I realised on Saturday that I hadn't bought myself a christmas present this year! Yesterday I headed to both Ray's Outdoors and also my local camping and outdoor store and bought a few things. From my local outdoor store I bought a 4.5kg gas bottle and a kettle for my new double gas burner stove that I will get tonight as a christmas present. From Ray's I bought a cheap arse 12v air pump to pump up mattresses and a wooden box full of cast iron cookware! So a camp oven, two fry pans, a griddle and double jaffle maker, a stand for the camp oven and a tool to remove the lid of the camp oven and to also lift the camp oven out of the fire. I have to make sure now that before I use all this new cast iron cookware that I spend some time sealing it over the camp fire with some oil.
All my christmas presents for my family are now wrapped, my house is still a pigsty and I don't care and my washing is almost done and hanging up everywhere inside to dry and my back is sore so it really does look like I will need to go back to the physio to continue looking at it.
I really should clean up a bit before I go away... maybe tomorrow morning I will...
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Bah Humbug!
I am loving this rainy Melburn weather!
The closer I get to Christmas day, the more I am realising how superficial and shit it is. I am quite tempted to just spend the day driving somewhere away from the city. While I will see my Dad and co on Christmas Eve, Christmas day will be at my sisters place with my BIL's family. They don't make me feel unwelcome, far from it, but it isn't _my_ family. I don't really have much of a family and Christmas these days just reminds me of what I miss from when I was young.
I would really love to just head off to no where, put up a tent and just chill out with no tv, no computers, no phones - no technology! Well maybe some kind of technology for some music and I would cook some food over a campfire, preferably a fish freshly caught by myself.
I tend to be a bit of a loner, I don't rely on anyone for anything and while that's OK, this time of year really brings home how much it sucks to have a small family that isn't close.
The closer I get to Christmas day, the more I am realising how superficial and shit it is. I am quite tempted to just spend the day driving somewhere away from the city. While I will see my Dad and co on Christmas Eve, Christmas day will be at my sisters place with my BIL's family. They don't make me feel unwelcome, far from it, but it isn't _my_ family. I don't really have much of a family and Christmas these days just reminds me of what I miss from when I was young.
I would really love to just head off to no where, put up a tent and just chill out with no tv, no computers, no phones - no technology! Well maybe some kind of technology for some music and I would cook some food over a campfire, preferably a fish freshly caught by myself.
I tend to be a bit of a loner, I don't rely on anyone for anything and while that's OK, this time of year really brings home how much it sucks to have a small family that isn't close.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Revolution 2
OMFG!!
What a fantabulous night!! And what an awesome afternoon of racing too!!
I headed down at 2pm for the arvo racing to cheer on friends and there was some sensational racing, best $2 I ever spent and then to top it all off with the racing in the evening session - Awesome!! There were a couple of spills and I think one guy may have done something to his shoulder/collarbone. He was taken away in an ambulance so I hope he is OK. It sure was great watching and supporting friends while they were racing around the Vodafone track.
A few negatives though were the two people during their elimination races not exiting the track and deliberately blocking others from being able to win was just disgusting and there was no way that they could not have known they were out - seriously poor form.
The night session fof racing was also fantastic. That crash in the Men's Future Stars race was just awful and spectacular, but it really isn't great watching people you know and see racing each week hurtling through the air and sliding down the track with horrified expressions on their faces. I am just so glad that there were no serious injuries and I can't believe that they were replaying the crash on the screens BEFORE they knew everyone was OK.
That Champions race was such a spectacular to watching, seeing the riders jump from motorbike to motorbike or in one case leave the derny as it was too slow and riders going all over the shop was just so entertaining and exciting to watch and the speed that they were going - amazing! I think I recall them saying that the police saying that Stu hit 70km at one point down the front straight!
Awesome effort from Leigh Howard to win his second Melbourne Cup on Wheels at the age of 18! That's what I love about handicap races, if the handicapper is any good then anyone on the track can win if they put in the effort - was awesome to watch.
Graeme Brown is one crazy guy! The way he just pushes his way back in when there aren't any gaps and the control he has over the bike is just awesome! Very entertaining but I am not sure I would want to be on the track at the same time as him with how quickly he was moving all over the place. He did make the night every entertaining though and the crowd really got into it all!
It was a shame that some of the rules weren't adhered to though, like in some of the the final sprints int he races riders were leaving the sprinters lane and one of them went right up to the blue line - that's not on dude!
There was also some jostling, headbutting, shouldering etc, but that's all part of racing and makes it more entertaining :D
Super coach Jo who was working in the infield last night said that the noise and cheering from the crowd was deafening it was so loud, simply awesome!!
Last night was SO much better than Revolution 1, seeing people I know racing the MCOW and some of the other races as well, the big screens helped, the commentary was great and there was no fake applause being pumped through the speakers from the DJ!
** EDIT: Cycling news report here
What a fantabulous night!! And what an awesome afternoon of racing too!!
I headed down at 2pm for the arvo racing to cheer on friends and there was some sensational racing, best $2 I ever spent and then to top it all off with the racing in the evening session - Awesome!! There were a couple of spills and I think one guy may have done something to his shoulder/collarbone. He was taken away in an ambulance so I hope he is OK. It sure was great watching and supporting friends while they were racing around the Vodafone track.
A few negatives though were the two people during their elimination races not exiting the track and deliberately blocking others from being able to win was just disgusting and there was no way that they could not have known they were out - seriously poor form.
The night session fof racing was also fantastic. That crash in the Men's Future Stars race was just awful and spectacular, but it really isn't great watching people you know and see racing each week hurtling through the air and sliding down the track with horrified expressions on their faces. I am just so glad that there were no serious injuries and I can't believe that they were replaying the crash on the screens BEFORE they knew everyone was OK.
That Champions race was such a spectacular to watching, seeing the riders jump from motorbike to motorbike or in one case leave the derny as it was too slow and riders going all over the shop was just so entertaining and exciting to watch and the speed that they were going - amazing! I think I recall them saying that the police saying that Stu hit 70km at one point down the front straight!
Awesome effort from Leigh Howard to win his second Melbourne Cup on Wheels at the age of 18! That's what I love about handicap races, if the handicapper is any good then anyone on the track can win if they put in the effort - was awesome to watch.
Graeme Brown is one crazy guy! The way he just pushes his way back in when there aren't any gaps and the control he has over the bike is just awesome! Very entertaining but I am not sure I would want to be on the track at the same time as him with how quickly he was moving all over the place. He did make the night every entertaining though and the crowd really got into it all!
It was a shame that some of the rules weren't adhered to though, like in some of the the final sprints int he races riders were leaving the sprinters lane and one of them went right up to the blue line - that's not on dude!
There was also some jostling, headbutting, shouldering etc, but that's all part of racing and makes it more entertaining :D
Super coach Jo who was working in the infield last night said that the noise and cheering from the crowd was deafening it was so loud, simply awesome!!
Last night was SO much better than Revolution 1, seeing people I know racing the MCOW and some of the other races as well, the big screens helped, the commentary was great and there was no fake applause being pumped through the speakers from the DJ!
** EDIT: Cycling news report here
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
All clear
Nothing is wrong with me, well in regards to what they were checking for yesterday at least. Yup, nothing! When I was in the 4 days of extreme pain, the blood tests showed very elevated markers (ie it wasn't a cold), the CT scan clearly showed inflammation surrounding 5-7cm of my colon/bowel but the colonoscopy yesterday showed nothing... nada. This also means that my 3 yearly check for polyps (pre cancerous ones) also came back negative which is good!
In the words of my specialist "It is a mystery" what was wrong with me even with the above clearly showing something wasn't right. He also said that the CT scan had ruled out it being an infection as the inflammation would have been inside the bowel and not surrounding it. I have a follow up appointment with the specialist in 3 weeks time to discuss it a bit more and also to have it setup so that I am reminded in 3 years time for my regular check for pre cancer cells.
So while this is great news that nothing is wrong, it is also a bit frustrating not knowing if it is going to happen again or not, and if it does what it could be, it also hasn't ruled out it being related the previous pain I had when my GP thought it was an ovarian cyst that had burst.
I am back at work today but I technically have a Dr's certificate for today as well as yesterday due to the general anaesthetic, I will just see how I go today and if I start feeling tired, sleepy or grumpy then I will head home.
In the words of my specialist "It is a mystery" what was wrong with me even with the above clearly showing something wasn't right. He also said that the CT scan had ruled out it being an infection as the inflammation would have been inside the bowel and not surrounding it. I have a follow up appointment with the specialist in 3 weeks time to discuss it a bit more and also to have it setup so that I am reminded in 3 years time for my regular check for pre cancer cells.
So while this is great news that nothing is wrong, it is also a bit frustrating not knowing if it is going to happen again or not, and if it does what it could be, it also hasn't ruled out it being related the previous pain I had when my GP thought it was an ovarian cyst that had burst.
I am back at work today but I technically have a Dr's certificate for today as well as yesterday due to the general anaesthetic, I will just see how I go today and if I start feeling tired, sleepy or grumpy then I will head home.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Ho Ho Ho...
I hate Christmas, I have for many years, it is not the time of year for single people and those with a very small and distant family base. The demons are at play again this weekend, it tends to happen at this time of year. Self sabotage etc, but I am going to fight it and I am going to be strong and I will come out on top... I have to... just not this weekend.
Last night I was in suburban hell attending Carols by Candlelight in Mill Park with my sister and my 3yr old niece. Once it became dark the atmosphere improved greatly and was almost enjoyable. My niece however had a ball! She was up and dancing and singing and everything, she really loved it. While the community choir was great as a group singing the songs, the speakers were just too loud and the individuals not so great, but points for them doing something they enjoy :D We have decided that next year we will take a cooler bag and a bottle or two of wine to help dull the pain.
Last night I was in suburban hell attending Carols by Candlelight in Mill Park with my sister and my 3yr old niece. Once it became dark the atmosphere improved greatly and was almost enjoyable. My niece however had a ball! She was up and dancing and singing and everything, she really loved it. While the community choir was great as a group singing the songs, the speakers were just too loud and the individuals not so great, but points for them doing something they enjoy :D We have decided that next year we will take a cooler bag and a bottle or two of wine to help dull the pain.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Let's clear it up
I have deleted my previous post due to a comment that was left and I can't vouch for its authenticity. It could have been posted by the person who it says it is from, but seeing as it was technically an anonymous comment, I can not be 100% sure, unless of course they contact me through other means.
To clear a few things up just in case and as no other means was used, I will use this space, if something I am asked to do at work only takes me a few hours to do, it is because I know it so well and I am efficient and effective with regards to what was required and, as in this case, it was not overly complex in order to meet the embargo deadline. If I don't know the answer to a question, like this morning, then I ask around until I find the answer. Also, today, yes I took a longer than normal lunch break, but it is only because of all the extra time I end up working other days that tends to go unnoticed and providing everything is done and covered off, I don't see the harm in this, I have never had a complaint in regards to my working hours before (not that this directly was either).
I was genuinely flattered and happy by the email I received today as I do perceive what I do from day to day as my job and I do enjoy it, which is why I do the best I can and I don't expect the praise, but it is always nice to know people appreciate what I do and the time and effort I put into it.
To clear a few things up just in case and as no other means was used, I will use this space, if something I am asked to do at work only takes me a few hours to do, it is because I know it so well and I am efficient and effective with regards to what was required and, as in this case, it was not overly complex in order to meet the embargo deadline. If I don't know the answer to a question, like this morning, then I ask around until I find the answer. Also, today, yes I took a longer than normal lunch break, but it is only because of all the extra time I end up working other days that tends to go unnoticed and providing everything is done and covered off, I don't see the harm in this, I have never had a complaint in regards to my working hours before (not that this directly was either).
I was genuinely flattered and happy by the email I received today as I do perceive what I do from day to day as my job and I do enjoy it, which is why I do the best I can and I don't expect the praise, but it is always nice to know people appreciate what I do and the time and effort I put into it.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Hot Tip #15464
Take a tip from Aunty Lisa... cheap red wine is just that... cheap, and even though it seems like a great idea at the time, it really isn't... even after a bottle of something else! I am sure I will be able to confirm this tomorrow 'morn.
Speaking of being an Aunty, I love my niece to bits and she really is looking like a little person now as opposed to a grown baby, her facial features have changed a LOT over the past week or two and her face has become longer and she just looks older - she is awesome and I need to play with her more! She gives me the best hugs... well the only hugs I seem to get these days actually but that is OK cos she will always love me and she is as cute as a button and I really would do anything for her :D
It was my eldest youngest (half) brother's 22nd birthday on Monday... I sent him an sms and no reply. We bought him a present and he thanked my sister, but that could have been cos he was speaking to her about our Christmas present for out Dad and their mum. While I am really not overly suprised at no reply and not being invited to dinner, I am still hurt, really bloody hurt. When our Nana died and he came back from OS he made this big scene about wanting to involve us in his life etc etc bullshit... good to know he didn't mean it and that I can get on with my life not hoping for too much from him. It is weird feeling hurt and not being suprised at the same time. It really does hurt... a lot, but what can I do.
Speaking of being an Aunty, I love my niece to bits and she really is looking like a little person now as opposed to a grown baby, her facial features have changed a LOT over the past week or two and her face has become longer and she just looks older - she is awesome and I need to play with her more! She gives me the best hugs... well the only hugs I seem to get these days actually but that is OK cos she will always love me and she is as cute as a button and I really would do anything for her :D
It was my eldest youngest (half) brother's 22nd birthday on Monday... I sent him an sms and no reply. We bought him a present and he thanked my sister, but that could have been cos he was speaking to her about our Christmas present for out Dad and their mum. While I am really not overly suprised at no reply and not being invited to dinner, I am still hurt, really bloody hurt. When our Nana died and he came back from OS he made this big scene about wanting to involve us in his life etc etc bullshit... good to know he didn't mean it and that I can get on with my life not hoping for too much from him. It is weird feeling hurt and not being suprised at the same time. It really does hurt... a lot, but what can I do.
Likes and Dislike
Like: My new hair cut, same same but shorter
Dislike: Old people who clearly take advantage just because they are old
Like: Melbourne's weather at the moment
Dislike: End of year work winding down
Like: Being told I should take what comes at with and run with it and own as much as I can at work as it could benefit me early next year
Dislike: corporate games
Like: Holiday's are coming!
Dislike: Hospital next week (Day before isn't enjoyable)
Like: Hospital next week (finding out what's wrong, hopefully)
Dislike: Being horribly unfit due to 3 months off the bike
Like: Looking forward to the return of _some_ fitness
Dislike: How expensive Christmas time is :(
Like: Looking forward to going camping down along the 90 mile beach - away from anything power operated
Dislike: How Christmas can make you feel alone
Like: A lot of the new friends I have made this year
Dislike: Old people who clearly take advantage just because they are old
Like: Melbourne's weather at the moment
Dislike: End of year work winding down
Like: Being told I should take what comes at with and run with it and own as much as I can at work as it could benefit me early next year
Dislike: corporate games
Like: Holiday's are coming!
Dislike: Hospital next week (Day before isn't enjoyable)
Like: Hospital next week (finding out what's wrong, hopefully)
Dislike: Being horribly unfit due to 3 months off the bike
Like: Looking forward to the return of _some_ fitness
Dislike: How expensive Christmas time is :(
Like: Looking forward to going camping down along the 90 mile beach - away from anything power operated
Dislike: How Christmas can make you feel alone
Like: A lot of the new friends I have made this year
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
My Sunday
To get up or not, I did
A look up and down, a nod, a smile and a 'morn
Smile
A few conversations and smiles
Some riding and some starts
More smiles and pleasing company
Some grumpy bums but some conversation
A few jokes, some smiles and laughs
More grumpy bums and temporary hatred of couriers
Eye contact
Smiles
All too short
Watching the change come in
Time with friends
Unanswered sms's
Good conversation
Sms conversations
Unanswered sms's
Confused and trying to be non fussed as there is no right
A few different options maybe, I don't know
Time may tell
Many possible directions
Complication is part of the fun, in a way
Simplicity would be nice though
Hope.
A look up and down, a nod, a smile and a 'morn
Smile
A few conversations and smiles
Some riding and some starts
More smiles and pleasing company
Some grumpy bums but some conversation
A few jokes, some smiles and laughs
More grumpy bums and temporary hatred of couriers
Eye contact
Smiles
All too short
Watching the change come in
Time with friends
Unanswered sms's
Good conversation
Sms conversations
Unanswered sms's
Confused and trying to be non fussed as there is no right
A few different options maybe, I don't know
Time may tell
Many possible directions
Complication is part of the fun, in a way
Simplicity would be nice though
Hope.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Bugger
What a shit way to end a really nice day, my family sure does suck sometimes, but if my Auntie calls me worried about my mum then of course I am doing to have to do something about it.
bloody hell.
Maybe when I wake up tomorrow this will have all been a dream...
bloody hell.
Maybe when I wake up tomorrow this will have all been a dream...
Warm and fuzzies
I love a cheeky, genuine smile and I love eye contact, but it has to be that special kind of eye contact that two people share with no words being spoken, the kind that reaches deep down into you and makes you want to re-live it over and over again. On their own they can bring a smile to my face, combined is a dead set winner.
Relaaaaxing
I don't think I could think of a great way to spend the day than how I have today. This morning I slept in so I missed the BCC women's skills ride, but I did get up in time to make it down for the BBQ for the FOA puzzle cat BBQ. It was a good morning, having a BBQ down by the Yarra River. We then all moved into the city for coffee and a bit more food and after sitting around for a while, some headed home, but other's headed to a suprise birthday bbq in a park! I headed home to drop the bike off and get the car before heading to the BBQ. The park we were at is an awesome park, it had a lot of grass and shade and a really nice atmosphere and it was really awesome sitting around chatting to some good people over a few beers - it really was an awesome afternoon and I am now feeling very mellow. In fact I am so relaxed right now that I don't think I can be arsed going out tonight! The only way to top off this great day would be by watching a movie/dvd snuggled up with a partner... need to work on that whole partner thing though ;)
A lot has been going on the past week, but I really can't be bothered writing about it at the moment because I am in a happy place and don't want to ruin it.
A lot has been going on the past week, but I really can't be bothered writing about it at the moment because I am in a happy place and don't want to ruin it.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Hello America!
I am really shocked at the concept of suing the victorian government/teachers because a kid in year 8 can not read! How can a parent not pick up on this sooner and do something about it? A year 8 child would be what, 14yrs old? I agree, it is disgusting and it is terrible that teachers haven't done something about it sooner, but don't go blaming just the schools, take some bloody responsibility for your own lack of attention to your child's studies.
I am off to Sydney tomorrow for two days for work to learn more about taking over some of my manager's responsibilities, it is going to be a massive increase to my workload, which just means less time for projects, but I think it will be good for me to do as I think it will make me have more confidence in my ability as I will be responsible for giving the Go/No Go approval for all project's, software and network changes on behalf of the test practice! I spose you could say it is a move up in the ranks a bit, but things like that don't bother me much.
Today I had to make sure I washed some 'nice' clothes to wear on my trip up there. Here in Melb I essentially wear jeans and t-shirts to work, but north of the border they have a different dress code in the office, so I will wear jeans and a nice top/shirt instead. It is going to be really interesting to meet some of the people I have been working with recently from the Sydney office - some of them owe me a beer or 5, they had better deliver ;)
I am off to Sydney tomorrow for two days for work to learn more about taking over some of my manager's responsibilities, it is going to be a massive increase to my workload, which just means less time for projects, but I think it will be good for me to do as I think it will make me have more confidence in my ability as I will be responsible for giving the Go/No Go approval for all project's, software and network changes on behalf of the test practice! I spose you could say it is a move up in the ranks a bit, but things like that don't bother me much.
Today I had to make sure I washed some 'nice' clothes to wear on my trip up there. Here in Melb I essentially wear jeans and t-shirts to work, but north of the border they have a different dress code in the office, so I will wear jeans and a nice top/shirt instead. It is going to be really interesting to meet some of the people I have been working with recently from the Sydney office - some of them owe me a beer or 5, they had better deliver ;)
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Bits n bobs
It has taken me a week, but I have finally uploaded the photo's I took from the Revolution 1 night at Vodafone Arena and they can be found here.
I have also uploaded a few photos here from the Brunswick Cycling Club Presentation Night held on Friday night, I really only took photo's of the Roller Racing and even then most of it was me taking videos. Here is the heat between President Ewin Williams and Fast Eddie Wilson, here is the link of Super Coach Joseph Schibeci and Nathan Fraser, and here is the final between Super Coach Joseph and Fast Eddie
Today I went shopping with Maureen, my Dad's wife, and I bought a few things and it was great, she is such a bargain hunter and shopping with Maus is never a short quick event, it takes the whole afternoon or day! I also finally got my copies of the photo's I wanted from my brother's Deb way back earlier in the year, maybe 6 mths ago, and also got my 30th Birthday Present which is a lovely diamond cut white gold ring! It is extremely nice and extremely shiny! They did have another ring for me a week after my birthday but it was too big and so the end result was this one and I am very very happy with it and like it a lot! I really like white gold and it matches the white gold necklace that I wear with a cursive L on it.
I have also uploaded a few photos here from the Brunswick Cycling Club Presentation Night held on Friday night, I really only took photo's of the Roller Racing and even then most of it was me taking videos. Here is the heat between President Ewin Williams and Fast Eddie Wilson, here is the link of Super Coach Joseph Schibeci and Nathan Fraser, and here is the final between Super Coach Joseph and Fast Eddie
Today I went shopping with Maureen, my Dad's wife, and I bought a few things and it was great, she is such a bargain hunter and shopping with Maus is never a short quick event, it takes the whole afternoon or day! I also finally got my copies of the photo's I wanted from my brother's Deb way back earlier in the year, maybe 6 mths ago, and also got my 30th Birthday Present which is a lovely diamond cut white gold ring! It is extremely nice and extremely shiny! They did have another ring for me a week after my birthday but it was too big and so the end result was this one and I am very very happy with it and like it a lot! I really like white gold and it matches the white gold necklace that I wear with a cursive L on it.
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