Dumb Blog

Evil Birds

2011-03-23T17:04:00.002+08:00

Great to be out in nature. Horrible when it and two of its buddies try to follow you home.

Relevant

2010-11-05T21:34:00.004+08:00

She's asleep! Yes! I usually sneakily run out of the room at this point and trip over myself trying to clean the house, relax, make myself a meal, drink water, check my computer and sneeze all at once. Naturally she wakes up after 10 minutes but occasionally she sleeps for a good hour and I tiptoe back in, bored, to see if she's awake yet.

Ps. I can't sneeze when shes awake because she finds it so distressing she sticks out her bottom lip and cries. I didn't know i looked THAT ugly.

She tried to eat the polka dots

2010-10-31T08:52:00.001+08:00

Owie.

2010-09-22T09:09:00.004+08:00

All three of us fell sick yesterday morning. Annabelle was a picture of cute whineyness with her croaky voice. She didn't so much cry as whine and yowl pitifully at me as if i had something to do with it. She had a hard time getting to sleep and her usual smileyness in the early morning was replaced by a glum look at our attempts at funny faces and voices.
So it was a long night with my first childs first sickness. The room in the light of day was an explosion of tissues, diapers, sheets and blankets. The light came through the window waking her up but she smiled at me past the sniffling and drool.

Well what do you expect?

2010-09-12T00:05:00.003+08:00

I squeezed her out so i get to post way too many photos.

She's got MY pointy ear.

2010-08-21T12:17:00.000+08:00

Someone else squishing it.

2010-08-21T12:14:00.001+08:00

She met her Great Grandparents and my Aunt Loz last week.

Look what i made!

2010-08-06T18:11:00.000+08:00

Even if cherish is the one squishing it.

More coldies feeties

2010-05-15T13:11:00.000+08:00

Coldies Feeties

2010-05-15T13:06:00.000+08:00

As if i forgot.

2009-11-16T14:25:00.000+08:00

I'm sorry for the non existent phone call on your birthday. I do have totally rad excuses but mostly i was depressed because i realized i didnt have time for anything cool to be sent ON TIME this year. However i did definitely not forget about you and i sent plenty of vibes on that day and on days leading up to it. VIBES. I love you. I'm really sorry. Happy Birthday Alistair. Something will arrive when you least expect it, or right when you figure it'll come. It's like a suprise you know about but that is still a suprise.

I suppose we were a BIT overexcited by everything

2009-07-28T12:24:00.000+08:00

But just a bit.

2009-06-05T00:04:00.000+08:00

Tricky.

2009-05-10T14:23:00.001+08:00

I swear, i have just been through the longest week of my life.

This wasn't one of those dramatic days as an adolescent where something just seemed SO horrible that you'd exclaim "This is the WORST day of my life!"

When we were littlest it was the dreaded call of "bedtime!" at about 6.30 or 7 in the evening. I remember feeling so depressed that the day was over for us and that we'd never ever one day be old enough to stay up till 9 o'clock.

For some of us later on it was travelling the 20 minute walk to the swimming pool in sweltering weather, then after arriving finding that it was closed for "repairs". It may seem a little dramatic now but i remember the sad feeling of having to walk all the way home feeling more thirsty with every step.

For others, it was being the first one to get up to dance at a party, obviously standing up too soon and suddenly feeling so dizzy that they had spun along until crashing into the wall on the other side of the room. It was more of a auditorium then a room. Also more of a mass gathering then a party. The silence after the crashing noises subsided was just solid. Everyone did eventually join in the dance. But that was a low point.

This week shockingly beats all of that combined. I can't see an end to it. I actually can't remember where the week began and i'm hoping will all my little hope cells that i'll look back and it will seem just as over dramatic as the exclamation that was made on the day walking home from the swimming pool.

Pretty day

2009-04-26T19:22:00.000+08:00

We went out to frolic (i let Tammy do most of that) and found a lovely quiet non-nudist beach way up the coast. We drove along the coast untill the road ended.

Watchmen?

2009-04-07T17:42:00.000+08:00

Well i'm tired and happy to be home. Stuffs been happening, but the latest news is that I wish to go to the movies but i have this idea a few times a week and usually end up putting my feet on a surface and staying in.

In other news. I made an eggless sponge cake last night. My chef friend couldn't stop laughing when he heard just how flat it turned out. It was like cookie dough. I hate attempting to get by baking with no eggs. I also should keep my mouth shut about my failed concoctions. I already didn't know what a Gateau was.

It was wonderful! I'm not sure i should thank it or hate it for those songs which have been bouncing around in my head all week.

2009-03-31T17:32:00.000+08:00

I'm home!

2009-03-13T14:36:00.000+09:00

My very own ducky photos

2009-03-08T19:57:00.000+09:00

Where are my ducky photos?

2009-02-27T07:48:00.000+09:00

Well being the only one willing to take photos means i have alot of pictures depicting, say, the people i spend the most time with. During the past couple of weeks however, i've had alot of free time on my hands with Alistair at work all the time but shockingly managed to take one photo of the being i've spent 12 days with out of the 21 i've been here.

Realizing that, I extended my stay another week and a half. Shockingly, it wasn't untill after i did this, i started REALLY missing my family extra instead of dreading my travel date.

I dug up some oldies

2009-02-21T06:10:00.002+09:00

Assorted Rugged images from this past week

2009-02-11T08:43:00.000+09:00

Civic Centre 7.30 Sunday

2009-02-11T07:50:00.000+09:00

Look who i'm tentatively going to see!
It'll be my late birthday present.

Radiant Ducky

2009-02-01T20:48:00.000+09:00

Merry Birthday to All Smallest of Younger Sisters!

2009-01-25T17:29:00.000+09:00

Whoa Whoa

2009-01-14T23:34:00.001+09:00

Twenty Two Years Old. I'm so happy i'm not getting younger instead of older. That would depress me. I'm old at heart and young of brain. It's all very exciting!

Things I've learned in the past year:

Reading books or watching movies all the way through pretending it might be worth it does not mean it will end up feeling that way.
Hospitality is okay and yummy food is totally rad.
You are probably allergic to bee stings.
Frowning makes you invisible. Or attracts the boring kind of attention.
If someone annoys you, only vent about them to people they will NEVER meet. I finally met someone i dislike immensely.
Don't let grown hobbies bloom out of proportion.
My presents are getting better and better. Quality AND Quantity.
Pepper makes me sneeze uncontrollably.
Sunglasses are GREAT as headbands.
Photos are the best thing in the world to collect. Then it's stationary. And DVDs.
Fun Fact: That 70's show still makes me laugh.
Sad people make me squeeze out tears! What happened to my wonderfuly naieve hard heartedness?!
I am tired of having straight hair.
Alistair is gorgeous AND funny.
I have a twin. Granted she's shorter then me, has a different accent, face and manner. But still we get mistaken for each other.
Being in the same room as a Piano is almost worse then drums.

Being 22 is totally like whoa compared to 21. I start off with trying to pretend it feels different, and like totally it might end up really being that way.

Happy Nicky

2009-01-07T15:18:00.000+09:00

Happy Birthday Nicky!

2009-01-06T09:59:00.001+09:00

Appy New Year

2009-01-01T16:25:00.000+09:00

Christmas ends

2008-12-27T11:46:00.000+09:00

Christmas begins!

2008-12-21T21:01:00.000+09:00

I'm pretty happy. I get two weeks holiday at home! We had a few gatherings and it's been nice to see people briefly and wrap up the year with food and speech There were a few outings at work i got to dress up and go out for. I'm totally grown up now. Except for that part where i drive and do not drink so can't fully relax. I also dont trust people enough if they offer to give me a ride to take me home when i want to go home. MY home. So anyway, it will be weird to not have to struggle to be up at 6.30am tomorrow morning, get to work exactly five minutes late (ironically, the clock at work is five minutes fast) and be told "good afternoon". Great a place as it is to work with the best bosses ever, i'm looking forward to some time to sleep in and have hobbies again.

Goodbye and Goodriddance

2008-11-30T21:24:00.000+09:00

It was lovely to be in our own house during a party gathering thingie for a change. Anyone who knows us doesn't usually understand why we (this is mostly me, and maybe Nicky) don't generally want to be involved with parties. It's rare that we invite anyone over on any of our birthdays (shocking i know! this is even when we HAD friends). We used to invite one or two favourites and go out for lunch at the most.

I decided this probably comes from all the times when little, quiet, unknown little things a friend of a friend invited us to his friends massive families party. We'd arrive at strangers houses where millions of people greeted then ignored us. We were REALLY shy. (were?) Also the "friends" used to abandon us for more interesting kids. The adults usually loved us. "You look like little princesses!" They'd tell us to get us out of our shell. It worked as much as we looked royal.
We liked and still love movies but can't stand most party games and never wanted to be humiliated during find the pin, or that put on a bunch of clothes and relay race one.

I'm totally not bitter.

So anyway, there was champagne, there was a BBQ (i was the one SLAVING AWAY choking on smoke) there were no cameras (because i was the one SLAVING AWAY...) there was punch that could have been alcoholic if you just chose to BELIEVE, and about 15 people in all arrived to greet Cherish who finally legally gets to non sneakily guzzle all that red wine thats disappeared over the years.

It was great having you there Sharon! I think next time we should make a punch that you dont have to imagine is making you tipsy. Also we'll just have it without the juice and the fruit.

"

2008-11-25T20:50:00.000+09:00

Ru Men Liu Ban

2008-11-18T21:29:00.001+09:00

Beginners Class 6 at Shen Zhen Da Xue three years ago. It seems like so long ago, and i look so innocent and stupid.

The Farm

2008-11-14T08:50:00.000+09:00

Happy Birthday to you!

2008-11-11T21:46:00.000+09:00

Earnest monument

2008-11-11T08:25:00.000+09:00

Proud

2008-11-11T08:15:00.000+09:00

Alistair, the bobble head

2008-11-06T20:38:00.000+09:00

Hello Anniversary of Sorts

2008-11-05T07:19:00.000+09:00

One happy photo of a smiling/laughing couple at this time would be appropriate
because it was about now last year that i said 'hello' to a pretty cool guy and decided i would own him. We're both still happy with how that turned out. Everyone else on the other hand don't know what to think of the weirdo long distance super travelling duo. We flit separately when our turn comes from the cities we call home to our second or third homes in the other cities where we hope people are happy to see us.

My flight was late this time, and i missed a connecting flight on a different airline. Tbe outrage! I was a whole four hours later then expected. That airline will lose countless millions now that our patronage is OVER.

I've been to Sydney, Newcastle (and surrounding areas) and Melbourne on stopovers and visits alot this past year. I'm narrowly the winner with four/five trips under my belt, and Alistair with two/three. NARROWLY!?
Settling down in one city though it may sound sophisticated and what normal people do is out of the question because we just can't afford it. Shockingly, though the domestic airline prices are ridiculous, it's much much cheaper this way. We lose on time spent in each others company but if we can still handle it, i think this is the way its going to be for a little while yet.

My workplace puts up with me because i put in long hours when i am available. Alistair will be subject to school holidays again when he returns to Uni. I will be here for another week and a half before going home.
So, I've figured out that in the past twelve months, we've spent (not including any form of contact not in person) in 6 trips four months together, the longest time period being three weeks. Longest time we've been apart was three months and trips usually average two weeks in length.

I decided we should celebrate today. I made him a picture that i'll post next. Oh and i found a couple photo. I decided it should show the REAL me and Alistairs drunk with love face. (REAL drunk face is too much to ask for)

I'm so happy!

2008-10-26T20:27:00.000+09:00

Instead of taking weird pictures of creepy playdough smiles i decided now would be a good time to take a trip away and relax amongst the friendly people in Newcastle. Also i might as well visit Alistair because he happens to live there and it's his birthday around this general time.

SCARY

2008-10-19T21:49:00.000+08:00

Summer is horribly great for lazing around...

2008-10-19T21:32:00.000+08:00

...and wearing hats!

I love and yet hate summer

2008-10-15T18:11:00.001+08:00

I am on holiday soon again! Hooray! I decided this would be a good time to work less, love more and be generally carefree. I love my work though. I don't watch the clock except to make sure I'm on time, and i do miss being busy when i'm away.

It has its downsides and it's unpleasant people. I do like to think i'm getting a tougher skin towards people who are just having a bad day and like to take it out on unsuspecting Lisas.

It's finally hot enough to go to the beach again. I snuck down there on my own for an hour this afternoon once work was over and i felt so relaxed and came home with minimal sandyness.

Ryan Birthday

2008-10-08T20:33:00.000+08:00

Ouch

2008-09-28T20:49:00.001+08:00

The girls and i had some excuse (Nikki) to find a theatre and watch a live show last night.

"A thriller by Francis Durbridge
Melville Theatre Company presents a 'who-dunnit' with a difference. When Glen Howard decides to murder his wealthy wife to gain access to her money he devises a foolproof plan - or so he thinks!
This is a thriller with twists and turns at every stage and nothing is certain until the final denoument."

It was great fun. Other then the part where I took a huge detour on the way there and how the only pizza place we found added seafood to almost every combination, we enjoyed it splendidly.

We wanted a before show dinner pizza, made by greasy Italian men and not greasy adolescents. Luckily we found one, and even more convenient, one was named Tony.

It was a great little story, and amazing how they managed to fit the entire plot into one set. Like watching a story that could jump out at you any second and a few times almost seemed to. (Stop yelling at us!)

Puffy

2008-09-16T22:10:00.000+08:00

"Reasonable"

2008-09-16T20:21:00.000+08:00

I got this email before i'd even met him, and made them on his birthday because i was awake early and i was bored. I made millions though, last winter and sold a bunch online. Sadly, it's turned me into a slipper making scrooge who hates woolen socks of any kind.
Perhaps i should move on to gloves.

Little and carefree

2008-09-16T20:07:00.001+08:00

I miss China quite alot these days. It's such a great place, and i think the people that avoid it in favour of Macau and HongKong only are missing out on a monster of a fun time. Then again if i had to face a pack of riotous short loveable hoards speaking gibberish i might opt for the easy way out too.

But i've been dreaming about it and stuff. I'd love to go back. Minions?

For Sharon

2008-09-14T20:47:00.000+08:00

And the Sharish or Cheron creation has leaves now!

Winerino

2008-09-09T22:19:00.000+08:00

How have i not been there yet?! It's the Swan Valley and it's only about 20 minutes away. It's full of Vineyards, Wineries and a Chocolate Factory with free tastings. We had a goodbye group tour on Saturday for the french couple who are leaving after working with us for about 6 months. I miss them already.

That's not a plug for Perth or anything.

We called him snowy

2008-08-30T13:51:00.000+08:00

Six days in Melbin

2008-08-30T13:45:00.001+08:00

Funny things happen to you there.

See you tomorrow!

2008-08-22T23:04:00.000+08:00

I am so tired. I was up at 5am Wednesday morning to take Alistair to the airport, and the flight was cancelled. After an hour or so of waiting in line and picking another flight I had to go to work and didn't get my needed extra sleep untill nightfall (what? I like naps) which made me achey and not emotionally awake enough to be sad the next morning when his flight actually did leave. I went to work. I thought i'd be sad about him leaving, but i am too tired to mourn. Also, I'm joining him in Melbourne for a week tomorrow night.

Happy Birthday Guy!

2008-08-22T23:01:00.000+08:00

I won't see you today, but i made lots of goodies and left you a present! So much love! (Also you get a fathers day as well! Spoiled!)

10.50pm

2008-07-29T23:10:00.000+08:00

Okay well i suppose my job isn't the best job in the world. There is always the intrigue at the City of S. And this time it got out of hand.

It involved me!
It's supposed to revolve AROUND me and i get to spectate but be untouched by it. Oh well. I actually feel kinda special.

Anyway! On Friday night we all did our special extra bit by staying up late and working for 14 hours. We ached a bit the next day but i was actually quite proud of myself for feeling up to it and not collapsing just before the end, but waiting untill i got home and THEN complaining and THEN collapsing.

I was sick for the whole weekend afterwards.

I am so excited! It's like Christmas! I MUST remember to casually drop by the airport tomorrow night maybe pick someone up who might have arrived there, if i feel like it.

It is NEW and SHINEY

2008-07-25T07:57:00.000+08:00

I have a REALLY long shift today. Two in fact. I know people do this all the time but the last time i was on my feet for 10 hours without even a 5 minute sit down and just eating on the run, i was ready to collapse. I am SO strong.

I know this place will let me at least sit down to eat. They are so understanding that way. Also with the part where they understand i must eat sometime.

I went to the Laptop place the other day. The one that i decided was the best bet at getting the laptop that i had stalked for the past month; none of the other stores in that chain had one in stock anymore. I was all happy.

"Sorry." Le indian man informs me. "We don't have any of those."

I got a deal for the display one that meant (YES!) that i paid less for a three year warrantly. I love it and it is beautiful. Also i will ignore it completely the second Alistair arrives.

More News.

2008-07-21T21:13:00.000+08:00

Besides the part where he who loves blue jackets and has curly hair is coming to visit for three weeks from the 30th of July, i had an interesting day at work, where Nicky came along with me, and i was her boss.

Usually with younger sisters you'd think that i would already be the boss. Sadly, i can't boast that far. But for one day, 7 and a half hours, i was the thumb.

We had a good day, and it didn't feel like work hardly. She did much better then i did on my first day at the breakfast and lunch cafe place, and we celebrated by shopping on our way home. I released her to think her own thoughts only after we left the canteen.

Latest News.

2008-07-21T21:11:00.001+08:00

I'M having a visitor.

It was nice to have you over, come back soon.

2008-07-21T21:05:00.000+08:00

They were flinging paint around and must now suffer the consequence of me having a camera AND a blog. Thats what they get for doing something interesting in the backyard on a sunny day.

Happy Birthday & Anniversary (almost) !

2008-07-06T20:41:00.000+08:00

Good plan?

2008-06-21T21:36:00.000+08:00

I just looked up train rates. For a Night/Day reclining seat you get to travel across the country (Sydney to Perth) for three days, after which the ideal state is for you to be so terrified of getting back onto that train and it's communal bathrooms that you will give up everything and just stay in Perth. Good plan.

Pretty Tafe

2008-06-21T20:53:00.000+08:00

I've come up with an idea. A fantastic and somewhat out of this world idea.
After visiting Sydney briefly, spending 6 hours in Melbourne and countless trips to Newcastle and the surrounding area; i have decided that i don't hate Perth. I happen to like it. Cherish decided when i broke the news to her and Nicky that I'm the black sheep of the family. I suppose she must mean out of the girls seeing as three brothers live and work quite happily here.

I know it's shocking. But i've made up my mind. Unless further observation of Melbourne makes this post obsolete, i'm here untill the end of the year with relish at least.

The girls and I visited the Grandparents today. Nanny is not herself, we had lunch with her and Pop and she was just so tired, it was kinda sad. But we stayed for a couple of hours and made lunch for them and enoyed our tea party thingie. I'm just so used to her being the life of the party AND a card, that it's difficult to see her so fragile. I guess losing your memory can be very depressing.

In other news. I'm working every day next week so i plan to be very tired. I'm taking the girls to an early morning market tomorrow so i also plan to be very annoyed at my lack of sleep-ins this weekend. I feel bitter.

A sense of loss

2008-06-11T21:58:00.000+08:00

I had a serious losing things streak while i was gone.

I am no stranger to misplacing/letting people steal my things. It usually seems to happen to me, but never at this rate.

First of all, Mum gave me this black backpack that i thought would be perfect for travelling. However the taunting leathery thing hated me from the start.

When i went for a trip to the farm where Alistair's Grandparents lived my wallet went missing. It was scary, i was worried i'd lost my ID, money, my prized movie store card, and those cool coupons i cut out of that newspaper.
Thankfully that was the only place i'd been to that day so we returned the next night and looked in all crevaces, and then looked outside. (This is a farm. Looking outside is daunting.)
There it was, in the meadow, sitting on some tall grass. I was very happy to see it, and i determined to be more cautious with the strappy, constantly open mouthed bag.

The day afterwards when we were at a fast food place, i realized my bag felt lighter then before. I remembered my camera should have been weighing me down and when it wasn't, and when Alistair's fastidious search of the ground proved useless; i went to check the bathrooms but the cubicles were inhabited. While i waited and thought about asking the women (at least, i assumed they were women) if they'd seen my camera, i looked next to the sink and saw their belongings on the floor, with MY camera bag sitting atop them.
While i debated as to wether their intentions towards my camera were honorable or not, i was overcome by my own honorable greed, grabbed it and ran.

Heart pounding and feet shuffling while i dragged Alistair from his careful search of the tables ensued.
So that was exciting, and i kept careful watch of my stuff for the rest of the trip. I relaxed at the airport on the way home a bit. Had to freak out about almost losing my phone in Melbourne, but we rang it and found it in Alistair's Dad's car wedged between the seat and the door. Much like my passport was that time. But that's a story i've told already.

Slices are the new cake!

2008-06-11T21:20:00.000+08:00

Isn't it beautiful!

I have returned from my lengthy expedition to the land of the new and shiney and rainy. Finally got some photos too. Also i got Alistair to wear a suit jacket. It was fun.

I'm taking all the girls Tuesday (by taking i mean driving them to, not paying, don't bully me please) the cinema where they will pay for themselves and will enjoy the movie. And also pay for my ticket? It's Prince Capsicum by the way. The girls love the Narnia chronicles.

WHY is he Spanish!? He sounds and looks like Don Juan, he only lacks in calling himself the 'warrlds gleatest lahver'.

So yes it was fun, i got a 6 hour stop over trip in Melbourne where i stayed at Alistair's Dad's place instead of waiting it out at the airport. It's where i found this loverly table and chairs thingie under a branch obsessed tree.

I have returneded

2008-06-11T21:15:00.000+08:00

The grindstone is USING my nose

2008-05-23T10:43:00.000+08:00

Changing work places was quite a process. I got my little swipe card and everything!

I'm struggling to get ready to leave on my trip. Usually i half pack a week or two in advance. Then i know what is in the laundry, and i know what clothes i can wear without ruining my careful packing job.

But this time, even though i don't have to work on the day i'm leaving, i have barely started. I leave midnight tonight. So much to do. I'm going straight to Newcastle but i do get to stop over in Melbourne for an hour and a half. I've always wanted to see all the glorious SIGHTS in airport i've never seen before!

It'll be sad leaving, for some reason. Also, I'm so excited.

I know it'll make SOMEONE smile

2008-05-17T23:38:00.000+08:00

What Not To Do When Watching 'Lord Of The Rings' In Theatres

2. Block the entrance to the theater while screaming: "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"
4. Point and laugh whenever someone dies.
6. Finish off every one of Elrond's lines with "Mr. Anderson."
8. Talk like Gollum all through the movie. At the end, bite off someone's finger and fall down the stairs.
10. When Denethor lights the fire, shout "Barbecue!"
13. During a wide shot of a battle, inquire, "Where's Waldo?"
14. Talk loudly about how you heard that there is a single frame of a nude Elf hidden somewhere in the movie.
17. Imitate what you think a conversation between Gollum, Dobby and Yoda would be like.
25. During a battle scene stand up and yell, "Middle Earth needs me!" then run into the screen. After bouncing back, return to your seat muttering, "Shucks, it's locked..."
22. During the movie, ask people who they think would win if Gandalf and Dumbledore had a fight.
11. In The Two Towers when the Ents decide to march to war, stand up and shout "RUN FOREST, RUN!"
20. Also, please refrain from caressing your popcorn and saying, "My preciousssss".

Pictures

2008-05-10T20:07:00.000+08:00

what i see when i wake up

2008-05-07T15:44:00.000+08:00

Sometimes you just have a really good day. I filled in an application form for casual work at the COS civic centre and they seemed actually impressed. I didn't have any references that weren't from China, and it didn't bother them. After a medical i'll be on their books, and things will be swell. Also weird. I'm being put in charge of the canteen tomorrow, i'll have two minions but i've got to keep it running and order people around. I feel suddenly powerful.

Because because because because becauuuuuse

2008-04-27T20:31:00.001+08:00

Apparently, i sing when i'm happy. These aren't normal run of the mill toned songs either. I warble and shriek all in one line. It drove some nuts, others thought it was cute and the strange ones found it intriguing.

Oh when the saints go! Marching in! Yo!

You have to add a word with an "o" sound to the end of the lines that don't rhyme.

Anyway, i had a swell two weeks. It's back to work real soon. However! Tomorrow i'm off to book my flight.

?

2008-04-09T12:22:00.001+08:00

If only the young knew; if only the old could. —France

The palest ink is better than the best memory. —China

Fall seven times, stand up eight. —Japan

Be sure to live your life, because you are a long time dead. —Scotland

If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing. —Zimbabwe

I am brave. Posting this proves it.

2008-04-08T18:51:00.000+08:00

I'm getting a visitor on friday. He's staying for two weeks, and gets to meet Mum, Dad, the two boys, four girls, Nanna and Pop, a few aunts and uncles, and anyone else who happens to drop by for a viewing. If he finds it daunting, too bad.

Easter gathering

2008-03-25T20:18:00.000+09:00

Assorted

2008-03-18T20:42:00.000+09:00

Kodac EasyShare Z710

2008-03-18T20:36:00.001+09:00

I got a cute little camera. Mr. Behind the desk man informed me he doesn't have one anymore because they're chunky and he wanted something slinkier. I didn't understand why he was telling me about his personal preferences in cameras..or women?

I just wanted one that didn't cost me too much and put out.

One Fine Guesty Afternoon

2008-03-18T20:17:00.000+09:00

VERY scandalous. Also not so bad

2008-03-03T20:48:00.000+09:00

I am 54% Addicted to Coffee

Snuggling

2008-02-20T12:32:00.000+09:00

Sagas, trilogies and series

2008-02-09T22:41:00.000+09:00

It's NOT a romance novel. There may be some of those elements, but it's Historical Fiction. And it's fun. Fabio books on the other hand (though he goes back in time and becomes a Viking, though he's a rogue travelling to the new world, though he is half Native American at one stage) are definitely, without a doubt romance novels.

Reading a novel that has at least roots in historical events with dates and names of places that exist just makes you feel like you're educating yourself while you read an entertaining book, and at the most they are very much based on true events. I've tried the non fiction ones. They're usually tedious.

Jo gave me a bunch to read at first, and i loved them but there weren't enough for me. However, soon enough, i accidentally stumbled upon this author that has written hundreds.

(Eleanor Alice Burford (born September 1, 1906 in Kensington, London, England - d. January 18, 1993 at sea, somewhere between Greece and Port Said, Egypt), Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.)

I've read about 20, and i have a lot more to get through. I'm beginning to own alot, but i have to read the ones i order from the library before i get time to read the ones i pick up from second hand stores. I suppose you could say i'm collecting them. They cover in detail the lives of historical figures (Royalty, mostly). It's extremely interesting, especially the history of England. (She uses alot of French all through her books, German occasionally, & it makes you want to learn those languages, and visit those famous places she names.)

I'm wondering when i'll get bored of this author's way of writing and her take on history but so far it's just too interesting. She doesn't try to jazz it up with scandalous rumors about the characters like some other authors, though she does mention that they were curculated.

My sisters often get confused and enjoy labelling them falsely 'romance novels'. That's why i'm expounding. Not because i really like them or anything.

Very very hungry, super super lonely

2008-02-02T20:31:00.001+09:00

I've been home for over a week now. I've been working, and getting up at 5am to be at work by 6. I enjoy it. Especially today, where i get time to sleep in.

I got backed up presents from people the night i arrived because they had missed my birthday. It seemed that i was smothered in goodies. Our January birthdays are finally over, thankfully. Though they seemed endless we finally got through them unscathed.

I still owe Mum a present.

School holidays are over soon. Tammy will go back to her books in the mornings and early afternoons, and Cherish will be gone for much of the week again.

Oh yes, and Sachi's finally here!

I need to keep myself occupied for the next two months before i get a visitor. Any idears?

Cheaper by the Dozen

2008-01-29T22:04:00.001+09:00

I'm back!

2008-01-24T17:03:00.000+09:00

I think that sums the three weeks up well enough.

Castle

2008-01-20T06:32:00.000+09:00

We were in this area, and probably drove past the day before.

Clarence Town

2008-01-11T20:29:00.000+09:00

A shiny new key

2008-01-11T20:12:00.000+09:00

I turned 21!

I am old. When i try to tell people about how much older i am then they are and how they should respect me so much more, they shrug, tell me i don't look that old.
But then i break the news to them that i knit, and they agree.

I got a key on a card, and a 21 keyshaped necklace. I feel very adult and stylish.

Away

2008-01-11T20:03:00.000+09:00

Lost in the desert

2007-12-27T21:14:00.000+09:00

I suppose it's been long enough since this embarrassing incident.

Long enough for me to remove the constant blushing and find what remains of my dignity.

Nicky and I were out driving recently. We do this often enough. I take risks and the skin of my teeth gets a little grated. But the entire 8 months I've held a license have been scratch free. So i am pretty lazy about driving. It's an automatic car, it does the work for you.

I took us through a short cut, it ends just at a set of lights. These lights do include a green one, but it is the least used of all. I think orange lasts longer then green. We waited while all the cars zoomed ahead, but as we were turning left onto the road to wait while the light was having it's evil glee time on red, a bunch of cars piled up and blocked my way. I was somewhat strapped. A car was arriving behind me. I could have just waited. I should have waited.

I turned right, not into the wrong lane. I was going to cross a sandy patch of ground that led to a car park from where you can more easily turn left onto the road. I was going to be snazzy and take that risk. I'd seen a four wheel drive do it just the other day. I forgot what i was driving in. It was definitely not a four wheel drive. But the sand looked shallow.

I was going slow. Too slow. I felt the front wheels sink. Sand was flying everywhere. I reversed but naturally, nothing happened. The front wheels were just whizzing wildly. The onlookers gestured me to just turn the car off before i caused a sandstorm. We got out, and gaped at the wheels almost halfway down in the sand.
"I didn't know it was that deep." I remarked to a quiet Nicky. I waited for her to blame me and walk home.

Some onlookers were being helpful. "Wow. How did you get there?" They asked. A man with a pink shirt made it his business to get us out. He hailed a guy in a ute and asked him to pull us. My phone had conveniently just run out. At the moment i realized the keys were face deep in the sand, four or five black men came along. They were all helpful. They tried to push us out and Nicky joined them. She had the right idea, it was an adventure. A grand sandy adventure. I couldn't help

The boys moved us about a foot. They gave up and suggested shovels. They sallied forth to their next damsels in distress. We thanked them and felt all alone. Lost in a sandy desert no more then 10 minutes away from our house, we suddenly felt very thirsty.

Is that a cactus?

The guy with the ute came along, tied us together and pulled us out. We were not thirsty anymore. I called them sweethearts. The guy with the pink shirt left, and the other guy (most shocking of all) got the green light. We sallied forth, vowing never to go near sandy pits of destruction ever again. The disturbed mounds are still there to remind me of my mistake.

Guy?

2007-12-18T22:40:00.000+09:00

Merry Christmas!

Traditionally, at this time of year we all gather around the tree or the couch and try to fit in the frame. We always want a decent family photo to send to people, or to keep a record of how we all look, or to feel like we actually accomplished something pretty during the stress thats always involved.

And we normally succeed. We take something that we all look forced into and where we all shine with very unnatural grins, but we look nice enough and we are able to convince people that we are a relaxed christmasy family.
Last year, we failed miserably.

Mum got a free coupon from a dingy place in the corner of a supermarket. We've never been ones to pass up anything free, the vaccuum cleaning incident is a very exciting example, so six of us traipsed down in our finest garments, looking a little too fashionable and made up.

The photographer lady was young and rushed. We waited for ages first, then were shown into a walk in closet. She made the background a neutral grey colour, and told Mum to sit on Dad's lap on a questionable shaky seat. She then shoved us around and behind them, making us in to a neat little group of people. "Biiiig smiles!" She said, realizing we looked less then glamorously toothy. We grinned our brightest back!
She squinted at us from behind the lens, and frowned. We were not close enough. She shoved us closer together. Our smiles were a little shaky. Were we not pleasing enough?
She then ran back to her station, and frowned again. She came back and forcibly squished us all into an uncomfortable small area. It was stuffy. We were so tightly packed that I expected to look down and see that everyone was standing on my feet.

She yelled again. "Sayy cheese!"
Our smiled had drooped. We clenched teeth into fake ones. "Cheese."

Then we were happy again! It was over for another year. We thought it was a job well done. We obviously did the most work. They should have paid us for enduring that. Plus, they'd get a really nice photo out of the bargain.

We received it about two weeks later. They made us go and pick it up. One look at the top corner and i knew we'd made a horrible mistake. A red face grinned back at me. It wasn't a mistake, it was my own face. She'd zoomed very much in, so whatever we were wearing didn't matter one bit.We all looked like lobsters. Very squished, slimey lobsters with massive disturbing grins.
This year, we're going with the option of being that disturbing looking on our own camera.

The School

2007-12-10T15:10:00.000+09:00

After i got back from the trip. I was consistently working at the same place. I had no unpleasant experiences there, unlike my poor sister Nikki. I brought her with me once to join in on how easy it was. She was slightly abused by stressed out overseers and wasn't interested in returning.

I went back a few times a week, and i got along with everyone pretty well. Even when the Manager changed things only got better and less stressful. The school year however was almost over, and on one of my last days there, we were serving at a function. I learned how to be even more waitressy and i enjoyed it. It was easy going. However, the boss woman who was dressed up very fashionably and lathered in make up stopped for a moment to look me up and down. She was disapproving. Her icy voice using the tone where she speaks to the ground she walks on or servants cut through the tension.

"Could you tuck your shirt in perhaps? Maybe tie something around your waist?"

"I could try." I said. I'm temporary staff so i had no idea who she was. And i get told by the agency what to wear depending on where i end up. "I doubt it though." White top and black pants.
She turned to the manageress. "Where are your extra black tops?"

I ended up being forced to change. It was an outrage!

"Don't take it seriously," the other women said. "She makes us all run around."

I gave the scary boss lady my biggest grin of contentment/resentment when i came back out. I didn't really mind, and she turned out to be just as nice as the others. It all worked out, and we were both perfectly happy. Until i tried to walk out with the black shirt still on.

Back to the Barn.

2007-12-10T14:54:00.000+09:00

Latest plans: A return to rural living.

I shall be gone for three whole weeks this time.

Statement.

2007-11-25T12:03:00.001+09:00

I went on a trip. It was originally only supposed to be for a week. I ended up staying as long as i could. I would have stayed longer if i didn't have things to do back here. I had a great time and i miss it very much. I visited the guy i plastered all over my last post. His name is Alistair and he'll return the visiting favour early next year.

I've suddenly gotten very busy, or at least it seems busy to me. I've also had a recurring sore throat, it went away for a day but has returned to plague me. It's going on three weeks and i don't know what to make of it.

I voted yesterday. I felt very patriotic standing in that massively long line of about 10 people. I was given about 5 pamphlets telling me how to vote for each particular party. I collected them in a neat stack and carefully placed them in the bin provided. I then placed other bits of paper in another bin. I am so Australian.

I'm still working a few times a week at the private boys school. It's easy for me and time goes by speedily. I met a blonde girl who was born in Hong Kong and grew up there. She'd been to Shenzhen and knew all the shopping haunts. It was really weird, but really cool.

I'm back!

2007-11-18T14:33:00.001+09:00

See you later!

2007-10-29T23:29:00.000+09:00

Times 400

2007-10-25T11:40:00.000+08:00

I've been saving up. Imagine doing that formal setting four hundred times. We should try it at home. The school shifts are over. I couldn't bend after the first long day.
We're giving up street walking. It's become bothersome, the neighborhoods know us a little too well, and it's just gotten really hot. Everyone is relieved that the creepy men stories are over.

The story of the annoying love note.

2007-10-22T11:16:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, Nicky and i were minding our business walking the streets like we sometimes do. We left the car at a convenient parking space (the curb outside some building) and walked on.

There was a car driving into the apartment building, with what i thought was an older looking not creepy man watching with interest. I got annoyed. I figured he'd complain to me about where i was parking.

I decided i'd put on my hugest grin and tell him i'd be back for it real soon. (There were no banned parking signs around! Some people are just very neighborhood conscious.) But he drove into his building and i didn't look back. Until i got to the end of the street, he was out of his car on the curb still watching.
Oh, i thought. A creepy man, that's alright then. He'll go away, and the car is safe.

When Nicky and I got back about half an hour later, i didn't notice anything suspicious. I forgot about the driveway character and his odd ways. I was beset by friendly talkative residents anyway, and it got pushed out of my mind. Then i saw it.

I was in the car. There were WORDS on my windscreen. I read them, realized what it meant and my first thought was "How did he get INTO the car?!" Anyway, it was on the outside underneath one of the windscreen wipers. (Don't worry, I washed the car later.)

It was a love note with a phone number on it for me to call. It was so charming and rustic and slightly freaked me out that i laughed so much, and handed it to Nicki, while using the other hand to change gears and drive off.

"What IS this?! She said. "Show it to everyone!"
She didn't say that exactly, but thats what ended up happening. Someone was horrified, John thought it was psycho, and Dad has the car ready at any minute in case i hear from the hapless driveway poet again.

Yet another list

2007-10-22T11:09:00.000+08:00

Here goes with my inviting plain window space, and my annoying font .

Feelings at time of writing: Glad that this font makes it difficult for below list to be read.

List of stuff to get done before two weeks is up starting now.

1. Look for and preferably find one of those bamboo thingies with the little hand on the end

2. Think about packing for a while.

3. Pack the bag to running over.

4. After packing, remove three quarters of stuff you're trying to bring, because you don't need it, really you don't.

5. Put one quarter back in the bag, just in case you DO need it.

6. Go to one of those grimy looking chinese stores and buy all those msg ridden snacks you know and love.

7. And Pineapple cakes.

8. Buy a brush. ( Sharon will agree with me here)

9. Find the last Fabio book in the series, just in case it's worse then the others.

10. Work one last shift at an all boys school this week.

11. Make a million potholders for Mum

12. If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty at this point, have a snack.

13. Prepare extras.

14. Don't forget either ticket or toothbrush.

Oh dear

2007-10-19T00:02:00.000+08:00

List of things to blog about:

1. That guy with alot of hair on his head that comes to visit almost every day.
2. The very charming psycho love note that got left on "my" car.
3. The sleazy shirtless sensitive people who were emoting with a guitar and sliding down a hill all at once.
4. The goo goo choo goo ba rubber ducky story.
5. Real information.
6. A blank post with no information much like this one.
7. A to-do list that i need to put together, and includes as a bonus the description of my feelings at the time of writing.

You decide

Terror

2007-10-09T21:53:00.000+08:00

Ryan turned three! You know how people have a birthday then say "I don't FEEL any different." Well, Ryan was instantly changed. He turned into a raging, swashbuckling, ravaging pirate. He yelled for over an hour. He was very excited about everything he turned his attention to, and he kept it up for a long time. Long enough for Granddad to catch on and join in. Mum thinks the two pirates bonded.

It was so cute. Happy Birthday little guy.

Today we...

2007-09-30T18:40:00.000+08:00