I'm in the middle of my week off work, this week I was supposed to be in Philly at a conference, long story, I'm obviously not there, I'm in Melbourne.
Pub Trivia last night, really quite a night, I get a buzz from meeting new people and finding new places. That's part of the reason I love my job and why I've gone well past the traditional burn out point - each day I get 40 people to play with, when one of them finishes treatment, somebody comes to replace them and the dance begins again. Last night at pub trivia was a bit of overload in that regard - left my head whirling for a bit and then a sudden need for sleep.
Everytime I try and think about everything that's going on in my life at the moment I decide that I can't even begin to describe it - it would be this enormous stream of consciousness and terribly non-narrative. Suffice to say that life is good.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Many people have done this - it was harder than I thought it would be - I wrote this earlier this year, thought it was time to share - unedited - enjoy.
1. I can remember phone numbers by the patterns they make on the keypad.
2. I had two recurring nightmares as a child. The first was that I was under attack from witches, the second that I drowned at the beach.
3. When I say "as a child" then I mean "well into my teenage years."
4. I will not take my shirt off in public.
5. The object of my first crush - turned out to be a paedophile.
6. None of my blogs makes reference to another
7. I'm obsessed with "Deal or No Deal"
8. I love chewing on things, anything. My parents got me a cake scraper when I was 7 to walk around the house chewing.
9. Nutrasweet makes my throat swell up and I start to cough a lot
10. My stem-cell transplant wiped out my immunity to Chicken-pox.
11. My sister gave me chicken pox for my 5th birthday.
12. Sometimes the urge is too strong and I *will* look through your bathroom cabinet. I have no idea what I hope or expect to find.
13. I've considered paying a psychologist to sit there for an hour each week to listen to me like I listen to others.
14. I would pay for sex.
15. I'm an incredible miser.
16. Food is the only exception to being a miser. I will happily pay for your meal.
17. I can not tolerate squabbling over how the bill will be split.
18. On the subject of food, I can not tolerate people touching me while I'm eating.
19. My next big goal is to buy a house.
20. Although I only talk to him once a month, I still consider him to be my best friend.
21. I honestly believe I was destined to be taller.
22. I like my trousers to be a tight fit.
23. I was so mortified about failing my first piano exam I ripped up the results sheet. I was six years old.
24. I lost my virginity at the age of 20. My most prominent thought was "I'm glad it was before I turned 21."
25. It has to be a case of desperation before I will use a urinal.
26. I stole $2 out of my mothers purse when I was 6. The guilt was too much and I confessed to it that night.
27. I have a strong feeling that I will live to either 92 or 97 years of age.
28. I like what I see when I look in the mirror. Provided I'm not too close.
29. I find "scantily clad" more appealing than "naked."
30. Almost everything you say to me reminds me of a TV show or movie.
31. I hang my washing out with all the shirts together, then shorts/trousers, then underwear, then socks, the socks are paired.
32. Without self-control, each item would have matching pegs.
33. I'm not obsessive compulsive, just quirky.
34. I talk while driving, I talk to my car, I talk to pedestrians, I talk to other traffic.
35. If I see a sign that asks "How fast are you going now?" I tell it.
36. I have no interest in driving a manual car.
37. I've never broken a bone, it's one of my big fears in life. I have had my finger cut off in a car door though. Thanks for that Mum.
38. Very few days go past without some reminder of cancer.
39. I can follow 3 or 4 conversations at once and be ready to take part in any of them at any time.
40. I have surprised people with what I can hear.
41. I have been told to speak louder in a library.
42. Bookshops make me want the bathroom.
43. I have one watch to cover all situations.
44. Talk of politics will make my eyes glaze over.
45. I think people should be fined for publishing anything with a word that has been spelt incorrectly. This includes banners and advertising.
46. I can not stand "TXT" and refuse to use it.
47. I'm going to be a grumpy old man.
48. I adore strawberry flavouring but am often too ashamed to order strawberry milkshakes, etc. in public.
49. If I don't like you, I'm probably imagining slapping you.
50. I constantly forget the French word for "watch," when I try to use it I can only think of the Japanese word.
51. I still test my knowledge of Hirigana.
52. I am prejudiced against obesity. It is something I work hard to control.
53. With a BMI of 25.1 I am "officially" overweight.
54. When I am upset I will take a stuffed toy to bed with me.
55. I tend to fall over if I stand on both feet - if you see me standing, I have all my weight on one foot.
56. I was constantly told how much I look like my mother, until people saw a photo of my father.
57. It seems I am the spitting image of my father. I have no contact with him, though I'm thinking of trying to initiate some again.
58. I hate writing in a blank notepad - it starts pristine and then I deface it with my writing.
59. I can touch type.
60. I have no talent for accents. My own accent is mostly Australian with a British influence. One person has described my accent as being "slightly posh." I consider that a compliment, but I know it doesn't describe me.
61. I love my work - it brings me great pleasure.
62. Lindt Chocolate (70%) and a bottle of Merlot will win me over every time.
63. I don't like living in Sydney.
64. I covet my "neighbours" iPod.
65. I rarely use my left hand.
66. When I get going, I can be a complete "bitch."
67. When using a cordless phone I feel compelled to pace around the house.
68. I think nothing of spending $20 - $30 on a single pair of underwear.
69. My middle name is Lindley - it's a family name. Robert Lindley was an ancestor and a talented musician, he's in Musical Dictionaries.
70. If family tradition had been observed I would be James Cook Teasdale.
71. I had all my wisdom teeth out in one go.
72. I have lied about how often I go to the gym for the sake of not being called obsessive.
73. I like tight t-shirts.
74. I can't stand anything around my neck - I have to pysch myself up for that thing they put on you during a haircut.
75. I own 2 ties, no more.
76. I've always like the name "David" and "Dave."
77. I was born one day before my due date.
78. I can tell you the difference between an English Beagle and an American Beagle. I can even describe to you what makes a "Lemon" Beagle. I have never owned a beagle.
79. I don't enjoy massage - giving or receiving.
80. I'm going to name my dogs after characters from "The Fifth Element" in the future.
81. I eat, and enjoy, raw potato.
82. Apples can make me almost vomit.
83. I like to eat a banana almost every day.
84. I love to say Baba Ganoush. If I see it on a menu I'll ask about the dish saying "Baba Ganoush" three times in the questioning. I won't order that dish.
85. If I don't know the answer in a multiple choice - I'll choose "B".
86. I'm completely addicted to coffee, I never drink instant.
87. I have a muppet fixation.
88. I know the words to all the "Spray and Wipe" ads of the 1980s.
89. I held back tears at the death of Princess Diana - I still don't know why.
90. I'm a sloppy eater - I've given up on white shirts.
91. If I was going to change careers I'd want to be cabin crew for QANTAS. I'd probably end up as an accountant.
92. I'd like to get a second degree and a recognised qualification in French.
93. I'm proud of Australia's compulsory voting system.
94. I often mix up the words to songs. I just accepted they were singing about "Alex the Seal."
95. I loathe tales of love.
96. I would do anything a police officer instructs.
97. I feel like a criminal when I jaywalk.
98. I love the feel of swimming in speedos but won't wear them if someone else will be there. I have been swimming naked, at night, alone.
99. I hate social kissing, can we please just not? Making out kissing is quite a different story.
100. If Buffy and Xena were locked in mortal combat, I believe Buffy would win, and be sassy while doing it.
1. I can remember phone numbers by the patterns they make on the keypad.
2. I had two recurring nightmares as a child. The first was that I was under attack from witches, the second that I drowned at the beach.
3. When I say "as a child" then I mean "well into my teenage years."
4. I will not take my shirt off in public.
5. The object of my first crush - turned out to be a paedophile.
6. None of my blogs makes reference to another
7. I'm obsessed with "Deal or No Deal"
8. I love chewing on things, anything. My parents got me a cake scraper when I was 7 to walk around the house chewing.
9. Nutrasweet makes my throat swell up and I start to cough a lot
10. My stem-cell transplant wiped out my immunity to Chicken-pox.
11. My sister gave me chicken pox for my 5th birthday.
12. Sometimes the urge is too strong and I *will* look through your bathroom cabinet. I have no idea what I hope or expect to find.
13. I've considered paying a psychologist to sit there for an hour each week to listen to me like I listen to others.
14. I would pay for sex.
15. I'm an incredible miser.
16. Food is the only exception to being a miser. I will happily pay for your meal.
17. I can not tolerate squabbling over how the bill will be split.
18. On the subject of food, I can not tolerate people touching me while I'm eating.
19. My next big goal is to buy a house.
20. Although I only talk to him once a month, I still consider him to be my best friend.
21. I honestly believe I was destined to be taller.
22. I like my trousers to be a tight fit.
23. I was so mortified about failing my first piano exam I ripped up the results sheet. I was six years old.
24. I lost my virginity at the age of 20. My most prominent thought was "I'm glad it was before I turned 21."
25. It has to be a case of desperation before I will use a urinal.
26. I stole $2 out of my mothers purse when I was 6. The guilt was too much and I confessed to it that night.
27. I have a strong feeling that I will live to either 92 or 97 years of age.
28. I like what I see when I look in the mirror. Provided I'm not too close.
29. I find "scantily clad" more appealing than "naked."
30. Almost everything you say to me reminds me of a TV show or movie.
31. I hang my washing out with all the shirts together, then shorts/trousers, then underwear, then socks, the socks are paired.
32. Without self-control, each item would have matching pegs.
33. I'm not obsessive compulsive, just quirky.
34. I talk while driving, I talk to my car, I talk to pedestrians, I talk to other traffic.
35. If I see a sign that asks "How fast are you going now?" I tell it.
36. I have no interest in driving a manual car.
37. I've never broken a bone, it's one of my big fears in life. I have had my finger cut off in a car door though. Thanks for that Mum.
38. Very few days go past without some reminder of cancer.
39. I can follow 3 or 4 conversations at once and be ready to take part in any of them at any time.
40. I have surprised people with what I can hear.
41. I have been told to speak louder in a library.
42. Bookshops make me want the bathroom.
43. I have one watch to cover all situations.
44. Talk of politics will make my eyes glaze over.
45. I think people should be fined for publishing anything with a word that has been spelt incorrectly. This includes banners and advertising.
46. I can not stand "TXT" and refuse to use it.
47. I'm going to be a grumpy old man.
48. I adore strawberry flavouring but am often too ashamed to order strawberry milkshakes, etc. in public.
49. If I don't like you, I'm probably imagining slapping you.
50. I constantly forget the French word for "watch," when I try to use it I can only think of the Japanese word.
51. I still test my knowledge of Hirigana.
52. I am prejudiced against obesity. It is something I work hard to control.
53. With a BMI of 25.1 I am "officially" overweight.
54. When I am upset I will take a stuffed toy to bed with me.
55. I tend to fall over if I stand on both feet - if you see me standing, I have all my weight on one foot.
56. I was constantly told how much I look like my mother, until people saw a photo of my father.
57. It seems I am the spitting image of my father. I have no contact with him, though I'm thinking of trying to initiate some again.
58. I hate writing in a blank notepad - it starts pristine and then I deface it with my writing.
59. I can touch type.
60. I have no talent for accents. My own accent is mostly Australian with a British influence. One person has described my accent as being "slightly posh." I consider that a compliment, but I know it doesn't describe me.
61. I love my work - it brings me great pleasure.
62. Lindt Chocolate (70%) and a bottle of Merlot will win me over every time.
63. I don't like living in Sydney.
64. I covet my "neighbours" iPod.
65. I rarely use my left hand.
66. When I get going, I can be a complete "bitch."
67. When using a cordless phone I feel compelled to pace around the house.
68. I think nothing of spending $20 - $30 on a single pair of underwear.
69. My middle name is Lindley - it's a family name. Robert Lindley was an ancestor and a talented musician, he's in Musical Dictionaries.
70. If family tradition had been observed I would be James Cook Teasdale.
71. I had all my wisdom teeth out in one go.
72. I have lied about how often I go to the gym for the sake of not being called obsessive.
73. I like tight t-shirts.
74. I can't stand anything around my neck - I have to pysch myself up for that thing they put on you during a haircut.
75. I own 2 ties, no more.
76. I've always like the name "David" and "Dave."
77. I was born one day before my due date.
78. I can tell you the difference between an English Beagle and an American Beagle. I can even describe to you what makes a "Lemon" Beagle. I have never owned a beagle.
79. I don't enjoy massage - giving or receiving.
80. I'm going to name my dogs after characters from "The Fifth Element" in the future.
81. I eat, and enjoy, raw potato.
82. Apples can make me almost vomit.
83. I like to eat a banana almost every day.
84. I love to say Baba Ganoush. If I see it on a menu I'll ask about the dish saying "Baba Ganoush" three times in the questioning. I won't order that dish.
85. If I don't know the answer in a multiple choice - I'll choose "B".
86. I'm completely addicted to coffee, I never drink instant.
87. I have a muppet fixation.
88. I know the words to all the "Spray and Wipe" ads of the 1980s.
89. I held back tears at the death of Princess Diana - I still don't know why.
90. I'm a sloppy eater - I've given up on white shirts.
91. If I was going to change careers I'd want to be cabin crew for QANTAS. I'd probably end up as an accountant.
92. I'd like to get a second degree and a recognised qualification in French.
93. I'm proud of Australia's compulsory voting system.
94. I often mix up the words to songs. I just accepted they were singing about "Alex the Seal."
95. I loathe tales of love.
96. I would do anything a police officer instructs.
97. I feel like a criminal when I jaywalk.
98. I love the feel of swimming in speedos but won't wear them if someone else will be there. I have been swimming naked, at night, alone.
99. I hate social kissing, can we please just not? Making out kissing is quite a different story.
100. If Buffy and Xena were locked in mortal combat, I believe Buffy would win, and be sassy while doing it.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Ladies for Gentlemen
I was walking to the train station after work today and had some brilliant ideas about what to blog about, damned if I can remember them now, though the word "double" springs to mind.
The only thing "double" makes me think of now is Miss Cathy's concert where I met some of her particularly fabulous male friends. M (I love the Bond reference) let fly with the most fantastic double entendre when he mentioned the french horn went wildly flat during that piece and he felt almost compelled to go up and blow it for him. Bless.
My mind has "car" rattling around in it - I think it was just to say that two or three months in, I'm feeling I've almost adjusted to life without a car.
Making friends in Melbourne has advanced nicely with the addition of the lovely DC and zwei Dachshund.
Wine guy - continues to be outrageously hot and I want - if only I hadn't revealed my little habit of trying to say "Maribynong" as many times as possible in a weekend.
The only thing "double" makes me think of now is Miss Cathy's concert where I met some of her particularly fabulous male friends. M (I love the Bond reference) let fly with the most fantastic double entendre when he mentioned the french horn went wildly flat during that piece and he felt almost compelled to go up and blow it for him. Bless.
My mind has "car" rattling around in it - I think it was just to say that two or three months in, I'm feeling I've almost adjusted to life without a car.
Making friends in Melbourne has advanced nicely with the addition of the lovely DC and zwei Dachshund.
Wine guy - continues to be outrageously hot and I want - if only I hadn't revealed my little habit of trying to say "Maribynong" as many times as possible in a weekend.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Iced Tea anyone?
As I write this post I'm also being hassled by Cathy and we've decided the best way to document everything that has gone on since my last post is something of this nature:
Work
I have started work in Melbourne now, and after a few initial head spins trying to learn new protocols and procedures I'm starting to feel much more at ease. There are regular coffee dates with "American Warships" (cryptic much?) and Cathy. Generally daily coffee involves divulging all the personal stuff that we don't tell other people at work, solving the worlds problems and the monumental decision of whether today is a muffin day or toast day.
Life - Love
Since the last blog my relationship with L has come to an end - I'll miss him as a partner, he can still make me laugh, but we just weren't working together and the distance made that more difficult. I made it all the way back to the sanctuary of my flat before I burst into tears at the end of the era. It was all very amicable and I really want to stay friends with him.
Life - other
Living in a flat which I love, it's still devoid of a few things that other people think are essential, but I have carboard boxes and packing material coming out of the waazoo. Tomorrow my mattress will arrive and thank f*** for that!
That's it for this post, just wanted to get back on my blogging feet again. The "Iced Tea" title is because I bought a kettle that believes that boiling water is far too dangerous.. and so 3 or 4 seconds after you turn it on, it turns off, says it's done and gives you tepid, barely warmed water.. sounds perfect for ice tea!
Work
I have started work in Melbourne now, and after a few initial head spins trying to learn new protocols and procedures I'm starting to feel much more at ease. There are regular coffee dates with "American Warships" (cryptic much?) and Cathy. Generally daily coffee involves divulging all the personal stuff that we don't tell other people at work, solving the worlds problems and the monumental decision of whether today is a muffin day or toast day.
Life - Love
Since the last blog my relationship with L has come to an end - I'll miss him as a partner, he can still make me laugh, but we just weren't working together and the distance made that more difficult. I made it all the way back to the sanctuary of my flat before I burst into tears at the end of the era. It was all very amicable and I really want to stay friends with him.
Life - other
Living in a flat which I love, it's still devoid of a few things that other people think are essential, but I have carboard boxes and packing material coming out of the waazoo. Tomorrow my mattress will arrive and thank f*** for that!
That's it for this post, just wanted to get back on my blogging feet again. The "Iced Tea" title is because I bought a kettle that believes that boiling water is far too dangerous.. and so 3 or 4 seconds after you turn it on, it turns off, says it's done and gives you tepid, barely warmed water.. sounds perfect for ice tea!
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Reminders
Since I last blogged I have been offered a job in Melbourne - which I'm quite chuffed with to tell you the truth. I knew when I accepted the job that I would have moments of doubt on if I was doing the right thing or not. Today at work, a reminder was given to me just how far I won't get at my current employ. As I explained a process to a student, detailing how and why each step was taken, a senior member of staff told me I was making this up as I went along. Now, not being someone who actually is always right I asked what actually was happening. It seems that nothing happens with image subtraction and filtering - really the computer is just "creating moonscapes." Now anytime I have a doubt on if the move is the right thing to do, I need only look at the moon and be reminded - it truly is.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Guess who's coming to dinner.
My best friend and I had a conversation last night about who we would invite to the hypothetical dinner party of life. We limited the discussion to people who are still alive. At my dinner party - I will have:
Gretel Killeen, - Gretel was really the person who started the whole dinner party discussion, after her recent handling of a difficult housemate (who is an idiot, for the record) we decided that we'd love to invite her to dinner to get to know her better, and that she'd be a match for other dinner guests conversations. She can handle herself very well on live television and I think that would translate well to the dinner table. Her invitation would have to be very specific to avoid her being allowed to dress herself - we want to make sure she's not wearing some ridiculous outfit like she does on television.
Hugh Jackman, - Hugh scores an invite for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I saw him interviewed a couple of days ago, he really is the talk of the town at the moment. He came across as a really quite genuine and nice guy. Secondly, he's quite easy on the eye and that's always fun. His lovely wife Deborah-Lee Furness Doesn't score an invite on this occasion I'm afraid, room at the table is limited to six in total. More than happy to invite Hugh, Deb and offspring around for a weekend barbecue though. For those who are interested, during the interview Hugh revealed that he's a "folder" not a "scruncher" but he can't remember when he became a folder.
Ellen DeGeneres, - Ellen is an interesting person in her own right, she had a fairly public coming out that was met with a lack of support and subsequently has gone through some fairly public relationship break ups. My heart went out for her when Anne Heche left her to go back to a man - maybe this is my own fear realised for someone else though. She's an intelligent and funny woman who could keep conversation flowing and meet everyone at an appropriate level. If you're reading this Ellen - remember we love you.
Shane Webcke - I've spoken of my attraction to Shane before, and quite frankly he'd be fun to look at during conversation. I heard him interviewed on radio and he actually came across as quite intelligent by football player standards and I'm willing to imagine that outside the topic of football he can hold his own in conversation. He and Gretel would both have set dress codes for the evening, I'm just not sure whether the Shane I invite would be Suit and Tie Shane, Football Kit Shane or Shirtless Shane (and please, if anyone can furnish a pic to go with that - let me know because I'd love to see it.
Tim Curry. Tim has held our interests for a number of decades now and I love seeing him play the evil character. I think he'd have a wealth of stories, be quite amusing and really mesh in with the dinner crowd. He'd also be another Brit at the table and help provide a multicultural view point. Did you know he's the son of a Royal Navy Methodist Minister?
I think that sounds like quite an evening - can anyone provide the location and get access to these people for me?
Gretel Killeen, - Gretel was really the person who started the whole dinner party discussion, after her recent handling of a difficult housemate (who is an idiot, for the record) we decided that we'd love to invite her to dinner to get to know her better, and that she'd be a match for other dinner guests conversations. She can handle herself very well on live television and I think that would translate well to the dinner table. Her invitation would have to be very specific to avoid her being allowed to dress herself - we want to make sure she's not wearing some ridiculous outfit like she does on television.
Hugh Jackman, - Hugh scores an invite for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I saw him interviewed a couple of days ago, he really is the talk of the town at the moment. He came across as a really quite genuine and nice guy. Secondly, he's quite easy on the eye and that's always fun. His lovely wife Deborah-Lee Furness Doesn't score an invite on this occasion I'm afraid, room at the table is limited to six in total. More than happy to invite Hugh, Deb and offspring around for a weekend barbecue though. For those who are interested, during the interview Hugh revealed that he's a "folder" not a "scruncher" but he can't remember when he became a folder.
Ellen DeGeneres, - Ellen is an interesting person in her own right, she had a fairly public coming out that was met with a lack of support and subsequently has gone through some fairly public relationship break ups. My heart went out for her when Anne Heche left her to go back to a man - maybe this is my own fear realised for someone else though. She's an intelligent and funny woman who could keep conversation flowing and meet everyone at an appropriate level. If you're reading this Ellen - remember we love you.
Shane Webcke - I've spoken of my attraction to Shane before, and quite frankly he'd be fun to look at during conversation. I heard him interviewed on radio and he actually came across as quite intelligent by football player standards and I'm willing to imagine that outside the topic of football he can hold his own in conversation. He and Gretel would both have set dress codes for the evening, I'm just not sure whether the Shane I invite would be Suit and Tie Shane, Football Kit Shane or Shirtless Shane (and please, if anyone can furnish a pic to go with that - let me know because I'd love to see it.
Tim Curry. Tim has held our interests for a number of decades now and I love seeing him play the evil character. I think he'd have a wealth of stories, be quite amusing and really mesh in with the dinner crowd. He'd also be another Brit at the table and help provide a multicultural view point. Did you know he's the son of a Royal Navy Methodist Minister?
I think that sounds like quite an evening - can anyone provide the location and get access to these people for me?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006
Self Improvements
Like all people I have areas of my personality that I need to work on, becoming more assertive, sharing opinions etc. The one that came to me tonight is that I need to convince myself that I can't live my life pleasing others, and that sometimes I have to say enough is enough and do something for me, even if it hurts them.
Challenging times are ahead.
Challenging times are ahead.
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