Carnivale - VENICE

Venice Carnival 2006 Saturday, February 18, 2006 - Tuesday, February 28, 2006

I have 7 years to save for my costume, flights and accommodation to go to Carnivale I want to experience the most magnificent of Venetian celebrations.

The Carnival of Venice officially began in 1296, when the Senate of the Republic authorized the carnival with an edict declaring the day before Lent as a day of celebration. After a break of almost two centuries, the traditions of the carnival were recovered by the Municipality in 1980 and since then the event has been held with great success each year.Each year has a different, underlying theme for the carnival, which is developed under various points of view, from one of culture to that of pure spectacle. For two weeks St. Marks' Square, the theaters, streets, squares and public buildings become the protagonists of numerous initiatives and shows: actors, acrobats, dancers and musicians bring a celebration atmosphere to the city for a few days, which is similar to that of the XVII century.

The Last Day of Summer...

Sydney summer time, my favourite time of year has some to an end.

+ Cocktails - check
+ Beach - check
+ Summer dresses - check
+ Tan - darker shade of white - check
+ Champers - check
+ Summer romance - no

Wild Park For Sale

I just stumbled across this listing (It's actually work for me)

The property features:
+ 53.16 hectares (approx)
+ Variety of animals eg. lions, tiger, Syrian Brown Bears, White Rhino, Hippos (Common & Pygmy)
+ Administration/quarantine building, souvenir shop, dining facilities, residential dwelling, plant & equipment


- Insert "oh my" where appropriate ;-)

Sunday Night Dinner

After a long day I met JY, PB & MM for a big Una's dinner, a huge Chicken Jaeger Schnitzel With creamy Mushroom Sauce, Rösti & Cabbage Salad, followed by a few drinks at Green Park Hotel I just wasn't in a great mood, it may have been any of the following: - (mentors mate) No longer coming - The model, no longer coming - Walking in the rain from Paddington to Darlinghurst - "You've put on weight" - "When is you operation" "How are you feeling about it" - Even though I'm not interested and it's so wrong to feel this way, hearing that your mate would hypothetically prefer to be with the other girl instead of me - Talk about the last time they all went to Una's for dinner, when I asked "where was my invitation?" The subject was changed - Having that extra glass of red that made me put more emphasis on the above - Getting very wet getting home

The TAB Guy... Scaryn Stuff

11:58pm my phone rings. No caller ID, I don't recognise the voice immediately.

"Is your audi blue?"

I freak! Who is this?

"Is your license plate "A##-###?"

Oh. My. God. He is outside my house!

"I'm outside, come and say hello!"

WTF! It's almost midnight, he's lucky I'm awake, I'm in my little satin nightie. I'm NOT going out. I tell him its late... After the many c'mon's I stick my head out my window very Repunzel-esque.

I'm hesitant in my speech, I tell him its inappropriate for him to come past un-announced, especially on a school night.

He's shocked of my reaction! Who is this guy? Who does this? My core group of friends wouldn't even consider "dropping over" without a phone call first at a decent hour and usually they would be experiencing some kind of crisis.

He said "We have history - you don't go to school anymore" "Your too hard to get a hold of" WHAT! He called once when I was at work.

After a couple of minutes of pointless conversation, I said "It's late, I'm going to bed"

He wanted to "get together" over the weekend, thankfully I had a chocka block weekend (couldn't think up an excuse after almost falling asleep on the lounge).

Next time he calls and enquires about my diary, I'll say I have a date.

Project: Hiking Boots

Hiking Boots in the Eastern Suburbs can not be found!

Me! Wearing hiking boots? Shock horror - what do you wear with them?

I need a pair for work, Thursday I'll be traveling up to Mackay, North Queensland to view our site, I've been shown pictures of mud, swap like areas that "I" will have to walk across.

When I hear boots my usual thoughts are my knee high stiletto, or my Gucci ankle boots - not going to happen in mud. I love the word mud... I just associate the word with men on constructions sites with sweat running down their muscular bodies...

Anyway, I went directly to Colorado thinking hiking boots would be a staple for the store. Nop, they no longer manufacture women's hiking boots. WTF! Then off to every shop in the mall including Rebel sport - nop, no where to be found. No store has stocked them for over a year.

One sales person recommended going to the camping stores on Kent Street. I call my girlfriend Lisa to ask if she knew anywhere, she has afterall gone camping and trekking through out Canada and New Zealand, after laughing she said Kent Street would be the way to go too.

I start heading out there, I call my mum to rant about my wasted time. Her response "If you can't find any you'd better give up the job" Yeah... Real help.

I get down to Kent Street there a 5 (I think) stores in the area. Who knew?

I am now a proud owner of hiking boots.

The stores feel like a foreign country to me, big backpacks, sleeping bags, tents... I walk in sheepishly "hiking shoes" "hiking shoes"

I told my story to my boss, he laughed at me. He also mentioned I'm far ahead of all the women up there as I have all my teeth - What have I got myself into?

On a positive, my shoe count is now at 38 and I can think about trekking Michu Pichu...

Happy 21st Birthday

I was invited to M'z 21st birthday party, I would say I was the second eldest person there (other than her boyfriend at 30)

It was held at The Roxy in Parramatta, I was designated driver. This little eastern suburbs gal missed the Parramatta turn off *blush*

It was a beautiful crowd, I'm so proud of Mez, she was approahed by FHM magazine for a photo spread.

Most of her 21 year old friends were wearing little belt sized dresses with their blonde hair following, long tanned legs drinking faux champers and falling over each other after 2 glasses.

After my initial reaction of seeing all these pretty little things running around and thinking taking pity on myself (when I was finding something to wear my mother said, you can't wear either of those dresses they make you look big - thanks mum!)

I was there in my black (slimming outfit) watching the girls eating deep fried curry puffs and spring rolls.

Hey girls I looked like that when I was your age - Look into your future

Finally

Saturday morning bright and early a breakfast burrito at New Orleans Cafe.

It's a must - The burrito is so good it gets me driving over the big bad bridge.

The Wedding

So quaint, only 13 people. What a love story...

The groom is from Ireland, the bride from America. They met in Australia a few month later engaged and they had their civil ceremony on Friday.

The grooms 2 brothers came over for the occasion and so did the brides brother. It was an intimate affair, everybody getting to know each other over dinner and wine at the local pizza shop.

I was playing date to one of my girlfriends to save her from coupledom.

Vegan for a Day Challenge

I found out last night that I failed the challenge.

Not intentional. My dietary choices were correct.

I wore leather shoes, leather bag and drove my car to work comfortably immersed in leather seats.

Oops.

I was bored....

You Are 92% Evil

You're the most evil person you know. The devil is even a little scared of you!

How Evil Are You?

I Own 1 Pair of Pants

My new built-in wardrobe is being installed (2 full days and still not finished!). Possibly taking them to The Consumer Trader and Tenancy Tribunal.

I went through all my clothes 1 by 1 before neatly folding or hanging.

I checked for condition (bye AX glowmesh top). Came across the "that's so last season" items. I asked myself does the colour really suit me? What does this piece say about me? The why the hell did I ever buy that item!?!? What shoes would go with this?

I tried on numerous items, ones I hadn't worn last winter or since last summer.

I was almost in tears, half my clothes don't fit me anymore. I took 2 "jumbo" sized garbage bags up to St Vinnies (I was thinking eBay, but seriously couldn't be bothered).

My straight leg size 6 skinny jeans I used to live in are now just a memory, my every day comfortable jeans barely fit, the manouver is laying on the bed, sucking in my tummy and using all my muscles to do them up... Then sitting down for longer than 8 minutes cuts of all blood circulation. I'm then afraid to go to the bathroom for the duration of my outing (ahhhh!). My 2 pairs of Marc Jacobs don't fit like they used to *tears* I was aware of my jeans issues as I had to dress for 2 sporting events of the weekend and I wasn't going to wear a little summer dress. I went shopping at WBJ and set myself a budget for what will forever be known as "my fat jeans" $60 maximum. I went to Jeans West - Customer service was great, when they showed me jeans at $80 I mentioned I only wanted to spend $60, they then said "no pressure if you don't have the money" - how cute! The thought never occurred to me. I found a nice comfy pair that I hope I will only wear for 2 - 3 months.

I tried on every pair of pants I own, the only item that fits me are my white linen Giofranco Ferre pants!

Items of note I'm hanging onto "just in case": black Morrissey pants, gold Chanel top, Red sparkly top I wore for my birthday party November 2004, the little red dress that got me into every night club when I was underage, black pin stripe Prada skirt, my favourite Ojay dress for work, black atelier skirt with split (circa 1999), Oscar De La Renta black silk skirt that I never wore. And of course all my gym clothes that I need to struggle to get into to work out in...

At least all my 37 pairs of shoes still fit!

A Review: "Vegan for a Day" Challenge

Yesterday was the first and last time I challenge myself as a vegan for the day. I did survive, thanks to carbohydrates.

We went to Govinda's for dinner and a movie (bargain at $21.90), it was a vegetarian buffet which I'll pass on in future. Tasteless sponge anyone?

Then we moved on to the cinema upstairs to watch Shopgirl (beautiful, touching movie) the movie room is filled with day beds, very comfortable other than my feet sticking out the end, I will go back (maybe wear socks).

Today's challenge: Vegan for the day

It sounded like a good idea many months ago (September last year, I think) while Julia and I were having dinner and a bottle of red that we would challenge ourselves to be a vegan for a week, it was oh so quickly reduced to 1 day. It was forgotten along with many other alcohol induced "bight idea at the time"

After watching Transamerica last week, quote "I'm a level 4 vegan, I don't eat anything that casts a shadow". We decided to book an alternate date.

Tonight we are going to Govinda's for dinner and to see Shopgirl, Govinda's a vegetarianian delights, so what better time to do it?

My first question of the day "Is honey vegan approved?" I'm now drinking coffee without milk. Hmmm what to have for lunch?

Perks...

The MD let me drive his car today (one of his cars)

A Mistake and I Can't Fix

I'm going to refrain from using any cursing. Deep breath...

My new job.

I received my first wages today (little late, was supposed to be Thursday last week).

I'm $220 per week less than my old job. Deep breath...

I was fully aware of the superannuation exclusive v inclusive would make a difference, I didn't prepare for this. Deep breath...

I'm no longer able to accept weekend overtime as I did last year as the work would now be considered "a conflict of interest" Deep breath...

The contract is signed. It's my own fault. I guess the process of saving to purchase my own pad will take a little longer.

Updated 22nd February - I just looked back, I was having a blonde moment.. It'd actually $285.50 per week!

The Winter Olympics

How good is it! I'm just loving the Torino Winter Olympics. (I've been wearing the shoes I bought in Torino more frequently too)

men's Moguls, our first medal of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Dale Begg-Smith, the favourite coming into the event after winning three of the last four World Cups, Dale qualified first for the final and continued that form into the decider, taking it out with a score of 26.77.

It's great that Dale is a Canadian and adopted Australia. Unbelievable that he was told by Canada and the US that he wasn't able to compete or be trained and keep his multi-million dollar company.

Curling! A sport!?!?! Where do I start?

Skeleton bores me to death so much so I want to lay on the snow and make a snow angel...

I'm addicted to Ice hockey!

How does an Aussie girl get wrapped up in Ice Hockey?

I was in Czech Republic this year when the Ice Hockey World Cup was on. I loved it! Besides the fact every thing on Czech TV is in Cesky of which I can not understand more than a couple dozen phrases, therefore watching sport I can be easily entertained and not require constant translations.... I was addicted.

Czech Republic was playing so well - in fact they won the championship (No one here in OZ seemed to hear about it) Not only was the game thrilling I developed a crush on Jaromir Jagr!

He wears the number 68 in memory of the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The year my father escaped and came down under. My daddy also played Ice Hockey in his days, he was a goal keeper preparing to play in the Olympics for the former Czechoslovakia but he broke both thumbs and couldn't play... The love of the sport must be in my blood.

I'm so disappointed of the lack of coverage for Ice Hockey. Last night they showed 40 seconds of highlights, I got my crush satisfied immediately.

Figure Skating. I love it. Evgeni Plushenko from Russia his performance in the Men's Short program Figure Skating was unbelievable, the way he just glides over the ice... WOW!!!

The ice dancing was amazing last night, but so many of the competitors fell, the manner in which favouites for the event, the Italians behaved after the fall was deplorable. She just wouldn't look at her partner. I understand the disappointment, please a little sportsmanship!

The Americans below looked so fresh, they looked like they were having a ball out on the ice, I'm looking forward to the next figure skating qualifier (Where are the Aussie's?)

How was your weekend? Read my blog.

Is this the end of face to face communication?

I did it. I said it.

"How was your weekend?"

"Read my blog"

There was an article in one of the papers about how blogs are "contributing to relationships and building communities". A woman recently joked that she finds out what her two out-of-home adult children are up to by reading their blogs each day.

I can relate, put in a long day at work, I'm not going to call all my friends late at night to catch up.

Conversations with my friends who read my blog are significantly different to the one's that don't. The few that read my blog don't ask "what have you been up to?"

We have started to wake up to the idea that we need to be intentional and seek out meaningful relationships. The community we choose to live in often exists as a relational network rather than a geographical location. When we find that sense of community, it's little surprise that we're keen to use technology to complement it.

Most peoples opinion of us bloggers are that we are pretentious bunch oozing with self-importance, narcissists or so and of course the random journalism dropout. There are a few sheltered souls out there that ask "What's a blog?" I find the question so adorable and pathetic at the same time.

I kept my little blog private for many months, writing the highs, the lows and the real lows. What I do write is me, all my interests, events, feelings as I see and feel on the day, a record of events that mould me into who I am today. Hence the name "Mirror Mirror On The Wall" this is my opportunity reflect on my own actions and experience and I do hope anyone that does stumble across my blog enjoys my journey.

There's One in Every Crowd...

Friday night I went to the James Brown concert, the king of soul still has it! The music was sensational! The performance was fantastic! The back-up singers brought goose bumps to my skin. The father of funk did a tribute to another legend Ray Charles. I was in my element (I enjoyed the support act too - no idea who they are).

I took my dad to the concert as he is the only other person I know of that enjoys the music before I purchased the tickets.

We were in the "nose bleed section" second last row from the back and what are we subjected to throughout most of the performance? Some bogans talking! They hardly stopped chatting away, I wish they left and went for coffee, the people a row in front on me were looking back! My favourite quote from my dad "I hear Doonside accents behind us".

Saturday was a lazy day I couldn't even motivate myself to go to the beach, I joined mum for an afternoon movie Casanova, the movie in my humble opinion was rubbish, but I love Venice and I just adore the late 1700's early 1800's Italy. The story of Casanova enthralled me. I just love it!

We were enjoying the movie but we have some inconsiderate people behind us talking in another language through out - my best guess the woman was translating the movie to her husband, we were going crazy!

Saturday night I was sitting out in the rain watching the rugby league charity shield between Souths and St George. There were Souths supporters behind us, female's yelling obscenities! Like a drowned water rat we jumped on the train home and couldn't fathom going out anywhere else... Bed was calling (and so was a guy that's a blast from the past - different story)

Sunday I was preparing for the big day today, built-in wardrobe being installed, new entertainment unit, new bookcase. It was too hot!

I spent Sunday evening at the football. Sydney FC v Adelaide United with 30,000 other people, the record for the game, so fantastic! Except for that kid, that stupid kid that stood up for most of the match right in front of me, his father was sitting right next to him and nop, didn't pressure him to sit down. Discipline your kids please!

What next...?

Places I've been and want to visit - KARLSTEJN CASTLE

BEEN THERE!

I love it when I'm scanning through the net and find places I've been and have such fond memories.

My visit Karlstejn Castle was on a beautiful Czech summers day of 21 deg, this was a Czech summer, (usually between -1deg - 6deg in the mountains where I was staying. Summer! Unbelievable!) This only day of my stay that my cousin and I bought ice-creams to cool down.

Medieval Karlstejn Castle was built 650 years ago and was founded by the Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV for the safe keeping of Coronation Jewels and relics of saints.

Our tour director for the castle was in English, pidgeon English. It was harder for all of us to understand than if we had a Czech tour guide and receiving translations from my family.

Karlstejn Castle was the 4th castle we visited on the day, crazy looking back at the photos now, Aranka and I in front of a castle, in front of a fountain, in front of a statue, in front of another castle, in front of a church, in front of a palace, in front of a castle...

The entire Czech Republic is full of beautiful buildings, the medieval architecture is breathtaking, the spa cities spread throughout the country are stunning. Czech Republic is a must visit for everyone's itinerary.

How beautiful did Pammy look!

I'm usually not a fan, Pamela Anderson just looked stunning in her green number for the launch of Green M&M's.

The Valentines Day Dinner

The facts

- Wore: David Lawrence brown lace wrap top with plunging neck line, too plunging and threw on a brown cami under, black Donna Karen knee length skirt, Valentino handbag and new bronze and black embellish 4" stellito's (matches my handbag) dripping with all my best gold jewelry

- The venue was Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Beach
- A pre-dinner cocktail
- A bottle of champagne, Veuve Clicquot as our "starter"
- A delicious 3 course dinner
- 2 bottles of red wine
- 2 bottles of white wine
- The party: K. a former work colleague, now a relationship manager for *insert company name* R. her partner/boyfriend, Australian / New Zealand CEO of *insert international company* D. (my "date" for the evening) South East Asian MD of same international company
- D. & I went to the same school. He finished in '69 and I finished in '96 the quick sum, he's approximately 54 (a fit 54)
- K. didn't mention prior to the dinner that D. is married with 2 kids
- A glance at the bill $918 or $938
- I came home with a long stem red rose


# 1 - Attitude

K. and R. picked me up by taxi from home at 6.30pm all dressed up and ready for great night ahead. We arrived a little early for our reservation and D. was on his way from the city so we were directed to the bar for some pre-dinner drinks, over our first cocktail I was briefed on D. lives in Singapore with his wife and 2 kids. Shocked, it would have been nice to know...

Any expectations of a set up gone out the window, I'll settle in for an evening of just being company and evening up the numbers, I wonder what his wife would think...? How bad does this look for me...? *shake head* drink up.


# 2 - Freak out

K. and R. picked me up by taxi from home at 6.30pm all dressed up and ready for great night ahead. We arrived a little early for our reservation and D. was on his way from the city so we were directed to the bar for some pre-dinner drinks, over our first cocktail I was briefed on D. lives in Singapore with his wife and 2 kids. Shocked, it would have been nice to know!

What the fuck was K. thinking! I feel like I've been drafted into a ring of high-class hookers. I'm like Amilita Amalfi! Does this guy have any expectations of sexual favors? What a fucking pig! Married and 54 ish and out with a 27 year old. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Relax. Drink up.


Dinner

A few deep breathes, my mind was coming up with too many scenario's, had a big gulp of my cocktail, composed myself totally, willed myself not to jump to any conclusions and thought I'll wait till the guy gets here first.

When D. arrived we introduced and a silent sigh of relief, not sleazy, a very decent man.

We were seated at our table, the men gave us 2 girls the seats with the view over Bondi, they insisted we had a glass of champagne before dinner, perusing over the menu of mouth watering delectable, discussing favourite foods, wines, D. & I like red, K. & R. like white, they decided to get both.

I was put at ease, the 2 men were absolute gentlemen, our glasses filled first, when either K. or I were going to leave the table they both stood up, when we arrived back, they both stood up.

We covered every topic imaginable, arts, sports, work, education, social etiquette, love and love lost, kids, travel, life journeys...

It was 11.30pm and we had been eating drinking and talking non-stop when our waitress asked if we would like taxi's organised, 2 cabs K. & R. heading to Rose Bay, me heading home and D. to the city, they wanted to ensure I got home safe, D. dropped me off in the taxi first. When we arrived outside my house he jumped out of the cab and ran around to open the door for me.

Happy Valentine's Day

Every February, across almost every country, chocolates, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St Valentine.

Who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? The history of Valentine's Day is shrouded in mystery.

Contradictions in this post

It's said to be the month of romance but we only get a day, my cynical opinionated self would usually say Valentine's Day is just some commercial hoopla introduced by hallmark, but today I'm slightly melancholy about flying solo. My second consecutive year as a single girl on Valentine's Day, I've been single for 1 year and half a month (but who's counting).

I have received phone call with "I love you" so far, from a good friend and said I love you to one of my wonderful beautiful friends. It's so nice to hear those 3 little words.

My bitterness about not having a loved one has only reared its ugly head a few times over the last year.

- The first was when I went to the art gallery and walked around the botanical gardens on my week off work before going overseas. I cherished the experience, I love being absorbed in the art, I love doing it alone in my own time. I love it so much I wish to share the experience with someone close, someone I love.

- My heart was lonely while I was at my cousins wedding in Czech Republic. I know it was a wedding the celebration of love, I believe its better to be in love yourself. The experience was hard for me as my comprehension of the Czech language is limited (dismal) and only 4 people could speak English. I felt so alone.

- A big night out with Julia a few months back, we went to the Hilton Hotel opening party, all dressed up, in super spirits, there wasn't even a smile from a man to either of us, not an offer of a drink, not even a sleazy "Do you come here often?" (it was afterall the opening). After a couple glasses of red a couple of non-return text messages from men neither of us were interested, we felt low, self esteem hit the floor. We swore we would never let an experience get to us like that again.

Every Valentine's Day I can remember I have had lunch with my dad. I love it. I really do enjoy the daddy / daughter bond we have. We play it up
of course. We walk arm in arm and constantly laugh at peoples expressions - Dad enjoys it of course, a little play to his ego that "his girlfriend" is young enough to be his daughter. Not this year unfortunately, the distance is just a little too far with the new job for an hour lunch.

The all important questions: Do I want to meet a man? Do I want a relationship? I want to feel a mans touch on my skin. I want to be loved. However much I rant that Valentine's is such a commercial prank I do want to receive a rose, a chocolate, I want that feeling of being desired by another person.

Is it just that Valentine's / love is on my mind... I know if I wanted a relationship I would be in one, I've been the one that ended my 3 long term relationships.

My initial plans for tonight were to go out with my very few single girlfriends and have a beautiful dinner with "our loves". Yesterday I received a phone call from a "happily in love" friend who's partners business associate is here from Hong Kong and been invited to join them for dinner at Bondi Icebergs. Effectively I have agreed to my first blind date ever on Valentine's Day.

What do I wear???

My love profile for Valentine's Day

As its Valentine's Day I figured doing a love profile would be worth while...

Your Five Variable Love Profile

Propensity for Monogamy: Your propensity for monogamy is medium. In general, you prefer to have only one love interest. But it's hard for you to stay devoted for too long! There's too much eye candy to keep you from wandering. Experience Level: Your experience level is high. You've loved, lost, and loved again. You have had a wide range of love experiences. And when the real thing comes along, you know it! Dominance: Your dominance is medium. You tend to be the one with more power. You aren't a total control freak in relationships.. But of course you don't mind getting you way! Cynicism: Your cynicism is high. Sure you believe in love, but you know it doesn't come easily. You scoff at "love at first site" and "soumates." You rather take the real thing, as unglamorous as it is. Independence: Your independence is high. You don't need to be in love, and sometimes you don't even want love. Having your own life is very important for you... Even more important than having a relationship.

The Five Variable Love Test

My $24 night out

First stop Kuleto's for happy hour (its actually happy hour and a half) 2 cocktails for the price of one.

We went to the Dendy to watch Transamerica release date 23rd February. A fantastic performance.

Bree, a pre-operative, male-to-female transsexual, holds down two jobs and saves every penny so that she can pay for one last operation that will make her a woman at last. One day, however, she receives a strange phone call. It appears that on the other side is Toby, apparently her son, who must be the product of a somewhat clumsy sexual encounter years ago when she was a man. He stays in New York, incarcerated. Bree flies from Los Angeles to New York in order to get the boy out of jail. At first she is reluctant to do so, but her therapist convinces her to face up to her past. The boy is handed over to her without a word of explanation and Toby believes the woman to be some Christian missionary determined to convert reprobates to Jesus; Bree sees no reason to clear up the misunderstanding. However, she finds out that the boy just wants to scape from her and hitchhike to Los Angeles. She persuades him to accompany her back to the west coast--secretly planning to leave him at his stepfather's along the way. Toby is happy to take her up on her offer.

After the movie I ate the most delicious $12 pasta with king praws, chilli and garlic from The Italian Bowl, they should deffinatly franchise the store!

I really love Sydney

In today's news were 2 articles (SHM & The Australian) about Sydney siders being the most unhappy throughout Australia.

I find it bizarre that people who don't live in Sydney feel like they need to comment on how miserable they think we should be!?!?

The saddest federal electorate is in the heart of Sydney, the richest and most expensive city in the country, while the happiest voters live in one of the nation's poorest rural electorates.

I think its prevalent in every capitalist society. There will be yuppies, snobbery, social climbers, rudeness and 4WDs on suburbanites streets. This is something exclusive to Sydney.

Just because I love Sydney does not mean I feel the need to put down other parts of Australia. Live and let live! (Even though I haven't traveled extensively throughout Australia)

The top nine electorates for wellbeing were Wide Bay, Richmond (NSW), Eden-Monaro (NSW), Ryan (Queensland), Higgins, Bendigo (Victoria), Murray (Victoria), Riverina (NSW) and Mayo (South Australia).

The bottom nine were Sydney, Parramatta (NSW), Perth (Western Australia), Gorton (Victoria), Hasluck (Western Australia), Werriwa (NSW), Reid (NSW), Rankin (Queensland) and Grayndler (NSW).

Victoria was the happiest state and Western Australia was the saddest, scoring lowest in terms of sense of community and the most insecure future.

I do firmly believe we are the lucky country.

My latest obsession

Paris Daily Photo

Inconceivable Bad Etiquette

She’s not here again today. 2.00pm and still no phone call, not even a text to say she wont be coming into the office. She hasn’t returned any phone calls either. Its unbelievably bad form in my opinion. Is she OK? Does she have someone looking after her? We are all a little concerned.

Coffee, Drinks and the Brawl

Have you ever had one of those weekends you should have just stayed in bed?

Coffee
I had intended to stay home all Friday night, but when Hayley mentioned coffee at Brighton-Le-Sands I jumped in my car after dinner and met her to share a piece of chocolate cake. I really wasn't in the mood I should have been more intuitive with my feelings. She updated me with her latest dates and potential new boyfriend, we watched all the heavily modified cars drive up and down the strip, laughed at a few of the skanky girls walking - no strutting down the street. I called it a night after about an hour and raced home, when I say raced I was playing with a dozen or so supra's, my little 1.8 turbo does measure up to the twin turbo toyota's ;-)

Drinks
I visited JY at the gallery, had lunch an a bottle of champers, an afternoon cat nap and then heading out for a big night with Julia all dolled up in my new shoes, Versace top and Vanentino bag. Tried for a dinner at Newtown but the traffic and the parking situation did my head in! Off to Bill and Tony's for old times then off to Marble Bar where Professor Groove was performing, I just love the funky beats. The crowd was less than desirable so we commenced relocation, Art House, The Attic all downers although we did fit in a cocktail. Looking at a few other centrally located venues, my feet were getting sore (damn those new 4" high heel shoes) jumped in a cab and called it a night (it was 1.30am afterall)

The Brawl
Sunday afternoon on a cruise in the middle of Sydney Harbour, can't get much better right? WRONG! The boat was 45mins late departing, the 70-100 people destined to attend ended up being only 20, the oysters were nasty, a doormat fell on most the food, some irate patrons on board complaining to anyone who would listen @ $80 a head I expected more. But, I had my close friends on board with me, limitless faux champers and cruising along the most beautiful harbour in the world. The passengers tirade became undone at Watsons Bay Marina when a lady spat in the face of one of the organisers and he pushed her back, then her son jumped him and 10 guys trying to break up the brawl. Police were called, the water police followed the cruiser back to Darling Harbour, I spent the journey back near the bar talking to the bar tender (very cute and he asked for my number *smiles*). Back on dry land, statements to the police and a decision was made to go to Cargo Bar for a chill out drink.

I should have stayed in.

3 Consecutive Non-Alcohol Days / Nights

I'm so proud of me! I looked at a couple of my past weekend posts (I couldn't remember what I did) I always had I shared "a bottle of sparkling" "a bottle of faux champers" "a bottle of Champaign later" "after a glass of rose or two" and thought to myself I've really got to back of the alcohol.

3 days is no real landmark accomplishment by any means, I have been eating lots of vegies too, but I've also been spending the nights at home getting to bed at reasonable hours (intend to do the same tonight too).

I have developed another vice (oops) watching the new TV shows.

Prison Break - Wednesday night
Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) is a desperate man in a desperate situation. His brother, Lincoln Burrows (Australian actor Dominic Purcell), is on death row and scheduled to die in a matter of months for an assassination Michael is convinced Lincoln did not commit. With no other options and time running out, Michael holds up a bank to get himself incarcerated alongside his brother in Fox River State Prison. Once he's inside, Michael - a structural engineer with the blueprints for the prison - begins to execute an elaborate plan to break out Lincoln and prove him innocent of this murder.

This will reveal pieces of the puzzle each week as Michael carries out his daring plan to mastermind the ultimate prison break - and solve the conspiracy that landed his brother there in the first place.

Las Vegas - Thursday night
Fast-paced, sexy drama follows the elite Las Vegas surveillance team charged with maintaining the security of one of “Sin City’s” largest resorts and casinos. Montecito Casino & Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada. Ed Deline (Cann) and Danny McCoy (Duhamel) works on the surveillance team of the casino. Since we are talking about Las Vegas, there is a lot of work to be done: Looking for cheaters, hosting and protecting the famous and the "whales", and taking personal care of those who win too much.


Veronica Mars - Tonight
Veronica Mars had the perfect life at 17, a boyfriend, popularity, and a great family. But it all came crashing down when her best friend, Lilly Kane, was murdered and her dad, the sheriff, accused Lilly's father of the crime. His accusation cost her dad his job and wife and soon Veronica became an outcast. Now with her dad working as a private investigator, Veronica tries to uncover Neptune's darkest secrets and who murdered Lilly Kane.


Addition: 13th February. I made it to 4 alcohol free days days last week!

My pick from New York fashion week

Random Quote

My colleague who has just had 3 days off work after being employed here for only 2.5 weeks was asked if she had seen the doctor / have a doctors certificate. Her reply "I don't like seeing the doctor".

WTF! Who gets up in the morning with a sniff and says joyfully "I'm sick! Wow! Yay! I'm going to visit the doctor. Watch out all you early morning pensioners. I'm on my way"

Birth of a Theory

I went to The Fringe Bar comedy night a couple weeks ago - highly recommend it. Hilarious!

I have always accounted good wit as a must in any prospective partner. After my recent post regarding what I look for in a potential partners I figured I'll list the sequence and best events for the first few dates:

First Date:
Meet for coffee centrally, usually in the afternoon therefore if it doesn't go 100% your not stuck.

Second Date:
Comedy club; My observation on different people and groups, the way some laughed uncontrollably while the few raised their brows in disgust. I say go to the comedy club with your potential new beau and observe their sense of humor, depending on the comedian each others views on social policies may be aroused...

Third Date:
Traditional, dinner and movies. Observe how the other communicates with the staff, too friendly bordering on flirting, rude / arrogant etc... What do they order, favourite foods (please see recent wont date a vegetarian post). Did they jump up basically as soon as they have finished eating and left you feeling uncomfortable?

After dinner movie, here's another test. The genre of movie likes and dislikes could potentially make or break the potential flourishing of romance. Other point of note, do they turn the mobile off (I hate it when people answer the mobile in the cinema) Do they rustle the packages. Do they do the ol' arm around you while yawning routine.

Fourth Date:
Leave the plans up to the other to scope originality and which one of you would take charge in the relationship.

N.B. Yep, some of these items have been the end of any romance...

I Wont Date a Short Vegetarian!

I firmly believe men are getting shorter!

I was discussing the issue of the shortage of men (pun intended) in Sydney over a glass of sparkling at Foresters with one of my few single girlfriends. I could swear the men are not as tall as what I remember.

I'm 5'7" not too tall by anyone's standards, granted I do usually throw on the 4" heels ;-) all the men I'm meeting are vertically challenged. I was told over the weekend that I was becoming "too picky" I hastily remind this lovely girl of my previous long term boyfriends and she immediately looses any argument.

I was out at Marble Bar on Saturday night and I swear 90% of the men in the venue came up to my chin! Am I supposed to lower my expectations? I am the first to agree my list of "what I don't like in a man" out weighs "my ideal guy list" but I think it is a great start, I know what I don't want/like...

I've even gone speed dating! 12 men in 1 night to no avail, mostly short and socially inept.

My list as a starting point based on the men I've met of late;
- I couldn't date a vegetarian
- The why bother coffee, decaf late, skim milk & equal *shudder*
- No man shorter than me
- Men wearing diamond encrusted sunglasses disturb me
- I need a man I can look up to
- A man that has a broad range of interests including most of mine ;-) oh and me...
- A man that has a lot of his own friends
- Doesn't live with his parents over the age of 25
- I need passion, lots of passion

You know your a Sydneysider when...

If you live in the eastern suburbs you rarely venture beyond the CBD if you can help it.

Those from the northern beaches think they have found nirvana, the North Shore knows it has, and the western suburbs take pride in their mostly hardscrabble existence.

Most Sydneysiders would not live anywhere else, unless a Lotto win impelled them, and think it onerous to visit friends or relations in other suburbs.

The girls dress code for evenings is a pair of jeans, usually Sass & Bide and a sparkly top with high heeled shoes and "designer inspired" handbag.

The guys general uniform is torn/faded jeans, usually diesel with an up turn collar top and sporting the faux hawk hair style.

The first question when we met another person is "So, what do you do?" and judge immediately if we should continue the conversation.

We don't blink an eye at an $18 cocktail or $13 glass of sparkling wine.

We also do not like strangers.

Happy Chinese New Year!

We welcome the Chinese year of the Dog. Chinese New Year is the main holiday of the year for more than one quarter of the world's population and the Chinese New Year commences each year in February.

New Year Traditions
- Greet people with “Kung Hei Fat Choy” (Happy New Year) during the Chinese New Year period to bring you good fortune and prosperity.
- Clean your house and sweep out the bad luck of the previous year.
- Cast aside old grudges and earn reconciliation and forgiveness.
- Ward off bad luck by draping your door with red cloth and leaving lights on throughout Chinese New Year’s Eve.
- Eat lucky foods like fish and chicken for a prosperous New Year.
- Give red “lucky money” envelopes to pass on prosperity and good luck.
- Do good deeds to earn the blessings of the Jade Emperor.

What does the year of the dog hold for you?

The last weekend of my holidays

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I did not just hear this

Warning: I'm angry!

My sister just bought herself a NEW CAR! Unbelievable! A brand new Holden Barina. Brand New! Bought for $20,000. My stomach is churning! I feel like yelling and screaming!

How is it possible a woman 10 years older than me, who has never held a 2 day a week job for over 3 months think it is a good idea to buy a new car?

She asked me a couple months ago my thoughts. Against! Against! Against! I didn't say that exactly (should have) I was reasonable, I need all the facts, my life is all about the numbers stacking up and serviceability.
Sister: "I've been looking to buy a new car"
Me: "Really?"
Sister: "Do you think its a good idea?"
Me: "How much are you looking at spending?"
Sister: "Only around $20,000, I can get a loan, can you organise the loan for me? Do you think its a good idea?"
Me: "I can't tell you if its a good idea, tell me all the details and I'll work it out"
Sister: "Do you think I should buy one?"
Me: "As I said, I can't tell you if its a good idea or not yet, you know me well enough, I'll have to work out serviceability"
Sister: "But I REALLY NEED one!"
Me: "Really?"
Sister: "Its just so hard getting around, you know."
Me: "Tell me all the specs"
Sister: "I'm thinking I should get a white car, easy to keep clean"
Me: "Seriously, tell me... What are you thinking of buying?"
Sister: "I think I should sell my current car and buy the new one early in the new year"
Me: "Let me know, I have to go"

I remember feeling dumb founded. She owes me money, she owes my mum heaps of money (more than the car and interest payments combined). Now she has bought this car, payments are $90 a week, I am ropable! I'm never going to see my money again let alone mum hers...

An Afternoon at the Beach

Yesterday afternoon I went to Bronte Beach, the beach is a place I usually go solo. Walk down, jump in the water, lay on my towel to dry off and walk back home. I had company yesterday, thankfully someone who enjoys the beach for a couple hours maximum and not at the peak of the day. This someone is my first kiss for the New Year (yay me!)

We headed down at 2.30pm, he brought with him a huge beach towel that we shared, he rubbed the 30+ on my back, it was so nice having the touch of a man on my skin, while we spread ourselves on our backs in the beautiful summer sun he held my hand, while on our stomach he was so close to me I felt his warm breathe on my arm. I love the subtle taste of salt water on a mans skin, its so erotic and pure at the same time.

Random Quote

One of my friends came back from Thailand last week, Of course I ask al the usual holiday questions: Where did you go? What did you see? Did you enjoy your time? Did you get to the beach? Any shopping? Any romances? Any action? His response

"The only reason single guys go to Thailand is to get their gentiles smashed!"

Tarot Reading

You Are The Empress

You represent the ideal female figure: beauty and nurturing. You bring security and harmony to many. At times, you are also a very sensual person. You are characterized by love, pleasure, and desire. Your fortune: You need to take some time to think about the role of commitment in your life. It's possible you need to commit more to others, or deal with how others have treated you. It is very important for you to support your friends and family right now, difficult as it may be. You may need to look at your relationship with your mother, or your relationships as a mother.

What Tarot Card Are You?

Tiga