Yesterday marked 16 years that Christian and I have been together. I know most married couples only celebrate their wedding anniversaries but since we had such a long engagement and saw our wedding as just making it 'official' in the eyes of others, this is the big anniversary for us.
We went out for dinner last night and I told Christian he had to surprise me with the 'where'. Being a man and Christian, it wasn't mush of a surprise. He took me to The Olive Tree Restaurant in West Perth which is where we had our wedding reception and our most favourite restaurant. We spent the evening doing what we do best - having playful debates!
Christian sends a txt to a mate about archery the following morning and changes a word in predictive text.
Me - Urgh, I hate predictive text, it's so sucky!
C - What?!? No way, it's the best thing ever!
Me - No it's not, it always puts in words I would never use and it takes longer for me to change them to what I want than it would for me to type the damn thing out myself.
C - You have to teach it! It'll learn eventually what words you use most.
Me - If I wanted to teach something, I'd have a child. I'm not teaching my damn phone!
C - This new phone has the best predictive text I've ever used. This is the first time I've had to change a suggestion.
Me - Oooooh that's impressive! It's learned what you like in two days! [/sarcasm]
C - I've sent like 10 messages since I got it!
Me - Wow! That's like, totally heaps!
C - There is documented evidence that predictive text is faster.
Me - I don't believe you.
C - Remember you and Mike had that race and he won.
Me - No he didn't, I did!
C - Did not.
Me - Did too! I won at least one of them! And I think we tied one as well....
C - Uh huh
Me - Hang on a minute...is the race I had with Mike your so called 'documented evidence'?
C - Evasively Well it was documented...because you sent it...
Me - You are such a cheater!
After that, everything Christian said got a 'And there's documented evidence to support your claim?' in response.
We had a lovely dinner and got home just after nine. And in true married couple tradition went straight to bed promptly fell asleep! Christian is still asleep now, 12 hours later! Obviously our debating tired him out!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Yet another Christian quip
I apologise for the lack of originality of my posts lately as they all seem to be 'Christian said this' but isn't it better than no posts at all?
Me - How's the job hunt going?
C - Neyh, there's nothing out there. Nothing good anyway.
Me - Have you heard anything from Lance's friend who said he'd keep an eye out?
C - No, but I didn't really expect to.
Me - Have you thought about trying an agency?
C - Oh fuck no.
Me - Why not?
C - Those people have no souls.
Me - Oh really?
C - It's true.
Me - I'm sure it is dear.
C - I'm sure they're all gingers...
Me - Uh huh, whatever you say.
Me - How's the job hunt going?
C - Neyh, there's nothing out there. Nothing good anyway.
Me - Have you heard anything from Lance's friend who said he'd keep an eye out?
C - No, but I didn't really expect to.
Me - Have you thought about trying an agency?
C - Oh fuck no.
Me - Why not?
C - Those people have no souls.
Me - Oh really?
C - It's true.
Me - I'm sure it is dear.
C - I'm sure they're all gingers...
Me - Uh huh, whatever you say.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Quidditch through the ages...or not
Christian and I have some weird conversations whilst laying in bed. I have no idea how this one even started...somewhere in there we ended up getting onto the subject of sports.
Me - We could play Quidditch together!
C - Erm...
Me - No seriously, they have a Quidditch league here in Perth now and you run around on a field with a broomstick between your legs.
C - Pisses himself laughing It's retarded enough as it is in the books and movies, why would they make it even more retarded by running about with a stick between your legs.
Me - Quidditch in the books isn't retarded! It's a highly skilled game!
C - No it's not! They just all fly around trying to get that one stupid ball that wins the game.
I try and explain the rules of Quidditch to Christian as he has no idea.
C - ??? What the fuck? Why are there other balls involved? If getting the snitch wins the game, why don't they all go for it?
Me - Because catching the snitch doesn't necessarily win the game. If you've scored enough points to begin with, you can still win even if your seeker doesn't catch it. Besides, only the seeker can go for the snitch.
C - Why?
Me - Because they're the rules!
C - Where does it say that?
Me - In the books!
C - It specifically says that's the rule?
Me - Yes! It's the seeker's job to catch the snitch.
C - That's just his role, that's not a rule. Why can't they all look for it and whoever catches it just hands it to him?
Me - Because that's not how it works Christian!
C - Who says?
Me - Quittitch Through The Ages , that's who!
I go and find the book and throw it at him. Christian reads the book from start to end (it's not a long book).
C - There's no actual rules in here! Anyone could catch it.
Me - Gah! I give up! Flails arms around in the air.
Despite my exasperation with my husband, on Friday we actually got to spend some time together. I had arranged to have the day off so my car could get serviced and Christian came and picked me up and we headed down to Hillaries Boat Harbour to have some breakfast.
We went to Dome and they have these new fandangled electronic table trackers instead of the ye olde number on a stick. I was playing around with it and was musing out loud how it would work.
Me - So I assume they have like a map of the tables on their computer and a mini GPS thingy would mark the table that this is sitting on so they know where we are hey?
C - I doubt it.
Me - So how do you think it works then Mr Smarty Pants?
C - Not like that.
Me - So what, they just walk around and a little voice in their ear says 'Getting warmer, warmer, hotter, NO COLDER! COLDER! Warmer, warmer, hotter, hotter, BAM there they are!'
C - Neyh.
To take out my frustrations I pull faces at him all through breakfast, much to the amusement of other patrons.
After breakfast we headed out to the shops at Whitfords to kill some time before my car was ready. I bought a very cute 1920's (?) style hat (I'm not good with hat history, it may be a 1940's style hat) and we also picked up an awesome umbrella that has the handle of a samurai sword.
While we were browsing through a book exchange, my phone rang.
Me - Hello.
Voice - Hello, this is Louise from Big Rock Toyota. I've gotten the report back on your car and they suggest at 30,000kms that you have your Throttle Body Housing cleaned.
Me - I'm going to put you onto my husband because last time I got something like that done without checking with him, I got yelled at.
Pass the phone to Christian.
Me - Speak to this lady, she wants me to have the throttle housing thingy cleaned.
C - Why do you want me to speak to her?
Me - Because you know stuff.
C - How much do they want to charge?
Me - Just talk to the damn lady Christian!
C - Hi, so how much do you charge for that?
Christian's mouth literally drops open, then he starts laughing.
C - Ah no, I think we can give that a miss. Thanks.
After hanging up, I ask what she said.
C - Oh, it's normally $180 but she could drop it down to $110 for us.
Me - And that's...crazy?
C - They spray a can of stuff and run the motor for two minutes*. That's it.
Me - And this is why I give you the phone.
* This may or may not be how it actually works but this is how I remember him saying it. If it's wrong, blame me and my memory cos I'm 100% sure Christian knows what he's talking about.
Just on a final note, here are some photos of Molly. Just so you can all go 'Awwwww'.
Me - We could play Quidditch together!
C - Erm...
Me - No seriously, they have a Quidditch league here in Perth now and you run around on a field with a broomstick between your legs.
C - Pisses himself laughing It's retarded enough as it is in the books and movies, why would they make it even more retarded by running about with a stick between your legs.
Me - Quidditch in the books isn't retarded! It's a highly skilled game!
C - No it's not! They just all fly around trying to get that one stupid ball that wins the game.
I try and explain the rules of Quidditch to Christian as he has no idea.
C - ??? What the fuck? Why are there other balls involved? If getting the snitch wins the game, why don't they all go for it?
Me - Because catching the snitch doesn't necessarily win the game. If you've scored enough points to begin with, you can still win even if your seeker doesn't catch it. Besides, only the seeker can go for the snitch.
C - Why?
Me - Because they're the rules!
C - Where does it say that?
Me - In the books!
C - It specifically says that's the rule?
Me - Yes! It's the seeker's job to catch the snitch.
C - That's just his role, that's not a rule. Why can't they all look for it and whoever catches it just hands it to him?
Me - Because that's not how it works Christian!
C - Who says?
Me - Quittitch Through The Ages , that's who!
I go and find the book and throw it at him. Christian reads the book from start to end (it's not a long book).
C - There's no actual rules in here! Anyone could catch it.
Me - Gah! I give up! Flails arms around in the air.
Despite my exasperation with my husband, on Friday we actually got to spend some time together. I had arranged to have the day off so my car could get serviced and Christian came and picked me up and we headed down to Hillaries Boat Harbour to have some breakfast.
We went to Dome and they have these new fandangled electronic table trackers instead of the ye olde number on a stick. I was playing around with it and was musing out loud how it would work.
Me - So I assume they have like a map of the tables on their computer and a mini GPS thingy would mark the table that this is sitting on so they know where we are hey?
C - I doubt it.
Me - So how do you think it works then Mr Smarty Pants?
C - Not like that.
Me - So what, they just walk around and a little voice in their ear says 'Getting warmer, warmer, hotter, NO COLDER! COLDER! Warmer, warmer, hotter, hotter, BAM there they are!'
C - Neyh.
To take out my frustrations I pull faces at him all through breakfast, much to the amusement of other patrons.
After breakfast we headed out to the shops at Whitfords to kill some time before my car was ready. I bought a very cute 1920's (?) style hat (I'm not good with hat history, it may be a 1940's style hat) and we also picked up an awesome umbrella that has the handle of a samurai sword.
While we were browsing through a book exchange, my phone rang.
Me - Hello.
Voice - Hello, this is Louise from Big Rock Toyota. I've gotten the report back on your car and they suggest at 30,000kms that you have your Throttle Body Housing cleaned.
Me - I'm going to put you onto my husband because last time I got something like that done without checking with him, I got yelled at.
Pass the phone to Christian.
Me - Speak to this lady, she wants me to have the throttle housing thingy cleaned.
C - Why do you want me to speak to her?
Me - Because you know stuff.
C - How much do they want to charge?
Me - Just talk to the damn lady Christian!
C - Hi, so how much do you charge for that?
Christian's mouth literally drops open, then he starts laughing.
C - Ah no, I think we can give that a miss. Thanks.
After hanging up, I ask what she said.
C - Oh, it's normally $180 but she could drop it down to $110 for us.
Me - And that's...crazy?
C - They spray a can of stuff and run the motor for two minutes*. That's it.
Me - And this is why I give you the phone.
* This may or may not be how it actually works but this is how I remember him saying it. If it's wrong, blame me and my memory cos I'm 100% sure Christian knows what he's talking about.
Just on a final note, here are some photos of Molly. Just so you can all go 'Awwwww'.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Time travel
The problem with always having been the 'good' kid growing up is that I'm finding that every now and then I revert back to my teen years and act like everyone else was doing back then while I was busy being responsible.
And so for the past TWO weekends (yep, count em) I've found myself getting rather pissed. The first weekend Christian had some people round to celebrate his last day at his job. I hadn't planned on drinking much because I had to have an early night for my market but I didn't quite pull off that plan. It made for a rather uncomfortable day in 40C heat at the markets.
Then last night one of Christian's mates came round to watch the footy and somehow we got to talking about which pubs and clubs we've been to in town and we decided to go out. Tash had had a bit of a rough weekend and so I called her and told her to come out with us. We had pre-going-out drinkies here and then headed out to The Court for several more.
Which leaves me at lunchtime on a Sunday feeling rather seedy and looking through the few random photo albums I have on the HTPC. I came across some pics I took last winter up at my mother's place and although I'm pretty sure I have them in an album on FB I figured I'd share them on here since it's my blog and I'll do whatever the heck I want lol.
Most of them are of old figurines and things from Mum's garden.
Owl!
Purdy flowers.
I just love the fact that I found a rubber duckie in the yard. Nestled against the decaying leaves it gave me a bit of a Chernobyl feel for some reason.
I'd love to say time and spiders wait for no man but considering this is a thermometer it's a bit pointless...
My fave photo.
There's a bear in there...
My mother's freaky ashtray.
This 28 wanted...
...this chicken. Nom nom nom cheeeeeeekan!
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the blast from Nettie's past for today. Please remain seated until the internet comes to a complete stop and then make your way in a orderly fashion to the door. Thank you for frequenting The Natterings of Nettie and have a pleasant day.
And so for the past TWO weekends (yep, count em) I've found myself getting rather pissed. The first weekend Christian had some people round to celebrate his last day at his job. I hadn't planned on drinking much because I had to have an early night for my market but I didn't quite pull off that plan. It made for a rather uncomfortable day in 40C heat at the markets.
Then last night one of Christian's mates came round to watch the footy and somehow we got to talking about which pubs and clubs we've been to in town and we decided to go out. Tash had had a bit of a rough weekend and so I called her and told her to come out with us. We had pre-going-out drinkies here and then headed out to The Court for several more.
Which leaves me at lunchtime on a Sunday feeling rather seedy and looking through the few random photo albums I have on the HTPC. I came across some pics I took last winter up at my mother's place and although I'm pretty sure I have them in an album on FB I figured I'd share them on here since it's my blog and I'll do whatever the heck I want lol.
Most of them are of old figurines and things from Mum's garden.
Owl!
Purdy flowers.
I just love the fact that I found a rubber duckie in the yard. Nestled against the decaying leaves it gave me a bit of a Chernobyl feel for some reason.
I'd love to say time and spiders wait for no man but considering this is a thermometer it's a bit pointless...
My fave photo.
There's a bear in there...
My mother's freaky ashtray.
This 28 wanted...
...this chicken. Nom nom nom cheeeeeeekan!
Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the blast from Nettie's past for today. Please remain seated until the internet comes to a complete stop and then make your way in a orderly fashion to the door. Thank you for frequenting The Natterings of Nettie and have a pleasant day.
Monday, March 12, 2012
A day at the markets
My cousin Sarah is one of these annoying crafty people who have awesome ideas and the actual talent to execute them. A while back she started making jewellery and accessories and started an online business called Bits and Bobs. As well as making items, she also started sourcing jewellery online to supplement the handmade items. I think it started by her sending me links to items she was thinking of buying and then me searching for other cool things but before we both knew it, I was also buying things to sell.
And so it eventually evolved into us getting a market stall up in Mundaring on the second Sunday of the month. We’ve just had our second one and it definitely seems worth the effort. The market is open for six hours and of course there are quiet times and so there’s lots of time for people watching. People and things we’ve seen include :
*A mullet on every second person.
*The mulleted women opposite us deciding that bras are so yesterday.
*The local church have a tent and they just love venturing out to hand out pamphlets and scare away customers.
*A lovely lady called Judy who is a newbie too and has been next to us both times.
*Irresponsible pet owners walking their dogs on hot bitumen on a 40C day.
*Two girls dressed in head to toe vinyl devil outfits, handing out pamphlets to a car show. I dared them to hand the church tent some brochures and they totally did! Best expressions ever on Churchlady’s face! I swear her mouth drew into such a thin line she almost sucked her nose off her face!
*A man with his beard dyed purple.
*A chain smoking grump who sells wrought iron candlesticks and snaps at you if you accidentally lean a table against his curbing whilst setting up.
*Gaggles and gaggles of teenage girls there for their cheerleading stand.
Things we didn’t see
*The git who nicked one of our rings.
All in all it’s a great day out and making a bit of cash on the side is always handy. I’m putting it aside for November because FLORA IS COMING!
NB - I have photos of the items I have gotten to sell (or some of them anyway) but my puter has been having some reconstructive surgery and is out of action at the moment and I can't be arsed uploading them to the HTPC.
And so it eventually evolved into us getting a market stall up in Mundaring on the second Sunday of the month. We’ve just had our second one and it definitely seems worth the effort. The market is open for six hours and of course there are quiet times and so there’s lots of time for people watching. People and things we’ve seen include :
*A mullet on every second person.
*The mulleted women opposite us deciding that bras are so yesterday.
*The local church have a tent and they just love venturing out to hand out pamphlets and scare away customers.
*A lovely lady called Judy who is a newbie too and has been next to us both times.
*Irresponsible pet owners walking their dogs on hot bitumen on a 40C day.
*Two girls dressed in head to toe vinyl devil outfits, handing out pamphlets to a car show. I dared them to hand the church tent some brochures and they totally did! Best expressions ever on Churchlady’s face! I swear her mouth drew into such a thin line she almost sucked her nose off her face!
*A man with his beard dyed purple.
*A chain smoking grump who sells wrought iron candlesticks and snaps at you if you accidentally lean a table against his curbing whilst setting up.
*Gaggles and gaggles of teenage girls there for their cheerleading stand.
Things we didn’t see
*The git who nicked one of our rings.
All in all it’s a great day out and making a bit of cash on the side is always handy. I’m putting it aside for November because FLORA IS COMING!
NB - I have photos of the items I have gotten to sell (or some of them anyway) but my puter has been having some reconstructive surgery and is out of action at the moment and I can't be arsed uploading them to the HTPC.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
True Love
Sleepy conversation I had with Christian in bed the other night.
Me - Are you happy?
C - Yes, I am. Are you?
Me - With you I am.
C - Meaning?
Me - I'm completely happy with you, I'm just not so happy with me these days.
Pause
Me - But I want to be happy. I want to feel the same way about me as you do.
Another pause
C - That might be a little weird when you give yourself a boner.
Me - This is true. It may freak you out a little.
Boom chicka wow wow
Me - Are you happy?
C - Yes, I am. Are you?
Me - With you I am.
C - Meaning?
Me - I'm completely happy with you, I'm just not so happy with me these days.
Pause
Me - But I want to be happy. I want to feel the same way about me as you do.
Another pause
C - That might be a little weird when you give yourself a boner.
Me - This is true. It may freak you out a little.
Boom chicka wow wow
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Off with the fairies
My brain hasn't been working lately. Example:
The other day I stop off for some groceries on the way home from work. I hand check out man my reward card. He looks at it dubiously, hesitates for a second and swipes it anyway, then hands it back to me.
COM - This card doesn't work here.
Me - It's not a credit card.
COM - I know.
Me - It's a rewards card. You know, I get points and stuff.
COM - I'm sure you do. But it still isn't working here.
Me - You swipe it and it gives me points.
COM - I get that but it only works at Big W and Woolies and places.
Me - Aaaaaaaaaaaand your point being?
COM - This is Coles.
Me - Oh...
COM - Sorry.
Me - Don't apologise, I'm the dumbarse who has no idea where she is.
Anyone know of any brains for sale on the black market?
The other day I stop off for some groceries on the way home from work. I hand check out man my reward card. He looks at it dubiously, hesitates for a second and swipes it anyway, then hands it back to me.
COM - This card doesn't work here.
Me - It's not a credit card.
COM - I know.
Me - It's a rewards card. You know, I get points and stuff.
COM - I'm sure you do. But it still isn't working here.
Me - You swipe it and it gives me points.
COM - I get that but it only works at Big W and Woolies and places.
Me - Aaaaaaaaaaaand your point being?
COM - This is Coles.
Me - Oh...
COM - Sorry.
Me - Don't apologise, I'm the dumbarse who has no idea where she is.
Anyone know of any brains for sale on the black market?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
To be open or closed...
...that is indeed the question.
And unfortunately I don't have an old skull handy to chat to so I'll just natter on to you lot.
As most of you are aware by now, I'm pretty open about the things that go on in my life. I've been told by some people (ok, quite a few) that I share too much. This is something I do ponder from time to time and I'm sure that these people (ok, mob) have a point.
I guess I just feel that if I'm having a conversation and something comes up that I've had an experience with or has happened to me, I almost feel compelled to share. Otherwise it's like lying. Because anything I say from that point onwards won't be the truth. If someone says 'I've always wanted to catch a squirrel and dress it in Barbie clothes cos I think it would be fun' and then I say 'Yeah, I wonder what that would be like...' when I know damned well how much fun it is...well to me it feels like I'm not being honest about my opinion because I'm withholding certain information.
Christian on the other hand is very...selective about what he tells people. Not because he's secretive or ashamed or anything, but he's just always been a man of few words.
What got me to pondering tonight is that we were out at a movie with our friend Steven. We were chatting afterwards while standing outside the bank where I used to work and I said I hated being there. Steven said 'Oh yeah, you used to work there. I know you left but I don't know why.' To which of course, being me, I told the truth and said 'I slept with one of the ladies husbands.'
Slight pause, then a bit of a stutter.
'Riiiiiiight. Well, we knew something was up but I always assumed you had cancer or something. All we knew something was upsetting Christian and he didn't want to talk about it. I've always thought you must have had cancer!'
And that's the difference between Christian and I. My friends all know I'm a marriage wrecking slut who turned suicidal from her guilt because I told them about it. Christian's friends think I'm dying of cancer because he said nothing and they only had observations to go on.
I wouldn't say I'm closer to my friends than Christian is to his. And it's not that Christian won't talk about the whole thing. He's always been very supportive and open in discussions that we've had as a couple with other people. If it wasn't for the fact that he doesn't really talk much about anything I might have thought he was trying to protect my honour (or what little I have left of it). The only explanation I have left is that it's a personality thing and I just happen to more open than he is.
It's not just the affair that I'm open about either. I've always be open with people about my abuse, my mental illness, being bi, my lack of religious belief, my favourite colour, the fact that I went to a Take That concert, my inability to conceive children, my dislike of Tom Hanks, my cutting...if it comes up in conversation, I'll discuss it. It's not like I go up to random strangers and say 'I hate Tom Hanks' and run away; the subject has to be broached first.
But how open is too open? My mother hates the fact that I admit to things that are considered shameful. She does not like me talking about my affair, she hates it when I wear shirts that show my scars, she freaked out completely when she saw me kiss Flora on the lips, she tells me I need to get over my abuse and stop dwelling on it. My mother is nice I swear, I really do, but she just has certain issues about some things. I do have to wonder though if the problem lies with me? The things I do obviously make her uncomfortable and so if I become more closed about my life, it would obviously put her at ease. If I was less open, I would most likely make a lot of people more comfortable. Therefore is it logical to assume that the onus rests with me and I should be more tactful; less open; restrained; decorous; less me?
I hate the fact that I make people feel uncomfortable.
And unfortunately I don't have an old skull handy to chat to so I'll just natter on to you lot.
As most of you are aware by now, I'm pretty open about the things that go on in my life. I've been told by some people (ok, quite a few) that I share too much. This is something I do ponder from time to time and I'm sure that these people (ok, mob) have a point.
I guess I just feel that if I'm having a conversation and something comes up that I've had an experience with or has happened to me, I almost feel compelled to share. Otherwise it's like lying. Because anything I say from that point onwards won't be the truth. If someone says 'I've always wanted to catch a squirrel and dress it in Barbie clothes cos I think it would be fun' and then I say 'Yeah, I wonder what that would be like...' when I know damned well how much fun it is...well to me it feels like I'm not being honest about my opinion because I'm withholding certain information.
Christian on the other hand is very...selective about what he tells people. Not because he's secretive or ashamed or anything, but he's just always been a man of few words.
What got me to pondering tonight is that we were out at a movie with our friend Steven. We were chatting afterwards while standing outside the bank where I used to work and I said I hated being there. Steven said 'Oh yeah, you used to work there. I know you left but I don't know why.' To which of course, being me, I told the truth and said 'I slept with one of the ladies husbands.'
Slight pause, then a bit of a stutter.
'Riiiiiiight. Well, we knew something was up but I always assumed you had cancer or something. All we knew something was upsetting Christian and he didn't want to talk about it. I've always thought you must have had cancer!'
And that's the difference between Christian and I. My friends all know I'm a marriage wrecking slut who turned suicidal from her guilt because I told them about it. Christian's friends think I'm dying of cancer because he said nothing and they only had observations to go on.
I wouldn't say I'm closer to my friends than Christian is to his. And it's not that Christian won't talk about the whole thing. He's always been very supportive and open in discussions that we've had as a couple with other people. If it wasn't for the fact that he doesn't really talk much about anything I might have thought he was trying to protect my honour (or what little I have left of it). The only explanation I have left is that it's a personality thing and I just happen to more open than he is.
It's not just the affair that I'm open about either. I've always be open with people about my abuse, my mental illness, being bi, my lack of religious belief, my favourite colour, the fact that I went to a Take That concert, my inability to conceive children, my dislike of Tom Hanks, my cutting...if it comes up in conversation, I'll discuss it. It's not like I go up to random strangers and say 'I hate Tom Hanks' and run away; the subject has to be broached first.
But how open is too open? My mother hates the fact that I admit to things that are considered shameful. She does not like me talking about my affair, she hates it when I wear shirts that show my scars, she freaked out completely when she saw me kiss Flora on the lips, she tells me I need to get over my abuse and stop dwelling on it. My mother is nice I swear, I really do, but she just has certain issues about some things. I do have to wonder though if the problem lies with me? The things I do obviously make her uncomfortable and so if I become more closed about my life, it would obviously put her at ease. If I was less open, I would most likely make a lot of people more comfortable. Therefore is it logical to assume that the onus rests with me and I should be more tactful; less open; restrained; decorous; less me?
I hate the fact that I make people feel uncomfortable.
Saturday, February 04, 2012
A conversation with Christian
I walk into the study and completely interrupt Christian whilst playing an online game with his mate Steven.
Me : Do you like my bear? Points to my new Oatmeal Beatbox Bear shirt.
C : I don't get it.
Me : What's not to get? Bears like beatboxes cos it's music for the slaughter.
C : Yeah...I still don't get it.
Me : The original strip has lots of dead people round the bottom of the bear. As if pointing this out will help my cause.
C : Yeah...still not getting it. I don't see what's funny about that.
Me : Cos you know, bears like to kill people and you know, stuff, and they like to listen to music and like, stuff, while they kill...you know...and like...stuff...
C : ...
Me : It's true!
C : No, that's not true. Bears don't listen to music.
Me : Well, it's like, just as true as like, things like Zurgs being tru...oh, you're not playing Starcraft anymore.
C : No, I'm playing Call of Duty.
Me : Well, aha! Look at that! People don't run around in a war shooting people with guns without a helmet on! See, that's not true!
C : No, that's totally true, only squares wear helmets.
Me : Well, what's more true? Hmmmm? Bears listening to music while slaughtering their dinner or nerds who work in call centres running about in war killing people?
Silence whilst Christian gives me 'a look'.
Why is it I can't even win an illogical argument with this man???
Me : Do you like my bear? Points to my new Oatmeal Beatbox Bear shirt.
C : I don't get it.
Me : What's not to get? Bears like beatboxes cos it's music for the slaughter.
C : Yeah...I still don't get it.
Me : The original strip has lots of dead people round the bottom of the bear. As if pointing this out will help my cause.
C : Yeah...still not getting it. I don't see what's funny about that.
Me : Cos you know, bears like to kill people and you know, stuff, and they like to listen to music and like, stuff, while they kill...you know...and like...stuff...
C : ...
Me : It's true!
C : No, that's not true. Bears don't listen to music.
Me : Well, it's like, just as true as like, things like Zurgs being tru...oh, you're not playing Starcraft anymore.
C : No, I'm playing Call of Duty.
Me : Well, aha! Look at that! People don't run around in a war shooting people with guns without a helmet on! See, that's not true!
C : No, that's totally true, only squares wear helmets.
Me : Well, what's more true? Hmmmm? Bears listening to music while slaughtering their dinner or nerds who work in call centres running about in war killing people?
Silence whilst Christian gives me 'a look'.
Why is it I can't even win an illogical argument with this man???
Monday, January 23, 2012
Aloha peoples
Hey all,
I don't particularly have anything to write about but I felt like I should keep this post roll going.
It's very hot in Perth at the moment. Today was 36C and that's the coolest day we'll have all week. The forecast reads as follows ; 38C, 40C, 40C, 39C, 42C, 40C, 39C.
I think I'm going to go hibernate in a freezer somewhere...
Honestly, I love living in Perth but I hate summer and herein lays the problem. Perth is summer central. It's hot and sunny and dry almost all summer long. Therre is very little respite from the heat and when the temperature does finally drop down to the mid 30's, the humidity feels lonely and decides to visit.
I love winter. Our winter. Which is the equivalent of your summer my northern hemisphere friends. I'm sure though that I would die if I ever had to go through one of your winters.
And yet as hot as it gets here, I do love my little city. And so I'll forgive her scorching days and the sunburn she inflicts and instead look forward to cool, winter days when the wind blows the leaves through the streets and the rain gently falls down to the thirsty baked earth.
I don't particularly have anything to write about but I felt like I should keep this post roll going.
It's very hot in Perth at the moment. Today was 36C and that's the coolest day we'll have all week. The forecast reads as follows ; 38C, 40C, 40C, 39C, 42C, 40C, 39C.
I think I'm going to go hibernate in a freezer somewhere...
Honestly, I love living in Perth but I hate summer and herein lays the problem. Perth is summer central. It's hot and sunny and dry almost all summer long. Therre is very little respite from the heat and when the temperature does finally drop down to the mid 30's, the humidity feels lonely and decides to visit.
I love winter. Our winter. Which is the equivalent of your summer my northern hemisphere friends. I'm sure though that I would die if I ever had to go through one of your winters.
And yet as hot as it gets here, I do love my little city. And so I'll forgive her scorching days and the sunburn she inflicts and instead look forward to cool, winter days when the wind blows the leaves through the streets and the rain gently falls down to the thirsty baked earth.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Bouncey Bouncey
Flora has officially booked her holidays.
I AM SO BLOODY EXCITED!!!
Seriously, I'm bouncing around like I'm high on red cordial.
She'll be here in roughly nine months! So much planning to do! We've already got a list of things we want to do but every now and then another idea pops into my head. Then I phone her and our conversation consists of a lot of squealing, a lot of bouncing on both our parts, a lot of eyerolling from Matt and Christian and in between all of that we scour the internet for things to do whilst they're here. After our trip to Rotto we're going to have about two weeks to fit in catching up with Sarah; going to the zoo; having a girly night out followed by a nice evening out; heading up to York for the day; having a bbq by the river; playing super golf; having a big party for Flora's birthday; possibly having a slightly (ok, very) illegal driving lesson; maybe going to Scitech; seeing my Mum (who has adopted Flora) and doing lots of hanging out, watching Frisky Dingo and Middleman and just having fun.
I just can't wait!
I AM SO BLOODY EXCITED!!!
Seriously, I'm bouncing around like I'm high on red cordial.
She'll be here in roughly nine months! So much planning to do! We've already got a list of things we want to do but every now and then another idea pops into my head. Then I phone her and our conversation consists of a lot of squealing, a lot of bouncing on both our parts, a lot of eyerolling from Matt and Christian and in between all of that we scour the internet for things to do whilst they're here. After our trip to Rotto we're going to have about two weeks to fit in catching up with Sarah; going to the zoo; having a girly night out followed by a nice evening out; heading up to York for the day; having a bbq by the river; playing super golf; having a big party for Flora's birthday; possibly having a slightly (ok, very) illegal driving lesson; maybe going to Scitech; seeing my Mum (who has adopted Flora) and doing lots of hanging out, watching Frisky Dingo and Middleman and just having fun.
I just can't wait!
Monday, January 09, 2012
Lights, camera, action!
Hello all :)
First of, just to start off with some cuteness, here is a picture I took of Molly. She's utterly adorable but I must admit, I felt very sad when I took this photo. I was chatting to Flora on the phone and we were talking about Molly and when I took the photo I noticed just how much she's now showing her age. We very quickly changed the subject because we both got upset and were almost in tears.
On the weekend Christian and I decided to go shopping for some light fittings (by decided I mean I said 'Let's do this' and he went 'Whatever') .
We've been in the house for roughly four years and it's been one of those things I've said we need to do for ages and we've just not got around to doing.
The house did come with some el cheapo fittings but they a) looked horrid b) set on fire easily and c) nope, looking horrid and setting on fire were enough reason for me!
We looked at a couple of the big lighting stores and eventually found our way to a small little store tucked away in some shops on the highway. As soon as we walked in, it kind of felt we'd been transported to someone's Nan's attic or a little antique shop. It was absolutely cluttered as the shop was tiny but they'd tried to display as much as they could.
The ladies there were very lovely and we ended up buying from there, mainly because the service was unbeatable.
These are the basic fittings we got for rooms that didn't need fancy lights; the study, bathroom, laundry and toilet.
The glass is frosted and has a swirly kind of pattern on it.
We got these ones for the kitchen, dining room and random area in middle (technically the dining room but it's too small for a table so we put the dining table in the 'games' room which is too small to be a games room...).
It's kind of hard to see the pattern in this photo but like the previous fittings, these are frosted but the design almost looks like there are cracks through the glass.
And finally, our 'balls of string'. They're actually made of wood and we bought these for our bedroom, the loungeroom and the entry...hall? space? meter squared bit you stand in before it becomes either the lounge or bedroom?
Anyways, so we bought the last three the lady had boxed and as we were paying at the cashier, she climbed up and took down the display model, plonked it on the counter and said 'No point me trying to sell one, happy housewarming!'.
I was just over the moon, it was so nice of her. So that one went in the spare bedroom instead of one of the plain ones.
This is ball of string lit up.
Because the bedrooms are smaller than the lounge, the light actually throws shadows on the wall. I think it's awfully pretty :)
We also bought a full length mirror which is great as it means I no longer have to go outside and try to catch my reflection in the window if I want to see how an outfit looks. We just have to mount that on the back of the bedroom door as soon as Christian nicks some double sided tape from work!
Hurrah for getting small things done!
First of, just to start off with some cuteness, here is a picture I took of Molly. She's utterly adorable but I must admit, I felt very sad when I took this photo. I was chatting to Flora on the phone and we were talking about Molly and when I took the photo I noticed just how much she's now showing her age. We very quickly changed the subject because we both got upset and were almost in tears.
On the weekend Christian and I decided to go shopping for some light fittings (by decided I mean I said 'Let's do this' and he went 'Whatever') .
We've been in the house for roughly four years and it's been one of those things I've said we need to do for ages and we've just not got around to doing.
The house did come with some el cheapo fittings but they a) looked horrid b) set on fire easily and c) nope, looking horrid and setting on fire were enough reason for me!
We looked at a couple of the big lighting stores and eventually found our way to a small little store tucked away in some shops on the highway. As soon as we walked in, it kind of felt we'd been transported to someone's Nan's attic or a little antique shop. It was absolutely cluttered as the shop was tiny but they'd tried to display as much as they could.
The ladies there were very lovely and we ended up buying from there, mainly because the service was unbeatable.
These are the basic fittings we got for rooms that didn't need fancy lights; the study, bathroom, laundry and toilet.
The glass is frosted and has a swirly kind of pattern on it.
We got these ones for the kitchen, dining room and random area in middle (technically the dining room but it's too small for a table so we put the dining table in the 'games' room which is too small to be a games room...).
It's kind of hard to see the pattern in this photo but like the previous fittings, these are frosted but the design almost looks like there are cracks through the glass.
And finally, our 'balls of string'. They're actually made of wood and we bought these for our bedroom, the loungeroom and the entry...hall? space? meter squared bit you stand in before it becomes either the lounge or bedroom?
Anyways, so we bought the last three the lady had boxed and as we were paying at the cashier, she climbed up and took down the display model, plonked it on the counter and said 'No point me trying to sell one, happy housewarming!'.
I was just over the moon, it was so nice of her. So that one went in the spare bedroom instead of one of the plain ones.
This is ball of string lit up.
Because the bedrooms are smaller than the lounge, the light actually throws shadows on the wall. I think it's awfully pretty :)
We also bought a full length mirror which is great as it means I no longer have to go outside and try to catch my reflection in the window if I want to see how an outfit looks. We just have to mount that on the back of the bedroom door as soon as Christian nicks some double sided tape from work!
Hurrah for getting small things done!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Happy last year on Earth...
Hello 2012! Nice to finally meet you. Doomsday theorists have been speaking about you for so long I almost felt like you were a friend that everyone else knows but I never get to meet!
But at last we meet and to be honest, I'm not quite sure what all the hooha is about. Maybe it'll sink in when I finally stop accidentally writing 2011, or perhaps when December the 22nd rolls round and the theorists suddenly admit they made a calculation error and it's actually going to be 2015 the world ends.
Or maybe you won't be any different to any other year.
What am I saying??? Forgive me 2012, you will go down in history for me I'm sure, because there are some exciting things happening during you.
First of all, let's discuss those pesky things called resolutions. I made two this year but have kept to my tradition of making them small, simple things.
The first is a continuation of last years resolution which was to make a more concerted effort to keep in touch with my friends. This could mean making a regular coffee date, emailing more frequently or just sending a txt to say 'Hey, how's things.'
The second is to do my dishes more regularly. Simple really - I'm a freaking slob!
Also happening this year is the stair climb I spoke about in my last blog post. I've started a healthy eating and exercise program already in order to get prepared for that. I haven't made that a resolution however since I find they get broken too easily. Christian and I have also started a '100 pushups in 7 weeks' training program which will be interesting...
The most exciting thing planned for this year however is Flora and Matt are coming to visit! :D
I am so excited it's just not funny. You'd think by now I'd be calmer - it's not like it's the first time we've met or anything. But it seems to be that the more times I get to meet up with them, the more excited I get.
We've already started making lots of plans, including a trip to Rottnest Island where we're planning to do some telescoping, snorkeling and dog paddling frantically away from sharks.
We're also going to head up to York for the day, play Supergolf, catch up with Smerk, have an epic birthday party for Flora and go for a behind-the-scenes tour at the zoo.
So I apologise now for being unbearable to be around in the lead up to their visit.
It's just I AM SO EXCITED!!!
But at last we meet and to be honest, I'm not quite sure what all the hooha is about. Maybe it'll sink in when I finally stop accidentally writing 2011, or perhaps when December the 22nd rolls round and the theorists suddenly admit they made a calculation error and it's actually going to be 2015 the world ends.
Or maybe you won't be any different to any other year.
What am I saying??? Forgive me 2012, you will go down in history for me I'm sure, because there are some exciting things happening during you.
First of all, let's discuss those pesky things called resolutions. I made two this year but have kept to my tradition of making them small, simple things.
The first is a continuation of last years resolution which was to make a more concerted effort to keep in touch with my friends. This could mean making a regular coffee date, emailing more frequently or just sending a txt to say 'Hey, how's things.'
The second is to do my dishes more regularly. Simple really - I'm a freaking slob!
Also happening this year is the stair climb I spoke about in my last blog post. I've started a healthy eating and exercise program already in order to get prepared for that. I haven't made that a resolution however since I find they get broken too easily. Christian and I have also started a '100 pushups in 7 weeks' training program which will be interesting...
The most exciting thing planned for this year however is Flora and Matt are coming to visit! :D
I am so excited it's just not funny. You'd think by now I'd be calmer - it's not like it's the first time we've met or anything. But it seems to be that the more times I get to meet up with them, the more excited I get.
We've already started making lots of plans, including a trip to Rottnest Island where we're planning to do some telescoping, snorkeling and dog paddling frantically away from sharks.
We're also going to head up to York for the day, play Supergolf, catch up with Smerk, have an epic birthday party for Flora and go for a behind-the-scenes tour at the zoo.
So I apologise now for being unbearable to be around in the lead up to their visit.
It's just I AM SO EXCITED!!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Goals and adventures
Several months ago a girlfriend and I were walking and she told me that every year she does the MS Stair Climb (link is refusing to work http://www.stepupforms.org.au/event-information.html ) which is a vertical challenge event involving 53 stories, 1096 stairs and lots of sweat and tears. She asked if I would like to do it with her next year and I said yes, of course, why not???
Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah wtf was I thinking??? lol
Seriously, I am looking forward to the event since I've never actually set myself this kind of goal before. Yes I've said I'll exercise to lose weight or get fit but fitting into a smaller dress size has always been the goal, not the doing of the activity itself.
Now I am unfit. Soooooo unfit. And lately it seems every time I start to motivate myself to start training again, something happens, I get sick or there's a family emergency or my mental health goes down the drain. There always seems to be one excuse after another. But if I am to do this stair climb, I am going to have seriously start training and soon.
In King's Park in the city there is a flight of stairs up the hill called Jacob's ladder which is roughly 240 stairs and the place to start training.
Unfortunately everyone else knows this and wants to be there at the same time and so it's crowded and busy and you get pushed along at a pace that is much faster than an unfit person should be pushing themselves. Also it's in the middle of the freaking city and is a bitch to get to through traffic.
And so I've found a set of 51 stairs down by the river up to the highway overpass and will start my training there. A couple of months ago I had started and got up to 11 reps (I need to reach 22) but now I doubt I could do 5. It's only five months till the climb though so I need to get this fat arse moving!
On Saturday night we were hanging out with our good mate Brooksey and he asked me if walking the Bibbulmun Track (and again blogger is not being cooperative http://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/ ) would be something I would be interested in. Obviously not the entire way since it's roughly 1000kms and takes about 8 weeks but walking it for about a week. He said it was something he has been thinking about doing for a while and he would feel a huge sense of achievement by doing it.
I was very vague about it, wasn't non-committal but didn't say yes; the idea intrigued me but we were off sky gazing and I had other things on my mind. The thought has been niggling though and the more I think about it, the more I think I'd really enjoy doing that. The first part of the track is about 75kms and it goes down to Canning and I think that would be a really great starting point. It would only take about four days to do that and it would be a great test to see if we were up to going further.
Obviously I really need to start getting my fitness levels up if I'm going to achieve my new goals but I think it's going to be a blast along the way! I shall keep you all posted!
Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah wtf was I thinking??? lol
Seriously, I am looking forward to the event since I've never actually set myself this kind of goal before. Yes I've said I'll exercise to lose weight or get fit but fitting into a smaller dress size has always been the goal, not the doing of the activity itself.
Now I am unfit. Soooooo unfit. And lately it seems every time I start to motivate myself to start training again, something happens, I get sick or there's a family emergency or my mental health goes down the drain. There always seems to be one excuse after another. But if I am to do this stair climb, I am going to have seriously start training and soon.
In King's Park in the city there is a flight of stairs up the hill called Jacob's ladder which is roughly 240 stairs and the place to start training.
Unfortunately everyone else knows this and wants to be there at the same time and so it's crowded and busy and you get pushed along at a pace that is much faster than an unfit person should be pushing themselves. Also it's in the middle of the freaking city and is a bitch to get to through traffic.
And so I've found a set of 51 stairs down by the river up to the highway overpass and will start my training there. A couple of months ago I had started and got up to 11 reps (I need to reach 22) but now I doubt I could do 5. It's only five months till the climb though so I need to get this fat arse moving!
On Saturday night we were hanging out with our good mate Brooksey and he asked me if walking the Bibbulmun Track (and again blogger is not being cooperative http://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/ ) would be something I would be interested in. Obviously not the entire way since it's roughly 1000kms and takes about 8 weeks but walking it for about a week. He said it was something he has been thinking about doing for a while and he would feel a huge sense of achievement by doing it.
I was very vague about it, wasn't non-committal but didn't say yes; the idea intrigued me but we were off sky gazing and I had other things on my mind. The thought has been niggling though and the more I think about it, the more I think I'd really enjoy doing that. The first part of the track is about 75kms and it goes down to Canning and I think that would be a really great starting point. It would only take about four days to do that and it would be a great test to see if we were up to going further.
Obviously I really need to start getting my fitness levels up if I'm going to achieve my new goals but I think it's going to be a blast along the way! I shall keep you all posted!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Nerd alert!
I know, I know, don't scold me for being gone so long. I've been busy dammit! Not with anything in particular, just busy with work and the lead up to Christmas and being sick and you know, life.
So today is mainly a photo blog but there will be words as well, just to keep everyone happy!
Last week we had some amazing thunderstorms. One lasted ALL day and it was lucky I was off sick because Molly was so scared that if she had been wearing pants, she would have shit them. Every few minutes for most of the day there were huge peals of thunder, some close enough to make the house shake.
And with the thunder came some rain.
Actually, a little bit more than just some...
The pond in the park across the road flooded. It usually has an island in the middle. That day, it did not.
This sign is usually about three meters out of the pond.
I had most of the week off work. There's several things going round at the moment and God only knows which one I had. The doctor ran a barrage of tests but couldn't find anything wrong. It was probably a virus as there was no infection. I'm feeling better now, not 100% (maybe about 70%) but that's still better! He did find a 14mm mass in my lung but he thinks that's a lymph node or something. In another week I'll be having another x-ray to see if it's gone.
This weekend has been the nerdiest, funnest weekend I've had in a while. Yesterday we began the day by going to our friend Tiho's place and playing board games and having a bbq. We played Barbarossa and Scotland Yard, neither of which I had played before but both were fun.
Then we headed off to Mel and Jann's place for our annual friend Christmas dinner. Brooksey also came but unfortunately Chiaki and their baby Kenji are in Japan at the moment so our little group wasn't complete which was sad.
Mel has also been sick so instead of our normal Christmas fare we ordered pizza and took it easy. I had bought all the boys a pump action Nerf shotgun and so the fun began after present unwrapping time.
The grins on their faces were priceless when they unwrapped their boxes. I should have known then that the grins were slightly evil and I would spend most of the night getting pinged with discs.
We spent the next couple of hours shooting, running and hiding and trying to find the discs all over the garden. It was immense fun and the next time I get to the shops I shall be buying another two guns so Mel and I won't be defenseless and also some extra ammo.
As you can see the boys enjoyed their guns...just don't tell them I posted their pics...they only posed cos I promised I wouldn't post them on the webbernet. This is payback for taking a disc to the throat! It fucking hurt!
Let's play Boondock Saints!
Soon it was eclipse time and we set up the telescope. There was a bit of cloud so we missed some parts but it was amazing to see anyhow. We didn't have any luck attaching the camera to the scope so we just took pics with my camera on the tripod.
I'm not too sure what happened in this next photo that Christian took but I think it looks awesome.
This morning I got up and gave MadCarlotta a call and it was great chatting to her again. There was so much to catch up on that emails (even 10 a day) just don't cover!
Then this afternoon we took FPos out to a track day. FPos started out as PosCar (Piece of shit car) that Christian and Brooksey have been working on but turned into FPos (Fast piece of shit) by the time they'd finished as she's quite gutsy! We finally got her finished this week (by we I mean all of us - I helped even if that help is just 'pass me the 14 socket' or 'tighten this nut' or 'thanks for the coffee babe') and we were all looking forward to seeing how she'd run.
The take off was a bit hard to get right. The fly wheel is very light so the guys either spun the wheels and she bogged down or didn't give her enough revs and she bogged down but hey soon made up time. She understeers quite a bit so they were spnning her quite a bit but the beauty of these track days is the guys go out to have fun, it's not a comp so there's no competing for the fastest time. Kind of takes the pressure off.
So Christian was driving down the long track and was preparing to take quite a hard left corner and the car didn't under steer like he thought she would but instead, over steered. The back end came around and before he knew it he was sliding up over the curb, clipping one tree before coming to a very hard stop against another tree.
In this photo you can see where he came over the curb on the left, nicked that tree and the white tree to the right (at the end of the skidmarks) is the tree he hit.
Luckily he wasn't hurt, although he'll have quite a sore neck tomorrow I'm sure. He gave me a bit of a scare though but all ended well.
Except for FPos...she's rather banged up...
Now we just have to decided if we'll get another shell and move everything into that or try and fix the door and front bumper of this car. Either way I guess now we have another project to work on!
Overall though it was an extremely nerdy, extremely fun weekend!
So today is mainly a photo blog but there will be words as well, just to keep everyone happy!
Last week we had some amazing thunderstorms. One lasted ALL day and it was lucky I was off sick because Molly was so scared that if she had been wearing pants, she would have shit them. Every few minutes for most of the day there were huge peals of thunder, some close enough to make the house shake.
And with the thunder came some rain.
Actually, a little bit more than just some...
The pond in the park across the road flooded. It usually has an island in the middle. That day, it did not.
This sign is usually about three meters out of the pond.
I had most of the week off work. There's several things going round at the moment and God only knows which one I had. The doctor ran a barrage of tests but couldn't find anything wrong. It was probably a virus as there was no infection. I'm feeling better now, not 100% (maybe about 70%) but that's still better! He did find a 14mm mass in my lung but he thinks that's a lymph node or something. In another week I'll be having another x-ray to see if it's gone.
This weekend has been the nerdiest, funnest weekend I've had in a while. Yesterday we began the day by going to our friend Tiho's place and playing board games and having a bbq. We played Barbarossa and Scotland Yard, neither of which I had played before but both were fun.
Then we headed off to Mel and Jann's place for our annual friend Christmas dinner. Brooksey also came but unfortunately Chiaki and their baby Kenji are in Japan at the moment so our little group wasn't complete which was sad.
Mel has also been sick so instead of our normal Christmas fare we ordered pizza and took it easy. I had bought all the boys a pump action Nerf shotgun and so the fun began after present unwrapping time.
The grins on their faces were priceless when they unwrapped their boxes. I should have known then that the grins were slightly evil and I would spend most of the night getting pinged with discs.
We spent the next couple of hours shooting, running and hiding and trying to find the discs all over the garden. It was immense fun and the next time I get to the shops I shall be buying another two guns so Mel and I won't be defenseless and also some extra ammo.
As you can see the boys enjoyed their guns...just don't tell them I posted their pics...they only posed cos I promised I wouldn't post them on the webbernet. This is payback for taking a disc to the throat! It fucking hurt!
Let's play Boondock Saints!
Soon it was eclipse time and we set up the telescope. There was a bit of cloud so we missed some parts but it was amazing to see anyhow. We didn't have any luck attaching the camera to the scope so we just took pics with my camera on the tripod.
I'm not too sure what happened in this next photo that Christian took but I think it looks awesome.
This morning I got up and gave MadCarlotta a call and it was great chatting to her again. There was so much to catch up on that emails (even 10 a day) just don't cover!
Then this afternoon we took FPos out to a track day. FPos started out as PosCar (Piece of shit car) that Christian and Brooksey have been working on but turned into FPos (Fast piece of shit) by the time they'd finished as she's quite gutsy! We finally got her finished this week (by we I mean all of us - I helped even if that help is just 'pass me the 14 socket' or 'tighten this nut' or 'thanks for the coffee babe') and we were all looking forward to seeing how she'd run.
The take off was a bit hard to get right. The fly wheel is very light so the guys either spun the wheels and she bogged down or didn't give her enough revs and she bogged down but hey soon made up time. She understeers quite a bit so they were spnning her quite a bit but the beauty of these track days is the guys go out to have fun, it's not a comp so there's no competing for the fastest time. Kind of takes the pressure off.
So Christian was driving down the long track and was preparing to take quite a hard left corner and the car didn't under steer like he thought she would but instead, over steered. The back end came around and before he knew it he was sliding up over the curb, clipping one tree before coming to a very hard stop against another tree.
In this photo you can see where he came over the curb on the left, nicked that tree and the white tree to the right (at the end of the skidmarks) is the tree he hit.
Luckily he wasn't hurt, although he'll have quite a sore neck tomorrow I'm sure. He gave me a bit of a scare though but all ended well.
Except for FPos...she's rather banged up...
Now we just have to decided if we'll get another shell and move everything into that or try and fix the door and front bumper of this car. Either way I guess now we have another project to work on!
Overall though it was an extremely nerdy, extremely fun weekend!
Sunday, September 04, 2011
The adventure begins!!
Well, it does in fifteen hours!
Yes folks, it's that time again. The Nettie gets airborne! This time around I'm heading back to Canada Land to see my Dad. I know that last time I went I was very very bad and didn't actually do any blog posts about the trip but I promise this time I will.
I'm very excited about going to see my Dad again. It's so hard having him live so far away :(
I'm also excited about going back to Canada itself. Although it's very similar to here, it'slso very different and those differences really make the holiday memorable. Plus, it's very green there! lol
Let's just all keep our fingers crossed that this time round I don't miss my flight!
Yes folks, it's that time again. The Nettie gets airborne! This time around I'm heading back to Canada Land to see my Dad. I know that last time I went I was very very bad and didn't actually do any blog posts about the trip but I promise this time I will.
I'm very excited about going to see my Dad again. It's so hard having him live so far away :(
I'm also excited about going back to Canada itself. Although it's very similar to here, it'slso very different and those differences really make the holiday memorable. Plus, it's very green there! lol
Let's just all keep our fingers crossed that this time round I don't miss my flight!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Chicstar photos
I discovered an amazing site, Chicstar that sells some lovely clothes. I absolutely fell in love with this dress. I wish I could marry it. It makes me feel so glamorous and fabulous!
Sunday, August 07, 2011
That time of the year again!
Gosh, this past year has gone by so fast! I was very sad when I realised that this time last year, I was in Edinburgh celebrating my birthday with my best friend. I would give anything to be able to back there :(
I told Flora the other day that I miss her so much that sometimes I just want to curl up in a ball and sob. Some days I love the fact that modern technology has evolved to the point that you can connect so deeply with someone on the other side of the world but other days it hits me that this is all well and good but she is still on the other side of the world.
*sigh*
Anyways, I'm very lucky in the fact that I have some absolutely wonderful friends who happen to live much closer and so I planned a little birthday celebration to mark the timely arrival of a few new wrinkles and a grey hair! Hopefully it won't be much longer that I'll still be asked for ID!
Even though we were having a casual party here at home where babies would almost outnumber adults, I wanted to dress up. I guess the party itself was an excuse to wear my new pretties! I made Christian get a photo of me before everyone else arrived.
What can I say? I LOVE this outfit! Just wearing it makes me feel so glamourous and graceful and beautiful (of course, I'm not nearly as graceful in real life as proven when I squat down to show a little girl our colour changing solar lights, stood on my petticoat and ripped a hefty volume of it right off when I stood up but I digress...) . After I'd gotten changed, I called out to Christian 'You wanna know something?'. He mumbled back something that sounded vaguely like a 'Yes' and so I made a dramatic entrance into the study and proclaimed 'I look fucking fantastic!'.
This is the power of this outfit. It can make a woman who has little self esteem feel amazing. Worth every penny in my books!
It wasn't long before people started showing up but I must admit, I was well off my game that night as I didn't take many photos at all. It may have had something to do with the drop in temperature. It was rather chilly and so we didn't venture outside but stayed congregated in my dining room. The evening therefore felt a little different to our usual gatherings. Maybe it's the Aussie in me but I prefer sitting around the outside table in plastic chairs, watching people play darts and just generally larking about. Inside, in a more confined space people seem to be a little more reserved. Of course it was still a great time, but nothing occurred that will go down in our 'party history' (see The Great Fire Blaze of 2010 or Christian's Drunken Stagger of '08).
I did take a few photos and here is a small selection.
Sarah, Tash and I show off our awesome outfits.
Awesome outfits deserve awesome shoes. I feel I may have let the team down somewhat here but I rather liked how my ankle boots looked.
Barb and Co couldn't make it since they are being plagued with pneumonia which left Darcie feeling a little bored I think. I took a couple of photos of us together but made sure they were fun ones.
Despite the numerous newborns, we still kicked on till after midnight and by then I was dead on my feet. Getting old is exhausting ;-)
I fell into bed and it was one of those moments where it just feels so good to be in bed that you just lie there in contented bliss for a while. I fell asleep soon after only to be woken relatively early the next morning by my Dad phoning from Canada because he'd missed my actual birthday. I felt bad that our conversation was so short but sleep beckoned once more and I slept for another hour or two.
The rest of the day was mostly spent in my jarmies, reading a book, eating copious amounts of leftover cake and shopping online for more gorgeous clothes. I discovered this website which is where my outfit originated from. Now that I have made this amazing discovery, I shall skip the middleman and save myself some money...not hugely charitable of me considering I bought the dress from a local supplier but in times like these it's every woman for herself. The money I save will be enough to buy more pretties. Vain, yes. Selfish, probably. Smart, you bet!
Other than having an awesome night for my birthday, things have being going really well for me lately. I'm actually happy. Which I don't think I have been in a long while. That 'special friend' I wrote about a while back has been pulled out by the roots and kicked to the curb. Am I upset about the loss of that friendship? Of course I am. But at the end of the day, it was poisoning my self esteem and was the main reason for my cutting. I realised that I'm worth so much more than that and even though it was the hardest thing I've ever done, I also think it was the smartest thing I've ever done. It's just improved my mental health so much which obviously has had a ripple effect on other aspects of my life. Things with Christian are better than ever, I've reconnected with my sisters, my self esteem has improved. And obviously reading my blog posts will be much easier for YOU since they aren't so God damn depressing anymore!
Thanks so much though, each and every one of you for being there for me. I know most of you live far away but knowing that I was never far from your thoughts made it easier to pull through.
Love you all xoxoxo
I told Flora the other day that I miss her so much that sometimes I just want to curl up in a ball and sob. Some days I love the fact that modern technology has evolved to the point that you can connect so deeply with someone on the other side of the world but other days it hits me that this is all well and good but she is still on the other side of the world.
*sigh*
Anyways, I'm very lucky in the fact that I have some absolutely wonderful friends who happen to live much closer and so I planned a little birthday celebration to mark the timely arrival of a few new wrinkles and a grey hair! Hopefully it won't be much longer that I'll still be asked for ID!
Even though we were having a casual party here at home where babies would almost outnumber adults, I wanted to dress up. I guess the party itself was an excuse to wear my new pretties! I made Christian get a photo of me before everyone else arrived.
What can I say? I LOVE this outfit! Just wearing it makes me feel so glamourous and graceful and beautiful (of course, I'm not nearly as graceful in real life as proven when I squat down to show a little girl our colour changing solar lights, stood on my petticoat and ripped a hefty volume of it right off when I stood up but I digress...) . After I'd gotten changed, I called out to Christian 'You wanna know something?'. He mumbled back something that sounded vaguely like a 'Yes' and so I made a dramatic entrance into the study and proclaimed 'I look fucking fantastic!'.
This is the power of this outfit. It can make a woman who has little self esteem feel amazing. Worth every penny in my books!
It wasn't long before people started showing up but I must admit, I was well off my game that night as I didn't take many photos at all. It may have had something to do with the drop in temperature. It was rather chilly and so we didn't venture outside but stayed congregated in my dining room. The evening therefore felt a little different to our usual gatherings. Maybe it's the Aussie in me but I prefer sitting around the outside table in plastic chairs, watching people play darts and just generally larking about. Inside, in a more confined space people seem to be a little more reserved. Of course it was still a great time, but nothing occurred that will go down in our 'party history' (see The Great Fire Blaze of 2010 or Christian's Drunken Stagger of '08).
I did take a few photos and here is a small selection.
Sarah, Tash and I show off our awesome outfits.
Awesome outfits deserve awesome shoes. I feel I may have let the team down somewhat here but I rather liked how my ankle boots looked.
Barb and Co couldn't make it since they are being plagued with pneumonia which left Darcie feeling a little bored I think. I took a couple of photos of us together but made sure they were fun ones.
Despite the numerous newborns, we still kicked on till after midnight and by then I was dead on my feet. Getting old is exhausting ;-)
I fell into bed and it was one of those moments where it just feels so good to be in bed that you just lie there in contented bliss for a while. I fell asleep soon after only to be woken relatively early the next morning by my Dad phoning from Canada because he'd missed my actual birthday. I felt bad that our conversation was so short but sleep beckoned once more and I slept for another hour or two.
The rest of the day was mostly spent in my jarmies, reading a book, eating copious amounts of leftover cake and shopping online for more gorgeous clothes. I discovered this website which is where my outfit originated from. Now that I have made this amazing discovery, I shall skip the middleman and save myself some money...not hugely charitable of me considering I bought the dress from a local supplier but in times like these it's every woman for herself. The money I save will be enough to buy more pretties. Vain, yes. Selfish, probably. Smart, you bet!
Other than having an awesome night for my birthday, things have being going really well for me lately. I'm actually happy. Which I don't think I have been in a long while. That 'special friend' I wrote about a while back has been pulled out by the roots and kicked to the curb. Am I upset about the loss of that friendship? Of course I am. But at the end of the day, it was poisoning my self esteem and was the main reason for my cutting. I realised that I'm worth so much more than that and even though it was the hardest thing I've ever done, I also think it was the smartest thing I've ever done. It's just improved my mental health so much which obviously has had a ripple effect on other aspects of my life. Things with Christian are better than ever, I've reconnected with my sisters, my self esteem has improved. And obviously reading my blog posts will be much easier for YOU since they aren't so God damn depressing anymore!
Thanks so much though, each and every one of you for being there for me. I know most of you live far away but knowing that I was never far from your thoughts made it easier to pull through.
Love you all xoxoxo
Friday, July 01, 2011
I *heart* Old York
Several weeks ago Christian and I decided to go away for the long weekend. I understand that this is something that normal people tend to do rather regularly but we had never taken a mini vacation before. It just always seemed too much hassle to bother with, too hard to find a dog sitter, too many thing to do around the house...the list of excuses goes on.
But things have been a little rough lately and we decided that a couple of nights away would do us the world of good.
I suggested that we head down to Busselton, which is where we spent our honeymoon but Christian didn't really want to go that far away. Since we were dropping Molly off for a sleepover at my Mum's place which is already half way to York, we figured we'd give it a go. York is very small and fairly old (over fifty years!) so we knew there wouldn't be a hell of a lot to do while there but since the aim of the weekend was to relax, that was fine by us. I booked us in to the York Heritage Hotel and we were set to have a well earned break!
We arrived about midday and since we couldn't check in until 2pm, we went for a wander about and found our way down to the river. While it was very pretty to look at...
...you really wouldn't want to go swimming in in...
It was a rather overcast day and the river had lots of pretty reflections in it that looked amazing with the poles and ruins of old jetties.
One of the main attractions of the town is their swing bridge. Although the original was pulled down some years ago due to safety concerns (apparently bridges made in 1853 by convicts are deemed 'unsafe' by today's standards...) the new one stands at approximately the same site.
This is Christian looking utterly overwhelmed by the sheer excitement of being on the swing bridge.
After crossing the bridge we went for a wander down the track along the river. Lucky for us we had packed several changes of underwear because we were scared shitless by these terrifying beasts!
After lunch we checked into the hotel room and later that afternoon continued with our survey of the town. Many moons ago I did a post that included photos of some of the humorous signs that can be found in and around York. Yet again we came across some amusing ones...
I thought this was the best name for a junk shop.
In small country towns one must be flexible and adapt if one is to survive. This is especially true of small businesses. This shop sold lawnmowers, remote control cars and...
According to a newspaper writeup on the bulletin board of the town hall, this building is being developed into a collection of six small shops. The name generated much controversy and may explain why they still haven't opened yet despite passing the expected opening date.
Yes, the dog is pissing on the old man's shoes. For closeups of this sign and others for The Dog's Bollocks Emporium, see my FB album.
Times are tough at the moment in York. There was a crazy high percentage of homes and businesses up for sale; the bad economic climate has obviously had a hard effect on such a small community. Therefore one must do whatever one can to lure in a potential customer...
No exceptions!
When I had told people I was going away to York, everyone I spoke to told me I really must visit the new markets that have opened at the old mill. Apparently they used to have a market one day a month but now they have a permanent market every weekend. We thought we'd mosy over and check it out.
Turns out it's rather crap. Sorry York, I loved you and all but to draw in a crowd, you need more to tempt shoppers with than five dusty stalls in a leaky shed next to the mill that sell hand made tea cosies.
The mill building itself was much more interesting. The bottom floor contained a couple of furniture and giftware shops and Christian and I oohed and ahhed over a table that was made out of one piece of jarrah that would seat at least twenty people. It cost $25000 but really, what put us off buying it was because it just wouldn't fit in our dining room...ok...that's our story and we're sticking with it!
The next two floors held art galleries and we wandered about there for a bit but to be honest I was more interested in the wrought iron designs on the stair railings.
This is the mill from the outside. It looks rather rickety and that's because it is. Afterall, it is old (over fifty years!).
We had taken up the telescope so we could take advantage of the clear skies in such a rural location but alas, the Saturday was too overcast. We did scout for a good location though so the following night we would know exactly where would be a good spot to set up. It wasn't hard to decide upon Mt Brown. It's vantage point and open spaces were pros. However it was very cold...
That night we had an amazing dinner at the hotel restaurant (if you're ever in York you have to try the rosemary and sea salt potatoes at The York) and then we just chilled out in the room, watching telly and reading. We did discover the cons to staying at a hotel however when the noise from the bar downstairs got rather loud. Coupled with a rather rednecky rendition of 'Working Class Man' at 1am by a few drunk locals stumbling home, it was a bit of a disrupted night.
The following day we went to Gwambygine Park and did a small bush walk there and then spent the rest of the day antiquing and having a mosey around the rest of town. We had saved the Sock Factory for today so as not to over excite ourselves on the Saturday...
I was very tempted to buy a blue heeler hand puppet but Christian wouldn't let me so instead I bought two pairs of socks.
That night the skies cleared and we headed back up to Mt Brown to play with the telescope. We didn't stay for long because it was fecking freezing but we did stay long enough to find Saturn and her rings. We don't have the best lenses as yet so it wasn't exactly like looking through an observatory telescope but still, it was clearly recognisable as Saturn.
Oh, and Christian took a photo of the moon...
The following day we packed up and headed home, picking up Molly along the way. She had enjoyed herself at Mum's, a little too much. Mum is not immune to Molly's doggy wiles and played ball with her the entire weekend. Molly had trouble walking the next day...
We had a lovely weekend though and I'm hoping we can do it again soon :)
ETA - Blogger is being a bitch and isn't letting any of my links work :(
I shall come back tomorrow and try to fix them then. Apologies.
But things have been a little rough lately and we decided that a couple of nights away would do us the world of good.
I suggested that we head down to Busselton, which is where we spent our honeymoon but Christian didn't really want to go that far away. Since we were dropping Molly off for a sleepover at my Mum's place which is already half way to York, we figured we'd give it a go. York is very small and fairly old (over fifty years!) so we knew there wouldn't be a hell of a lot to do while there but since the aim of the weekend was to relax, that was fine by us. I booked us in to the York Heritage Hotel and we were set to have a well earned break!
We arrived about midday and since we couldn't check in until 2pm, we went for a wander about and found our way down to the river. While it was very pretty to look at...
...you really wouldn't want to go swimming in in...
It was a rather overcast day and the river had lots of pretty reflections in it that looked amazing with the poles and ruins of old jetties.
One of the main attractions of the town is their swing bridge. Although the original was pulled down some years ago due to safety concerns (apparently bridges made in 1853 by convicts are deemed 'unsafe' by today's standards...) the new one stands at approximately the same site.This is Christian looking utterly overwhelmed by the sheer excitement of being on the swing bridge.
After crossing the bridge we went for a wander down the track along the river. Lucky for us we had packed several changes of underwear because we were scared shitless by these terrifying beasts!
After lunch we checked into the hotel room and later that afternoon continued with our survey of the town. Many moons ago I did a post that included photos of some of the humorous signs that can be found in and around York. Yet again we came across some amusing ones...I thought this was the best name for a junk shop.
In small country towns one must be flexible and adapt if one is to survive. This is especially true of small businesses. This shop sold lawnmowers, remote control cars and...
According to a newspaper writeup on the bulletin board of the town hall, this building is being developed into a collection of six small shops. The name generated much controversy and may explain why they still haven't opened yet despite passing the expected opening date.
Yes, the dog is pissing on the old man's shoes. For closeups of this sign and others for The Dog's Bollocks Emporium, see my FB album.Times are tough at the moment in York. There was a crazy high percentage of homes and businesses up for sale; the bad economic climate has obviously had a hard effect on such a small community. Therefore one must do whatever one can to lure in a potential customer...
No exceptions!
When I had told people I was going away to York, everyone I spoke to told me I really must visit the new markets that have opened at the old mill. Apparently they used to have a market one day a month but now they have a permanent market every weekend. We thought we'd mosy over and check it out.Turns out it's rather crap. Sorry York, I loved you and all but to draw in a crowd, you need more to tempt shoppers with than five dusty stalls in a leaky shed next to the mill that sell hand made tea cosies.
The mill building itself was much more interesting. The bottom floor contained a couple of furniture and giftware shops and Christian and I oohed and ahhed over a table that was made out of one piece of jarrah that would seat at least twenty people. It cost $25000 but really, what put us off buying it was because it just wouldn't fit in our dining room...ok...that's our story and we're sticking with it!
The next two floors held art galleries and we wandered about there for a bit but to be honest I was more interested in the wrought iron designs on the stair railings.
This is the mill from the outside. It looks rather rickety and that's because it is. Afterall, it is old (over fifty years!).
We had taken up the telescope so we could take advantage of the clear skies in such a rural location but alas, the Saturday was too overcast. We did scout for a good location though so the following night we would know exactly where would be a good spot to set up. It wasn't hard to decide upon Mt Brown. It's vantage point and open spaces were pros. However it was very cold...
That night we had an amazing dinner at the hotel restaurant (if you're ever in York you have to try the rosemary and sea salt potatoes at The York) and then we just chilled out in the room, watching telly and reading. We did discover the cons to staying at a hotel however when the noise from the bar downstairs got rather loud. Coupled with a rather rednecky rendition of 'Working Class Man' at 1am by a few drunk locals stumbling home, it was a bit of a disrupted night.The following day we went to Gwambygine Park and did a small bush walk there and then spent the rest of the day antiquing and having a mosey around the rest of town. We had saved the Sock Factory for today so as not to over excite ourselves on the Saturday...
I was very tempted to buy a blue heeler hand puppet but Christian wouldn't let me so instead I bought two pairs of socks.That night the skies cleared and we headed back up to Mt Brown to play with the telescope. We didn't stay for long because it was fecking freezing but we did stay long enough to find Saturn and her rings. We don't have the best lenses as yet so it wasn't exactly like looking through an observatory telescope but still, it was clearly recognisable as Saturn.
Oh, and Christian took a photo of the moon...
The following day we packed up and headed home, picking up Molly along the way. She had enjoyed herself at Mum's, a little too much. Mum is not immune to Molly's doggy wiles and played ball with her the entire weekend. Molly had trouble walking the next day...
We had a lovely weekend though and I'm hoping we can do it again soon :)
ETA - Blogger is being a bitch and isn't letting any of my links work :(
I shall come back tomorrow and try to fix them then. Apologies.
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