Article: On the News today

As per usual when checking my hotmail account I go through ninemsn to view some of the headlines, today the survey caught my eye:





How ridiculous to even consider capping corporate pay 56,048 people (to date) think the PM should do so, well I think 56,048 people out there are either jealous of the high rollers income and lifestyle! Pathetic, it's effort for reward if an executive can make decisions that will earn a company billions in revenue isn't it only fit that they receive suitable remuneration. From this survey I suggest the 12,717 people (I am one of) that clicked 'NO' work work hard, rewarded well, do not want to know there is a ceiling on their earning capacity, see their MD / CEO etc work hard and deserve the money they obviously earn.

As you may note I C&P'ed the section Jobs @ SEEK, maybe that's what they should be doing - looking for a new job.

Article: Only Some Days..

I don't believe in horoscopes at all, but on days like this when I'm feeling low, deflated and lacking direction I hit the Scorpio link on the Sydney Morning Herald website.

The pendulum swings completely in the other direction from yesterday and today you may have to contend with problems, issues and feelings being hidden from view. It is simply best to stick to basics and routine and tough it out but still keep a positive attitude or things will almost certainly seem worse than they really are.

Advice I should really try to take on board.

Life: Random Quote from Mother #10

Mother asked if I'd head from G-man for valentine's day, when I said no she recommended the following:

"You should see the movie 'He's Just Not That Into You' as it appears he's not into you.

Life: Australia Day Long Weekend in a Nut Shell

Friday night was supposed to be a couple of drinks here, ended up going out for dinner at the Japanese place downstairs, drinking copious amounts of sake. How hot was Saturday! Was at my old local the sheaf for lunch followed by symphony which was an interesting collection of 'infused rave and hip hop music to complement the orchestra' ahem, they should keep to what they know. Sunday I went to C and B's place for Chinese new years - gourmet review: chicken hearts are rather enjoyable, gizzards are to be missed, the BBQ duck was a hit, Mongolian wine made from horses milk is potent, watching a guy squirm each time his girlfriend was mentioned, priceless. The new year kicked in at 3am - damn time zones! Australia Day I wandered through the rocks and spent the afternoon at Cargo bar drinking and singing along to Aussie rock tunes, I'm still limping, bruised and battered from doing the locomotion, drunk, in a Congo line holding onto some random guys Australian flag that was tied like a cape then dinner in Newtown (there's a whole other story there). No wonder I was in bed by 9.30 last night.

Review: As an Opera?

I don't have words...

From its phenomenal success in London and New York, Jerry Springer: The Opera is finally coming to Australia. The smash-hit, multi-award-winning concert production will premiere in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in April next year.

Based on the self-flagellatory version of Jerry’s own lurid talk show, Jerry Springer: The Opera is a fascinating mix of the highest form of art and the lowest form of pop culture – opera and daytime television.

In turns hilarious and heart-breaking, this raunchy, high-energy, all-singing, all-dancing production follows Jerry Springer to the afterlife and beyond. Reviled by Christian fundamentalists for allegedly containing 8,000 expletives (there are only 149) and hailed by Christian Voice as blasphemous, Jerry Springer presents characters desperate to have their own ‘Jerry Springer’ moment.

Along with an eight piece band, 21 performers play a succession of lowlife characters and audience members who reveal their secrets, cuss each other and fight as their embarrassments come to life on TV.

Jerry Springer as an opera - could worlds collide any harder?

What Do You Think Giraffe Would Taste Like?

I'm somewhat surprised by the amount of time Giraffe's are mentioned in general conversation with my friends...

********************************************

I didn't have any plans for the last weekend, however, I ended up having drinks at my old haunt in Double Bay and bumping into several former school mates - the wonders of a 'local'

********************************************

On Saturday at drinks my old BBF was there, she's in Sydney for 2 weeks to spend Christmas with family. We had a good long talk (not about the issues just a good ol' catch up). It's one of the best feelings in the world to have the opportunity to rekindle a friendship that meant so much to me. She's jet setting back to London for at least another year... Like no time has past at all...

********************************************

Late November I rekindled another friendship, this dissolution of relationship was a consequence of my relationship with Dom. K. had moved to Paris as soon as she finished Uni, we worked out that we hadn't seen each other in approx 8 years. As soon as we saw each other we squealed and stood talking in the middle of Wynard before realising we should actually go somewhere for our catch up.

We went to Wild Fire for dinner, I haven't been there for about 3 years coincidentally enough, it was Dom's favourite restaurant. We shared the zucchini flowers, both had delicious main courses before sharing the souffle - K had never had a souffle before - this astonishes me, she's French, lived in France and never had a souffle. Sacrilege!

K. has moved back to Sydney and she's engaged. I'm overwhelmingly happy for her and I'm looking forward to met her fiance in the coming week.

********************************************

I love this time of year in Sydney, the Sydney festival is on and I'm planning on going to Jazz and symphony in the Domian - hope it doesn't rain this year!

********************************************

I received an email from RR 50 hours ago (who's counting) and I haven't replied yet (so I drafted a response late today but haven't sent it, however, he sent me a stupid group joke email and still resisted) .

I will not let myself get all caught up in it again... He's not interested in me and I have to keep reminding myself of this so expectation and the guaranteed disappointment afterwards wont be (yet another) redux.

* I was told I need to come up with nickname for him, I don't create nicknames for men I really like...

********************************************

I was reading through some of my old posts and stumbled across this:

- I was almost ready to call it a night, many glasses of faux champers, I think 7 and the best, all bought for me! My phone buzzed, RR, within no time at all he was there, it was late, I was tipsy. I remember kissing him, I remember people leaving, I remember dancing and kissing. I remember smiling, I remember saying good night, I remember him finding a cab for me, I remember that smile from inside taxi window. I remember going to bed wishing he was next to me...

- After RR came to see me at the party on Saturday night (he has been nick named by Adelberto but I don't like the name he's allocated). We didn't have any plans to see each other until Friday. I was looking forward to it for 3 days. So impressed the novelty hasn't been lost.

- I made a mess of RR's kitchen last night. Yep, that's right. I cooked for him. He bought the wine... The wine we had on our first date, he gave a lingered look to see if I noted. He is impressing me.

- Take 2 we didn't make it to the movies after dinner. We ended up singing along with The Piano man and debating who is the better artist Elvis or Elton. After lots of wine we decided to conduct a poll at the lounge bar. Poll: Elvis or Elton???

- I got home today at midday and can't seem to wipe this grin from my face.

This boy made me so happy then.

********************************************

Impromptu BBQ's are awesome! Especially when it's all my friends that I feel so comfortable with.

********************************************

I want to see a movie, I was rather disappointed with the last movie I saw Frost / Nixon. Maybe this weekend I'll make the effort.

********************************************

This weekend I'm going to be seeing approx 7 hours of Shakespeare!!!

********************************************

My roomies have gone away for the week and I'm loving having the place to myself, well once I cleaned it to enjoy for myself on Monday when I got home from work - I think they believe if they are on holiday's it immediately implies they are on holidays from all domestic duties.

********************************************

Ever have the feeling that some friends go out of the way for other friends than you? Well I do and I longer think it's just a feeling, but fact.

At the BBQ on Sunday we were talking about television programs (our conversations weren't limited to the potential tasty goodness of giraffe!), I mentioned how much I love Entourage and my friend Il's boyfriend mentioned that he gave Deb all of season 5 which he downloaded. I'm surprised I didn't know of this especially since Il's knows how much I love this show (and my crush on Jeremy Piven - ohh salivating at those pictures.... Anyway, I'm the one that lent Deb seasons 1 through 3 on dvd and she never mentioned to me that she had the new ones, never offers to lend it to me or invite me over to watch.

My stuff ain't going out to her anymore!


********************************************

Speaking of Il's - now that she has a boyfriend she's disappeared into abyss... Doesn't even return messages anymore. There's more to this story.

- always does things for other friends, never me for example she's a dressmaker (wedding dresses and costumes to be precise) I think I'm the only person out of our circle of friends that she hasn't made something for...
- when I have a dinner or catch up at my place she's always broke so everyone pitches in so she doesn't have to worry about it. Almost 30 girl, learn to budget.
- she invited someone over to her house and i specifically requested this person not be there as out friendship was on the rocks, even said if she wants them there more than me I just wont go. She said ok reluctantly with some excuse that he has a quality that is superior to mine. When I was there, guess what, so was he. Fuck that!

********************************************

I'm listening to 9pm (till I come) by ATB at the moment... Oh my does this song remind me of my Oxford Street nightclubbing days with glow sticks!


********************************************

I've agreed to put my profile up on a dating site, only because one of my friends has offered to write the profile for me - likes and dislikes, no 'nice guy' and other cliched wants and likes - Nick where are you? This job would be right up your alley too :-) Miss you... read back through old posts and I really valued your insight.

********************************************

I'm going to try and write at least twice a week this year, I'm enjoying it again but I think it's because I have the house to myself and able to write freely without the roomies walking back and forth continuously and I'd feel uncomfortable if they knew my blog existed...

Life: Quote of 2008

Unfortunately I think my quote for 2008 will be the first lyrics I heard of 2008

I will survive

I did survive, it was a struggle at some points, this year will be so much better.

* I don't think I can do better than V's quote from last year 'Remember, you said no one night stands. So, do it twice.'

Life: NYE 2008

* South Coast get away (Sussex Inlet) with 5 great people
* Bubbly before heading out
* Dinner at the local RSL with live rock band in the auditorium
* Schnitzel and denied cigarette
* The interesting conversation of 'would you prefer to be a cripple beggar or a prostitute in a 3rd world country?'
* Foam and bubble party at the local pub
* Horrified by the prospect of dancing in bubbles
* Scoping the crowd and coming to the conclusion we stand out as city folk
* Being one of the very few dancing
* Drinking champagne from plastic schooner cups
* Great meaningful chat with my friend V
* Seconds approaching to mid night and having to scull champagne at the door before being allowed access
* Drinking champagne straight from the bottle
* 'It's My Life' by Bon Jovi being the first song of the new year!!!
* New mantra for the year is the first song

It's my life And it's now or never I ain't gonna live forever I just want to live while I'm alive (It's my life) My heart is like an open highway Like Frankie said I did it my way I just want to live while I'm alive 'Cause it's my life

* My first New Year kisses being a couple of beautiful brunettes, one for the 3rd year
* Dancing near the bubbles
* Meeting a great fun couple and making a friendship in only a few hours
* Loosing all inhibitions and dancing with a hot boy who drags me into the bubbles
* Being surrounded by many young RAAF boys with their shirts off, wet and shiny from all the bubbles
* Getting soaked head to toe by foam and bubbles
* Kissing the hot boy and not noticing I'm wet anymore
* Dancing on the stage
* Leaving the pub and walking home which is a reasonable distance
* 2 of our party get lost on the way home
* RAAF boy my friend was making out with serendipitously walks past our place and they make out
* I play Uno for the first time ever and win
* The best shower I've ever had, de-bubbling
* Hot boy I was making out with sends a message and calls me
* Drinking more bubbly in the kitchen playing Uno
* Almost falling asleep and going to bed
* Receiving text messages from RR and not getting too emotional about it
* Sleeping in a bed where occasionally the broken spring hits a good place in my back
* Getting up at a reasonable time not feeling too seedy to enjoy the first day on 2009
* Meeting hot boy for breakfast / lunch
* Spending the afternoon at the beach and feeling the beautiful salt water and sun on my skin
* Getting burnt in a couple of awkward places, not rubbing the 30+ in properly
* Drinking beer at the pub - yes, I drank beer
* Going back to the house and returning to the pub
* The long drive home where I was dreaming of crawling into bed
* Listening to Otis on the ride home
* Crawling into bed and receiving a phone call checking that we arrived safe

Hmmm not as brief as I thought, there's the highlights! I had an awesome night, a night I would never have had if in Sydney!

Happy New year!!!

Bon Voyage

Two of my friends have left Australian shores to pursue their career in UAE... I remember the first time I saw her, she walked through the office with such purpose and wearing such a beautiful outfit I thought no one that pretty could possibly be nice, when I first saw him sit at the desk next to mine I wondered if they were together, too very attractive people in such close proximity that appear to get along must.

Over the last year D & AC have become very near and dear to me, we have had many dinner parties, cocktails and champagne that should lead us into AA and I've met some wonderful people through them.

My office feels empty without them and there is a huge void. Bon Voyage and I hope to see you soon in Dubai.

Next Meeting

During a meeting how can I subtly count how many time someone says 'shit'. I find it highly unprofessional and I can't help it flinch each time 'all this shit' and 'it's a shit load of work 'is mentioned. I quiver with embarrassment and need to distract myself with thoughts of this is really tally worthy - now why don't any of my colleagues say anything about this behaviour? Is it now seen as acceptable for a woman to speak this way in order to be accepted by the boys, not in my book and it never will be.

It Was A Good Idea At The Time

I'm all packed, I actually did my packing in conjunction with cleaning out my wardrobe. It was a really good feeling to know when I come home I will have only what I want to have and only what I feel good in in my wardrobe.

When...

Further to my last post... I've made several lists of things to do and things not to do when ever a milestone occurs, the new years resolution, next financial year, after my birthday, this time it will be when I get back from my holiday. Number one of course will be to actually do the things on my list.

When I get back from my 4 week European extravaganza I will make a concentrated effort to save for a house deposit. I will cease seeing inappropriate men. I will maintain a better diet. I will re-enroll in fencing lessons. I will be more responsive when it comes to communication with friends. I will endeavour to have some sort of relationship with my sister.

I will do it. I must have more control over my actions and future.

Home Situation

My flat mate told me today. Today. That his girlfriend is going to move in in October. Great. A day before I go away... Something I really didn't want to have to think about when I was on holidays.

Lessons Learnt

I'm very familiar the the little nugget 'learn from your mistakes', I've been assessing and reflecting my actions of late and have come to the conclusion that I do do learn from my mistakes, that is recognising these mistakes, this assessment determined that my actions have not altered; there is a situation, an option presented to me and I'm aware these actions would be a mistake, however, I continue. Once it is over, instantaneously I am overwhelmed with regret.

Is it that I have just learnt to recognise the mistake, prepare for the immanent disappointment that follows and manage my expectations? When does the lesson take affect in my life where I will stop, where I will say to myself 'no, this is a mistake' and walk away knowing there won't be the feeling of self despair...?

got to see the ba-by!

I went to visit one of my girlfriends last night to be introduced to her 3 week old baby boy.

Earlier in the day she sent me a text requesting I come as early as I can. Totally doable. That afternoon I ran down stairs of our office to purchase a gift for her - 10 minutes and $85 plus later I was dashing back to my desk. At 530 I packed up, logged off and on my way to pick up my car before going to her place as early as I can facing peak hour traffic over the big bad bridge.

The little boy was day asleep and this have us a great chance to chat. I received 42 minutes worth of feeding stories, in excess of 25 minutes about her almost being sent home as she was only 1cm dealated - the baby was pushing to the side. Then there were stories about the midwife and comparisons with her other friends, the friends that are also married and have children.

It was painful.

There was a little squirm from the crib on the little boy was stirring, she said he does that for a while it was my chance to give her the gift. She had a look at everything, the little clothes, the entire Johnson & Johnson range, she put it down with what felt like dissatisfaction and said dismissivly thanks for that.

After 2 hours or more of her talking about new mother hood, which I get, just not so much graphic information!!! She finally asked how I am. This was my opening to tell her and her husband that I had booked my flights to Europe! This was her opening to tell me where to go.


It had got to 830 Her husband had been cooking, her poured himself a glass of wine without an offer, then progressed to place two place mats on the dining table. No question to me if I'd eaten. How could I? I came straight from work... I took this as my cue to leave, saying I should go, I have to cook myself dinner.

I found it uncomfortable and not in line with my behaviour or how I was brought up. Not even a nibbly being offered. I wouldn't do that. And, I came baring gifts! I felt rather put out by the whole event. Won't be rushing back to visit, anyway we all knw married friends with babies all gang together, if our friendship didn't have enough strain, it certainly does now.

It's Complicated

It had been a secret, it was a very well kept secret. It was to prevent me from knowing the truth... To protect my heart and my memories of love. What I regarded as real love.

My ex-boyfriend D and I broke up 2.5 years into our relationship, during that 'break' I knew he started seeing someone. I thought it was some random skanky slut. It made me feel better in saying that.

During 3 months of our break he spoke to each other regularly and I sincerely missed him, he said the same. I felt empty and lost without him.

Our split was temporary, maximum of 4 months and the moment we back together we started talking marriage and before long we were looking at purchasing a property together, a place that would be our home.

Our relationship carried on for over a year with his insistent questioning of my fidelity, it finally feel apart when his accusations of me seeing someone brought me to tears, brought him to raising his hand to me, forced me to seek assistance from the police and finally I ended it...

Only a few weeks ago (I have started writing this post over and over) I found out the girl he was seeing was someone I had met many times while we were dating, she is the sister of E, his best friends girlfriend.

Since mine and E's relationship with respective boyfriends dissolved our friendship grew, we had both been through destructive relationships and came out weaker than anyone could imagine and slowly triumphed at the realisation that our actions were necessary and most importantly the best for our wellbeing.

Over a few glasses of wine a few weeks ago L and I finally spoke about it.

They were seeing each other for 6 - 7 months.

She met his family early on (I was kept a secret for almost a year).

She thought it was over between me and D.

I apologised for all the horrible things I said about her. Of course I didn't know it was her.

I was destroyed again. Felt totally deflated. The man I was planning to marry, the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with cheated on me for months, he accused me of the action he himself was doing.

He punished me for his own actions.

I didn't think it ever possible. I now hate this man.

The Olympics

I'm curious about the footage... We have only 1.5 TV stations broadcasting and the mainstream channel has only been showing events where Aussies are competing - Is it similar in the other nations, no representative participating, therefore no coverage?

Observations...

I wandered to the bus stop closest my house, 4 buses full of people went by. The crowd gathered, when a bus pulled into the curb the bunch of people crowded the doors and we all went on one by one.

The bus traveled over the Northbridge bridge and I look at in awe as I do everyday...

I was seated at the window of the bus, staring into space when the bus pulled into the next stop where people were in single files, lined to board the bus. They all stepped on in order.

The trip surprisingly takes less time going into the CBD than to North Sydney.

People dress so much nicer in the city than North Sydney.

I spotted a ra-ra skirt in the shops.

In my course of 9 student and one teacher I can confirm 7 students are married and the teacher, the other guy in the room is not confirmed.

The course finished a little early so I went in search of shoes in Chinatown, there was one point I looked around and I was the sole anglo saxon.

I'm drawn to venues that look lush and inviting, not trendy and large.

Customer service representatives can surprise me with their friendliness and professionalism.

Going to the bus stop at 9.30pm it not a bad nor scary thing to do.

Intending to get home from a potential boozy night to watch an opening of a global event is somewhat fulfilling. Even if I fall asleep a few minutes into it.

When falling into bed with 1000 thread sheets I consider myself lucky.

Jacket

I was wrapped in you, enveloped in memories of you.

My mind drifted to when we were pressed up against each other... When I was nuzzled into the nape of your neck, you smelt so good. I loved running my hands through your hair, your hair was slightly damp from the passion we endured. Shivers run down my back when I think of you kissing me. Feeling your weight on me. Hearing you breathe deeply.

I indulge in the memories as I'm sitting there. I discreetly inhale at the collar of your jacket, I can't help close my eyes for that moment, I stare out the window into the distance reminiscing your hand caress my face before kissing me deeply, you make me weak at the knees.

I returned your jacket, I had the lingering scent of you...

Another Flying Balloonist

Once you know about it, how could you forget the Brazilian priest that was lost at sea and mine and my work colleagues reaction to said event (until we found out it was real). Today an email landed in my inbox Lawn Chair Balloonist Reaches Idaho. Yes, there was another one! Best comment 'maybe the priest was trying to fly to Sydney for World Youth Day to meet the Pope on the Harbour'