The Party

I thank all for coming on Saturday night! As we all know this is the silly season with many Christmas parties, engagements, weddings and birthday parties. The night was absolutely fantastic! So happy with our choice of venue. Opera Bar was beautiful - shame about the rain.

Hits:

- The best invitation in history
- All the best people came
- The faux champers never stopped flowing
- Birthday kiss for the birthday girl - satisfied
- H's little green dress - looking damn hot, everyone should have one & of course J's "naked dress"
- J, R, G & C AKA the muscley guys came out for a feel of the Opera Bar
- Laughing hysterically with R (but, I don't remember the content of what was so humorous)
- Dancing the night away with A
- Old friends are often the best...
- Worlds colliding and numbers being exchanged
- The numerous day after phone calls of all those close and dear to me gushing over all my other near and dear friends
- Finally an opportunity to wear my BCBG dress as seen on Sarah Michelle Gellar:

Misses:

- Anti-biotics and alcohol do not mix!
- The rain
- A getting her high heel stuck in the big tiles being misconstrued as intoxicated, consequently being asked to leave the venue
- I remember saying "where did *insert name* go?" a little too frequently
- The nibbles never arrived
- J went MIA after the Opera Bar

Thanks giving dinner

I'm an Aussie through and through however I was invited to a thanks giving dinner. It was a wonderful evening full of wine, champagne and a lot of Turkey (must click on this one - what a laugh) blue cheese potatoe bake hmmmm... and lots of other tasty delights. Great American hospitality. I was looking forward to trying Turdukin - unfortunately I'll have to wait another year.

My girlfriend was ready to leave at 10pm. I was having such a great time talking to new people, all very intelligent (the house was unbelievably beautiful). I decided to stay.

My best memory of the evening is being serenaded by a man quoting poetry. There are some wonderful men out there, it just takes a while to meet them (and hopefully the next one will be single).

Retrenched - twice in one year

Yes, it's possible - retrenched again! My week has been consumed with meaningless job interviews with recruitment consultants who all have the same opinion of me... "I'll be bored in 3 weeks if they place in any of the positions they have available at the moment" I think they should let me decided. Well, I more than likely would be bored -I've been there done that so to speak.

WORE: Black Donna Karen pencil skirt, Black Ralph Lauren 3/4 sleeve basic top under a STUNNING Carla Zampatti beige jacket, my favorite highest of high heels I purchased in Dubai and Gio Franco Ferre black bag.

The much anticipated interview for commercial real estate, a position that actually sounded interesting on paper - the principle was wearing a white suit with an orange shirt with a string of ostensibly fake pearls. I couldn't work for someone with such a drastic fashion faux pas! Besides the fact it sounded like she wanted an accountant more than an agent. I felt like yelling "read my CV!"

I went over the big bad bridge to my next interview. The guy was nice enough, the board room was dressed with "inspirational pictures" (I HATE that shite) I emerged 2 hours later thinking I have it in the bag! 20K less than what I was previously earning, but wait, its with a great commission structure, with my knowledge they will be throwing money at me (yea, I know what I'm doing).

WORE: Black David Lawrence knee length skirt, Black light knit from Max Mara, Barbara Bui 4" high heels and Gio Franco Ferre black bag.

The next week I go back to meet the team. I walk in 5 women, 1 man (I've never worked with women before in my life) They are all in pastels/florals sporting the traditional "North Shore attire" I walk in wearing black courture - I knew I wouldn't fit in as soon as I saw the collars turned up. A review of some questions: "When you cook, do you follow a recipe or make it up as you go along?" My response "I've never followed a recipe before in my life"" Why do you ask?" She couldn't answer me... Oops. Question of note no. 2 "What is the difference between your like business personality and like your personal ahh, personal like personality?" I furrowed my brow - structure your sentence you IDIOT! She also did that little I want to be so cute tongue poke out at the end of her sentence thing *shudder* I said "It's the same" I don't think she liked that. I didn't get the job. Apparently the guy was wrapped with me, but the girls didn't think I would fit in - No shit!

Points of culture for the office
Commitment
You will be committed to the Vision, Mission, Goals and Rules and SUCCESS of "company" its current and future team, and its clients at all times. You will always recommend products and services of "company" prior to going outside the company.
Ownership
Accept that you as an individual are truly responsible for your actions and outcomes and own everything that takes place in your work and your life.
Integrity
- You will only ever make agreements you are willing and intend to keep.
- You will always speak the truth. What you promise is what you deliver.
Excellence
Good enough isn't. You will always deliver products and services of exceptional quality that add value to all involved for the long term.
Communication
- You will always speak positively of your team members, your clients and "company" in both public and private.
- You will speak with good purpose using empowering and positive conversation.
- You will never use or listen to profanity, sarcasm or gossip. I'm out right here
- You will acknowledge what is being said as true for the speaker at that moment.
- You will take responsibility for responses to your communication.
- You will greet and farewell people using their name.
- You will always apologise for any upsets first ... and then look for a solution.
- You will only ever discuss concerns in private with the person involved.
Success
- You will focus your attention on the successful outcome of whatever you are doing.
- You will have a willingness to win and allow others to win ... win/win.
- You will display pride, prosperity, competence and personal confidence.
Education
- You will always be willing to learn from your mistakes.
- You will always be striving to learn, grow and master so you can help your fellow team members and clients learn, grow and master too.
- You will act as an educator to allow your clients to make their own intelligent decisions about their future remembering that it is their future.
- You will impart practical, useable knowledge rather than just theory.
- You will always be willing to learn from your mistakes.
Team Work
- You will be willing to do whatever it takes to stay together and achieve team goals.
- You will focus on co-operation and always come to a resolution, not a compromise.
- You'll be flexible in your work, able to change if what you're doing's not working.
- You will ask for help when you need it and be compassionate to others who ask you.
- You will be willing to do whatever it takes to stay together and achieve team goals.
Balance
You will have a balanced approach to life remembering that your spiritual, social, physical and family aspects are just as important as your financial and intellectual.
Fun
You view life as a journey to be enjoyed and appreciated and will help to create an atmosphere of fun and happiness so all around you enjoy it as well.
Systems
- You will always look to the system for a solution. If a problem arises you will look for a system correction before you look for a people correction.
- You will look for a system solution in your innovation rather than a people solution.
- You will follow the system exactly until a new system is introduced.You will suggest system improvements at your first opportunity.
Consistency
You will be consistent in your actions so that your customers can feel comfortable dealing with you at all times.

You know what I say about this?

FUCK OFF you fucking CUNTS!

Happy Birthday to me

Your Birthdate: November 18

You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause. You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too. Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others. You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress. Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities Your power color: Crimson red Your power symbol: Snowflake Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

My birthday month

Your Birth Month is November

Tolerant and inspirational, you are wise beyond your years. You are universally sympathetic and a great humanitarian. Your soul reflects: Compassion, friendship, and secret love Your gemstone: Citrine Your flower: Chrysanthemum Your colors: Dark blue, red, and yellow

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

The weekend

Friday afterwork was to be a coffee with my last boyfriend. The doffus had a minor operation and thought it better to postpone as he didn't want me laughing at him with a huge patch over his cheek and ear - would I do that?

I went to dinner at Bar Italia with MFL Instead. Yes, I ma aware the irony. So is MFL Wonderful dinner, seafood pasta for $12! Bargain! Gelato to follow, takes me back to Italy especially Venice where I had a gelato a day, I was consumed by the beauty *dreams*.

Afterward meet J. For a drink at Clovelly Hotel , The Cloey lacked a bit of personality, a bottle of red and home it was.

Saturday night saw me at my Aunty's 60th B'day party. What a HOOT! I was at least 30 years their junior. Went to Cine at The Entertainment Quarter. My aunt and I polished off a bottle of red.

After the dinner went to a friends house where more alcohol was served. All the boys were waiting for the rugby to commence all the girls were sitting on the balcony reminiscing the ol' school days...

Sunday saw me up at 7.00am (yew) had to be done, watched Australia v Uruguay - so sad. Come on boys win for us on Wednesday night!

After work on Sunday I did it - I did the walk. Sculpture By The Sea So beautiful. What more can I ask for. Art on the iconic backdrop of Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte Beach. Groups of people playing petanque at Bronte, half naked guys and girls walking along the cliff tops. The fresh salt breeze through my hair... Highly recommend!

What next...? Unbelievable titles!

My Wishful Fashion Desire

Lately I've been talking about fashion, opera, my obsession with the lifestyle of the 1950's. Especially after watching the over the top chick flick The Notebook (I'm too cynical for this movie) The fashion... Ohhh the fashion.

A month or so ago I went to the Opera and saw thongs, for I was wearing Gianni Versace black skirt with Versace Couture top, gold Rudolph Menidiur shoes, antique green stoned chocker necklace. Where my dream was to wear some of these outfits or live in a time when I could step out looking like this and be the perfect woman...

The closest occasions we have in today's society is Spring Carnival, ahhh Melbourne Cup. Unfortunately weddings are not bringing out the best fashions these days. What ever happened to a "sense of occasion"

Here's to bringing back ladylike fashions!

More!

I have this beautiful Balenciaga Bag in Red.

Purchased in Dubai earlier this year, well I didn't buy it, my dad did, doesn't quite fit into my budget. Now that I have one I want another - in black, or green, or silver... All?

Places I've been and want to visit - LAKE GEORGE NEW YORK STATE

I WANT TO VISIT

Lake George New York State is one of the most beautiful areas in the States (So i've been lead to believe) My dear cousin is living here, she has sent me some beautiful pictures, I'm so tempted to pack my bags and join her.

From Aranka:

Fall is here just beatiful. All trees are colored differently. It is about 4 hours north from New York city. Lake George is very small village, which actually lives just during season. Now is nobody here. Everything is closed. So if you need to go to buy food or go to cinema, must drive 10 min to the next city. Which is not bad. It is getting cold around here. We got first snow two weeks ago. It lassed just through the night. Now is freezing about 3 bellow zero.

"Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw; formed by a contour of mountains into a basin... finely interspersed with islands, its water limpid as crystal, and the mountain sides covered with rich groves... down to the water-edge: here and there precipices of rock to checker the scene and save it from monotony."

-- Thomas Jefferson, May 31, 1791

Sure! That will be nice. I look forward to it..

*slap* *slap*

Why do I say it? How did I come to say it?

I drove home of Sunday afternoon from work, of course I live approximately 3 minutes away from my last boyfriends home. Where he lives is one street parallel to my most convenient route home, inevitably we will drive past each other one time or another.

I see his car, half smile - little coy and throw my hand up in acknowledgment. I think this behaviour is fantastic, respectful of each others presence on the road.

What happens yesterday. He calls. Obviously seeing me on Sunday has stayed on his mind. Little chit chat about the more mundane points in both of our lives. Then he mentions my birthday is only a couple weeks away - so convenient he brings this up as his birthday in Thursday (yes, we are only 8 days apart). So our conversation moves along to birthday celebrations etc. Then he asks if I would like to catch up for coffee on Friday. What do I say "Sure! That would be nice. I look forward to it"

Why?

I've committed to coffee under similar circumstances ...

A lovely night with a new friend

We pinkie swore we would be friends forever.

Such a sweetie... 1.5litre bottle of merlot, pizza, garlic bread, chocolate and good company.

We snuggled on the lounge watching telly well trying to watch telly, talking too much. This is of course one of my ultimate favourite nights in.

Comments to remember:

"I've never been able to talk to anyone the way I talk to you"
(yep, I do remember the movie line from "someone like you")

"You will be the last woman I'll ever have in my arms before I get married"
(sounds bad, we were just curled up on the lounge together)

He called me beautiful, I almost cried - WTF is wrong with me? I should take the complement and run with it!

The Best Event in Sydney

I went to Sculpture By The Sea last year. I must say it is one of the most ultimate wonderful experiences I've ever had in this fair city I call home. It's on every November along the Bronte to Bondi Beach walk.

Added to my "To Do List" for one evening this week.

3 parties in one night

It's that time of year, birthday parties, Christmas parties, BBQ's to celebrate the beautiful weather, cocktail parties just because we can...

3 Birthday parties to attend in 1 night.

There goes my promise of consecutive alcohol free days! I did however last 3 days ;-)

Wore: Cavalli leopard print, black skirt, my most comfortable 3.5" heeled shoes. All dressed up, make up done perfectly, hair blow dried straight. I looked a 10/10 for the night (the best "I" can look in my opinion)

I was running late due to the above, oops.

The Paddington party at Fringe Bar, it was going to be a brief appearance, I noted the time and just let the cab go past.. Thought to myself I would be able to catch up later that night.

I meet V & J at Cargo Bar for the boys birthday celebrations. Cargo as per usual full of young men all wearing the "uniform" jeans, collared shirt, with collar up turned and sneakers. Great conversation with the nice birthday boys friends.

After a couple of hours and a couple of drinks we venture down to Bungalow 8 (the other b'day party for the night).

We arrived at Bungalow 8 after the convenient walk of 200 meters. It was hard to get a minute with the birthday boy to at least say "Happy Birthday!" A few drinks and not much conversation with other guests, us girls all decided "back to Cargo".

The vibe had changed. The tables and chairs had been removed, the alcohol was taking over with the whom I thought were nice boys... At 11.30pm the girls were thinking to call it a night.

Not me, I went back to Bungalow 8 a few glasses of faux champers and chatted a couple of interesting people, 1 arrogant asshole - I'm so impressed with myself, he made one sexist comment, and I, not having the best of best nights retort by raising my eyebrows and saying "On that note, I'm bidding you goodbye".

We didn't stop there, ended up at Q Bar! I haven't been to Q Bar since I was 19. Hasn't changed. Still sleazy, probably the same people frequent.

At this stage I had come to the realisation I had to let go of what I can only describe as my school girl crush - what better way to do it than spend the latter part (early hours of the morning) making out with 1 of the boys!

Over the crush? See previous post...

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm

Am I upset? Maybe. Am I depressed? No.

I feel emotionless. Numb.

I've been working 7 days a week for the last 10 weeks. 1 day off, a public holiday that I spent trying to get over a hang over and entertain family in 30 degree heat.

I really thought I was getting on track, my not so new Monday - Friday job I've been in for just over 4 months I'm finally finding my feet (finance industry, no experience or qualifications in finance), I have a consistent Saturday/Sunday working contract, paying off my car is only 1 paycheque away, looking for a new home to buy - aiming for a January/February purchase, a couple of cute boys that I would like to get to know a little better.

All falling apart. Recently I found out I may be facing my second redundancy of the year, therefore possible job searching again, I can't continue looking for a unit (previous statement), boy I was interested in, not interested in me (see post about my weekend). To make matters worse I decided to jump on the scales last night, I'm 60.5kg! I've never looked like this. My clothes are getting tighter, my baggy jeans have become my "skinny" jeans!

I'm going to be very selfish for the next few weeks, well up until my birthday at least.

What next...? A socio-economical comment

Unbelievable! I just found out yesterday people can now pay rent using credit cards! AND there is a rewards program! This suprise's me immensely. Our current state of the economy - the consumer debit of the good ol'd counrty I call home. Australia has by far the most overvalued houses in the Western world, with prices 52% higher than justified by rental values. What does this have in stall for us? The price of housing relative to incomes is 50 per cent higher in Australia than in other countries as mentioned in a recent article. I foresee so many problems with consumers living beyond their means "the average household debt had skyrocketed as a proportion of household disposable income from 49% of income in 1990-91, the debt ratio trebled to 143% in 2004" *SMH article. The major component of this rise in household debt has been the even greater increase in borrowing for housing the new phenomenon of credit card reward points and frequent flyer points. In terms of practicality with my chosen career I don't even want to think about the predominance of professional tenants that will be on the rise. No wonder why I don't care to go back to residential property management!

October 2005

I will always remember October 2005 as the month I substituted: food, gym, sex, friendships and men for alcohol.

It stops now!

The Melbourne Cup

There is nothing better than getting all dolled up for the beautiful Spring weather! My morning is busy doing my hair, putting on the right make up to complement my Black & Whites for the day.

Wore: Year 10 formal dress (I still fit into it- YAY) Marc Jacobs black & white shoes, Blumarine black & white handbag, BIG black & white hat.

Melbourne Cup, the only day I venture into the TAB and place bets on the horses, what beautiful magnificent animals they are... I place a couple of bets plus the sentimental favourite Makaybe Diva. Winning her 3rd Melbourne Cup. The race that stops the nation - the 5 of us on the table had tears in our eyes when the little feelie came running down the straight. Only 2 of us (me included) backed the beautiful girl. No one would begrudge this win. We witnessed history.

Lunch was at the Monkey Bar in Balmain with my work colleagues (we closed the office at 12.30pm). Fantastic food, Fantastic vibe - who won the best dressed - not me. A fru fru in a pink dress with feathers in her hair :-(

J & L came up to the Monkey Bar to share the 4th bottle of Champers for the day, Melbourne Cup is the only day where girls can get all dressed up, start drinking at midday, totter around in 4" heels and it's socially acceptable! I love this country!

Horsey Facts & Figures

Most winners of the cup have been either 4 or 5 years old.
Barrier 11 has produced the most winners of the race.
4 has been the most successful Saddlecloth number.
80 horses with a single word name have won the Cup.
20 cup winners have had a name with eight characters.
Pharlap carried the heaviest weight to win a Cup with 68kg.
7 imported horses have won the Melbourne Cup.
5 horses have won the race twice.
11 horses have won the Caufield/Melbourne Cup double.

Global Glamour Guide

With complements a friend of friends friend... Fashion