Chivalry and Snobbery

Ordinarily I’m sitting at my desk during working hours; people know where to find me, if I’m not greeting a client with a smile when they walk through the door they know I’m just a phone call away unfortunately I spend too much time of the day running up and down fire wells and it sounds echoey almost like I may be in the bathroom (embarrassing).

Almost all my contractors and or tradies have mentioned I’m one of very few women they come across in this line of work, they’re all lovely, spend tat extra time chatting away, bring me a coffee occasionally, take me out for lunches or dinner – the highlights and perks of a job like this.

This afternoon I had a sub contractor* come into the office and request I move one of the cars from the loading dock so he may exit. I ‘lock’ my computer pick up my phone and extensive collection of keys and without hesitation assist. He walks out the door and it closes heavy forcing me to open myself** okay, a little rude but I accept it. We are waiting at the elevator as soon as the doors open he bustles in hmm… I’m used to the guys gesturing for me to lead. I take a look at this man as an example of not being a gentleman. I look a little closer and note he’s wearing a T-shirt with ‘Toongabbie’*** on the breast – what else would I expect!

* I didn’t appoint this guy and I’ll never commission him to do work for me.
** I try to open the door myself for all clients :-)
*** Westie Bogan (please do not ridicule, I do have friends from that area – okay 1)

Week 33 - 2007

Job Status: I feel uncomfortable in the office. I go outside to make most of my business related phone calls. One of my landlords doesn’t come into the office anymore because he said ‘I don’t feel welcome in there’. Relief it’s not just me. Second interview with big company tomorrow (the whole, have own business thing is still happening – I just need to wait for my ‘corporations licence’ and I’m freaking out about PI insurance etc)
Gym workouts: It’s so hard to get back into routine!
Movies watched: Nothing (I think - memory going)
Reading: I read 2 pages of my book, couldn't keep my eyes open
Diet: I’m craving greasy food
Alcohol consumption: Nice and consistent not excessive
Song stuck in my mind: The song doesn’t have any lyrics – it’s an African style drum / dance track that I love and no idea how to find it to download. I don’t think Google will recognize Ba Ba.. ba ba bababababaaah ba ba. Be. Ba. Ba. Ba. Ba. Ba bada
Quote of the Week:

It’s an interesting phenomenon when you get a little excited about seeing someone who is ‘just a friend’

Who is he?

Just a friend

Random Observation: My snobbery is prevalent
Money Spent: I bought a $10 top reduced from $79.95 and a $23.50 top reduced from $119.95 - Bargain! How I Met Your Mother complete first season and Little Miss Sunshine on DVD

Just a Click of a Button

I’ve been reading about eligibility for a US Green Card. The whole lottery thing riddles me with nervousness – I never win anything. This I want to do. I have itchy feet, I’m feeling frustrated at my everyday life, I’m idling. Would going to another country for a few months a few years make a difference? Should I still and ponder if working abroad could change / influence my life at all. Should I not wonder and just click that little button? Do I register for 1 year, 2 years or 4 years? What if something monumental happens in my Sydney life? Would I still go if accepted (won) If I don’t hit that little button would I regret it and always wonder or even worse look back at my life in 40 years time over a Bridge game and regret never taking the opportunity to live my life elsewhere…

Must Do Something!

I’ve booked my little get away for New Years Eve – New Caledonia here I come! I can’t wait that long, really can’t. My girlfriend and I are trying to work out when we can get away for a weekend. Our specifications are somewhere hot, must have pool, exciting, different, not too expensive, not too far (my lovely lady hasn’t been on a plane before).

I want to cross something of my Aussie “to do list” i.e. Snorkeling at Great Barrier Reef, trek up the Big Red Rock, line dancing in Tamworth at the Country Festival, Crocodile sighting in NT, attend a Rodeo in QLD and ride a mechanical bull, see the Bungle Bungles, walk through a rainforest in The Kimberley’s.

Now it’s timing… I’m one to make a quick decision when it comes to holiday / travel and it’s only a weekend – easy? I think not. The nest two weekends I have functions. Mother goes into hospital on 27th August for an operation on her feet; therefore mum won’t be able to get around for what they say 2 – 3 weeks. I’ll be house-sitting for a girlfriend end of September for 2 and a half weeks. Before I know it October, we have a long weekend to contend with as my travel buddy is going away. I had a quick look at flights and there’s a big sale commencing 13th October*. The next available weekend it is! That’s still over 2 months away.

Now… Where to go?

*Flight sale regardless we will be looking at Virgin Happy Hour too

Um Okay

My girlfriend I house-sat for was filming a documentary and loads of photography while away in Niue (her images from Northern Territory were published in National Geographic a couple months ago). When I spoke to her last night she mentioned her landscape and animal photography is steady but she needs to work on 'people' as her subject, she then asked if I would be interested in posing for her. Nudes - still life…

My Day Today...

Top 100 Movies

I found the top 100 movies ever made (like the book list - according to who?) over at Heather’s and as a self-confessed movie buff I realise I haven’t seen all that many. Last year I made a list of all movies I want to watch and asked my fellow bloggers to add to the list, I’m slowly making my way through it – thanks guys! More, more, more….

I’ve seen all in bold. Want to see in Italics

1. CITIZEN KANE (1941)
2. CASABLANCA (1942)
3. THE GODFATHER (1972) - So long since I've seen it, I'm planning on reading the book.
4. GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)
5. LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962)
6. THE WIZARD OF OZ (1939) - Somewhere over the rainbow, is so beautiful and what girl wouldn't want a pair of red glittery shoes ;-)
7. THE GRADUATE (1967)
8. ON THE WATERFRONT (1954)
9. SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993)
10. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952) - You are my lucky star.... Yes, yes, yes, no, no, no. One of my all time favourite movies. I would've watched it over 100 times, no joke. Almost every weekend I popped it on when I was younger.
11. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) - Brings a tear to my eye, even if I only see the last scenes. Powerful and wonderful.
12. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950)
13. THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
14. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
15. STAR WARS (1977) - Not a fan
16. ALL ABOUT EVE (1950)
17. THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951) - My mother has this in her video collection, I'll see it soon.
18. PSYCHO (1960)
19. CHINATOWN (1974)
20. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975) - Not that I remember it
21. THE GRAPES OF WRATH (1940)
22. 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)
23. THE MALTESE FALCON (1941)
24. RAGING BULL (1980)
25. E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (1982) E.T phone home *holds finger up*
26. DR. STRANGELOVE (1964)
27. BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
28. APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) - I saw the redux - longest damn movie I've ever seen! Hated it!
29. MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)
30. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948)
31. ANNIE HALL (1977) - even though I'm not a Woody Allen fan I would like to see it
32. THE GODFATHER PART II (1974) - same as the original
33. HIGH NOON (1952)
34. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
35. IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT (1934)
36. MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)
37. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
38. DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944)
39. DOCTOR ZHIVAGO (1965)
40. NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959)
41. WEST SIDE STORY (1961) - I had the whistle tune in my head for a week after I last saw the movie again....
42. REAR WINDOW (1954)
43. KING KONG (1933) - I wont even bother with the remake.
44. THE BIRTH OF A NATION (1915)
45. A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE (1951) - How Sexy was Marlon!
46. A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (1971) - I thought he was dead and wanted to leave, then there was about 20 minutes to torture myself through... I hated this movie
47. TAXI DRIVER (1976) - must see again, can't remember it well
48. JAWS (1975) - this movie has stood the test of time. Still shivers up the spine when I hear the theme music
49. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS (1937) - Guess who named her blog after a chant?
50. BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID (1969)
51. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940)
52. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY (1953)
53. AMADEUS (1984)
54. ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)
55. THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965) - I turn it off once the Nazi's arrive. I loose interest.
56. M*A*S*H (1970)
57. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
58. FANTASIA (1940)
59. REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955) - how I love Marlon
60. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) - One of the best action adventure movies I've ever had the pleasure to watch
61. VERTIGO (1958)
62. TOOTSIE (1982)
63. STAGECOACH (1939)
64. CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
65. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991) - number 65? Seriously.. Love this movie, petition to move it up the list
66. NETWORK (1976)
67. THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (1962) - seen the remake...
68. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)
69. SHANE (1953)
70. THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971)
71. FORREST GUMP (1994)
72. BEN-HUR (1959)
73. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (1939)
74. THE GOLD RUSH (1925)
75. DANCES WITH WOLVES (1990) - I was SO bored!
76. CITY LIGHTS (1931)
77. AMERICAN GRAFFITI (1973)
78. ROCKY (1976) - Only recently seen it, closely followed by II & III
79. THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
80. THE WILD BUNCH (1969)
81. MODERN TIMES (1936)
82. GIANT (1956)
83. PLATOON (1986) - not that I enjoy war movies...
84. FARGO (1996) - I think I feel asleep half way through
85. DUCK SOUP (1933)
86. MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935)
87. FRANKENSTEIN (1931)
88. EASY RIDER (1969)
89. PATTON (1970)
90. THE JAZZ SINGER (1927) I fast forward one of the more famous scenes *blush*
91. MY FAIR LADY (1964) - I could've danced all night... I could've danced all night and still begged for more....
92. A PLACE IN THE SUN (1951)
93. THE APARTMENT (1960)
94. GOODFELLAS (1990) - saw it for first time 2 weeks ago - sensational movie, violent but awesome
95. PULP FICTION (1994)
96. THE SEARCHERS (1956)
97. BRINGING UP BABY (1938)
98. UNFORGIVEN (1992)
99. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
100. YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)

So many movies to see!

Bridge

Ever thought of trying something new? Ever thought I’ll try something a little quirky? Well, 2 of my friends and I decided to take Bridge lessons. I was the first to arrive and as expected there was a flurry of grey hair, walking sticks and wrinkly faces around the room, a young lady came in (I’d say late 20’s early 30’s) she made a bee line for me and we immediately clicked by saying ' I thought I'd be the only young one here' she joined our group and became our 4th. Being our first 2 hour introduction to Card Bidding, Tricks, Trumps, Card Values and Dummy’s I’ve come to the conclusion this game isn’t as easy as it looks… Contracts, bidding and reading your partner, I’m not at all competitive when it comes to ‘a game’ which works brilliantly for our little group. $29 for 4 weeks of 2 hour lessons – bargain! Next week we’ll be learning the scoring system. Who knows in 40 years time I may have a little Bridge team having tea and cookies

Week 32 - July / August 2007

Job Status: I have an interview scheduled for this afternoon
Gym workouts: Not a thing... Lots of dancing and dog walking a little 'intimate' workout
Movies watched: Nothing
Reading: I didn't pick up my book at all the last week
Diet: Slowly getting back to normal eating habits
Alcohol consumption: Too much alcohol on Friday night - not a thing Saturday, i don't think I'll be drinking again for a while
Song stuck in my mind: Somewhere from West Side Story (I watched Ugly Betty and the nephew was in the school musical)
Quote of the Week:

My sister saw you dancing with some guy at the gym

Random Observation: I think I'll be a huge scraggy slut when I move out alone.
Money Spent: I bought a $10 skirt reduced from $59.95 - oh how I love sales!
$229.00 parking infringement for parking outside my own house. Not impressed.

When Talking Dirty Is Just Dirty

I'm all for talking dirty, verbalising those sexual desires, calling out what you want or receiving text messages and emails of growing sexual tensions but when a guy said to me today "I'm so hot for you I'm going to take a cold shower and flog my cock thinking about you" it doesn't arouse me, in fact I'm slightly repulsed. I'd be so much happier with some smooth talking, caressing, kissing, tongue exploring body etc...

Sydney, an International City?

After theatresports on Saturday night D and I wanted to have dessert, it was 11pm, we were in Enmore and couldn’t find a venue in walking distance for a hot chocolate.

George Street was chocka block with traffic and the only place we could think of in that direction was at The Rocks, we didn’t want to go to Kings Cross because of parking issues after much too-ing and fro-ing we decided to call it a night.

Driving back toward my area we saw Mickey’s was still open – YAY! A Mars Bar Cheesecake for me and a cup cake for my girlfriend and a big hello to Cib’s who was working, almost as soon as we arrived it was closing time…

Where in the eastern suburbs or city can one get a coffee after a show or movie?

Star Light! Star Bright!

Last night I attended the 2007 celebrity theatresport challenge. The best $45 I’ve spent in the longest time, D. and I laughed so much that my cheeks hurt and she said her throat was stinging…

I still can’t believe there were only the two of us interested in attending this event. All our fiends missed out on 3 hours of the best belly laugh and it was all for a good cause. Knowing two of the performers is the only way I found out about the event – why aren’t charity events like this publicised?

Best line of the night: I’m a ghost of Christmas future Leonardo, you will have a turtle named after you…

That Kind of Night...

I went out with my contractors last night, they took me out, they bought me drinks, they feed me, they bought me more drinks and we danced... My friends boyfriend sent a few randoms texts and I was drunk enough to say come join me dancing the night away with my work associates. One of the contractors was too tired and called it a night a little earlier than expected. Introductions were made, more drinks bought and I was dancing my little heart away - a little too close than acceptable with both men. Too close. My feet were killing, my friends boyfriend had kissed my neck while dancing, it was the early morning hours and my contractor lives in Woolongong so of course I offer for him to crash at mine. I said my goodnight's, he asked if I wanted to stay with him - not going to happen and besides I had another guy to be sleeping in my bed that night. I didn't expect any action, yeah whatever - just like the sex.

Compulsive Bad Viewing

Last night after the 2 hour season return of Las Vegas I watched Age of Love, whoa! Could a show be any worse, it was compellingly bad. Every commercial I thought I’ll turn it off but no I needed to see if the girl with curly hair would start crying again.. Oh so sad, but I was addicted. I’ll turn the telly off before it starts next week (maybe)

Sexy Man #2

Matthew McConaughey, This man just says sex to me.

He’s been my Hollywood crush for many years. I first remember him from Dazed and Confused then I was riveted by his brilliant performance in A Time to Kill – the heat of the southern states inducing sweat dripping from his hot body…

He’s become a favourite with chick flicks as a romantic lead, I agree strenuously with this casting decision. How many girls out there would like this man getting undressed in the middle of their office, showing off that hot masculine ripped physique?

Week 31

Job Status: My desk was moved when I arrived back at the office. I no longer have a window seat in natural light and a view down to Darling Harbour. I’m in the middle of the office, no window, people behind me – talk about a way to affect an employee’s morale. Oh yeah I’m just a consultant…
Gym workouts: Does walking from the bed to the lounge count?
Movies watched: Superman Returns, The DaVinci Code, Home of the Brave and Goodfellas
Reading: HARRY POTTER and the Deathly Hollow
Diet: Porridge, lots of water and yummy Greek food at a friends birthday dinner… Hmmm Baklava
Alcohol consumption: A glass of red wine while I was out at dinner on Saturday night
Song stuck in my mind: Big girls don’t cry – Fergie. It’s playing everywhere I go; I don’t even like the song.
Quote of the Week:

Are you alive?

I’m sick, leave me alone!
Observation: It’s so true, I could never share with anyone – 1 and a half weeks and I’m going CRAZY!
Money Spent: $50 on a new battery (phone still doesn’t work)

Company

Press play while reading….



Friday night was the first time I was Company, not knowing too much about the production other than the composer, it’s a musical comedy and David Campbell starring.

In typical Sodheim fashion this production has a high concentration of lyrics, you focus on something on the stage and you’ll wonder why everyone else is laughing.

The opening scene and the following couple of tracks were a little painful, the main character is ‘Bobby’ by 3 minutes into the production I felt like yelling ‘yep, I got it, his name is Bobby’. Bobby is having his 35th birthday and his close friends 5 couples, each couple with a story and all telling Bobby (Robert) why he should or shouldn’t get married. As the story moves forward the better it gets. The play explores the intricacies of relationships, what is takes to maintain a marriage and how people can be happy just being themselves.

There are some really great scenes, a wonderful message and songs that stick in your mind. The cast were spectacular especially Tamsin Carroll, highly impressive.

Here's to the ladies who lunch--
Everybody laugh. Lounging in their caftans and planning a brunch on their own behalf. Off to the gym, then to a fitting, Claiming they're fat. and looking grim, 'Cause they've been sitting choosing a hat. Does anyone still wear a hat?
I'll drink to that.

And here's to the girls who play smart—
Aren't they a gas? Rushing to their classes in optical art, Wishing it would pass. Another long exhausting day, Another thousand dollars, A matinee, a Pinter play, Perhaps a piece of Mahler's.
I'll drink to that. And one for Mahler!

And here's to the girls who play wife—
Aren't they too much? Keeping house but clutching a copy of LIFE, Just to keep in touch. The ones who follow the rules, and meet themselves at the schools, Too busy to know that they're fools. Aren't they a gem?
I'll drink to them! Let's all drink to them!

If you’re into Musical theatre I’d recommended seeing this one. Just make sure you take some tissues for that girl next to you sneezing and coughing away ;-)

Another hundred people just got of the train and came up through the ground, while another hundred people just got off of the bus and are looking around at another hundred people who got off of the plane and are looking at us who got off of the train and the plane and the bus. Maybe yesterday. It's a city of strangers, some come to work, some to play. A city of strangers...

Bye Bye Moto

My mobile phone died earlier this week, Tuesday night to be precise, we’ve had a unique relationship over the last 13 months, I’ve loved, cursed, I’ve squealed with glee, I’ve wanted to throw the phone with anger, frustration… Good times.

I generally dislike mobile phones I continuously declare ‘my phone is for my convenience, not anybody else’s’. Maybe it committed suicide? Couldn't be in my hand any longer. More love to the next one.

Since my phone departed and I lost many many numbers stored on the phone memory; anybody I’ve met in the last 12 months or so and all my recently appointed work contractors… Oh the horror of not being able to contact people by a quick scroll of a key.

I tried almost everything during the week to get the stupid thing to work long enough to extract numbers – oh technology… Oh my poor memory. I got it to work briefly on Thursday, enough time to send a few texts and copy half a dozen numbers.

I found the only satisfying thing about my contact list almost being lost is the wonderful opportunity to update contacts. Int other words - Delete time!

Alladin: I knew an Alladin? Alladin is a name one would assume remembering… Not me

Bouncer / Accountant: Didn’t go anywhere, so his number can go!

Car stalker: kept it, I thought of hitting the delete button.

The Concierge: Well, he’s married now, we haven’t spoken this year – why keep his details?

Donna: Gone. We lost contact a couple years ago when she and our mutual friend’s boyfriend got together. It wasn’t done nicely.

Ex-boyfriends best friend: Why did I have it in the first place?

James – Twin: Yes, that’s how I labelled him. NFI!

Katherine: Where or where did Katherine go?

Michael: There’s only been one Michael in my life and that’s all there’ll ever be. I told Michael he was never allowed to date another N, I’ll extend the same courtesy. If you’re name is Michael ‘do not apply’

The Older Gentleman: No reason to keep it, I have one fond memory of him singing a song he wrote for me - that’s enough… Oh and my first try of Pink Moet. All the important things right?

Sabre Boy: Gone. He wont be forgotten.

Sarah (Alex): Again, this is how I labelled her, no idea.

Soisana: who?

Tivadi: It’s an interstate number, NFI – help?

Zuhal: I didn’t like her, why did I even have her number?

I made one very interesting observation, I have (I had to count, precision a must) 23 overseas numbers. No wonder I feel like I don't have anyone to go out with anymore, everyone's moved away, granted some are family.

Being sick at home and having my contractors calling me, my owners ringing and not recognising the numbers was absolute hell. When I got back to the office on Friday I needed to scan emails to get contact details. Why don’t people include a phone number in the footer? So unnecessarily stressful! I later had one of the fire guys call, I complained mildly that I lost all his contact details and what does he say, 'not good enough I expect to be on your sim card memory' but but but... oh, what difference does it make!

Must get new phone today.

The House-sitting Challenge Update

What is the best way to loose 1.5kg in 3 days? Contract a cold that kills your appetite. I slept till 1.50pm on Wednesday and was back in bed by 6.30pm. Yesterday I had a bowl of oats with dried fruit and not much water. Today so far, bowl of oats and lots of water… I hate being sick! Why now? I’m going to the theatre tonight and I’m going to be one of those people I curse coughing and sneezing through the entire production. But, I can’t miss it!

Week 30

Job Status: Do you ever feel like you’re busy all day but nothing achieved? Another day like that I’ll stay at home and watch movies
Gym workouts: Only once, flu.
Movies watched: The New Guy, The Break Up, The Perfect Catch, Miss Potter
Reading: HARRY POTTER and the Deathly Hollow – borrowed it from a friend
Diet: No cake, a couple of scotch fingers (the original are the best),
Alcohol consumption: Cheap Chinese alcohol, couple glasses of wine and lemon lime and bitters with vodka (in a tall glass) yummo
Song stuck in my mind: funkier than a mosquita's tweeter

Same old thing same old game
You never change
Always rappin 'bout the same same same old thing yeahhhhh

Quote of the Week:

“Nathalie, you’re a treasure”

I have it in writing too :-)
Observation: Why do so many shifty underhanded people succeeded? Why do so many of these people have dealing with businesses in my building?
Money Spent: $20 on Elle McPherson bra x 2
$37 on Leona Edminston nightie, JB bought me one for my birthday last year and I was totally wrapped, to see one with such a drastic reduction I thought 'I’ll treat myself'
$27 on 5 DVD’s