I've had a fun few months since my 29th birthday... mainly on crutches or hobbling (due to my damaged ankle ligaments).
Finally, as my ankle starts to allow me to walk without pain, I was scheduled to go in for sinus surgery this week (just to continue the trend of my body falling apart post 29th birthday). Of course, what happened instead? I got the flu/chest cold/sore throat. I had to postpone the surgery (the risk of complications, such as pneumonia, while under general anaethestic was too great) until October. And I spent another entire week at home.
Work must love me - by the end of October, I would have taken almost 6 weeks sick leave in 5 months. It bites though; everyone knows the best kind of sick leave are mental health days, when you aren't actually sick. Unfortunately, all my days have been legit.
Seriously, what else is next before the end of the year?
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Saturday Night Film Review
By Saturday, I mean yesterday. Went and saw "Snakes on a Plane" at Jam Factory.
"Muthafucking snakes on a muthafucking plane". Hah. Samuel L. Jackson sums it up beautifully. Not much to add, really. About as stupid as you'd expect it to be. I laughed when Mr. Jackson described the situation as "snakes on crack". And believe me, the snakes behave like they are on crack, ecstasy and steroids. They are angry. There is a lot of screaming. There are a lot of snake bites. There are a lot of victims. Most of the victims get bitten in the obligatory stupid ways and places. And the Aussie guy playing the witness who is the actual target of the snakes is pretty dopey. Scrub that, very dopey. Would have been more annoying if he'd actually been on the screen more. Unfortunately, Sam Jackson doesn't kick quite as much ass or take quite as many names as you'd hope. (I read something that his contract stated he was never allowed to actually be anywhere near a live snake throughout the entire filming of the movie).
And if someone can explain the "music video" during the credits to me, I'd appreciate it. That was just odd.
"Muthafucking snakes on a muthafucking plane". Hah. Samuel L. Jackson sums it up beautifully. Not much to add, really. About as stupid as you'd expect it to be. I laughed when Mr. Jackson described the situation as "snakes on crack". And believe me, the snakes behave like they are on crack, ecstasy and steroids. They are angry. There is a lot of screaming. There are a lot of snake bites. There are a lot of victims. Most of the victims get bitten in the obligatory stupid ways and places. And the Aussie guy playing the witness who is the actual target of the snakes is pretty dopey. Scrub that, very dopey. Would have been more annoying if he'd actually been on the screen more. Unfortunately, Sam Jackson doesn't kick quite as much ass or take quite as many names as you'd hope. (I read something that his contract stated he was never allowed to actually be anywhere near a live snake throughout the entire filming of the movie).
And if someone can explain the "music video" during the credits to me, I'd appreciate it. That was just odd.
Sunday Night Film Review
By Sunday night, I mean last Sunday. I've been out of it for the past week, so I'm trying to catch up.
Went and saw "Thank You For Smoking" at the Rivoli. Sunday afternoon was a great time to see it... happily, it wasn't too full and there were no worries getting tickets. (It was a preview screening, so perhaps some people didn't realise it was on).
Great film, jumps into my top few of the year so far. Although, to be honest, I can't remember many of the films I've seen so far this year anyway. The film is basically about a lobbyist (read spin doctor) who works for the tobacco industry. The movie is funny throughout, sometimes because of great writing, sometimes through the awkwardness of political correctness (or lack thereof) and sometimes through some great sight gags. A repeated premise throughout the film is that it doesn't matter what you are arguing about or believe in, because if you argue well, you are always right. Good cast. Ends well too.
Went and saw "Thank You For Smoking" at the Rivoli. Sunday afternoon was a great time to see it... happily, it wasn't too full and there were no worries getting tickets. (It was a preview screening, so perhaps some people didn't realise it was on).
Great film, jumps into my top few of the year so far. Although, to be honest, I can't remember many of the films I've seen so far this year anyway. The film is basically about a lobbyist (read spin doctor) who works for the tobacco industry. The movie is funny throughout, sometimes because of great writing, sometimes through the awkwardness of political correctness (or lack thereof) and sometimes through some great sight gags. A repeated premise throughout the film is that it doesn't matter what you are arguing about or believe in, because if you argue well, you are always right. Good cast. Ends well too.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Thai style
Contrary to my previous post about disliking weekend crowds, I happened to head out on the town last night for a nice dinner with friends, and didn't actually mind how busy the restaurant was... perhaps it was because we already had a booking, and because I was drinking cocktails.
It was meant to be one of those "group of people from work" type of dinners, but true to form, most of the participants pulled out over the course of the several weeks between the origin of the dinner idea, and the actual "turn up to dinner" part.
That's how I found myself last night standing alone at the bar, sipping on a fantastic pear-flavoured cocktail, at Longrain in Little Bourke St, waiting for what turned out to be my three dinner companions.
The initial impressions of Longrain are great... fitted out warehouse vibe, bustling atmosphere, amazing green fish-scale feature wall, and a great cocktail menu. Oh, and the food menu wasn't half bad either. After I finished my pear cocktail, my dinner companions turned up, and we waited for our table, sipping on our next round of drinks (sour apple martini this time for me).
Dining is a communal affair at Longrain; either large parties on the larger round tables, or smaller parties on the long bench-style tables. We were positively ravenous by the time we sat down to eat (it was probably 9.30pm or so by this stage). We ended up taking the democratic approach to food selection - one dish each. (I just realised, up until this point I had failed to mention that Longrain serves Thai food. Very tasty, very good, very expensive Thai food). Thus, sooner than we were expecting, our meals suddenly appeared in front of us; lamb mussaman red curry, green curry with pork, jungle curry with duck and caramelised pork hock.
The food was amazing. The pork hock was so good that it immediately gets added to my list of amazing pork dishes I've eaten in the past few months. The lamb just melted in your mouth. The green curry and jungle curry generated a constant tingle on my lips. Even though we were hungry, the four of us couldn't quite finish the four dishes. But of course, we still had to go for dessert. I chose the coconut caramel custard with grilled banana because (i) I love caramel, (ii) I love custard and (iii) it's been ages since I've had any million-dollar fruit (banana). The dessert was insane... very tasty, and a nice experience having banana again, but oh my god, the custard was about as dense as a black hole, and as rich as anything I've ever eaten. The caramel oozed like some sort of industrial strength maple syrup. I love dessert... but even I couldn't finish this.
Thus, I found myself staggering through the city at midnight last night, feeling many kilograms heavier and liable to explode if I bumped into anything sharp. It was a great Thai meal, and heartily recommended. Just remember to take your wallet. And loosen your belt.
It was meant to be one of those "group of people from work" type of dinners, but true to form, most of the participants pulled out over the course of the several weeks between the origin of the dinner idea, and the actual "turn up to dinner" part.
That's how I found myself last night standing alone at the bar, sipping on a fantastic pear-flavoured cocktail, at Longrain in Little Bourke St, waiting for what turned out to be my three dinner companions.
The initial impressions of Longrain are great... fitted out warehouse vibe, bustling atmosphere, amazing green fish-scale feature wall, and a great cocktail menu. Oh, and the food menu wasn't half bad either. After I finished my pear cocktail, my dinner companions turned up, and we waited for our table, sipping on our next round of drinks (sour apple martini this time for me).
Dining is a communal affair at Longrain; either large parties on the larger round tables, or smaller parties on the long bench-style tables. We were positively ravenous by the time we sat down to eat (it was probably 9.30pm or so by this stage). We ended up taking the democratic approach to food selection - one dish each. (I just realised, up until this point I had failed to mention that Longrain serves Thai food. Very tasty, very good, very expensive Thai food). Thus, sooner than we were expecting, our meals suddenly appeared in front of us; lamb mussaman red curry, green curry with pork, jungle curry with duck and caramelised pork hock.
The food was amazing. The pork hock was so good that it immediately gets added to my list of amazing pork dishes I've eaten in the past few months. The lamb just melted in your mouth. The green curry and jungle curry generated a constant tingle on my lips. Even though we were hungry, the four of us couldn't quite finish the four dishes. But of course, we still had to go for dessert. I chose the coconut caramel custard with grilled banana because (i) I love caramel, (ii) I love custard and (iii) it's been ages since I've had any million-dollar fruit (banana). The dessert was insane... very tasty, and a nice experience having banana again, but oh my god, the custard was about as dense as a black hole, and as rich as anything I've ever eaten. The caramel oozed like some sort of industrial strength maple syrup. I love dessert... but even I couldn't finish this.
Thus, I found myself staggering through the city at midnight last night, feeling many kilograms heavier and liable to explode if I bumped into anything sharp. It was a great Thai meal, and heartily recommended. Just remember to take your wallet. And loosen your belt.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Weeknights are the new weekends
Seriously, after having two relaxed, enjoyable nights out so far this week, I officially declare weeknights to be better than weekends for going out. Why, you may ask?
Bars and restaurants are emptier. Food and drink is served more quickly; you might even manage table service at some bars. The queues at the cinema are shorter, or non-existent. There are fewer freaks on public transport. There is less smoke in the bars. It is easier to have a chat with friends. You don't have to push through drunk/obnoxious/posing/corporate idiots to find a seat/table/friends/toilets. The music is not turned up as loud. You don't feel lame if you don't stay out all night. People aren't dressing up in the latest bad 80's clothes/styles to try and impress other people dressed in worse 80's clothes/styles.
Of course, this might be influenced by the fact that (i) I have actually left the comfort of my couch/tv this week (Jam Factory/Chapel St on Monday, The Long Room on Wednesday) and thus actually been social on a weeknight, (ii) I might be getting old and slow and thus quiet weeknight activities are better for my constitution or (iii) I am growing intolerant of people and thus going out when there are fewer people around is good for the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.
Seriously, unless you are trying to pick up (which I'm not) or are going out for a dance (which I can't until my ankle heals fully), what is the appeal of overcrowded, noisy, smoky sardine tin-inspired venues full of twits?
Having said all that, I'll still be going out this weekend.
Bars and restaurants are emptier. Food and drink is served more quickly; you might even manage table service at some bars. The queues at the cinema are shorter, or non-existent. There are fewer freaks on public transport. There is less smoke in the bars. It is easier to have a chat with friends. You don't have to push through drunk/obnoxious/posing/corporate idiots to find a seat/table/friends/toilets. The music is not turned up as loud. You don't feel lame if you don't stay out all night. People aren't dressing up in the latest bad 80's clothes/styles to try and impress other people dressed in worse 80's clothes/styles.
Of course, this might be influenced by the fact that (i) I have actually left the comfort of my couch/tv this week (Jam Factory/Chapel St on Monday, The Long Room on Wednesday) and thus actually been social on a weeknight, (ii) I might be getting old and slow and thus quiet weeknight activities are better for my constitution or (iii) I am growing intolerant of people and thus going out when there are fewer people around is good for the health and wellbeing of everyone involved.
Seriously, unless you are trying to pick up (which I'm not) or are going out for a dance (which I can't until my ankle heals fully), what is the appeal of overcrowded, noisy, smoky sardine tin-inspired venues full of twits?
Having said all that, I'll still be going out this weekend.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Hobby Farm
I often wonder about the way in which I spend my spare time. Do I waste it? Do I enjoy what I do while not at work? Am I keeping my mind and body sharp and healthy, or am I just turning into a lazy couch potato?
I often think that I should dedicate myself wholeheartedly towards some real hobbies or interests, rather than leading the lifestyle I currently do. Sure, I might read a fair bit, delve into the world of computer gaming, play basketball (when I'm not injured) and... yeah, that's about it. (I'm not including my day-to-day social activities here, like watching tv, listening to music, going to the movies, shopping, going to bars etc etc.). I've realised that sometimes I actually struggle to put down something interesting when presented with some sort of form or document (survey, CV etc.) that asks for hobbies/interests.
What do I do about this dilemma? The obvious answer is to find myself some hobbies. I have a few ideas that I know I would like to pursue more thoroughly, but I find that my willpower and commitment are often somewhat lacking - on a side note, I've found that ever since I finished university, my ability to pay attention to new things and learn them has reduced dramatically... I think I have almost exhausted the "study quota" in my brain. Somehow, I need to find the enthusiasm and dedication to turn some of my hobby ideas into reality.
Here are some of my ideas:
i. I would like to be a better cook. Unfortunately, I am regularly too lazy to try cooking something new each night, and despite my personality pre-disposition to organising and planning the the nth degree, I can never plan my meals ahead of time to get the ingredients for new recipes.
ii. I would like to expand my online presence. This blog has been an entertaining diversion, but I would like to focus my energies more productively; for a start, I think that might involve splitting my blog into 2 or 3... one for the everyday waffle, one more focused on my geek tendencies, and possibly another for my random thoughts and observations. The purpose of all this wouldn't be to try and get to 5, 10, 50 or 1000 readers; it would be more of a personal challenge to force myself to think and use the parts of my brain not normally challenged while at work i.e. the more creative side. Part of this may include developing my own website, but I'm not sure yet - this is all still a work in progress. I'm not so sure about something like Myspace... feels a bit too much like jumping on a bandwagon, and besides, for the moment, this is all just for my personal development rather than networking.
iii. I would like to learn how to produce music. Nothing for commercial release or anything that grandiose; again, this is a personal challenge. I listen to so much music, hours and hours each day, I would like to take all of that exposure and turn it inward, see what I could come up with. I've started this process already... it isn't much, but I am slowly teaching myself Garageband on my Mac. Nothing at all to show for it yet, apart from creases in my training manual.
iv. I would like to take more photographs. I'm not sure this would be a hobby so much as just an activity. Similar to my ideas above, I'm not planning to suddenly announce that I'm "in to photography" or anything like that. After visiting the USA last year, I've managed to collect a few photos that I am quite proud of, and I would like to expand my collection of good photos, eventually with the aim of perhaps printing them in larger formats to use as artwork and fill up the barren walls of the apartment a bit.
v. I would like to re-visit my school days and perhaps do some art classes. At one point in high school, I did art as an elective, and I had a blast (this is coming from someone whose curriculum was loaded to breaking point with maths, more maths, science and more science). I still remember some of my drawings/paintings. I liked the structure of the class environment though, so I don't think I could just start doing something from scratch, I'd definitely need to go to the CAE or something. No people or animals though... I could never get the dimensions right. I prefer inanimate objects.
... I've just skimmed back over what I have written. It all sounds so cliched. Urgh. But at the same time, I have to realise that I am a city dweller through and through, and someone who is quite possibly not going to get back into competitive sport again (unless my ankle heals beautifully, and I can manage the pain of the tendonitis in my knees), so in some ways, my options for hobbies are a little restricted (I'm never going to be a rock climber or a cyclist or something like that). Perhaps I could get into poker and earn millions? Unlikely, as much as I enjoy watching it. My card game of choice was bridge; unfortunately, my partner in crime back in our school days is now working on the other side of the globe.
So there are some of my ideas. Now it is your turn, friendly reader. How can I fill my spare time? What enjoyable pastimes can you recommend for me? And before I forget, if you have any good suggestions for how I can avoid the tv/couch trap and find the willpower to commit to my new hobbies, please add them too.
I often think that I should dedicate myself wholeheartedly towards some real hobbies or interests, rather than leading the lifestyle I currently do. Sure, I might read a fair bit, delve into the world of computer gaming, play basketball (when I'm not injured) and... yeah, that's about it. (I'm not including my day-to-day social activities here, like watching tv, listening to music, going to the movies, shopping, going to bars etc etc.). I've realised that sometimes I actually struggle to put down something interesting when presented with some sort of form or document (survey, CV etc.) that asks for hobbies/interests.
What do I do about this dilemma? The obvious answer is to find myself some hobbies. I have a few ideas that I know I would like to pursue more thoroughly, but I find that my willpower and commitment are often somewhat lacking - on a side note, I've found that ever since I finished university, my ability to pay attention to new things and learn them has reduced dramatically... I think I have almost exhausted the "study quota" in my brain. Somehow, I need to find the enthusiasm and dedication to turn some of my hobby ideas into reality.
Here are some of my ideas:
i. I would like to be a better cook. Unfortunately, I am regularly too lazy to try cooking something new each night, and despite my personality pre-disposition to organising and planning the the nth degree, I can never plan my meals ahead of time to get the ingredients for new recipes.
ii. I would like to expand my online presence. This blog has been an entertaining diversion, but I would like to focus my energies more productively; for a start, I think that might involve splitting my blog into 2 or 3... one for the everyday waffle, one more focused on my geek tendencies, and possibly another for my random thoughts and observations. The purpose of all this wouldn't be to try and get to 5, 10, 50 or 1000 readers; it would be more of a personal challenge to force myself to think and use the parts of my brain not normally challenged while at work i.e. the more creative side. Part of this may include developing my own website, but I'm not sure yet - this is all still a work in progress. I'm not so sure about something like Myspace... feels a bit too much like jumping on a bandwagon, and besides, for the moment, this is all just for my personal development rather than networking.
iii. I would like to learn how to produce music. Nothing for commercial release or anything that grandiose; again, this is a personal challenge. I listen to so much music, hours and hours each day, I would like to take all of that exposure and turn it inward, see what I could come up with. I've started this process already... it isn't much, but I am slowly teaching myself Garageband on my Mac. Nothing at all to show for it yet, apart from creases in my training manual.
iv. I would like to take more photographs. I'm not sure this would be a hobby so much as just an activity. Similar to my ideas above, I'm not planning to suddenly announce that I'm "in to photography" or anything like that. After visiting the USA last year, I've managed to collect a few photos that I am quite proud of, and I would like to expand my collection of good photos, eventually with the aim of perhaps printing them in larger formats to use as artwork and fill up the barren walls of the apartment a bit.
v. I would like to re-visit my school days and perhaps do some art classes. At one point in high school, I did art as an elective, and I had a blast (this is coming from someone whose curriculum was loaded to breaking point with maths, more maths, science and more science). I still remember some of my drawings/paintings. I liked the structure of the class environment though, so I don't think I could just start doing something from scratch, I'd definitely need to go to the CAE or something. No people or animals though... I could never get the dimensions right. I prefer inanimate objects.
... I've just skimmed back over what I have written. It all sounds so cliched. Urgh. But at the same time, I have to realise that I am a city dweller through and through, and someone who is quite possibly not going to get back into competitive sport again (unless my ankle heals beautifully, and I can manage the pain of the tendonitis in my knees), so in some ways, my options for hobbies are a little restricted (I'm never going to be a rock climber or a cyclist or something like that). Perhaps I could get into poker and earn millions? Unlikely, as much as I enjoy watching it. My card game of choice was bridge; unfortunately, my partner in crime back in our school days is now working on the other side of the globe.
So there are some of my ideas. Now it is your turn, friendly reader. How can I fill my spare time? What enjoyable pastimes can you recommend for me? And before I forget, if you have any good suggestions for how I can avoid the tv/couch trap and find the willpower to commit to my new hobbies, please add them too.
Monday Night Film Review
Monday night is a great night to go out and see a movie... the cinemas are quiet, the streets aren't filled with traffic and you are the only customers in restaurants that are open.
Colin Farrell. Jamie Foxx. Miami Vice. Hell yeah.
So I went and saw Miami Vice last night at Jam Factory. It was a quality film, and I really enjoyed it. Not following the tradition of other recent TV show remakes, Miami Vice takes a very serious, gritty perspective compared to the original. The entire film is shot in a raw, "along for the ride" video style, similar to 'Collateral', dropping the typical polished Hollywood film feel for something darker, grainier, and ultimately, more realistic.
The plot itself boils down to a classic undercover vice cops infiltrating the operations of a drug lord storyline. But the film doesn't lay out every step of the story for the viewer; you have to keep up with the pace. I love films and TV shows that actually presume the viewer is semi-intelligent, allowing rapid fire dialogue complete with cop lingo to add an extra layer of realism to the delivery of the plot.
It is Miami Vice after all, so there is definitely some slick suits, fast cars and high-powered speedboats. And a crazy hair cut and moustache for Colin Farrell. There are guns and shoot-outs too, of course... but the gun fights are kept relatively sparse throughout the course of the film, so when the bullets do start flying, the action feels a lot more serious and deadly than in your average schlock Hollywood shoot-out sequences.
Probably one of my favourite films of the year so far. Well, until 'Snakes on a Plane'...
Colin Farrell. Jamie Foxx. Miami Vice. Hell yeah.
So I went and saw Miami Vice last night at Jam Factory. It was a quality film, and I really enjoyed it. Not following the tradition of other recent TV show remakes, Miami Vice takes a very serious, gritty perspective compared to the original. The entire film is shot in a raw, "along for the ride" video style, similar to 'Collateral', dropping the typical polished Hollywood film feel for something darker, grainier, and ultimately, more realistic.
The plot itself boils down to a classic undercover vice cops infiltrating the operations of a drug lord storyline. But the film doesn't lay out every step of the story for the viewer; you have to keep up with the pace. I love films and TV shows that actually presume the viewer is semi-intelligent, allowing rapid fire dialogue complete with cop lingo to add an extra layer of realism to the delivery of the plot.
It is Miami Vice after all, so there is definitely some slick suits, fast cars and high-powered speedboats. And a crazy hair cut and moustache for Colin Farrell. There are guns and shoot-outs too, of course... but the gun fights are kept relatively sparse throughout the course of the film, so when the bullets do start flying, the action feels a lot more serious and deadly than in your average schlock Hollywood shoot-out sequences.
Probably one of my favourite films of the year so far. Well, until 'Snakes on a Plane'...
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Cool Sounds, Vol. 2
I'm several years behind the times here, but I've been listening to some entertainingly cheesy mash-ups recently.
A lot of mash-ups don't really work, have limited life spans or slam a great track in with a lame track, inevitably ruining the good track and getting the bad one stuck in your head all day. But occasionally, you can't help but smile.
Current favourites:
"She Wants To Twist" - The White Stripes ("The Denial Twist") vs NERD ("She Wants To Move" remix)
"Get Down Only" - Nine Inch Nails ("Only") vs Kool and The Gang ("Get Down On It")
"Pump Up The Doorbell" - The White Stripes ("My Doorbell") vs Eric B and Rakim ("Paid In Full")
A lot of mash-ups don't really work, have limited life spans or slam a great track in with a lame track, inevitably ruining the good track and getting the bad one stuck in your head all day. But occasionally, you can't help but smile.
Current favourites:
"She Wants To Twist" - The White Stripes ("The Denial Twist") vs NERD ("She Wants To Move" remix)
"Get Down Only" - Nine Inch Nails ("Only") vs Kool and The Gang ("Get Down On It")
"Pump Up The Doorbell" - The White Stripes ("My Doorbell") vs Eric B and Rakim ("Paid In Full")
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Not Even Sugar Can Help
It is Wednesday afternoon, and I have fallen into the mid-week, mid-afternoon lull. And it is worse than usual.
On most days I experience that brief period, usually sometime around 3pm - 3.30pm where my brain just shuts down, when the relaxation of a lunch break is just a memory. I'll sometimes go and grab a muffin or a V or something just to pep me up.
I don't think anything would work today. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sad or depressed. I think I've somehow lost the energy and motivation that I have had for work over the past 2 or 3 weeks (even though as I described in previous posts, I've had to work frustratingly long hours in difficult situations). It feels like I am one of those mile long freight trains and someone just pulled the brake... it has taken a while to start slowing down, but I can definitely feel the lack of momentum now.
The only problem is... how long will it take to get started again?
On most days I experience that brief period, usually sometime around 3pm - 3.30pm where my brain just shuts down, when the relaxation of a lunch break is just a memory. I'll sometimes go and grab a muffin or a V or something just to pep me up.
I don't think anything would work today. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sad or depressed. I think I've somehow lost the energy and motivation that I have had for work over the past 2 or 3 weeks (even though as I described in previous posts, I've had to work frustratingly long hours in difficult situations). It feels like I am one of those mile long freight trains and someone just pulled the brake... it has taken a while to start slowing down, but I can definitely feel the lack of momentum now.
The only problem is... how long will it take to get started again?
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Coincidence, or Something More Mysterious?
In earlier posts I have explained the origin of the ankle injury that I am (still) carrying.
(As an aside; the ankle is slowly healing, I'm walking in "normal" shoes now, no crutches or boot, but I have no strength or stability in the ankle yet, so I can't quite walk normally, and definitely can't run. Uneven surfaces, like bricks or cobblestones, and stairs are currently the bane of my existence).
However, I recently learnt that perhaps there is something more mysterious going on with me and my ankle. On the night I injured it, at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, I parked my car in a nearby car park. As I went to get a ticket, a kindly soul who was just leaving offered me his ticket. Bonus. The rest is history... I went inside, played my match of basketball and destroyed my ankle.
A week or so later, a friend of mine, playing basketball on the courts at MSAC injured his right ankle in a similar manner to me. I'd heard the story, but hadn't seen him until last Friday. We were comparing ankle-related war stories, when somehow, he managed to mention that he'd been given a free ticket for his car in the car park that night.
Huh? Excuse me??
That coincidence was just a little too freaky for me. Is this some sort of karmic revenge for using a ticket we didn't pay for? Is some mysterious cosmic entity striking us down? What is going on? Who is to blame for all the pain and anguish I have suffered through?
Universe... if you are listening, I want some answers!!
(I'd prefer blog comments over strange voices in my head and visions in dream, cheers).
(As an aside; the ankle is slowly healing, I'm walking in "normal" shoes now, no crutches or boot, but I have no strength or stability in the ankle yet, so I can't quite walk normally, and definitely can't run. Uneven surfaces, like bricks or cobblestones, and stairs are currently the bane of my existence).
However, I recently learnt that perhaps there is something more mysterious going on with me and my ankle. On the night I injured it, at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, I parked my car in a nearby car park. As I went to get a ticket, a kindly soul who was just leaving offered me his ticket. Bonus. The rest is history... I went inside, played my match of basketball and destroyed my ankle.
A week or so later, a friend of mine, playing basketball on the courts at MSAC injured his right ankle in a similar manner to me. I'd heard the story, but hadn't seen him until last Friday. We were comparing ankle-related war stories, when somehow, he managed to mention that he'd been given a free ticket for his car in the car park that night.
Huh? Excuse me??
That coincidence was just a little too freaky for me. Is this some sort of karmic revenge for using a ticket we didn't pay for? Is some mysterious cosmic entity striking us down? What is going on? Who is to blame for all the pain and anguish I have suffered through?
Universe... if you are listening, I want some answers!!
(I'd prefer blog comments over strange voices in my head and visions in dream, cheers).
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
IT Humour?
Today at work we all received an email from our corporate IT department. It outlined a new way for us to log issues with the IT helpdesk, via email.
These email instructions contained an example of the correct way to write and send your email to IT. In this example, the poor chap was sending an email to the helpdesk because he couldn't open Outlook.
Hmmmm.....
These email instructions contained an example of the correct way to write and send your email to IT. In this example, the poor chap was sending an email to the helpdesk because he couldn't open Outlook.
Hmmmm.....
Deprivation
I think my brain is currently running on a combination of adrenalin, fear, stress and general geek mania.
It has been two 12 hour work days in a row, another one to come. My project will be live from next week.
My eyes are slowly getting dried out and burnt by my laptop screen. My body has aches that come and go at random. I really should go to bed right now. But I won't, because I refuse to let my working life impinge on my quiet evening at home.
I think I'll sleep properly sometime in a couple of weeks...
It has been two 12 hour work days in a row, another one to come. My project will be live from next week.
My eyes are slowly getting dried out and burnt by my laptop screen. My body has aches that come and go at random. I really should go to bed right now. But I won't, because I refuse to let my working life impinge on my quiet evening at home.
I think I'll sleep properly sometime in a couple of weeks...
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Half Way
So J-Star typed "twentysevenproblems" into Google because she didn't have this blog on her favourites yet.
Lo and behold... this blog was the only entry returned. Not surprising really.
But a moment later I got very excited... one result on Google - isn't that a googlewhack? (If you don't know what one is, search it out on).
Alas, "twentysevenproblems" fails on several levels... mainly because it is not a real word. And because it is only one word, and not two.
I like to think that, for a brief moment, I was half way there. It was one of THOSE days, so please, give me my brief moment of enjoyment.
Lo and behold... this blog was the only entry returned. Not surprising really.
But a moment later I got very excited... one result on Google - isn't that a googlewhack? (If you don't know what one is, search it out on).
Alas, "twentysevenproblems" fails on several levels... mainly because it is not a real word. And because it is only one word, and not two.
I like to think that, for a brief moment, I was half way there. It was one of THOSE days, so please, give me my brief moment of enjoyment.
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