Life - what is the life?

I resigned

2009-10-04T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hey i resigned... but it was rejected!!

Yes my resignation was rejected!!

They have asked me to think about for another couple of weeks... so who knows

2009-09-30T02:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a while-

On Monday I flew from Sydney to Albury - while I was sitting at the airport lounge. I sat down waiting for my plane to be called, as I sat down this little girl walked up to me (she was 1 according to her dad that was crawling after her), as if she was drawn to me - she didn't go up to anyone else - it was weird. Kids under 2 generally look at me - and ar drawn to me - it is always interesting.

On the weekend I spent time with one of my great friends and her 2 children. Ishian who is 3 1/2, has autism - he doesn't allow people in easily, but on the weekend he allowed me to pick him up and carry him.

It always feels great and makes me SMILE when kids SMILE and interact with me.

2008-11-12T00:11:00.000-08:00

I just did a depression online test - and how about it I am depressed

I feel alot of it is based on self esteem issues
the extract below is from the Reach out Website

How Does Your Self-Esteem Affect Your Life?
Your self-esteem can affect how you feel, how you relate to other people, how you deal with challenges and how relaxed and safe you feel in your daily life:
The Way You Feel
In order to be happy you need to like yourself. If you believe that you are not OK, or if you are constantly putting yourself down, you are more likely to feel depressed, anxious or miserable than someone who has a positive view of themselves.
Your Relationships
Low self-esteem can influence the way you behave with other people. For instance, you might find yourself being unassertive (not saying what we think, feel or want), and doing things we don't want to do.
Or you might find yourself trying too hard to please other people - agreeing with them and offering to do things for them in order to 'earn' their friendship.
Low self-esteem might also cause you to seek reassurance from your friends, because deep down, you may not be sure that they like you. You might allow others to 'walk all over you' because you believe you have no rights, and that your needs don't matter. Being treated badly by other people can reinforce the belief that you are not good enough, and can lower your self-esteem even more.
Your Willingness to Move Out of Your Comfort Zone
Trying new things and moving out of our 'comfort zone' at times is important for growing and developing as a person. Low self-esteem might hold you back from new experiences because you become overly concerned with the possibility of failure or looking stupid.
How Relaxed and Comfortable You Feel in the World
When your self-esteem is low, it is difficult to feel relaxed and comfortable in day to day situations.
For instance, if you believe that you are not OK you might feel awkward and self-conscious in many situations. You might worry too much about what others think of you, and might be constantly on the lookout for signs that people don't like you. If someone doesn't acknowledge you, you might immediately assume that they don't like you.

Yep - I could of nearly written that!

2008-11-05T01:06:00.000-08:00

The Closed Book

Not many people out there I would say have been able to read the book that is me - don't get me wrong I have a collection of friends and all of them I love dearly! Saying that most people I meet are not able to get past the introduction or preface of the book that is me! Let alone past the third chapter of the book.

Maybe I don't allow the book to be taken off the shelf, or maybe the book has one of those magic things you see - that certain pages are visible on certain occassions - and the rest of the time they are not visible. A couple of years ago,my new year resolution was try to be a more interesting book, that is easier to read - I feel that at the moment I have probably made my book harder to read.

I think I might need to go back to the plan to try and make the book more interesting, and to possible make it on a bestseller list! Just how do I do it? How do I make the changes while still remaining primarily me?

So again another blog that isn't the most positive!

On positive news - 2 Couples that I am friends with - both told the world that they were pregnant by facebook in the last 2 weeks - it is an exciting time for all!

I just realised that have 5 friends named Sarah on facebook - that's just weird!

2008-09-25T03:33:00.000-07:00

I've been wondering for a while now - what is the reason for life?

I don't save anyone, no one loves me in such a way that they life would stop if I wasn't here tomorrow or tonight - it would take several weeks/months for people to even realise I wasn't here!

Someone told me tonight that what the treatment that I have allowed others to get away with, is the behaviour that I allow people to always get away with. Since I have been bullied since I was 4ish - due to the speach issues - which no one can seriously understand the number of hours of treatment I have been involved with unless they have had over 10 years of weekly specialist treatments to try and reticifie the situation. I just don't think the person understands what having low-self esteem is like and I don't mean to be the victim but I can't help it.

I have been being bullied at work for a number of months - I can't do anything right,and when I do take a step forward I then get asked who asked me to do it - etc. The people I work with think I don't have a brain - i.e. they don't feel its worth while founding out what brain I have!

I work in the construction industry language is expected - but since I am a female one of my colegues who degrades me - apologises for swearing in front of me - and has actually told me that since I was a female it is inappropriate for me to swear. Jokes around the site are not considered appropriate to be shared with me since I am a female. All I ask is to be treated like one of the guys but for some reason they can not think past the fact that I am supposed to have boobs (not man boobs).

True I have never been physically or sexually abused but emotionally I can't do this anymore

Except of course the fact that I am a weakling and I couldn't hurt myself - I just don't have the guts to hurt myself - other than emotionally thinking about stuff too much - I just don't know anymore!

I don't know how to move forward - new job same issue, one of my friends who is also a relative reminded me that things could be worst - but also suggested that I look at getting medical assistance - I really don't know! I just don't know!

The next big step!

2008-09-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Okay
Just realised I have a house deposit (even with the 6 weeks in Europe), and can get another $15,000 ($7,000 federal, $5,000 victoria and another $3,000 since I don't wanna live in Melbourne or geelong given to me by the state as well - if I buy a brand new place) of bonus!

So I need to start founding the place - my lease is until May 2009 - so buy now - lease it out until 30 April - move into my own place...

just need to found a place that i like, i can afford (without feeling like I have gone down a big black hole and feeling depressed cause I have no living money), and just do it!

2008-08-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

What is it with Alcohol?

I am starting to wonder if I am drinking too much! I am starting to wonder if I am eating out too much as well!

This week has been one of those weeks.

Friday night had drinks at the pub - with the guys from work - I remember hoping in a mates car - but I don't remember dropping off the 2 guys (well I half remember dropping one off), or giving directions to stace (my mate). Then was sitting on the couch and talking to stace, and next thing I know its 430am and I found I was sleeping on the couch, with my dona (blanket) from my bed on me. That was fine - sad but fine! I then had to get up at 530 - so I could be around at a work mates place at 6am for a snow trip.
Stace didn't drink on friday night, she had offered to drive us all to the snow - so on saturaday morning - she had 2 hanged over work mates of mine in the backsit, and me in the front sit - all feeling dodgy!

Thursday night I kept pace with the boys for dinner! Friday morning I woke up feeling a touch hanged over!

2008-07-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

Okay it's my fault that nothing has been written for a while
I have started work, spent a weekend with the family, met a whole lot of new collegues, drank a whole lot of beer, had my first, second and third visitors - (all in the same weekend), hosted a couple of dinners here, drank some more beer, won a raffle or 3, had my parents her for a week, and visited Canberra, but for some reason I am still feeling alone.

It's weird how alone I feel at times, althrough it might just be tiredness!

I once heard that the male in a couple is likely to sleep closest to the door, even through I am alone, I have generally always slept closest to the door - its just been the side that made me feel at home. In the last couple of weeks maybe due to the new room etc. I have started sleeping the furtherest from the door. This is an interesting move for me - maybe its because I am becoming more open to things - I don't kow - but its an interesting discussion point for this forum.

Better found out what is happening with uni - today!

Life

2008-05-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Okay I have unpacked - well everything is out of the boxes... Things still need to found homes and I do have too many things.

But some of the belongings I have (a lot) have sedimentally value - like the teddy bear aidan gave me for my 21st - its red and big - and has been in charge of the lounge at my last place. The glass world globe that andrew gave me for my 21st. The navy blue scraf thing that I was supposed to wear for Aidan and Stace's wedding.

The hangings - which I haven't worked out which ones to put up - only have 4 places to hang them.
Cross-stitch that mum did for my 21st, the cross-stitch I made, the 4 long-stitches that I did, the picture of the 12 apostles that I got as a graduation gift, the picture of me in a monaro, the pictures of me in amanda's wedding, my grad cert (by 3), and that's before the generic pictures I have picked up along the way that have meaning.

This week is the only week that I will be in the office until the end of June for monday to friday. Have training for the next 3 weeks, and then exams.

2008-05-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

I have officially got my own place - its not a palace or a castle but it is mine for the next 12 months - yes I am in the renting game again. The place that I am talking about is a 2 bedroom unit in Yarrawonga - which is mine while I continue to pay the rent. At the moment its only a bed and lots and lots of boxes! The bed is made - first rule when unpacking - first thing to do when unpacking is make the bed!

As I said in the my last blog I was going to have a busy week or so - well in the last 2 weeks (Thursday to today - yes okay 16 days) I have been to box hill south, camberwell, adelaide, clare, watervale (made famous by annie's lane), salisbury, Mintaro, sevenhill, korumburra, leongatha, yarrawonga, mulwala, albury, rutherglen, beechworth, myrtleford, sale, barinsdale, bright, greensborough, cranbourne, mt. hotham (where they was snow), coal creek, omeo, swifts creek,bruthen, stratford, yarrum, meeniyan, woodside, stradbroke, alberton, welshpool (victoria), Toora, Tarwin, koonwarra, Mornington, Hastings, Tyabb,etc.

The pub at Mintaro - the view from the winery that I was enjoy a very nice drop of red with a chocolate/caramel cake with raspberry sauce - on a sunny may day with good mates!

What more do you need!

Bright - from my car window - it always looks the same

I have been extremely lucky that I have been able to see a lot of Australia, and see it with mates. I was thinking that I need to document the places I've been - I am currently thinking of putting together a scrap book of the places I've been - and each year put together a new page for the places I have been that year. Doesn't have to have a lot of pictures one or two - but mainly a list of the places I have been!

2008-04-30T19:22:00.001-07:00

I am a bit concern about startign a new job - I don't make friends easily - or even associates. I'm finding that I don't know how to interact with people. I am starting to get very concerned about this. I got a verbal invitation to a farewell party - to be followed up by a facebook invite - and I wasn't invited on facebook - so I am feeling really like I need to go out and get a social life again...

This week is probably my social week of the month, 6-months etc.

Tonight is dinner with some high-school friends - we generally try to catch up every so often.
tomorrow I am going to Adelaide and spending the weekend with at least 2 mates, while monday I have a specialist appointment and then tuesday or wednesday i am off to albury for a couple of days. But saying this the people that I am seeing in the next week - is about a quarter of my friendship network...

Mebourne Public Transport

2008-04-28T02:05:00.000-07:00

In the media in the last month - the shameless thing called melbourne public transport has been looked at and ideas of the how to improve the public transport has been reported.

Some of the things that I believe should be looked at in relation to melbourne transport is ;

every major shopping centre (knox, highpoint, southland, northland, etc.) should have a train station associated with it - and be on a line (none of them are) but they are all in major suburban areas (parking at the shopping centres is free so this needs to be increased and maybe introducing a system of providing free public transport.)
every university should have a train line into the city (except for uni's within CBD)
every hospital should have a train station to encourage visitors to take public tansport and not park.
introduce transit lines on the monash freeway -with cameras to fine people that do not have 2 or more individuals in a car - or have a larger vehicle lane - vehicles being over a certain tonage - i.e trucks and buses only.
A train line between fankston - portsea and frankston- dandendong
A train line to the Airport - with connections to the bundoora -werribee line, but then running into spencer st station(tullamarine and avalon) - this service will be more experience than the normal met line - and the skybus service will be removed. With the connection of both airport services to the werribee-bundoora line it will allow smoother connections between airports.
a train line between clayton uni and the bundoora unis
and maybe a train line between bundoora uni and werribee - going through sunbury.

this is only my ideas as a novice traveller on the melbourne transport.

2008-04-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

I have just brought myself a Wii - this is my first game console ever.

Now the Wii it seems has various attached - suprised they is no toaster - it has everything else connected to it!

Made two birth cards yesterday - I will put a photo of one on next time.

2008-04-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have just had a job interview - the job sounded great - and had heaps of variety etc all the things you look for in a job but....

The job required 3-5 years experience in environmental roles, and a science or engineering qualification.

The job is only for a year and they are offering a graduate rate of payment if that!

Therefre I made it honest in the interview that on that money I am not interested!

I am moving to Yarrawonga - starting work on the 19th of May!

2008-04-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Things in my life are very slow...

very slow...

The only thing that seems consist at the moment is everyday lend lease is ringing me to tell me what is happening with the job. Yes everyday - for the last 2 weeks I have had a phonecall from them. At least one. I think since the 7th of April - I have spoken to someone from lend lease every work day but one. It's insane. Yes I know they want me - I am brilliant!

The highlight for my week last week was 2 visits to the eye specialist, and my mum's school reunion - which had little to do with me... other than mum inviting people back to the house and me being good daughter and making hot drinks and keeping up the nibbles, and also helping the lions club the next day with the school free bbq.

things will speed along soon...

WORK!

2008-04-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

I have been informally informed that a company is going to offer me a position in Yarrawonga.

What do I do with this information?

The job will not start until mid May - where I will probably be based in sydney for a week or two, again what do I do with this information?

The job is an environment job - but its one of the few jobs that has bitten on my resumes...

2008-04-09T00:35:00.000-07:00

Facebook - yes Facebook - or crackbook - whatever did we do before it!

The last couple of weeks - I have reconnected with individuals through facebook that I didn't expect to - including imaginary characters - well not necceessary imaginary characters but... the character is not real *no pulse, no blood trough*, the character in question is about a 30 cm bunny - known as Brabbit Telfer - he is associated with my past life at Telfer, and is part of the B crew Open Pit. Photos of him consist of him doing paperwork - essential for any worker at Telfer, driving in the pit - including the haul truck...

Also included in the group are two individuals so different from each other but similar and both of the same believe that facebook was evil...

I also discovered that people that I have knew from the past have got married, and also have met other people in my life...

Al's daughter turned 1 on the weekend - got invited to the family birthday party. It suprised me that they was only family. I fitted into the party!

2008-03-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

WHERE IS LLETNA ?

Has anyone seen her? Does anyone know what she looks like? What she enjoys? what her Hobbies are?

Yes folks I have lost myself again - the physical self is currently in a chair in a lounge room at her parents place but emotional and mental self is lost - I really can't recall clearly seing them for more than five minutes since 1994 maybe earlier but... you get the picture!

I was driving home this morning from a mates housewarming party and I realised that I don't have the friend that knows everything etc. about you - I have friends, and ones that are good ones - but you know the friend that you always going out with, or catching up with.

My friend Perdi has just moved into her first house! with her partner Craig - Craig was saying that 2 of his mates had been around everynight the previous week, and it got me thinking about the people in my life...

It also got me thinking about how I am going to meet people - I really need to start dancing again but I can't because I don't know what I am doing!

At the moment - I feel like everyone is zooming past me - and they have been for years.

Maybe its just everything getting....
My mother telling me I can't use my normal bathroom when she has visitors, due to them using it (just make me feel at home), my mother constantly reminding me that I should be gratefully to be living with them - cos I am saving money this way (as Dad pointed out - city kids are able to stay living at home when at uni if deemed necessary), My mother saying if I don't get a job soon I will have to apply for a job down at the supermarket (nothing wrong with that - but professional jobs take time and I have only been in the country for a week), having to explain to my parents who I am talking t on my mobile phone. and to top it all of just feeling lonely - but then again not going to found anyone while I feel lonely.

2008-03-25T04:21:00.001-07:00

I am back in Australia, and attempting to resettle myself!

Started to apply for jobs todays - and got a phone call within 45 minutes- had an interview today - but was unsuccessfully need more experience - also I wasn't old enough for the job!

At the moment I am runned down but I need to get a job!

I booked my May trip yestrday - going to Adelaide - Clare Valley actually!

Manchester

2008-03-21T02:08:00.000-07:00

I think of all the places I've been I like Manchester - maybe because its the english Melbourne - maybe it was due to the fact that it rained for the whole day - not miserable crap but constant rain - not too hard and not too light - you know what I am talking about...

My eye is playing up - imagine seeing someone wearing a red bit of glass as the contact lense - my eye is redder - can't remember seeing white this morning when I looked in the mirror. My immune system I believe I lost in Paris...

So a 11:15 flight from Manchester to London, a 9pm flight from London to Singapore, and then whatever time it is from singapore to Melbourne (I'm not changing my watch for that timezone) and something is likely to ran late!

Need a house

2008-03-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Okay I know I have been travelling, but s soon as I get myself a job then I need to buy a place - 2 bedroom apartment/unit is all I need!

Started thinking about painting it today - I was on a bus all day!
The master bedroom I am thinking I would like a black wall -with three hand made things - to match my bed spread - which by memory haven't seen it for 18 months is white and blue!

I am really starting to get the itch to buy!

Europe

2008-03-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

Okay My europe escape and my escape from reality is sadly coming to an end!

But then again - i'm thinking a bath would be good and not having to have loose change for the bathroom, and wearing different clothes!

last serious blog was copenhagen - which was lovely, then I preceeded back to london for 2 days until i commenced my booked tour of europe!

The tour was aimed for under 35's - so alcohol was heavily mentioned!

the first day of the tour we were in four countries (england, france, belgium and netherlands (not holland - holland is onlly a small part of netherlands). we (24 of us plus the tour guide and driver) spent the night in armsterdam - dinner on the canals, then most of the group went to a live sex show and visited coffeeshops! 2 people vomitted in or out of the taxi, and one person had too many mushrooms... (this was going to be the norm - and people feeling hanged over).

the second day some heads sore... we were off to germany - to the rhine valley - where the make wine! it happened to be two of the 26 peoples birthdays so we had a four course meal (2 deserts) and we were all given various hats for the evening! And the impossible puzzles come out throughout the evening! People were fine the next morning a rarity!

the third day started with snow! then off to learn about cuckatoo clocks and steins (important things in life)! then off to munich - after forgetting my pin number for my visa card (still can't remember it !)
Munich a litre of beer at the time - no such thing as a pot around here - smallest beer half a litre! And half the tour - decided to play I never - it was fun to watch! As you can imagine various states in the morning!

fourth day again started with snow and continued to snow as we drive to Austria, a tour of Salzberg learning the inner things about the sound of music - needed to do something cultured!

fifth day off to Venice and it's snowing in Italy! Wasn't overally impressed with Venice but ... that's life!

Sixth day Rome, and continued to be there on the seventh day! Experienced Vatican City, the artwork there - amazing - just amazing - breathtaking and considering the age of the stuff and how it was done...
Didn't think much of the collesuem but...
Found out about a pub crawl - and various members of the group went on the pub crawl - hangovers the next day and Rome taxis in a different state after driving them home!

Eighth day - David - yep in Florence - also ended up going to the hospital in florence due to not knowing my limit as far as alcohol is concerned...

Ninth day - I spent the day in PJ's on the bus - I don't know about you but comfort is always good! and we ended up in switzland! Everyone by this stage was tired and had an early night! by this stage I felt like I had been removed from the group - and no one wanted to talk to me!
The trip was twin share hotel accomadation - and the was 10 girls - 5 rooms- don't care who shares with who - 2 of the girls were south americans they shared, another 2 were drinking buddies they shared, another 2 just joined as at Rome - and got along, so the 4 of us remainder changed room buddies, and this particular evening one that hadn't shared with me before was supposed to share with me - but due to evening in the hospital (hello - I was in a better state then most) she was concerned that I was going to be sick again (I hadn't all day) and requested another room! Good way to exile me out of society!

then Paris - and it was windy as anything - half the eifel tower was closed it was moving at least those 7cms - so I didn't go up it!

The people I met on the trip were the typical people that most people meet - therefore due to my nature I am likely to remain in contact with probably 1 - or so! But it was good to go on the trip just to see the sites and the history!

a couple of days in London, then scotland for 3 nights, then manchester for 2 nights - then the plane takes me back to my clothes...

2008-02-28T09:00:00.001-08:00

why is it that people think that if you hurry off the plane you will leave the airport first?
Why is it you push the person in front of you out of the way you will get the best sit on the train?

Two questions to leave you with!!

2008-02-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

Today I saw the changing of the guards at the palace, it is like a fine art - everyone has the job to do, and it must be done to the direct second.

The band and 10-15 guards marsh through the city with the police guiding them through the traffic and head guys with the band and the guards. Until they get to the palace square. At the palace square the walk around 3/4 of it until they get to the main palace, and the guard head guy walks in, and gets a flagman, then the head guy and flagman slide (yes they slide they feet) to join them the flagman is directly behind the head guy only 5 centmetres or so behind.

The party then marches in formation, and present themselves to the guards that have been doing the job for the past 24 hours. The guards swap places, and the 10-15 guards separate themselves, so the ones that will be taking the guards straight away are standing in the front.

The four head guys come together - shake hands and then march into the main palace courtyard, and the doors close behind them. Meanwhile the band moves out of lines into a horse shoe and plays some music, while the guards go into the visitors courtyard doors close after they go in. Then they come back out, and the band moves into lines - only thing that doesn't look organised and they go into the visitors courtyard - doors close after they go in - doors are only open for a couple of minutes to allow the people to go in and out. While the band is inside - the guards go to each of the stands as a group of 7 - the 2 main people go up to the current guard - one go ahead and one go behind (the one behind checks the red coat that is in the station stand - don't know why and don't know when they wear it or if).

The guy at the back then coughs, and moves beside the one at the front. They go back to the group, they then send the guard that is going to replace the other guy to him, and he then marches towards his post and they change places. This happens for the 5 stands only different one happening at the main stand - since both sides are covered.

then they end up back where they were - then everyone goes in. and then everyone comes back out and then the march around the square - deliver the flag man back and go out a different way and continue to play all the way through the town - I lost them about now since I found a jewellery shop but... it lead to a couple of questions...

Why does grown men feel the need to look identical in public (was talking to one of the parents and they couldn't recognise they son - they told me he was one of the ones in bear hats!)?

Why would you slide your feet?

Why would you march for over 40 minutes to get to work?

and wouldn't they be better ways of doing it?

Also why check the cloak?

2008-02-25T12:35:00.000-08:00

I am feeling better - as always my body doesn't do sick!

It is difficult to touch type on a keyboard that isn't layered out the same as the one that I am used...

Walked around copenhagen today ,and it was an amazing feeling - seeing the sights of a different city, discovering hidden wonders which ever way I turn.

Why is it that you can only see the wonder in things that are not in your face every day.

It's interesting the youngest building in Prague (or what the claim as the youngest) is older than anything in Australia. These buildings have lasted the depth of time, and are all multi story buildings that have had modern conveinces added to them, things that we take for grated - water, inside toilets etc. electricity...

Europe has such a long history - a long history of friendships, of wars, of buildings, of development, etc. Australia has a short history - neither should be taken lightly!!

2008-02-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

I have a cold, I am in a country that I don't speak the language, one of my good mates had a 25th on saturaday, one of my other good mates got married again on saturaday and where am I...

I am in copenhagen at the moment - flew in today cold isn't good arrived at hostel and my booking had been lost - just sent me over the edge. Also my right eye is telling me its alive (normally its my left eye so therefore I have nothing to give the right eye).

I was going to bitch about the ridiculus fees the bank is changing me to get my own money out of the bank... but I just read andrew's blog - so I thought that might be a better way to go!

I am extremely lucky I have a good network of friends that I would do most things for (maybe not sky diving but they could ask and depending on the day) and they would/will/have guided me through significant things in my life!

Most of my friends believe that I have been to more weddings than what they have been, and those that have been more is generally due to them having a partner. This outlines the great and varied friendship groups that I am part of. I was thinking of if/when I have a wedding the invite list... You generally have to invite peoples who weddings you have gone to so here's a list of the weddings - the special days that I have been part of - the love that has been shared on these days...

Weddings I have been to:

Aunty Pam and Uncle Geoff ( I was only 3 or so but I remember it)
Anita and Simon (Anita High school mate - beautiful sole)
Sarah and Mark (both angels - Sarah again high school mate - and mark has weird food likes (good if pineapple is in it)/dislikes (no tomato and pumpkin)
Dan and Christine (Dan is my cousin - seen more of him in the last 4 years then previously in my life)
Panda and Paul (Bridesmaid for her - she is my sister)
One of my ex-bf's mates (not likely to be invited!)
Monique and Eddie (Divorced now but monique is a uni mate)
Robbie (sorry robert) and Erica (consider them both mates - the kindness, the strength, the openness...)
Diana and Andy ( Diana is another High School mate and she is gorgenous)
Marty and Catherine (Marty is a cousin and this couple is no longer together)
Stace and Aidan (They got desperate for a bridesmaid so filled that spot - great mates with both and consider them to be so charming and cute and also a perfect fit for each other)
Carla and Peter (both beautiful soles Carla is a high school mate and Peter accepts everyone).
Heather and Ben (My other sister (according to her friends and family)- both friends from Pirie - Heather is always there for me - perfect fit for each other).
also Jelena and Nathan & Sarah and Arindh all four cute as, but they all got married in New Zealand so wasn't able to attend.
Also Georgie and Greg since they aloped.

So the minimum are the ones above, plus all the ones that haven't got married yet, and they is a few.

They all know if the need anything I am here - cos I know I will call on them if needed.

At least I have started a wedding invite list just need a husband to be

and ....

2008-02-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

Okay I have spent the last couple of days in London, and have flown today to Prague!

Keep on getting emails from Recuirtment people telling me that they want more information about me and there understand I am currently in London - I don't remember putting that in many applications. So there have wrong me - spoke to one of my parents and then emailed me!

I can't believe the number of emails I have recieved in the last couple of days considering last friday was when I applied for jobs!

Okay I need to forget about work at the moment and think of the rest... Europe :)

off off and away

2008-02-17T20:49:00.000-08:00

At the Airport lounge, thinking what am I doing - yes I know I am going to be on a plane in about an hours time - probably less...

Last week after much questioning from my parents regarding employment - I commenced the looking for a new job process - I applied for some jobs...

my cousin who visited uis last week reviewed by resume for me - and he was impressed but still gave me some pointers, which was greatly appreciated.

I applied for about a dozen jobs on friday - and within 3 hours of pressing the famous send button - the phone started to ring. As a professional it is very rare for you to recieve anything other than the customary email saying your email has been recieved at a email address made up for that purpose.

My ipod seems to be having personalities difficulties....

off to europe on monday

2008-02-13T14:24:00.000-08:00

I know i should be more organised but...
I am off to europe on monday I havenn't arranged anything yet - thinking I might spend a day in London on tuesday then take a train to Prague on wednesday afternoon...

I actually hate valentine day, I've got to the point in my life that most of my friends are married or in a long term relationship (i.e. brought a house), and weddings and valentines day just makes me feel lonely!!

2008-01-06T23:04:00.000-08:00

Today my grandmother's funeral was a quiet event - 6 of my mum's siblings were there for my father's mother's funeral.

The cousins that I haven't seen for about 10 years - quite weird one of my cousins partners have taught one of my other cousins kid - were all there and we were all civiliased - it was good to found out what there were doing.

2008-01-04T03:38:00.000-08:00

I am now unemployed - effective immediately!

Positive is that I can go to my grandmothers funeral without pressure to be back at Work.

2008-01-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

my grandmother died on wednesday, the funeral is monday and I can't get there!
I'm not in a 3rd world nation, I am at work - in the same country of the funeral - is just I can't get there!

Money is not an issue its the fact that flights to Port Hedland where I work are extremely difficult to get at the moment. The whole town went away for xmas or so it seems and now the new year has come and everyone must return - the major airline that flies into Port Hedland - Qantas - normally operate 3 flights a day - but the last week 4 flights a day have been going Perth to Port Hedland.

I did a quick look - I could use my points to go Port Hedland to Melbourne return - 55,000 points - I have the points - 17 hours to get to Melbourne - Port Hedland to Perth to Adelaide to Melbourne - then 3 hours driving - then sleeping when I actually get home I suppose,

But the problem is getting from Melbourne to Port Hedland - No seats are available on flights from Perth to Port Hedland - not very often you hear about flights being fully booked. But that is the case.

2007 - the year that was...

2007-12-22T22:35:00.000-08:00

I think now is a good of time as any to reflect what the year was and has been!

This year has been a year of growth, rediscovery, and above all else a year of discovery!
This year has seen journeys to all parts of Australia, new friendships, and also times of frustration.

The journeys have included weekly plane trips - only 6 hours a week on average spent on a plane, and 6 hours a week waiting for planes, in addition trips to Adelaide (& Clare) (thanks to Mic, Katherine, Heather (& her 1st & 2nd family) for making my stay/s), Melbourne (thanks to Jelena (& Family), Stace &Aidan, Alan for letting me climb into/onto couch/bed/floor - whenever I needed it), Brisbane (Thanks Jelena & Nathan for buying me a mattress for my visit), Hobart (Pete and Isabel for keeping me company) and for something different driving to Canberra (Al, Isabel and Steve for keeping me and each other sane during the journey (it didn't work)and Pete for putting up with us in our insane manner also Isabel mum for letting the 3 of us crash the nite)! Even staying in Perth (thanks Al for discovering Perth with me) for a couple of days. And thanks to the many other people that offered me floor, couch, beds and showers but only so many times I am in the city - and I like some normality!

Friendships - well when you 200 kilometres from the nearest public bar, public servo, and public shop -with 500 -800 people - you meet people - some of them will of passed through my life - guiding me towards the next road and others will actually keep me company along the way a bit - and I thank both lots - because both collection of individuals are important.

Some of the ones that you believe won't keep you company are the ones that keep you company along the road

It is also important to remember the friendships that have continued to grow throughout the year, the people you ring up in tears and say I'm having a bad day (sorry Stace for doing this :)). The people from the past that you have rediscovered, or have come back into your life. The friends that have continued to be there month after month - the ones you can ring up every 6-12 months and have dinner with and catch up and then promise each other to do it more often at the end of the catch up session. The friends that you can rock up to the house - and they look glad to see even through they are thinking - you bitch you could of given more warning - the friends that you invite yourself to dinner at the place - and the welcome you at the door with a hug - Thank you!

The year has been different then any other year for me - I haven't felt myself tied to one place - which for me I found really fruasting - I'm sure I have realised this fruasten to a number of people - for those that I have I thank them - and hopefully having my own wardrobe now will make it so I am less fruasted!

Family rise - 2007 was the year that my sister finally reproduced with a son named Jack, in addition 3 of my cousins had children - busy year!

Looking at 2008 - the year is starting to look similar to 2007 - but with some stability towards the end of the year. With trips to Western Europe (Feb/March), Nelson point/bay (near newcastle,NSW) (Feb), Clare (SA)(May), Dubbo (NSW) (June), and thinking of Darwin in July. Also might have an option of some more work up at Hedland in April/May! Then hopefully I will get a job in the city and have stability!

Friends

2007-12-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

One of my friends reminded me yesterday - that he was always there for me!

This friend is probably one of my (collection of) dearest and sweetest friends I have but I probably only see him about once a year in a good year!

From the moment I met him, he has always felt like a big brother! What is with some people - that automatically you feel like you have known them for ages, and
This friend reminded me yesterday to slow down and do nothing - he told me I needed a holiday!! Actually a couple of people have told me that lately!

I think I respect my friends - understanding of me more since I don't see them very often!

He also reminded me that we all have certain jobs to do in our time here on earth and that we are both are probably so far behind that we will be here for a while.

A few familiar faces... :)

2007-12-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

after the events of thursday - it was a relief to see a familiar face or two. Without knowing that was want I needed it was reasssuring for that to happen.

Two of the guys I know from Telfer was around and approached me with a smile and a thank goodness someone that is on my insanity level. One of them a guy that works for Pilbara Logistics (hang on that's who I work for) - he's about 50-60 ish - not that that matters - we drink together - he approached me with a smile and a shoulder pat - and made the effort to tell me it was good to see me etc.

The other guy - head of security at Telfer - or at least he was before he was escorted to the plane, and told R&R was longer than the 7 days... a lot longer. He is working up here as camp security - good to know that I have someone looking after me. He approached me after breakfast on monday and did the questions of what are you doing here - and look how desperate things are up here - all in good humour! We actually spent time at Telfer building up a relationship. Here was the system - I would get a phone call about a snake, I would then ring him about it - and he would relocate it - I also had a bit to do with him with birds - he was located in the village - people would deliver the bird to him, he would then ring me, and I would then collect the bird! You see the system - a relationship built from respect of each other! Some how I ended up on first name basis with all the security guys!

I also did a mediation dance workshop on sunday which probably did the world of good.

So I am ready to go and try and do my job - It is just nice to have had that little bit of a push! :)

argh....

2007-12-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

I have been extremely lucky in my life, I never had to go hungry, always had a roof to sleep under, and clothes on my back but saying that I have had some challenges.

Challenges like the ones I faced this week - realising that even through with the volume of people that is involved in this contract that they in bulk (operators, supervisors, the client) don't want me here and don't see the need for me to be here. That I probably would not of got as much push back if I was a male - and the events that happened this week - would not of occurred!

So althrough I don't think I have every walked away from things - I have felt defeated a number of times - I feel that I need to for my own mental sake, I need to walk away from this job. This job has defeated me!

Where am I going... can anyone give me directions?

2007-12-12T16:11:00.000-08:00

The direction I am heading, I don't know, where I am going I don't know!
The only thing for certain I seem to know is that I am in Australia!

Where am I going professional?
Where am I going personally? and
Where am I going geographically?

I look at my friends and associates and see that they all have some idea of the direction they are heading for at least one of those things, but where am I going?

Personally - the friends I have are ones that I have had for a number of years, no new ones included of recent times, but then again why do I need new ones - when I have the best group of friends? No sign of a relationship on the cards at the moment... and hasn't been the case for the last couple of years!

I seem to change direction regularly - both geographically and professional - cos never I do feel likes home - and no where I go feels like home! Maybe I need to work out what will feel like home! How do I know what is right for me - I can work out what is wrong for me but what is right for me?

The last 10 days

2007-12-07T20:34:00.000-08:00

As expected my R&R was not as restful as it could of been - trying to get more sleep at the moment!

Last Thrusday (29th of November) got offered a position at BHP Biliton Olympic Dam operations, after careful considerations, and promises on the professional development that will occur if I took the opportunity - I decided to take the job!

My car also decided to have that little light that says - hello something isn't right - spend money on me! so I did what it asked and spent some money on it and time friday waiting for my car to be fixed up!

Saturaday my birthday brilliant evening with Stace and Andrew - very basic evening - but all you need is mates!

5 days in conference including saturaday
Sunday night was a good evening

Monday spoke to my new boss!
Monday night made a decision regarding the job!

Wednesday spent a night at home!
Thursday spent travelling - ended up having to stay in Perth on Thursday night at Qantas expense due to delays of the plane in Sydney - affects Melbourne to Perth plane!
Friday landed in Hedland - to found no one waiting for me!
Saturaday informed the owner of the company I work for that I am leaving!

2007-11-28T02:59:00.000-08:00

I'm back at the Perth Airport for another Wednesday night of that's wait for that plane! But I had to - cos I need a night in my own bed tomorrow night and this is the only way I can do it!

I landed in sunny Perth at 3pm today - my plane doesn't leave until midnight - yep 9 hours!
Went into the nearby suburb of Midland for a couple of hours - the company I work with has an office there and it's a block from the shopping centre, it was nice to walk through a proper shopping centre...

I have done something really really stupid - Work mobile phone - has a pin on it, I can't remember it - but I did attempt to - so I could take it off - now have to put the PUK in - so have to ring the office tomorrow, and say I was having a blonde moment... No one in the office is blood - so it will be all good!

I'm bored

2007-11-24T18:11:00.000-08:00

Okay I'm at work - and I'm bored!

But I fly out wednesday - so lets look at the week and half ahead!

Thursday 5am I will be in Melbourne.
1130 I will be at home! (Car is at home - so have to take PT)
Afternoon Tea with one of the guys I know.
Early to bed!

Friday drive to Melbourne, stop at Cranbourne - play with mates 6 month old baby - he keeps on nagging me on never seeing him!
Saturaday *it's my birthday and I will cry if I wanna* but I probably won't!
All day conference, then catch up with 2 brilliant individuals for hanging out - I have no idea what we will end up doing - but...
Sunday back to the conference - sunday night cocktail welcome party...
Monday conference - catch up with a mate for a drink or two - so she can tell me about marriage bliss!
Tuesday conference - catch up with a mate for dinner - so we can bitch about the lack of good men!
Wednesday Conference - half day - then nothing at the moment - and then maybe catching up with the olds and the brother for dinner since its my brothers birthday that Friday.

Thursday Plane....
Friday work!

Hopefully I remember to smile and enjoy the time off!

Facebook, email and SMS, and snail mail

2007-11-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

I just read a newsarticle that said that email, SMS and snail mail are all out for inviting people to that social event... and Facebook or my space is in!

I think this may be acceptable for a bash here and a bash there, but... an invite to someone's wedding over Facebook - I just don't think it has the same touch.

Yes everyone gets the same invite in snail mail - it's a bulk mail out - depending of course of the definition of bulk! But it's that personal touch - the ribbon, knowing that some consideration was taken to get your mailing address (cos you have moved four times between giving it to them last year for xmas cards - or is that just me).

A message on facebook - it's like yeah, an email message - well we all get 10's of them at work , SMS someone throught you were worth 20 cents or so - to tell you that they were thinking of you - even if that isn't what the message says!

A personalised snail mail letter... you were worth at least 50 cents, plus paper! I don't send enough snail mail letters, that could be due to my address book being empty - until people have settled into a house, or my last address book being in a box in Adelaide - and still unknown when I will rescue these belongings.

Also could be due that I am impatient - if I send an email - I want an answer that week at least, and where I have been - it can take 2 weeks for the mail to be delivered, even with the Monday- friday planes. Also I don't feel anything is worth while giving another address to - cos I don't feel like changing addresses again!

With all this in mind I can understand why facebook/my space is becoming the new invite system, but for me I would prefer to stick to snail mail for the important things in life, weddings, engagement parties. Announcement of babies SMS are the best way. But other things - just general parties I suppose Facebook is the way to go!

But I never have general parties, cos I am always in a place I don't know anyone! I suppose my last general party was my farewell from Telfer, and that was a work farewell! So emails to everyone work email address was the best way!

2007-11-18T20:56:00.001-08:00

***You Are An ISFP***
The Artist
You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now).You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children.Simply put, you enjoy beauty in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life.Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs.
In love, you are quiet and sweet yet very passionate. You love easily.You have an underlying love for all living things, and it's easy for you to accept someone into your heart.
At work, you do best in an unconventional position. You express yourself well and can work with almost anyone.You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.
How you see yourself: Sympathetic, kind, and communicative
When other people don't get you, they see you as: Incompetent, insecure, and overly sensitive
What's Your Personality Type?http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/

New Job, Another family,

2007-11-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

The last 6 weeks have been busy, with leaving Telfer, going to Brisbane for a well deserved holiday, being rejected for a job that I was the only applicant for, going to Clare for a weekend, moving, starting a new job, having the interview for the job (in the wet mess at Telfer), sitting an exam. It's no wonder I have the feeling that I don't sleep!!

Today I had a job interview for an Occupational Hygiene job at Olympic Dam - I can hear you guys now saying didn't you just start a new job - yeah so what!!

Okay I should go back to the start the 17th of October was my last day at Telfer, the final month there was interesting, we had commenced playing Trivia Pursuit on a thursday night, and everyone had been told for the last 6-8 months that we needed an Occupational Hygienist, and I was the person (it wasn't me telling people) - at this time I had been told that the job was not happening within the required time period so I should look for another job. My supervisor onsite had just asked me to stay until Mid December when I was told at Trivia Pursuit that the Occupational Hygienist position had been given to someone else. You may say so... when you had been verbally promised a position and then found out that someone else has the job it doesn't sit well. So I was emotionally upset for the next 48 hours - was made to have the following day off. At no time did I think about leaving before my contract was finished.

On my 2nd last day at Telfer I had a meeting with the HR Manager to discuss what went wrong - I was told that I should not of been promised the position, and I was not promised the position. I was also told that as a Contractor I had no loyalty to Newcrest, I was too immature and the other person was appointed by senior management (i.e. I didn't suck up enough).

My farewell party was good - it was someone else's b'day as well - so they had a cake and I had some nibbles. People from everywhere showed up - all of them different as one person said to me - Chantell your farewell was always going to be an interesting event since you touch everyone - especially the weirdo's! It was 11ish when I went to bed, and 1ish others went to bed!

But that's look at the good stuff - I went off to Brisbane to spend some quality time with Jelena - and Nathan. Went to Australia Zoo, got looked after, went bush walking, wondered the streets of Brisbane all good stuff.

During my last week at Telfer I was approached and asked if I wanted a job on a construction site - I'm like why not - so that's how I ended up with a new job! At the same time I was rejected for a job that I was the only person that they were considering for the position.

My parents brought a new house about 5 months ago - they finally took ownership of it, and since at the moment - my address is my parents place I moved as well. It was all timed to perfection finish work on wednesday, move Monday, fly to Adelaide Friday, Fly to Melbourne Sunday, Sit exam Tuesday - one small thing I didn't plan was assignments and study time.
Then I flew to Perth on Wednesday morning...

I then had 2 days of Rest - which was went I needed no matter what anyone says!!

So what's this about another family - my friends Heather and Ben got married - hence the trip to Adelaide. The wedding was in Clare about 150 kilometres from Adelaide, One of mine and Heather's friends picked me up at the airport and we went to Clare together. Country weddings in particular seem to have a pattern - Friday night get together, final meal etc. BBQ generally - Saturaday - Wedding/Reception, Sunday - Brunch - a country wedding is not a day it is a weekend.

So as this was a country wedding the pattern fits - so went to the Bride's family for Dinner - BBQ - bring your own meat and drinks - normal BBQ event. well actually turned up in Clare, gave Bride a buzz said we made it to town she then said if you in town why are you not here - so went to bride's parents house - I had been there maybe twice before... but it's one of those places you knock and walk through the front door at the same time! You know the places!
The last minute things were getting done - i.e. table dressings - it was then we discovered all the plans hadn't been finalised for the tables - so we got that done. At the BBQ that night - I told the maid of Honour that the next day - she was to take the phone off the bride - she said she couldn't - I then told the Bride's mum to do it - she said that was a good idea. I also asked what needed to get done - the table dressings were given to me to make sure they got to the reception in time.

Saturaday morning the phone rings - Bride on phone - the table dressings need to be at the reception by 10 - in just under an hour - Vines to cut from the trees etc. so things got coordinated. I reminded the Bride's mum that the Bride is not supposed to have a phone - she takes it off Bride then. Question at the Reception place - I don't know the answer - good thing I have groom's phone number on the phone - gave him a buzz and he was able to answer! Yippee!! he also needs to give me something for the Bride - he can't see her!

Saturday afternoon the wedding - everyone is beautiful! Was asked to pack everything up at the wedding - which was fine - just take all the brides' things and put them back in the house!
The bride's father comes up and gives me a big hug and says he needs to adopt me!
Saturaday night on a table full of strangers - and I was given the job of greeter - I was then able to give the job to Cameron - Heather's little brother. Heather's uni mates asked me a question that referred to the fact that I was related to her.
The night was a good night - and it was 3am before my head hit the pillow. Lots of dancing, and lots of good times!
Sunday - everyone with there sore heads!

But Barbara and Bob (Heather's parents) were still saying on Sunday morning that they adopting me!

Flying

2007-09-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

I fly a little bit - the same planes, the same flight numbers every two weeks. For the last 3-4 months my flights with Qantas have seen me in sit 72A or 72K - okay sometimes as far up as 69 but... always at the back of the 747 and always sitting in a two sitter.

Last week and today have seen them putting me in a window sit (A or K) in 23 or 24 - my preference is clearly outlines as the back of the plane.

I like a little bit of consistency in my life - tonight in case you are wondering I have moved to 64A and 64B is supposed to be blocked...

Fingers Crossed

2007-09-16T15:46:00.001-07:00

Stuff is happening with new employment....

down to the final 7 for a job... :)

Tassie - done and dusted

2007-09-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

well maybe only Hobart -but that's not let that get in the way of the story!

Peter, Isabel and myself spend three nights in sunny (yes sunny) Hobart last week.

I can officially say that I have been to the Cascade Brewery and Cadbury Factory (no oompa loomba's in sight :()

we went to Rundall Falls and did the markets, walked the botaical gardens (we had some time to kill between planes - who in there right mind books a plane for 6am on a sunday to fly from the holiday spot?)

Then monday was lovely had a couple of hours of hanging out with Aidan, Stace and Andrew.

2007-09-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Australia is an interesting country depending on where you are depends on the flovour milk you can get and who makes it!!

SA - famous for Farmers Union Iced Coffee (even McDonalds sells it)!
WA - Has Browne milk - and it comes in Spearmint (my favourite) as well Banana, Strawberry, Chocolate and Iced Coffee (a couple of versions)
VIC - is even more complex - certain areas have certain companies in the South West we have Sungold Milk - and they have honeycomb!

So what flavours should milk come in...

The spearmint one is interesting - the colour of milk - coming from a dairy background it looks like something we would thrown away.

2007-09-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

I am not staying with Newcrest - the fat lady has sang - althrough no one has been that forward.
The timing just isn't suiting the company and me!

What a year

2007-08-16T02:01:00.000-07:00

Was just sitting here doing some calculations...

and just thinking about what I have achieved throughout the year...

-Been to Perth Mint
-Been to Old and New parliament house - at Old parliament house sawa play about Australia's federation
- Met Alan Border (Past Australian Cricketer)
- Been to Little Creatures Brewery
- Been to WA, SA, Vic, NSW, ACT (and spent at least a night in each state) by the end of calendar year also Qld, Tas - while having a full time job!
- Done the Otway Fly
- Started to learn to dance with a partner

All of this without having a set home... imagine what I could of achieved!!!

Weekend

2007-08-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

The weekend with my family could of been worse and could of been better!
By the end of the weekend my father and myself - didn't feel like we were completely part of the family- maybe it's more that our opinion didn't matter - or we felt like our opinion wasn't worth expressing cos it wouldn't be listened to!

My parents are typically country people - driving in the city terrifies them - so my mum refuses to do - my father generally ends up driving with mum giving him directions - not very well!

On a positive - Jelena is moving to Queensland with Nathan next week! I am so proud of them!

and I did Laser Wars for the first time and got 4th out of 13.

Yesterday I got caught up in the security breach at the Melbourne Airport - someone didn't follow the process and we all ended up in hour long lines for security screening... think of a fire drill!!
My airplane was delayed by 2 hours

Challenges

2007-08-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

This week appears to be a week of challenges - maybe its because of a new moon as one of my good mates told me...

My work environment this week have been very challenging - both of my collegues that were on site undermining me in front of people from other departments (or other companies). One of them pretty much told me off for off for talking to someone when they come to visit - then both of my collegues probably spent a 1/6th of they day talking to people that dropped by. This person that was present when I was informed that I had work to do - we had a discussion outside of work and he was like that was extremeley inappropriate. If things had continued on Friday like it was on wednesday and thursday I was going to effective immediately say see you later - not a resignation - at least not with Newcrest - cos I am a consultant - and I am employed on a casual basis with the consulting company I work with - but nothing was said - I just sat at my computer in the corner - I didn't speak unless I was directly spoken to.

In addition at work I am in the middle of writing a formal document - English was never my strong suit - some people like numbers (I am one of them) and others like words (my collegue who wrote it last year and overlooking the report this year is one of them). I have enough problems speaking correctly let alone writing.

Also I started doing the Eternity II puzzle (http://www.eternityii.com/), a couple of years ago they was a puzzle called Eternity that come out that had one solution and a million dollars assocaited with the solution... This is the next one in the series - and it's good and challeging - just what I need!!

In addition I see a huge potential challenge in front of me - family weekend - four days with my siblings, my parents and my extended family. My sister is pregnant - and she is working 7 days or so in a row - and then have to get up really early to fly interstate to catch up - so she will be tired - but so will I... 9 days - flying interstate - and not actually having more than 2 hours sleep if I am lucky on wednesday night - and travelling for 11 hours all up - from the minute I hope on the plane! But maybe I should use the same system as what I am currently employing at work - don't speak unless directly spoken to - and just go with the flow.

Finally going to see a financial advisor - to try and work my life out - financially...

I am fully aware that challenges will make me stronger - and I am a weak person but why can't they be easier.

On a positive note I found out that one of my friends is 7 months pregnant this week - it happens when you only see people once a year or less.

2007-07-05T02:30:00.000-07:00

What excitement - I got into UNI!!

yes again - it appears at the moment I am destined to get educated - if I knew how to do english!!

On the weekend I had one of the best days going - I went over to Aidan's and Stace on Friday night - and it was a good evening watched an old faithful Charlie and the chocolate factory talked hanged out etc. then Saturaday woke up at they house - and so did Andrew - so we had breakfast - our hosts had gone to Russian classes. Then drove to Williamstown to have lunch with Jelena, then went to the City and so Miss Saigon - caught up with my friends Carla and Pete. Which was great - it's so fantastic seeing all of my friends so in love... *why can't I found anyone to love me:( * (Al Simon thinks it's cos I'm not in one place for anyone to meet me). After Miss Saigon went window shopping and coffeeing in Melbourne Central - introduced Carla to the wonders of Melbourne Central!!

Then got held of my friends Pete and Al - and talked to them about our long weekend in September - Hobart - mind you both boys were like we didn't say we would definately go (got SMS from Pete on Wednesday saying he had booked his flights :).

Went to a pub on Bridge Rd - and watched the Footy, footy and footy - no matter who you are or where you are from I watched the footy!!

So one of my better days in Melbourne - Culture, sport, footy, food - what more do you want!!

2007-06-23T17:50:00.000-07:00

Look at my rocks - these particular rock has nothing valuable about them. The one above is chrysocolla - which means it has a little bit of copper in it - but it's BLUE

The one below the gem of my collection - has no metals in it that I knoe but look at the layers - the fact that it has a centre point - makes people notice the rock - plus it's double the size of any of my other rocks.

I was never into rocks until I started up here - and now I have a collection on my desk - blue ones, pink ones, red ones, purple, a piece of native copper, some clear ones - so yes a collection. What makes someone start to take an interest in something that they had no interest in?

Yesterday I decided I would look up pole dancing classes in Perth - as well as belly dancing classes, and all of sudden I was exploring also doing a lap dancing class - Still a couple of months before I can do anything - it will be when I have a more stable life...

Holidays

2007-06-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to realise that holidays should be organised well ahead of time then you can look forward to them!!

Was working out this week that in the next 6-9 months I have many travel plans - and I also have the house thing!

Currently living in Victoria - moving to Western Australia (Perth) by the end of the year - going to buy a unit - and rent out a room.

September going to Hobart, Tasmania for 3 or so days and nights - fly into Hobart Thursday night - and spend the weekend with 3 of my good mates.
October - A weekend in Clare, South Australia - Wedding - currently thinking driving from Melbourne to Clare, then back to Adelaide, putting car on train to Perth, then fly from Adelaide - I don't know...

December - currently have a conference in Melbourne that I will be required to attend if the new job comes off - so that will be good - means I will be in Melbourne for my birthday!! *yippee*

December/January - probably should go to Dubbo to see my sister, her husband and not to mention they child - it will be about 2 months old by then!!

February - Melbourne - Wedding and maybe South Island NZ

March - Been invited to go to Japan with a group of work collegues - I don't know about this one!!

Was originally thinking of going to Europe in June/July 2008 - but if I am buying a unit - my fund will be gone!!

How am I going to pay for all this - might have to work it out that I have a work conference in Melbourne in February??? which isn't likely to be the case

boys, jobs and weekends

2007-06-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yes the title covers all...

okay first, I have this mate at work that has been eyeing me off and hinting that he is interested in me. But like I said we are mates first - it all started about 3 months ago - when I was catching bus from plane 1 terminal to plane 2 terminal - this mate who I met that night was doing the same thing - also flying from west to east for RR - so we set down had a couple of scotches over the 4 or so hours - had a good chat - had a number of things in common. 5 weeks later we met each other again (several nights of seeing each other in a row) - had numberous beers together - had a number of good chats - had a number of moments - but nothing happened- and a number of meals together. He was counting at one stage how many times we had spoken to each other. Now 5-6 weeks later we catch up again - and we had a serious conversion last night - and he informed me that nothing is going to happen between the 2 of us - cos he likes us being mates, and he doesn't want to get involved with anyone he works with but technically we work at the same site but we don't work with each other.

He's saying one thing but he's behaviour in a way is illustrating something else my workmate - who met this mate due to me - not due to work - noticed the eyeing me off, he also convinced his workmates to go to the pub becuase I was going to be there - I am mates with his workmates now.

He also told me that I shouldn't lower my standards to include him into them. I just don't know!! BOYS!!!

Last weekend I went to a gas plant - cos I could - the tour was with mum's church - the priest and the Bishop, and 4 couples. So I went on the tour cos I had an interest in the process and it all - and I got offered a job - yes a job while going on a tourist visit of gas works.

Saying that in the last month had 5 job opportunities come and say g'day to me, in the order
of preference at the moment:
1. Occupational hygiene at Telfer - Relocate to Perth
2. Do a secondament on another mine site - ??
3. Process Engineer Gas Plant - Convince Mum and Dad not to sell the house - and move into it.
4. Environment Advisot at Telfer - Relocate to Perth
5. Business Partner in a Renewable Energy company - Relocate to Adelaide

another option is just discard all of the jobs above and going seeking...

So looking forward to next weekend - I have one of those weekends that we all need once in a while - one that contains nothing - yes nothing - and no one. No phones nothing- I will be completely out of reach - so looking forward to it -but I will be surrounded by things that I am comfortable being surrounded with etc.

Holidays and work

2007-05-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

This week, has been one of those weeks...
At easter 3 of my friends and I decided that we need to instead of catch up once every year or 2, that we should try to catch up every 6 months or so... It was decided that most of us hadn't been to Tassie - I had - but... that we would have a 3 day weekend in Hobart to visit the chocolate and Beer factory in September - so gave the task to our newly appointed travel agent (i love you Issy) - to organise some the flights etc. and the timing - keeping in mind the fact that I am never anywhere for longer than a minute.
Got a phonecall this week asking if instead of Cold Tassie - if we could change it to a 10 day trip on a cruise - so instead of needing long johns, we would need bikinis! In October/November - Fantastic idea - but one of the guys is on a 5 week overseas trip within the next 3 months - so he doesn't have any holidays left.

Work well - it's one of those weeks that I am at work - my job security is very questionable at the present moment - I am a contractor with a set end date. This week had 4 jobs without sending out a resume - none of them being in Victoria - but that's life.
All of the jobs are completely different from each other - which means I have to make a decision. The best thing about all of these jobs is that I am the number 1 canditate for them all - one of them I was told that I could write my own job desciption, another one is a partnership.

Haven't achieved much this week - stupid contractors.

Frogs and misc.

2007-05-13T00:50:00.000-07:00

don't you just love the days when you have had a win!!!

well I feel that I can say that I had a win today well maybe...

people did what I wanted - so that always feels like a win

and things got completed in a timely manner.

Was asked for my professional opinion..
and got asked the question that I am starting to hate more than questions...
are you ready for it...

"What do you do during your work days?"
and people expect me to lay out that I do each day and that each day is the same. but then again I was asked by people that had only 1 shower in 13 days - yes that's right!!! A shower in 13 days...

was reading about arid-adapted frogs earlier, some frogs produce a cocoon that they produce a layer about every 5 days, and each layer of the cocoon allows for the frog to need less water, while in the cocoon, they can stay in the cocoon for at least 18 months, and they muscle movements won't be impacted upon exiting the cocoon. They then eat the coccoon - obvisously this didn't happen with the coccon below but if it had - I wouldn't be able to include a picture. up to 300 layers of skin the coccoon can be...

Interesting facts for the day - arid-adapted frogs can make cocoons and survive for over 18 months with no water

what is the point of life

2007-05-12T02:01:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here at work on a saturaday afternoon - I have no idea of the football scores, I have no plans for the evening, and things just seem to be slow - positive in a little over 40 minutes - I can sit down to a hot meal - that I haven't had to cook (with it being divine as divine it can be when it is being cooked for 500 or so people who will eat it over a 4 hour period). Then I will go back and sit in the shoe box that they give me to store my stuff - watch TV and fall asleep, until that stupid thing beside my head goes off at 4am - to tell me have a go at the gym - so I can attempt to be bright and chearer for the next 14 hours - not to mention church tomorrow night (the wet mess). If you haven't worked out I am working in a situation that has a camp site - 500 people on the weekend means that it is likely to be either a military site or a mine site, it is the later a mine site - in the middle of nowhere - in the great Pilbara Region of Australia - takes over 2 hours to get there from Perth by plane - if that is any indication.

I am a positive sort of person - but I am sitting in a building that houses 15 desks and my chair is the only one that is getting used - and will be until tuesday morning. Saying this - at the moment I am a good position to just take 5 and smile! Not many people have this opportunity (granted not many would want it!) and I have no idea where I am half the time - but by the time this year is finished I am going to be sick of flying - so there goes any ideas of holidays - maybe - and that little nest that I keep on thicking as the holiday fund becomes the house fund!

With today being slow and painful and the weekend looking that way - what is the point of life??
is it just to work all day and go home stuffed.

to add to the red eye I have had all day (don't worry it's not sore), My ears have started to tell me that they are around as well!