicknamed on the trip) who made sure that I had the most fantastic week of my life and I made a couple of lovely new friends (Snoop and 25-Second-Matt) who both went to massive efforts to make sure I had a great time even though they'd only just met me. For these seven individuals I am filled with love and incredibly grateful for each and every one of them.
And that's more than enough.
In fact, to quote one Bernice Pruitt...
My cup runneth over.
x
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Yoiks!
Goodness!
It's been a month since I posted. Slacker. But I have been busy, honest.
Holding down two jobs is a little tiring - I need to get better at juggling the requirements of both. Even though one of the jobs allows me to work from home for 4 hours a week, I never seem to be able to set aside a proper chunk of time during daylight hours to do that, and end up working until 2am the night before I'm due to go in.
It's also only TWO WEEKS until I leave for my 40th birthday extravaganza in NYC, the Catskills and London!
[insert loud SQUEEEEEEEEE here]
When I first had the idea a year or so ago I never thought it would: (a) come off; (b) be so enthusiastically adopted by my friends; or (c) require so much organisation! Working out accommodation for 8 of us, taking into account various budgets, expectations and personalities has been challenging, to put it mildly. When you're also asking friends coming from around the globe, some of whom have never met each other, to share a room, there's potential for disaster, but I think it's all going to be ok.
The other issue has been that I'm NOT a planner. I tend to just amble along with a rough idea and see where the day takes me. This is the complete opposite of several of my friends who like to have every day planned down to the minute, so it'll be interesting to see how it all goes!
The lovely Britney has organised by actual birth-day - I got to make suggestions but I don't know exactly what we're going to be doing. I do know that we're going to Tiffany & Co so I can buy my present to myself - an Elsa Peretti pendant I've had my eye on for two years. I reckon turning 40 is worthy of a blue box, don't you?
I've also booked myself in this gorgeous little place in the Catskills for a week. Just me, my laptop and nature. If this doesn't get me writing, I don't know what will.
Isn't it just divine?
The place has no phone or mobile connection, but it does have wifi, so expect a blog or two while I'm there. Maybe.
In the meantime, I still have a whole lot more to do so that's me away. Just wanted to check in and say hi.
Hope you're all well!
x
PS - Things I'm liking at the moment (in no particular order): pan-fried haloumi; my fleecy black tights; walking through the autumn leaves; watching the EastEnders Omnibus each week; and Glee.
PPS - Things I don't really care for at the moment (again, in no particular order): train delays; waking up early on cold mornings; Dr Zhivago (the musical - it's like a Russian Bold & The Beautiful where Eric is having an affair with Brooke's granddaughter but the acting's worse); and our Prime Minister. She's such a disappointment.
It's been a month since I posted. Slacker. But I have been busy, honest.
Holding down two jobs is a little tiring - I need to get better at juggling the requirements of both. Even though one of the jobs allows me to work from home for 4 hours a week, I never seem to be able to set aside a proper chunk of time during daylight hours to do that, and end up working until 2am the night before I'm due to go in.
It's also only TWO WEEKS until I leave for my 40th birthday extravaganza in NYC, the Catskills and London!
[insert loud SQUEEEEEEEEE here]
When I first had the idea a year or so ago I never thought it would: (a) come off; (b) be so enthusiastically adopted by my friends; or (c) require so much organisation! Working out accommodation for 8 of us, taking into account various budgets, expectations and personalities has been challenging, to put it mildly. When you're also asking friends coming from around the globe, some of whom have never met each other, to share a room, there's potential for disaster, but I think it's all going to be ok.
The other issue has been that I'm NOT a planner. I tend to just amble along with a rough idea and see where the day takes me. This is the complete opposite of several of my friends who like to have every day planned down to the minute, so it'll be interesting to see how it all goes!
The lovely Britney has organised by actual birth-day - I got to make suggestions but I don't know exactly what we're going to be doing. I do know that we're going to Tiffany & Co so I can buy my present to myself - an Elsa Peretti pendant I've had my eye on for two years. I reckon turning 40 is worthy of a blue box, don't you?
I've also booked myself in this gorgeous little place in the Catskills for a week. Just me, my laptop and nature. If this doesn't get me writing, I don't know what will.
Isn't it just divine?
The place has no phone or mobile connection, but it does have wifi, so expect a blog or two while I'm there. Maybe.
In the meantime, I still have a whole lot more to do so that's me away. Just wanted to check in and say hi.
Hope you're all well!
x
PS - Things I'm liking at the moment (in no particular order): pan-fried haloumi; my fleecy black tights; walking through the autumn leaves; watching the EastEnders Omnibus each week; and Glee.
PPS - Things I don't really care for at the moment (again, in no particular order): train delays; waking up early on cold mornings; Dr Zhivago (the musical - it's like a Russian Bold & The Beautiful where Eric is having an affair with Brooke's granddaughter but the acting's worse); and our Prime Minister. She's such a disappointment.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Unfriend
I did some major facebook "unfriend-ing" on the weekend.
Major.
I went from 400+ "friends" to 288 "friends".
That's 100+ culled.
Oooh yeah. I was ruthless:
All told it was a rather cathartic exercise.
So how was YOUR weekend? Watch the wedding?
Major.
I went from 400+ "friends" to 288 "friends".
That's 100+ culled.
Oooh yeah. I was ruthless:
- Anyone who wasn't a regular (ie more than every six months) user of facebook - unfriended.
- Anyone who I hadn't spoken to in real life in more than a year - unfriended.
- Anyone who I only had a vague/tenuous relationship with - unfriended.
- Anyone (a couple of former so-called Besties) who hadn't returned my calls, texts or emails - unfriended.
- Anyone still working at the Toxic Workplace of Doom (my former Sydney employer) - unfriended. (That place has gone to hell in a handbasket - all the good people have left and I've remained friends with them. The ones remaining are not worth bothering with.)
- People I've met for a nano-second at a party or work event or random gathering - unfriended.
- Anyone who only added me in the first place because of my ticketing connections -unfriended.
All told it was a rather cathartic exercise.
So how was YOUR weekend? Watch the wedding?
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Six Weeks!
Today it occurred to me that in just 6 weeks, I will be winging my way to NYC to celebrate the big 4-0.
SIX WEEKS!
I've not done a scrap of saving.
Whoops.
My flight is paid for, as is my first week's accommodation (with six of my loveliest girlfriends who are travelling from all corners of the globe to celebrate with me), but I've still got to book:
And that's all to be factored in BEFORE I start on spending money.
Yoiks.
Would requesting an increase on my credit card limit be a bit cheeky? You only turn 40 once after all...
SIX WEEKS!
I've not done a scrap of saving.
Whoops.
My flight is paid for, as is my first week's accommodation (with six of my loveliest girlfriends who are travelling from all corners of the globe to celebrate with me), but I've still got to book:
- A week in the Catskills;
- A return flight from NYC to London (where I'll be seeing Take That and the Pet Shop Boys at Wembley, then David Tennant and Catherine Tate in Much Ado About Nothing at the Wyndham... squeeee!);
- Accommodation in NYC on my return from London (for the end-of-holiday-my-god-that-US$-is-amazing-at-the-moment shopping); and
- Travel insurance.
And that's all to be factored in BEFORE I start on spending money.
Yoiks.
Would requesting an increase on my credit card limit be a bit cheeky? You only turn 40 once after all...
Friday, April 22, 2011
Soul Stories
Back in January, my gorgeous friend K posted this link on my wall on ye olde facebook:
http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html
I've watched it several times since then and it always makes me question my place in the world. Which is a good thing. The day you stop questioning your place in the world is the day you stop becoming an active participant in the world.
The snippet of wisdom I like most from Brene Brown is her observation that "stories are just data with a soul".
It's how I like to think of my work.
I tell stories.
And my stories are data with a soul.
My soul is many things (restless, contented, melancholy, joyful) and it has many stories.
My lovely friend K who originally shared the joy of Brene Brown with me, inspires my soul and inspires me to share my stories.
She's been away for a while, working up in sunny Queensland, but she's coming home soon. Hurrah! We've already scheduled our regular ACO date and I'm looking forward to having her back in my life on a more regular basis.
I also look forward to sharing more of my stories.
With everyone.
I've watched it several times since then and it always makes me question my place in the world. Which is a good thing. The day you stop questioning your place in the world is the day you stop becoming an active participant in the world.
The snippet of wisdom I like most from Brene Brown is her observation that "stories are just data with a soul".
It's how I like to think of my work.
I tell stories.
And my stories are data with a soul.
My soul is many things (restless, contented, melancholy, joyful) and it has many stories.
My lovely friend K who originally shared the joy of Brene Brown with me, inspires my soul and inspires me to share my stories.
She's been away for a while, working up in sunny Queensland, but she's coming home soon. Hurrah! We've already scheduled our regular ACO date and I'm looking forward to having her back in my life on a more regular basis.
I also look forward to sharing more of my stories.
With everyone.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Across the Universe
The law of attraction is a remarkable thing... following on from yesterday's post about reconnecting with old friends, today I received a card and letter from a friend in Edinburgh.
A HANDWRITTEN LETTER.
Totes old school and just a wonderfully wonderful reminder of a gorgeous friend.
Lovely L, the wee Scottish lassie whom I met when she worked with me during the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival, is one of the sweetest, funniest and smartest people you could ever meet. We share a love of Doctor Who, Gin & Pinks, David Bowie, The Housemartins and fringe chopping. Amongst many other things.
We spent many a tipsy night dancing around Melbourne town before her visa expired and she headed back to the 'burgh.
I miss her.
And I love, love, LOVE that she misses me enough to send me a handwritten letter, enclosed inside a David-Tennant-Doctor-Who birthday card no less. Even though it's not my birthday for another two months. She couldn't wait that long apparently.
Bless. Her. Cotton. Socks.
x
A HANDWRITTEN LETTER.
Totes old school and just a wonderfully wonderful reminder of a gorgeous friend.
Lovely L, the wee Scottish lassie whom I met when she worked with me during the 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival, is one of the sweetest, funniest and smartest people you could ever meet. We share a love of Doctor Who, Gin & Pinks, David Bowie, The Housemartins and fringe chopping. Amongst many other things.
We spent many a tipsy night dancing around Melbourne town before her visa expired and she headed back to the 'burgh.
I miss her.
And I love, love, LOVE that she misses me enough to send me a handwritten letter, enclosed inside a David-Tennant-Doctor-Who birthday card no less. Even though it's not my birthday for another two months. She couldn't wait that long apparently.
Bless. Her. Cotton. Socks.
x
Monday, April 18, 2011
A Friend A Day
Friends.
(The people in your life, not the TV show)
When you stop and think about it, you realise that they're actually amazing creatures, aren't they?
Someone once told me that people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially since I've been feeling very disconnected from some of my Sydney based friends in the last month or so. A few in particular (including some so-called Besties), have really upset or hurt me in recent weeks and I've been contemplating whether it is better to let these friendships go or just work harder to keep them. The jury's still out... I'm a little tired of being the instigator of all the communication.
Bridget Jones once said that her Urban Singleton Family (ie her friends) were every bit as important and supportive as her real family. It's a very valid point. On the whole I would tend to agree with her. In fact I'd probably go even further and say that they can be more supportive at times than your real family. But with the highs also come the lows and sometimes your friends can let you down. Fact.
So. Yeah. Friends. (That's me not being able to think of a good segueway)
Working at the Dead Egyptian Thing yesterday, I was pondering this funny thing called friendship when a few things happened:
Firstly, I looked up to see an old flatmate/friend of mine from my early Sydney days standing in the queue for tickets with his wife and two daughters. He'd changed jobs since moving to Melbourne about 10 years ago and I'd changed email and phone numbers, so we had lost touch. There was much joyful exclaiming to be had... it was great to see both him and his wife (who I knew well, since he first started dating her when we were living in a huge old house in Neutral Bay) and we'll be catching up properly very soon.
Secondly, while I was later explaining to my colleague who these people were, I was reminded of some of the more hilarious events that happened when we were house sharing and I resolved to start writing them down. I thought a "Friend A Day" blog might be a good way to do this... changing the names of course. Some pretty funny things happened when we were living in that house.
Thirdly, as I was on the train home from work, I texted our third housemate from the Neutral Bay days to tell her of the catch up and was reminded of some of the stories involving her. She later rang to get more details and as we were speaking I thought how lovely it was to catch up with old friends after feeling somewhat abandoned by others. It was then I decided to make an effort to not only share some of the stories of my friends but to actually get in touch with them - at least one per day. Call, skype, text, email or snail mail - any method was fine. Facebook doesn't count. That's a lazy way to maintain friendships. Today I've already been in touch with two friends and have made a mental list of others I want to reconnect with tomorrow.
So that's my new little project. Expect some funny stories, some sad stories and some totally bizarre stories about my friendships through my life.
And if you're an old friend I haven't been in touch with for a while, you never know - a message from me might be coming your way sooner than you think!
x
(The people in your life, not the TV show)
When you stop and think about it, you realise that they're actually amazing creatures, aren't they?
Someone once told me that people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, especially since I've been feeling very disconnected from some of my Sydney based friends in the last month or so. A few in particular (including some so-called Besties), have really upset or hurt me in recent weeks and I've been contemplating whether it is better to let these friendships go or just work harder to keep them. The jury's still out... I'm a little tired of being the instigator of all the communication.
Bridget Jones once said that her Urban Singleton Family (ie her friends) were every bit as important and supportive as her real family. It's a very valid point. On the whole I would tend to agree with her. In fact I'd probably go even further and say that they can be more supportive at times than your real family. But with the highs also come the lows and sometimes your friends can let you down. Fact.
So. Yeah. Friends. (That's me not being able to think of a good segueway)
Working at the Dead Egyptian Thing yesterday, I was pondering this funny thing called friendship when a few things happened:
Firstly, I looked up to see an old flatmate/friend of mine from my early Sydney days standing in the queue for tickets with his wife and two daughters. He'd changed jobs since moving to Melbourne about 10 years ago and I'd changed email and phone numbers, so we had lost touch. There was much joyful exclaiming to be had... it was great to see both him and his wife (who I knew well, since he first started dating her when we were living in a huge old house in Neutral Bay) and we'll be catching up properly very soon.
Secondly, while I was later explaining to my colleague who these people were, I was reminded of some of the more hilarious events that happened when we were house sharing and I resolved to start writing them down. I thought a "Friend A Day" blog might be a good way to do this... changing the names of course. Some pretty funny things happened when we were living in that house.
Thirdly, as I was on the train home from work, I texted our third housemate from the Neutral Bay days to tell her of the catch up and was reminded of some of the stories involving her. She later rang to get more details and as we were speaking I thought how lovely it was to catch up with old friends after feeling somewhat abandoned by others. It was then I decided to make an effort to not only share some of the stories of my friends but to actually get in touch with them - at least one per day. Call, skype, text, email or snail mail - any method was fine. Facebook doesn't count. That's a lazy way to maintain friendships. Today I've already been in touch with two friends and have made a mental list of others I want to reconnect with tomorrow.
So that's my new little project. Expect some funny stories, some sad stories and some totally bizarre stories about my friendships through my life.
And if you're an old friend I haven't been in touch with for a while, you never know - a message from me might be coming your way sooner than you think!
x
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
39 Steps To 40
As part of my "Road to 40" I thought I'd post a list of significant (to me) events and achievements in my life. Some are small, some are not, but they've all helped shape me into the person I now am. I actually started this on 17 October last year, but life has been a little hectic since then and I haven't disciplined myself enough to complete it until now.
So.
39 Steps to 40.
(or: My Life So Far)
In the years that I have been in existence on this earth I have...
So there you go. Some of the highlights (and lowlights) of the first four decades of my life. There's gotta be a novel in there somewhere...
xox
So.
39 Steps to 40.
(or: My Life So Far)
In the years that I have been in existence on this earth I have...
- Driven solo across the USA... 32 states in total. In a bronze Pontiac Sunbird with a sunroof. Mostly in winter.
- Trekked across Africa for three months.
- White water rafted the Zambezi (and only capsized once).
- Climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
- Watched the Trooping of the Colour in London, with my mum, on her first ever day overseas (it was a bit emotional for her, as it was something she'd dreamed of doing since she was a small child).
- Completed a drama degree.
- Started my own business.
- Performed on stage at the Festival Theatre in Adelaide (twice, at the ages of 11 & 12).
- Sang karaoke at a bar in New Orleans (The Go-Go's 'Our Lips Are Sealed'. Always a crowd pleaser at 2am).
- Been to the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day (but didn't meet Tom Hanks or any cute little kids).
- Stayed in a frat house in Atlanta, Georgia with a friend of a friend. One of the most hilarious, yet disgusting, weekends of my life. Think Animal House without the togas.
- Hiked down the Grand Canyon (hiking back up was painful).
- Jumped out of a plane. Once. Bungee jumped off a bridge. Twice.
- Achieved a teenage dream of seeing Michael Ball perform at the Royal Albert Hall (I was a musical theatre junkie - don't judge me!).
- Fallen in love. Many times. Some were worthy, others were not.
- Had my heart broken. Many times.
- Helped nurse my father while he was dying of cancer.
- Got my belly button pierced. Took it out in second year at drama school when I discovered that's exactly the point of my splenic chakra (responsible for creativity). Its removal was the catalyst for some major creative developments.
- Got a tattoo. Not saying where or what.
- Got a second tattoo, ten years later. Again, not saying where or what.
- Sent a fan letter to Ricky Schroeder. I was nine. His 'people' sent back a photocopied letter and a signed photo. I was in tween heaven.
- Had a one night stand. Actually, I've had several one night stands. Some good, some not.
- Had cancer. Mild form, but still scary to be told you've got cancer when your family history is riddled with it.
- Kicked cancer's butt. It'll take more than cancer to get me off this earth.
- Learned sign language. Two years at junior primary school and again when I was studying my business degree.
- Been so intoxicated that I've blacked out and thrown up. Not necessarily in that order.
- Thought it would be a good idea to try to sleep in the snow in -13 degree temperatures in Prague after drinking far too many shots of cheap tequila. Thank god for DP or I may not have lived to tell the tale.
- Played the slots in Las Vegas.
- Been to Disneyland LA, Disney World Florida and Disneyland Paris. I think that's enough.
- Tried most illegal substances except heroin. I have issues with needles.
- Overcame a teenage eating disorder and an anxiety disorder. Although I still struggle with both at times.
- Been selected to play at district level at hockey. I was a cracker right wing. Never could play on the left though... weird.
- Been pen-friends with a girl in Sweden since we were about 12. I've visited her a couple of times and we are still great pals to this day.
- Kept this blog for nearly six years... even though I don't write that often nowadays it's still an achievement for me to have stuck to something this long.
- Lived in three different countries in over 25 different houses. Considering I didn't actually leave my childhood home until I was in my early 20s, that's quite a few changes of address for my driver's licence.
- Been a bridesmaid (once) but never a bride. But that's ok, because I don't think I actually want to be. Or if I do I'd like to just elope to Vegas. Or the registry office.
- Survived a life-threatening illness (epiglottitis at the age of 2). Mostly I just remember being in an oxygen tent and getting new Fuzzy Felts and my first ever Barbie.
- Swum naked in the ocean (Samos, Greek Islands, June 1996)
- Sat next to the members of Massive Attack on a flight from London to Copenhagen in 1996 without knowing who the hell they were. We shared an entire packet of Silk Cuts (BA flights back then were still split into smoking and non-smoking sections) and a few bottles of chardy, yet it wasn't until we walked out into the throng of screaming fans at Copenhagen airport that I discovered they weren't just "with a band" as they'd earlier claimed.
So there you go. Some of the highlights (and lowlights) of the first four decades of my life. There's gotta be a novel in there somewhere...
xox
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Because you're a joke, George!
My poor flatmate and her sister couldn't work out why there were such raucous shouts of laughter coming from the dining room this morning, as I watched this over breakfast...
This is quite possibly the funniest Comic Relief sketch ever. Just how they managed to get so many celebs to take the mick out of themselves is beyond me. About every 30 seconds someone new pops up - people you wouldn't have thought would ever agree to be in a Comic Relief sketch.
Go on, watch it. It's a guaranteed 13 minute giggle.
This is quite possibly the funniest Comic Relief sketch ever. Just how they managed to get so many celebs to take the mick out of themselves is beyond me. About every 30 seconds someone new pops up - people you wouldn't have thought would ever agree to be in a Comic Relief sketch.
Go on, watch it. It's a guaranteed 13 minute giggle.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Hello...
I've been a bit neglectful of late. Sorry about that. Busy, busy, busy.
Actually, more disorganised than busy. I am quite capable of fitting everything in that I need to do, if I stop futzing around and just do it. And plan better.
Anyway.
Just wanted to say hello.
Will post properly soon. Promise.
In the meantime, have a little giggle at the poster (above) that's been doing the rounds. I love that someone thought of this. It's made my day. Not least because Lionel and I share a birthday, so I've always had a bit of a soft spot for him.
x
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Cheesy Covers - The Donnie Files
You may (or not!) remember my post from last November, when I went on a mini-break to Daylesford and discovered the delights of The Mill. That day I unearthed an astonishing number of cheesy album covers which all demanded documentation and comment.
Boy that was a fun afternoon.
This weekend just gone, the ladies and I took a trip to Geelong to visit a lovely friend who has just moved there to attend medical school (she's a very smart lady and she's going to be an awesome doctor). To my delight, I discovered that there is not one, but TWO outlets of The Mill in Geelong. Twice the fun. Twice the opportunity for documentation.
So off we went, the girls to look at clothes and me to continue my search for cheesy album covers. What I discovered has lead me to several conclusions, some of which I will share with you later, but for now just let me say that I've decided that today's cheesy album cover post is dedicated solely to one man.
Donny Osmond.
Why? Here are several reasons.
1. He was a cute little kid. With a very bad haircut. Mind you I can't talk. My mum gave me a shocking haircut when I was about 3 and it took years to recover. Years.
2. He was a cute teenager. With a very bad haircut. Again, I am in no place to judge as my teen years were spent trying to emulate the hairstyles of Annie Lennox, Howard Jones and various members of Bananarama. I'll leave it to your imagination as to the success of these styles.
3. He was an attractive young man. With a very bad haircut. And a very bad hat. Let's not even start on the striped shirt and waistcoat. But again, I am in no place to judge. My fashion history has many faux-pas, including striped shirts and waistcoats (but to the best of my memory I never wore them together).
5. He was... oh let's face facts. He had some of the worst haircuts in pop history. And I include A Flock of Seagulls in that statement. At least their haircuts were interesting.
6. He was an attractive young man who clearly came from a family of fashion freaks. There's no way my brother would ever have been coerced into wearing outfits like the ones Donny and his brothers are wearing in the above photos. And my brother wore some pretty interesting outfits in his time, including a white suit with a purple shirt.
Thank god most of you don't know him, or he'd kill me for mentioning that one.
Anyway.
I've concluded that:
(a) The Osmonds (Donny in particular) were far more popular in this country than I ever gave them credit for;
(b) Being famous is no protection from your mum giving you a rotten haircut;
(c) Stylists are important, especially if you're putting out an album; and
(d) The Mill is a place to be visited again and again and again.
Stay tuned for more classics.
Boy that was a fun afternoon.
This weekend just gone, the ladies and I took a trip to Geelong to visit a lovely friend who has just moved there to attend medical school (she's a very smart lady and she's going to be an awesome doctor). To my delight, I discovered that there is not one, but TWO outlets of The Mill in Geelong. Twice the fun. Twice the opportunity for documentation.
So off we went, the girls to look at clothes and me to continue my search for cheesy album covers. What I discovered has lead me to several conclusions, some of which I will share with you later, but for now just let me say that I've decided that today's cheesy album cover post is dedicated solely to one man.
Donny Osmond.
Why? Here are several reasons.
1. He was a cute little kid. With a very bad haircut. Mind you I can't talk. My mum gave me a shocking haircut when I was about 3 and it took years to recover. Years.
2. He was a cute teenager. With a very bad haircut. Again, I am in no place to judge as my teen years were spent trying to emulate the hairstyles of Annie Lennox, Howard Jones and various members of Bananarama. I'll leave it to your imagination as to the success of these styles.
3. He was an attractive young man. With a very bad haircut. And a very bad hat. Let's not even start on the striped shirt and waistcoat. But again, I am in no place to judge. My fashion history has many faux-pas, including striped shirts and waistcoats (but to the best of my memory I never wore them together).
5. He was... oh let's face facts. He had some of the worst haircuts in pop history. And I include A Flock of Seagulls in that statement. At least their haircuts were interesting.
6. He was an attractive young man who clearly came from a family of fashion freaks. There's no way my brother would ever have been coerced into wearing outfits like the ones Donny and his brothers are wearing in the above photos. And my brother wore some pretty interesting outfits in his time, including a white suit with a purple shirt.
Thank god most of you don't know him, or he'd kill me for mentioning that one.
Anyway.
I've concluded that:
(a) The Osmonds (Donny in particular) were far more popular in this country than I ever gave them credit for;
(b) Being famous is no protection from your mum giving you a rotten haircut;
(c) Stylists are important, especially if you're putting out an album; and
(d) The Mill is a place to be visited again and again and again.
Stay tuned for more classics.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Sometimes There Are No Words...
I cannot even begin to imagine how terrifying it must be for the residents of Far North Queensland right now... I can't tear myself away from the TV coverage.
Just to give those of you not in Australia an idea of just how large Cyclone Yasi is, here's a satellite image of the cyclone superimposed over a map of the USA.
That's to scale people. TO SCALE.
Mother Nature sure is unleashing her fury on the poor people of Queensland right now.
Sending love, prayers and positive thoughts their way.
x
Just to give those of you not in Australia an idea of just how large Cyclone Yasi is, here's a satellite image of the cyclone superimposed over a map of the USA.
That's to scale people. TO SCALE.
Mother Nature sure is unleashing her fury on the poor people of Queensland right now.
Sending love, prayers and positive thoughts their way.
x
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Well I Laughed...
I laughed a lot.
Especially at the Charlie Sheen and Scientologists parts...
I've decided that Robert DeNiro is about the only actor in Hollywood who appears to have (a) a brain; and (b) a sense of humour.
Ricky Gervais should host all awards shows. End of.
Especially at the Charlie Sheen and Scientologists parts...
I've decided that Robert DeNiro is about the only actor in Hollywood who appears to have (a) a brain; and (b) a sense of humour.
Ricky Gervais should host all awards shows. End of.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
We Interrupt Normal Transmission...
I'm testing out some new layouts... bear with me. Still trying to find my new "look".
x
x
Sunday, January 02, 2011
MSO Makeover
In early November, I was lucky enough to be invited by an old boss of mine to accompany her to see the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, with Charles Dutoit conducting Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade.
I gladly accepted, because: (a) I'm a sucker for a good orchestra; (b) have always loved that piece, ever since my father introduced me to it when I was about 8; and (c) I've never seen the MSO perform before and thought it would be a good introduction to their work.
So off I trotted. A tad late, due to train delays (some muppet of a Spring Racing Carnival patron got a bit legless and fell in front of a train at Southern Cross Station which meant I was stuck between stations for ages), but I made it to the Town Hall just in time.
And so to my first experience of the MSO.
They're very good. And under Dutoit's direction, they're very, very, VERY good.
They're also exceptionally shoddily turned out.
Or at least the women are.
Its a trend I've noticed with a number of symphony orchestras over the years. Men pop on a penguin suit and bam! They all look pretty decent. Or at least consistent in their attire.
Women on the other hand... well.
Since the ages of the ladies in the MSO range from late teens to late sixties, their wardrobe choices naturally range from Supre and Dotti to Katies and Millers (and everything in between). And some of it was ghastly. Actually, most of it was ghastly. The two lead viola players looked to be wearing variations of black lace doilies. It hurt me to look at them.
Now I realise that these people are elite classical musicians, and it should not matter what they wear. But when their outfits distract and detract from their performance, something needs to be done. It's all very well to stipulate a dress code of "formal blacks", but given the obvious lack of style possessed by the majority of those musicians, I think the MSO need to be a bit more specific in their instructions.
The gang over at the ACO twigged onto the "not all musicians can dress themselves decently" fact early on and brought in fashion designer Akira Isogawa to design their outfits. His designs are simple, uncluttered and flattering to all shapes and sizes. And when you're designing for heights as varied as Aiko Goto who's well under 5' to Maxime Bibeau who's well over 6' that's a pretty big challenge. But they all look classy and every time I've seen them I've been impressed with every element of the performance, aurally and visually.
So.
MSO.
I've checked out your website. You've got an impressive list of sponsors and suppliers. However I think you really need to add a designer in there. Obviously not Akira, but perhaps Wayne Cooper or someone along those lines? They'd get the kudos of their designs being seen to an entirely different audience and you'd get an orchestra that doesn't looked like they've been dragged backwards through a hedge.
Just a suggestion.
I gladly accepted, because: (a) I'm a sucker for a good orchestra; (b) have always loved that piece, ever since my father introduced me to it when I was about 8; and (c) I've never seen the MSO perform before and thought it would be a good introduction to their work.
So off I trotted. A tad late, due to train delays (some muppet of a Spring Racing Carnival patron got a bit legless and fell in front of a train at Southern Cross Station which meant I was stuck between stations for ages), but I made it to the Town Hall just in time.
And so to my first experience of the MSO.
They're very good. And under Dutoit's direction, they're very, very, VERY good.
They're also exceptionally shoddily turned out.
Or at least the women are.
Its a trend I've noticed with a number of symphony orchestras over the years. Men pop on a penguin suit and bam! They all look pretty decent. Or at least consistent in their attire.
Women on the other hand... well.
Since the ages of the ladies in the MSO range from late teens to late sixties, their wardrobe choices naturally range from Supre and Dotti to Katies and Millers (and everything in between). And some of it was ghastly. Actually, most of it was ghastly. The two lead viola players looked to be wearing variations of black lace doilies. It hurt me to look at them.
Now I realise that these people are elite classical musicians, and it should not matter what they wear. But when their outfits distract and detract from their performance, something needs to be done. It's all very well to stipulate a dress code of "formal blacks", but given the obvious lack of style possessed by the majority of those musicians, I think the MSO need to be a bit more specific in their instructions.
The gang over at the ACO twigged onto the "not all musicians can dress themselves decently" fact early on and brought in fashion designer Akira Isogawa to design their outfits. His designs are simple, uncluttered and flattering to all shapes and sizes. And when you're designing for heights as varied as Aiko Goto who's well under 5' to Maxime Bibeau who's well over 6' that's a pretty big challenge. But they all look classy and every time I've seen them I've been impressed with every element of the performance, aurally and visually.
So.
MSO.
I've checked out your website. You've got an impressive list of sponsors and suppliers. However I think you really need to add a designer in there. Obviously not Akira, but perhaps Wayne Cooper or someone along those lines? They'd get the kudos of their designs being seen to an entirely different audience and you'd get an orchestra that doesn't looked like they've been dragged backwards through a hedge.
Just a suggestion.
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