Tuesday 22 December 2009

Firstly, sorry I've been so boring everyone!! I'm much better now, in fact I am eating like I'm an army of men. Very hairy men. And smelly. Hairy smelly men. Anyhoo...

After my hairdressers’ appointment on Saturday I met with a good friend of mine for a coffee and a chat. We try to catch up every few weeks at least, she’s been dating a lot and I love hearing all her stories – in fact, a friend of hers has been telling her to start a blog about them all!! This week it was relatively uneventful compared to previous reports which have included being taken to McDonald’s (surely even the dumbest of dumb dudes knows this is a massive dating faux pas?), being dragged along to watch her date perform stand-up comedy (on the FIRST date!!) and receiving an email just before a date saying, “I have to let you know, I told you I was 34 but really I’m 42…”. Who are these people?! Anyway, last time we met (about 3 weeks ago), she had a second date with someone later that evening, and a first date the next day. The second date guy didn’t make it to third date status, as he wore EXACTLY THE SAME OUTFIT as their first date. This confuses me on many counts – surely he had something else which could have sufficed? At least a different shirt? But more confusing, if he only has one outfit – why does it include a LIME GREEN shirt? People will remember it, it’s inevitable. If you are only going to wear one thing all the time, surely you would choose something low-key, almost non-descript?

At work our team has been working on following up an email we sent out a week ago. It’s been a good little exercise actually, I’m fairly adverse to cold calling at the best of times but this should make my calls next year a little easier (at least to the few people I’ve managed to speak to!). I’ve been noticing that more and more when I speak to male clients my little brain immediately makes an assessment as to whether they are hot or not. It’s completely absurd, I’m not sure what is wrong with me but clearly something is. How can I possibly know if they are hot simply from the sound of their voice? I must arrange to meet them. Post haste.

Today we had our Kris Kringle/Secret Santa morning tea. There was SO much food, and stupidly this afternoon I stopped in downstairs on my way back from a meeting and brought a load of stuff up for afternoon tea. Needless to say, no-one else ate much of it, and I spent the afternoon simultaneously bouncing off the walls and falling completely asleep from the sheer weight of the sugar coursing through my veins. I got a set of knives for my gift. It’s quite a thoughtful gift given I’ve moved house recently and I was living with my folks, but I’ve already got a set of very very posh knives so I’m not sure what to do with a second set. Also I’m a bit dubious about knives purchased with a whopping budget of $15 – chances are I’ll be cutting a melon or something and end up with the handle in my hand and the blade sticking out of my femoral artery. Then when I recover people at work will ask me to explain how it happened and I'll be embarrassed to say it was the fault of my Secret Santa gift, so instead I'll tell them I'm depressed and tried to commit suicide. People will shun me because they won't know how to take my brutal honesty and eventually I'll become a recluse, leaving the house once a year to get a trolley full of toilet paper from Woolworth's. People will say "There she is, she's strange but harmless really." or "I remember when she was normal. She seemed to have such promise."

Tonight I took Jeff on a little outing to see my parents. They adore him, it's beautiful to watch actually. My Mum is not really an animal person but she got the broom out and let him chase it as she swept. He thought it was a fabulous game and then when she sat down he proceeded to show his affection by licking her toes. I got him a raw carrot to chew on the advice of the vet - he loved it!! I thought he'd take one look at it and tell me to give him a steak but he carried it around like it was his pride and joy.

Jeff eats his own poo. Enough said.

I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by. A lot has happened to me in 2009 - most of it fantastic, a few not so nice patches but all for the best really. I can't believe how different my life is from this time last year!! I'm declaring 2010 the Year of the Bec - I figure some good fortune is due given the roller coaster that was 2009. 

When I think back, I've really met some awesome people this year. But the thing that I am most thankful for is becoming close to my family again. I was always close to them and loved them, but I lived so far away until 6 months ago that I didn't see nearly enough of them. Now I get to while away my weekends with my crazy brother putting my hazard lights on and waving people past me when we are stopped at traffic lights just as a joke, I get to eat fabulous Malaysian food cooked by my Mum whenever I fancy it (which is about every 10 minutes), I get to wrestle with my youngest brother when I refuse to eat a Smartie, and I get to share lovely bottles of wine with my Dad and remain flushed for several hours after we've finished. I'm one lucky lass!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

- B xxx

Saturday 19 December 2009

**WARNING: This post is really boring as I have been ill and not doing much. So only read on if you actually want a bit by bit recount of my life over the past week. It's really not been exciting at all.**

I have been the world’s biggest whinger lately and I am certain everyone is sick of hearing about how exhausted I am and how much my back aches. I was tested and I have low iron and low iron absorption – so I’ve started taking Vitamin C for the absorption and iron tablets for the iron, and eating lots of green leaves and steak. Let’s hope it sorts me out soon.

I think what brought all of this on is that I’ve not been eating the way I normally would for about the past 3 weeks. I don’t know why I suddenly went off the rails in such a big way – normally it would be a few m&ms here, a bit of banana bread there but never entire days or weeks where I just ate terribly. As a result, I haven’t eaten the same amount of red meat as I normally would. Then about a week ago when I got Jeff I may or may not have started not bothering with dinner if I was too tired – so I think that has made things worse.

The biggest victim in all of this is poor little Jeff! My patience for his jumping and running about like a goon has steadily been on the decline as I’ve become more and more tired, and I keep trying to remind myself that he’s just a little tiny puppy!! He’s such a sweetheart, he just wants to play all the time and it’s extremely cute. But when I am trying to clean poo and wee it’s less cute to find him gnawing on (a) my hand; or (b) the paper towel in my hand. I’ve just bought some stuff to sort out the deck so he can live outside. I thought I could be an inside pet person, but it turns out I really really can’t. I find myself bleaching and mopping all sorts of surfaces twice a day at the moment and I’m certain it is good for neither my sanity nor Jeff’s health. I guess my diagnosis of “borderline OCD” was slightly incorrect – I am fully fledged Obsessive Compulsive it would appear.

Jeff living outside doesn’t mean that I can’t be a good doggy-mummy though. I still plan to play with him all the time and take him with me everywhere! He wore his little car harness thing for the first time yesterday and moaned so much the whole way to where we were going that on the way back I didn’t make him wear it. He had managed to tangle it all up in the seat belt within about 5 seconds of getting in the car. I don’t know how he does it but he can get himself tied in knots quicker than I can blink.

So I’m TOTALLY over my crush. Facebook does wonders for these kinds of things I find – he joined a group called “Speak English or Piss Off”. I’m not at all interested in someone with such bigoted views. As an aside, my cousin (who is ½ Asian!) joined the same group. I find this completely bizarre – given all the times I’ve seen people speak down to my Mum (a crazy little Asian lady) for some unknown reason but treat my Dad (as Aussie as Aussie can be) with the utmost respect, I’ve absolutely no time for anyone who would judge someone based on such a factor. Yet my cousin, who also grew up the child of a mixed-race marriage and who I am sure must have had similar experiences with this behaviour seems completely unaffected by it. Strange. Maybe it’s some sort of weird “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” mentality.
 

My Aunty Wend gave me a TV, VCR & DVD the other night. She is unbelievably good to me. I never really watch TV, but I have heaps of DVD's and quite like TV for the background noise it provides. My friends Clair and Ria had given me a TV but I couldn't tune it cos it was sans remote, so it turned out to be just a big paperweight. After I got home with the TV Wend had given me, she sent me a text asking if I wanted her to buy me an aerial cable - how sweet is she?? Thanks Wend!! xx

Last night I started teaching my Dad how to use Facebook. He's been asking me for months to show him - I'd been avoiding it as I didn't know if either of us would have the patience. He picked it up well though, I was really impressed!! He said he just wants to be friends with me and my brothers at the moment while he shows himself all the ins and outs of it. I think it confuses him - he doesn't get the whole concept of status updates, he kept asking me who they were directed at. He was very excited to see Facebook suggested a friend for him that he used to work with - oh the wonders of technology!!

Today I had my hair done, I got 1/2 a head of highlights after tossing up on whether to go lighter or darker. The length is pretty much the same but she's really fixed the layers - I'm very happy with it overall. Also, I saw my dream man. He was unbelievably attractive and as I walked out his vision followed me - I was very flattered though I am sure he was looking at some very attractive young thing who happened to be in the same line of vision as me. However I shall continue to be flattered and pretend that he was actually watching me. There was one thing that was massive turnoff about him though - I saw him smoking. Oh well. I shall just appreciate his beauty. He was one of those dude that stand outside a hairdresser and try to get people to buy those promotional offers where you pay like $80 upfront and you get all these services for very little money. He was so manly. He looked like that Chris O'Donnell who starred in Batman & Robin.

When I went to the osteopath this morning there was a lady waiting in the reception area for her appointment with another practitioner. She looked quite hippyish, and was reading Who magazine. I was watching her, and her facial expressions became more and more confused and concerned as she turned each page. It was quite hilarious - she obviously doesn't have a Who addict wherever she works like we do in my workplace, or she'd realise that every issue is full of the same nonsense.

Finally, a MASSIVE congratulations to my two favourite 18 year olds, my brother Grant and his girlfriend Minna. They recently got their HSC results back and Grant got a tiny 97.2 and Minna got a measly 99.3. I am so unbelievably happy for and proud of both of you - you worked so hard and deserved the fantastic results you've achieved!!

- B xxx

Thursday 10 December 2009

I had a flashback to the disaster date & simply had to write about it as I hadn't included this little event in my previous post. There was one of those competitions where you put your business card in the draw and you can win whatever - he pulled out his card and popped it in the draw, and I said, "Oh maybe I'll enter too!". So I took out my purse and got out a card - the shock & disbelief on his face was laughable. I was really confused until he said, "You have BUSINESS CARDS too?". Then I wasn't confused anymore - I was just annoyed and offended. Why was he so shocked that I should have business cards? I honestly think he thought he was taking out some retarded girl who happened to have a nice smile, and was shocked to find me reasonably intelligent and not all that smiley when it came to his condescending comments.

- B xxx

Monday 7 December 2009

A short post today - not much has happened since my last post but a couple of bits are plaguing me this morning...

I cannot, for some reason, focus today. I was at the gym at 6am for my Monday morning PT session, and during the 30 minutes I think I spent about 26 of them trying to look out the window or around the studio. I don't know why I couldn't keep my mind on the job this morning. I feel kinda spacey now too. I told Mr PT that I'm starting netball next season after about 6 years off the courts. I also told him how my ex told me to remember that just because people are better than me at netball, it doesn't make them stinkers and I should not be mean to them. All I need to do is practise and I will get better too. Now Mr PT thinks I am this big horrible bully. I kind of like that he thinks that actually. Keeps him on his toes.

This morning I was driving behind a car with a bumper sticker that read "Real Men Love Jesus". I have no problem with religious people - I have an issue with religion in that it claims to preach love but really it preaches intolerance. What I would like to know is why I need to have the fact that people are religious rubbed in my face via bumper stickers and the like? How dare that person judge me or question my manliness {:o)} because I do not "love Jesus". Imagine the backlash if I had a sticker that read "Satan Rocks" on my car. My grandma would have a fit, but that's an aside. I'm perfectly happy for people to believe what they would like to believe - however I think in the same way, my right to believe what I believe should be respected. Stupid sticker.

4 sleeps till I get Jeff!! I can't wait!! I got all his little bits and pieces out last night, so his little house is ready for him and I've unwrapped all his toys etc. I need to go and get him some treats, and some more toys to play with. My friend Clair is coming to have dinner at my place on Monday night all the way from Coogee so Jeff doesn't get lonely - Monday will be his first day all alone in the house while I am at work. Clair has a fabulous new red convertible that she is enjoying driving so I think that has something to do with her willingness to come to my side of Sydney!

Just a little moan...yesterday at my Dad's bithday party I brought my own lunch. My Mum is a fabulous cook, but it is too hard for me to try and count the carbs and fat in what she makes, so I'd prefer to just eat what I make and enjoy the company of my family. Everyone, as usual, had something to say about this. It's not the first time I've done it, and it won't be the last. But my grandma said "That would be torture for me, I think I would just throw it in the bin and eat with everyone else blah blah blah!". I adore my grandma, but when I was overweight I did not hear the end of it then either. So what exactly do these people want from me? Being thin and fit takes discipline for some people - unlike my mother's family, I do not have predominately Asian genes. I am not naturally stick thin. But I've learnt to live with it, I afford myself treats sometimes, but most of the time I just have to suck it up and eat what Mr PT tells me to. It just winds me up - nothing I ever do is good enough or to their liking. To her credit though, my Mum doesn't get offended anymore - she shrugs her shoulders and accepts that I am going to do what I am going to do. I know I should stop worrying about what other people think and just be happy in myself but it's difficult - for my whole childhood I was pudgy and my Mum's family were merciless in their taunts. Having 4 brothers didn't help, but they are MEANT to taunt you. And now that I can manage my weight and I'm the fittest I've ever been, it's like they preferred me fat or something.

- B xxx

Saturday 5 December 2009

This week I was told the most fabulously debaucherous story I have ever heard. The person involved shall remain nameless, but I don't think anyone who reads this knows her anyway. I can't possibly articulate it in writing with the same hilarity that I experienced when I heard it - it made me literally keel over in my chair laughing. So my friend, let's call her Marge, met a lovely man. They were inseparable from the minute they locked gazes, all her friends who were out with her at the pub thought she had taken ecstasy such was her immediate attachment to the gentleman in question. Eventually, after many a public display of affection, they decided to leave the pub in pursuit of privacy. On the way home, they stopped to have a raunchy kiss up against a brick wall. The house behind the wall had the front door open, and a suitably drunken Marge led her man friend inside. More action in the hallway ensued until this conversation:

Man-friend: You're amazing, let's go to your room.

Marge: OK. We better go to my house first.

Man-friend: This isn't your house?!

Marge: Nah.

Man-friend: So who lives here??!

Marge: I've got no idea...

You know who you are my friend Marge. And you know how I feel about your story - extremely positive and generally quite amused. Well done!! Everyone else will be pleased to know, Marge & her man friend are pursuing an adult relationship - much to Marge's surprise given her drunken behaviour on their first meeting!!

Last night I went to The Mean Fiddler. It was SO much fun - and I had not a drop to drink. Mainly cos my friend Sandi's hubby Jez is a cop and I was driving. I know he wouldn't make me feel weird, but I would just feel so frowned upon! So I was on the water. All the girls had a lovely boogie, and I finally got to meet Sandi's niece Rhonda who arrived in Sydney from South Africa this week. I left fairly early, not knowing that later on in the evening there would be much pashing and dashing!! (Well done Carly & Rhonda!! I know nothing of the events but I am sure they deserve a mention in my blog!)

Sandi was in fine form on the posh champagne and imparted much useful advice, mainly with regards to a guy that I have a little crush on. On him having a girlfriend, "Disregard her!". On how difficult it is having a crush on someone with little to no relevant interest in you, "He loves you! It's obvious! Disregard his girlfriend, I hate her already. She's a man. Tell her she's ruining your chances with him!". Other topics included women wearing dresses which are way too short for them (Seriously, what is the deal with this? Do they not realise that they look cheap and tawdry? This is not a trend to embrace people. You look like hookers.), the fact that I had never heard some song that came on and if I'm hungry I should choose fruit over ice cream. It's such a funny little world - I used to babysit Sandi's daughters Emily & Caitlin in England as I was working next door as a nanny. Then I moved back to Australia and shortly after so did Sandi & her family but we lost touch. About 12 months later I sent Sandi an email to the only address I had for her - and it turned out she was living just up the road from me!!

On the subject of nannying/babies - recently I have been going through a phase of not liking children.  I've historically always been the opposite. I've thought a lot about it, and can confirm I do actually like kids. I mainly like them when they can't talk properly, however I also enjoy them when they are laughing, have faces covered in ice-cream, chocolate or vegemite or when they have just done something really BAD and they know they've been bad, and they don't care. I think what has brought on my current phase is doing my shopping in a geographic location where there is a higher proportion of people with children. In the Eastern Suburbs I'm willing to bet there is a lower percentage of people with children than in the West. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, it's just meant I've reached a point of extreme annoyance with the grubby little blighters. I really must work on my patience and tolerance. Christmas doesn't help - they're everywhere, demanding gifts.

Recently I declared myself a Google doctor. Today I was vindicated when I explained some concerns I've been having to my osteopath and he diagnosed the exact condition that I had self diagnosed. Who needs a degree when the world has Google?? It's a terrible thing for hypochondriacs like me. But turns out I do actually have adrenal fatigue, and I need to start taking baths with candles and the like before bed. I don't know how long this bathscapade will last - when I get home from the gym I sort of just want to sit around. Also, my bath is constantly full of ants. I don't know about an ant bath. I've been trying to get rid of them, but now I'm growing used to them being all through the bathroom that I don't know how I'd survive without them. That's a lie. But back to the fatigue - I just can't sleep sometimes, even when I am SO tired that it is just untrue that my eyes are remaining open. I've been averaging about 7 hours of cardio exercise a week these past few weeks though so I am fairly sure I am just pushing myself too hard and need to scale it back somewhat. It's also causing me to be constantly starving and give in to cravings much more than I would. I think that is less about the adrenal fatigue and more about my inner piglet though.

Today the Property Manager from the Real Estate came by to conduct a 4 week inspection. She gave me some cock & bull story about how for insurance purposes they must inspect the property quarterly. Before she said that I asked her if she would be there to inspect quarterly, and she said, "No, no, I'll inspect it every 3 months." Awesome.

Now to the date report. So I had my date with the younger man - I had decided, as Urs suggested, to embrace my inner cougar. However, it was simply disastrous. He spent the whole time saying all this stuff that just progressively made me think he was more and more of a wanker. I was totally ready to give him a shot after my initial reservations, however this conversation was a sign of things to come later in the evening...

Me: What high school did you go to?

Him: Northmead. I got into Baulkham Hills and Girraween but I didn't go...I should've gone!

Me: Why did you go to Northmead over a selective school?

Him: Oh my parents couldn't afford the fees...

Me: Dude, there are no additional fees for a selective school - it's just a public school full of smart people.

Him: (attitude in voice) Well that's not what MY family was led to believe.

I don't care that he didn't get into a selective school - I didn't exactly embrace what I realise now was a fabulous opportunity so I'm not one to judge. But honestly, there is no point in making up such ludicrous and unnecessary stories in the hope that it might impress me!! I am so easily pleased it's not funny - crack a clever joke. That's all it takes!! Though I am sure we don't have the same sense of humour - he didn't even like Anchorman!! I don't think anyone can imagine me in a lasting relationship with someone who doesn't worship Will Ferrell...in fact, I am watching Semi-Pro right now. And my brother Steve often refers to me as Jackie Moon - I'm not sure why, but I'll embrace it.

Back to the disaster date -  to be fair, he did sit through New Moon - when I say sit through, he fell asleep, but that was fine with me because it meant I could relax in the seat, having been crouched as far away from him as possible lest he try to touch me. Lucky it was Gold Class, there was plenty of crouching room and a man's arms can only reach so far!

Anyway, I am putting my dating escapades on the back burner for a while. I am picking up my puppy on Friday, and with uni starting early next year I should probably focus on that. Also, I don't like this idea of forcing myself to get to know someone - I find it makes me standoffish (more-so than usual!) and generally judgmental. I guess I am that girl that will always be a friend first and perhaps it will grow into more once I know I can have fun with someone.

Today, much to my initial displeasure but eventual delight, I helped my family decorate the house for Christmas! Steve, Grant, Minna and I had such a good laugh. Steve was calling Grant Sabrina (after some person on The Apprentice who was apparently very annoying), and we all gave Grant a hard time about going to collect Minna and greeting her parents stinking and covered in dirt from his time in the morning decorating the roof. Mum started on the Christmas tree inside, and then handed the reins over to Minna who did a fabulous job with the beads. As I write this I realise - I really didn't do much. Grant did shout down from the roof that I wasn't doing anything sat on the rocks in the front yard, and Steve (who was sat next to me) shouted back, "Nah, she's on a break!" then proceeded to hand me small branches from a nearby bush to throw at Grant up on the roof. I do say "Bah Humbug!" a lot at this time of year, but I really do enjoy Christmas. I am so lucky to have such a fabulously mental family who laugh a lot and generally enjoy each others' company. 

Since I've been hanging around the house this afternoon with the team, I have eaten quite badly. It's kind of like when I am here at JBD, it's a little holiday and my normal eating habits can go out the window. But no more - you don't get abs by having binge days!! I think recently I've been feeling a bit deprived and like I'm working SO hard constantly with no rest days and never a treat or anything to look forward to. It's meant I've had a really bad week in general this week just gone, and today is an 8th day to my badness.  I don't know what to do about it really - achieving the things I want to achieve is slow going now that I've lost the weight I wanted to. It makes staying motivated and on-track all the more challenging. I never eat so badly that I gain weight - I just tend to stay the same for a few days and then my weight will start to go down again. I shouldn't complain - I know I am lucky to be where I am now. But it's really annoying to have these binges when I know full well that it is within my power to control what I eat and achieve goals I've set. I'm my own worst enemy!

On a final note, tomorrow is my Dad's Birthday. Happy birthday Dad!! I'm bringing one of my favourite bottles of wine over to share with lunch, or he can save it if he likes. We shared one a few months ago and needless to say, like father like daughter - it lasted about 20 minutes and we were both flushed and jolly for the rest of the evening.

- B xxx

Tuesday 1 December 2009

Well it sure has been a long time since my last post!! I'm not actually sure where to start - I don't feel like much has gone on in the past week or so, but when you live a life as full of mayhem as mine there are bound to be stories. So I shall commence typing and see what flows out...

I've kind of been a bit sick the past week - I have this recurring thing that I just can't seem to shake and so I finally bit the bullet and went to the doctor about it. Going to the doctor after I've had it three months in a row made me realise how much like a man I can be sometimes. It took me 3 months to go and get treatment. Until then, I'd just been thinking to myself "No, it's fine, don't be such a wimp, not everything has to be a drama.". Anyway, hopefully all will be well now that I am behaving like a woman and employing my common-sense again.

I'm back in the game! I'd sort of given up on dating after the disaster that was seeing someone I went to school with and had a massive crush on 10 years ago. Seems people really aren't always what you've made them out to be in your head!! I've got a date tomorrow night. I'm quite excited actually - he seems very lovely and actually appears to care about my well-being, which I find disconcerting. I think this could be an area of improvement for me. I seem to have it in my head that I should care about myself and other people should care about themselves and we should all just go along like that. It freaks me out when someone takes a genuine interest in me - mainly I just don't believe them and wonder what it is they are after from me. I think it only applies to romantic interests - with friends it seems different. I think...and this is just me tossing ideas around...I think I equate caring for me with trying to control me. I dated an extremely controlling person for about 2 years when I was in my early 20's and though I never let him actually control me, he spent the whole time trying and it appears to have scarred me. I actually behaved like an absolute brat towards the end of our relationship - it was fun! He was a jerk.

Now, with this man I am seeing tomorrow night, he seems fab and very smart, well mannered etc...there are but 2 issues I am playing with... He is younger than me. Now I know that in this day and age that is completely fine etc, but I've ALWAYS dated older guys - and not just a little older, but like 7 - 10 years older. I don't know if I can adjust...I guess if the chemistry is there I will be able to. Now to the more pressing issue...he has the same name as my ex. And not an ex from years ago, but my recent ex, the ex I dated for almost four years and am still mates with... Can this divide be crossed?? I think it will be a case of seeing if I can get used to it... It's a very common name. If I strike it off, I really am limiting my pool of possible suitors. I really like that word. Suitors. It sounds posh.

I've had a couple of bad food days recently - actually more like too much booze which led to a pizza on Saturday. Then today I ate properly apart from about 6 shots of coffee (in the form of flat whites so quite a lot of milk too) and a slice of raisin toast with butter. I guess in the scheme of things it isn't that much, but for me it is so foreign that I feel quite freaked out by it. I always worry that it will become a habit and all of a sudden I'll wake up and be this monsterous lady who washes herself with a rag on a stick. I guess if I start considering purchasing a rag on a stick I'll know things have gone too far and I need to pare back the raisin toast.

I've started myself on a little project - a Noah's Ark of Music. I think it's a great idea actually and I'm very pleased with myself for coming up with it!! I've started with Heavy Metal because I think it will be the most challenging genre for me to listen to two albums from end to end, and it will get better from there. But who knows - maybe I'll like it. I don't mind some fairly heavy rock, so I might just cross over to the dark side - watch this space, I am prone to getting totally engrossed in things like this so next time you see me I might just be wearing cuffs with spikes and dressing all in black. No chance of any facial piercings though.

So what I really need to come up with is a comprehensive list of musical genres for me to follow. Those that know me well will know that everything in my life must be in list format, ideally bullet pointed for easy reading. I am terribly OCD.

Tomorrow I must work out like I've never worked out before. I am really behind in my cardio and I don't like leaving it till the end of the week. I don't even know if Run Club is on this week, so that's another 60 minutes I may have to motivate myself to do - eek! I asked my trainer on Monday and he looked at me blankly for a bit until I explained that all the other trainers are going to do this thing involving a lot of mud on Saturday so I thought the studio might be closed. He just didn't answer me and kept on with the session. I'm so confused! I guess I should assume it's not on and that I have to draw on all of my inner strength to do 60 minutes of hard cardio on my own.

I'm kind of getting a bit bored of Run Club anyway - it's just the same run every week and though that's fine, it's not like there are fabulous runners in the group that I can chase and try to increase my own fitness that way. I seem to mostly be at the front of the pack, and this week just gone it only took me 15 minutes to finish the run and I played on the swings for about 5 minutes until everyone else got there. Not that I mind playing on the swings. But I'm definitely the sort of person that needs to be striving for something - with this, it's just "Run till you get there, do a bit of other stuff, then run back." which I guess is fine and hard to make it any different given that it is group training. But I don't find it physically stimulating. There is this fabulous lady, Katrina, that does it. We met at boxing last week and we were totally the bad kids in the group - at one point we were both almost falling over with laughter, about nothing in particular. So I do like the social side of group training, though I am sure the trainers HATE my constant blabbering. I can't help it. I have a lot to say. About everything. All the time.

Last but not least, I am finally starting to wish that I could get my TV to tune. I'm getting pretty bored and there really is only so much one can do on the internet. In the evenings I kind of wish I could watch some mindless American sitcom/crime shows before bed. But it won't be long before I get my big TV, I just gotta wait it out. And it is worth the wait, cos it means I get to have Jeff!! The other lady who bought the little black boy is picking which one she wants this week - I'm hoping she doesn't pick the one I've picked but I don't have any say in it so I just gotta wait. I'm worried if she does pick that one that I'll always feel a little bit cheated and I won't love the one I get as much. It's stupid. My friend Ria tells me it's stupid, and she is the smartest lady I know.

- B xxx

Monday 23 November 2009

What a fab weekend!! I am completely useless today though – I feel like an absolute space cadet. And I have been mean and unapproachable (though I am not sure if that is specific to TODAY or if I am just noticing it today because I feel miserable and am beating myself up!). I had about 4 hours sleep last night, and about 5 the night before – through the week I try to get 8 – 9 hours a night so operating on the little amount I had over the weekend does not work well for me. I was actually having a lot of trouble concentrating when I was driving to the gym and then on to work this morning – poor other drivers who were left in my wake is all I can say!

So I did end up going to Run Club on Saturday morning. And I have to say, it was one of the best ones I’ve had so far. The run was great – I felt really good, and I got chatting to this guy who is in the middle of gearing up for a career change from fork lift driving to personal training – it was inspiring and made me even more excited about starting uni next year. Even though my course will take me 8 years. And I have to spend 6 of those years saving my butt off so I can afford to do the Masters full time. It’s exciting. Honest.

After Run Club I got myself to Ashfield to pick up a fabulous recliner – I love it! When I got it home I spent ages trying to figure out the best place to put it – in the end I have settled on the corner of the room, and when I get my new bookshelves it will serve as my little library. Yes, I am well and truly an absolute nerd. Thanks Sarah and sorry again that I couldn't stay for coffee!!

In the evening Meg and I had a great drive to Beth’s party, laughing all the way. Meg is awesome company and she takes delight in my hare-brained schemes which I just think is hilarious (especially since most other people have now realised how mentally unstable I clearly am). At Beth’s place I got to meet Adam, a mate of Beth’s who she has told me a million stories about so it was great to finally put a face to his name. Beth was running around on punch-management duties so we didn't get to have a decent conversation, however I am proud to report she put Zooper Doopers in the punch which, despite that fact that I was unable to sample any since I was driving, pleased me immensely. There was about 5 of us having this ridiculous conversation which started off being about the different types of M&Ms but soon moved on to Turkish Delight (both Adam and I love it, but neither of us are impressed with the changes to the Fry’s bars – 60% less fat, what is the point of that?? If you’re having a chocolate bar, you might as well have a bloody full fat chocolate bar!), Cadbury Roses and then made the jump over to Chinese parents not holding their children for 100 days after they are born. Yes, we managed such a leap in conversational topics. It was both seamless and awesome.

On Sunday my Dad came over to help me mend a gap in my fence. I managed to all but sever my left pinkie finger, but the fence is gap free and ready for Jeff’s imminent arrival! I’m so excited about Jeff coming – only a few more weeks to get through! Thanks Dad for your help and for almost severing your own index finger for the cause!

In the evening yesterday I had the 18th/Debut to go to. It was everything I had expected and so much more. There were all sorts of choreographed dances, people with guitars and amazing vocalists. Two of the acts sang the same song (whoops!) and Minna (the debutant & my brother Grant’s girlfriend) sang two songs – she is a fabulous singer and looks like Cinderella in a ball gown. The evening has sparked a feud of sorts in my family however. It is quite a humorous feud, but it is a feud nonetheless. So, there was a sachet of tartare sauce left over after dinner on the table. I had the bright idea to put it in my Mum’s handbag, so Steve, who was sat right next to Mum, did so. She soon discovered it and put it on the next table with a stern warning to both of us to cut it out. Of course this only served to make us keener to wind her up, so we retrieved the sauce, and Steve slipped it in her bag without her noticing. This morning I had a call from Steve (who is 23 years old by the way) saying Mum had stashed the sauce in his sandwich (underneath the cling wrap but not inside the sandwich – I would have found it even more comical if she’d actually made the sachet part of the sandwich but oh well – next time perhaps!) when she made his lunch this morning. Putting aside the fact that Mum still makes his lunch, Steve is hell bent now on getting her back. He did repeatedly say the words, “Well played Sir, well played.” during his conversation with me so I can tell he is very impressed with Mum’s innovation and her commitment to the feud. I wait with excited anticipation for the next instalment!

This morning at training it was honestly an uphill battle. I was ½ asleep, despite the fact I stopped off for a short black before heading to the gym. I’d forgotten to bring a towel with me, so I was sweaty and moody and horrible. My trainer told me I’m not to go to bed after 9pm from now on as he doesn’t like me when I’ve had no sleep. Frankly, I don’t like the way he bosses me around with his “Lift this, push that, hold it, you’ve got one more.” nonsense! After I left I sent him a text as I’ve been concerned about the new macronutrient values I’m meant to be following – he told me he’d already said last week that I should stay on the fat loss ones despite the new program. My concern with this is that I can already clearly see my ribs – I’m not sure that fat loss nutrients on an even more intense program will do much for remaining un-emaciated. Because I’m so spacey today I texted him back to say I must have tuned out when he said that and now I feel mean – I hope he doesn’t think I don’t listen to him. I do most of the time, but sometimes if I have a lot of stuff going through my mind all at once I might miss things. Also, since I was overcome with dread at having to have a goal session I was surprised and taken aback that it was actually not as bad as I had been expecting. So Mr PT, if you are reading this, do not be offended or think I am not listening to you. Heed less of my words and more of my actions – I tend to say a lot of stuff I haven’t thought through. Mainly via text. :o) But I think everyone will agree that I am working hard at my training and eating what you tell me to. Gone are the days of M&Ms for dinner. They have been replaced with visible ribs to prove it.

- B xxx

Friday 20 November 2009

I finally went to Bunnings. Of course, I selected a day when Sydney is hotter than the surface of the sun. AND I decided I could do with the walk. AND I went completely mental and bought everything that took my fancy. AND they’d run out of bags so were very kindly providing boxes in which to transport one’s goodies. Needless to say, I was extremely sweaty, quite the stinker and generally less than pleasant when I returned from the 3km round trip. However I did stop off and buy myself some extremely ugly trainers (two pairs in fact) as the ones I have currently are more like running in socks. It’s going to be tough getting used to running in shoes again. But I’m sure I’ll manage, and my poor unsupported feet will thank me.

In other news, my goal session was not as bad as I thought it would be. I made it very clear to the trainer that he was not to ask me anything that I actually needed to put any thought into – as a result, he has selected all my programs (of course, he’s selected the hardest, most sweat inducing ones) and did not request any feedback. Also, they’ve abolished more than just the use of the callipers – I didn’t have to do any ab tests, sit and reach or push-ups!! I kind of wanted to see if my flexibility was improving because I’ve actually started stretching after my solo work-outs now. But oh well. At least my greatest fears didn’t come to fruition. And I’m quite pleased that the lovely director of the studio with the hideous moustache has kindly lent me Lance Armstrong’s book. Not before he told me I almost reversed my car into a pole and that I am a terrible parker. He’s got no idea, hitting that pole was never going to happen, I had it in my sights the whole time. Men and their constant driving critique.

I have the busiest weekend known to man coming up. I’m even considering ditching run club, I can’t really see another way. So tomorrow I am collecting a recliner from a fabulous friend and taking her out for coffee to thank her. Then in the afternoon I am having a massage, then home to get ready before picking my wonderful friend Meg up for some car-karaoke on the way to a party at our friend Beth’s place. Then on Sunday I have to find time for the gym, my dad is coming over to help me fix my fence, I have a lunch date with some girlfriends and an 18th/Debut (I KNOW!! I’m SO excited!! I’ve never been to a debut before, I didn’t even know people still debuted!) in the evening. So not sure when I am going to find time to sit around, drink beer and work on my Seinfeld trivia score on facebook – I think I’ve created a nice buffer between me and the nearest contender anyway so chances are it doesn’t need a lot of work this weekend. Frankly this Seinfeld trivia has been taking up too much of my time recently – I still haven’t finished unpacking all my boxes!! Damn my ultra-competitive nature.

My mum rang me last night to ask me if I have her Hootie & the Blowfish CD. I explained that I don’t because I have my own so there is no reason that I would have borrowed hers. I got the feeling that she still thinks I have it stashed away somewhere. So if you are reading this Mum, honestly, I don’t have it. I love Hootie as you know, but I bought my own copy about 12 months ago and it has been in my car ever since. I have, however, stolen some of your other CD’s but until you discover which ones are missing I will be retaining them. (Not really, but I know that statement will wind you up and you’ll be wondering now.) Love you!!

- B xxx

Thursday 19 November 2009

On Tuesday night when I got home I realised that I’d armed the burglar alarm but forgotten the code through the day. It’s amazing – when I set it as I was leaving, I said to myself, “Rebecca, you must write it down the minute you get in the car.”. Of course, as soon as I walked away from the keypad, that thought vanished and I completely forgot. So when I got home I had to leg it into the house and retrieve the code, setting off the alarm and freaking out all the neighbourhood animals. I was appalled when none of my neighbours came to my aid. I could have been being accosted! Though I must admit, I do ignore car alarms when I hear them go off – I think we’ve all become desensitised.

Yesterday I had a great little run on a wonderful hilly course round where I work. It used to take me about 45 minutes to do it, but now it takes about 30 – it was about 35 yesterday as I was with my friend Ali who was a bit puffed. It’s weird – we run together quite often, and sometimes she is just way too fast for me, and other times I’ll be jogging along chatting away and she sounds like she is going to collapse! We have decided that we must be at similar fitness levels because it can go either way from run to run. She’s great to run with though – on the days when I am tired and slow she will not let me stop, even on big horrible hills.

I’ve started to make a list of all the bits and pieces I want to make my house complete. When I say bits and pieces, I mean a massive LCD TV to play Wii on, an outdoor setting, a huge 85 burner barbecue so I can have all my mates and my brothers and my Dad around and they can have a set of tongs each and all feel manly. Of course the girls will be invited too, but we will sit and sip Bellini’s out of my fabulously posh champagne glasses (purchased at Big W - $12.98 for 6!). There’s other things I need to get for the garden etc, but I’ve been putting off going to Bunnings as I’m so looking forward to it and it’s nice to have something to look forward to. Even if it is only a trip to Bunnings.

This morning I got up at 4:45am – I had something to do before I left for the gym. I needed to find the electricity meter and mains switch so I could make sure that AGL have access to it today to connect my electricity. I couldn’t find it anywhere. I called the real estate when I got into work this morning and the girl spent about 5 minutes trying to tell me it is on the outside of the house somewhere. I don’t doubt that she is correct, but what I was asking her was to provide me with, or find out from the owner, a specific location. She just kept repeating that it is on the outside of the house somewhere. I don’t understand why, when you are indicating to someone that they are not giving you the information you need, they insist on repeating themselves. What will have changed in the 4 seconds since the last time you gave me your irrelevant and unhelpful answer? Nothing, Real Estate Lady!! Nothing at all!!

Oh I just realised, I meant to do a NEWSFLASH last night but I forgot! Anyway, I saw Odd Shoe at the gym last night. This time he was wearing the shoes AND a creepy bandana. What is this dude thinking??

- B xxx

Tuesday 17 November 2009

What a hectic couple of days!! Much has happened in my life, I feel like a new woman. I do love a good list featuring bullet points so here we go:

• I now live in my very own 3 bedroom house with a lovely garden & a deck out the back.
• My car had a serious illness in the form of a left rear shock absorber presenting itself in the boot. This was swiftly managed by my wonderful mechanic and friend Samir, who I think everyone should call upon for all their car care needs. He didn’t have the necessary part so he simply fashioned it from other parts that he did have. The man is a genius. And his kid is a cutie!!
• My washing machine decided it would not drain or spin. I fixed this one solo by jamming my finger in the filter and poking around for a bit. I pulled out a screw, and now she runs like brand new again! Samir did want to fix this for me too, but I could not abuse his kindness any further given he’d come to fix my car on a beautiful, sunny Sunday!
• Today I gave blood for the first time in about 5 years. I was able to give about 4mL before feeling dizzy, so they whipped the massive needle out of my arm and basically hung me upside down to get some blood to my head. Then they tried to get me to eat all sorts of Mars Bars, chips, apple juice etc but I was having none of it - don't they know I have a goal session at the gym on Thursday and must be at my thinnest??!
• I have made my already strained relationship with a certain person demonstrably less pleasant with an email I sent about 2 hours ago… She should just do her job properly! It is surely not that hard!

Yesterday I was so charged with energy that I did a weights session in the morning, a 35 minute run at lunch time and was keen for the gym in the evening. However as fate would have it, I ended up working late so didn’t get home until about 7:30pm, then was going to go for a walk with Grant but it started raining. So I vacuumed the house instead, which honestly filled me with joy. I have hated having dirty floors! Tomorrow I am going all out and doing some bug bombs through the whole place before I leave for work, and then I’m going to mop all the hard floors when I get home!! It really is fun and fulfilling to be me.

I’m finding that I am going through musical phases. A few weeks ago, I listened religiously to Radiohead. Then it was Pearl Jam. Then I went through a Cure week, then The Pixies and now it’s Counting Crows. Counting Crows depress me somewhat so I think it’s time to move on. I need some more Stone Temple Pilots tunes – I have a few of their songs but not enough to really get into them.

I’ve re-booked to give blood again on 8 Feb 2010. That massive, drinking-straw-like needle will not beat me. The lady said several times that I have fabulous veins, until I eventually replied, “Thank you, I’ve been working on them.” with a very solemn look on my face. She didn’t know whether to laugh or not, so she just walked away. I really must learn not to wind people up who are: (a) trying to care for me; or (b) able to jab me with a massive needle at any moment.

I am dreading my goal session at the gym on Thursday. I hate things like this where I have to have inspirational conversations. Honestly, the main reasons I go to the gym include never ever wanting to be overweight again, secretly liking being sweaty (it makes me feel like I am actually fit and not just pretending!) and because I have nothing better to do. I don’t have any massive things I want to achieve – I really just want to live a healthy and happy life, and part of that is exercise! But they always make me set these goals, and talk about how they can make my experience better etc – why would I wait 9 weeks to tell them if I wanted them to change something? If I had feedback, I would totally just blurt it out!! But I guess not everyone is as blunt as me. And I do want a 6-pack. Maybe not a boy-like 6-pack (thanks to all the boys who have talked me out of wanting a proper 6-pack - stinkers!). A nice, feminine toned tummy would be good. Unlike my current keg. I guess I’ll just go on about the 6-pack and the keg for a while until we move on and I don’t have to speak anymore.

I think I must be in a miserable mood today. I know I don’t have a keg, and I actually like my goal sessions at Vision – mainly cos I like seeing how I am progressing, and I thought it was fabulous news when I heard they don’t use the callipers anymore! My trainer in Bondi used to literally grab my flabby bits and wobble them up and down for a good 20 seconds before pinching them with the callipers. It was brutal. I was worried this time because I don’t have as much flab as back then to share the jiggling between.

For those of you who knew about the recent rumour on Bec’s Rumour Mill, I can now confirm that it is unfounded and incorrect. It was fun (and funny!) while it lasted, but Karen and I know now that it was all a pipe-dream that such a scandal could take place in our simple little lives.

- B xxx

Friday 13 November 2009

I am about 1/2 way through my move!! It hasn't actually been too difficult, though I am waiting for something to go disastrously wrong at any minute. I've done one trip in my car so far, and my room is obviously so small here that I've moved almost everything already. (I drive a tiny hatchback). Now I'm reaching the point where I pretty much only have things left to move that I either can't carry myself, or won't fit in my car. All in all I'm fairly pleased.

I checked my bank account last night and almost passed out - work had underpaid me by heaps. Turns out they just didn't do the recruitment commissions but they've fixed it today, just in time for my trip to Ikea tomorrow. I've done a little bit of cleaning in my new place in preparation for all my furniture but I'm not vacuuming until I've built everything and made a hideous mess - then I'll clean it all at once.

My workout was good this morning, I can't seem to stop whinging though. I dunno what is wrong with me - I normally love the gym!! I think now I'm reaching a level of fitness I've never had before, so everything is a little bit harder and faster. I always manage to get through, but I'm sure my personal trainer dreads our sessions.

Yesterday I was feeling really stressed - same old same old really. I dealt with it in my usual way - by drinking about 45 cups of coffee. This resulted in several things - I was sweating like I was actually melting during my training session; I could not get my heart rate below 155 when I was trying to do low level cardio; and I couldn't sleep at all. It felt like that time I drank 5 vodka redbulls and thought someone was playing dance music right next to my ear as I was trying to sleep - turns out it was just my heart thumping. I love how people tell me I should go for a walk when I am stressed - when I get back from the walk, I can guarantee to you that I will still down coffee after coffee, and the only thing that will have changed is that I will be annoyed with you for making me go for a walk. Luckily I am not stressed at all today so my li'l ticker can have a breather.

I fancy a coffee now. Must continue with the move!!

- B xxx

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Today I'm feeling the impatience of waiting to do something you know is coming and you are unbelievably excited about. It's only 3 more sleeps till I'll be in my new place, but I don't know if I can wait that long. I arranged the bond cheque today and my car is full of boxes I've scavanged from around the office. Last night I almost snapped my finger off during my packing efforts, but the sheer joy of knowing I am so close to being on my own again was enough to get me through.

When I got down to the car park last night Punky wouldn't start. I literally got a cold shiver because I assumed it was going to cost me hundreds of dollars to fix her, thereby ruining my plans for a massive LCD TV as my Christmas present to...me. And Jeff of course. Turns out her battery was just cactus and $197 later she is purring like a kitten again!

I am jealous of my beautiful colleague and friend Mel today. She has a temp called Ziggy. I have no temps with interesting names at all. And she is impressed with his maturity! (Ziggy is in his 40's. Only Mel could be impressed with the maturity of a 40-something year old man.) Mel's life is more debauched than mine I must say - she went on a client visit to meet a "new" client and when he opened the door, it turned out that she'd met him at speed-dating a week before. His first words were "You ticked no to me." - awesome! And now they are the best of friends.

Mel laughed hysterically when I expressed to her that I am considering getting "Jeff" in morse code tattooed on my foot. She told me I should just get them to tap it out on my foot without any ink and then show people my "tattoo". Perhaps you had to be there, but I was literally crying with laughter. Melissa, you are a clown and I love you.

During my run at lunch a deep saddness came over me. I realised I will always be musically retarded whilst I was listening to the immense talent of Pearl Jam. I wish I could bang out some awesome tunes. I'm going to keep at it on Guitar Hero but I'm not holding my breath. I forgot to bring my sunnies today and it is really bright outside. It's not too bad now, but I think while I was out pounding the pavement and for a short time after I got back I could actually see through time out of my left eye.

The Administration Olympics is really taking off - we have our marketing department on board to promote it and they are willing to provide prizes (I'm hoping they read this and arrange some prizes as there has been no talk of prizes until now).

- B xxx

Tuesday 10 November 2009

I just bought a fridge! I feel like my move is all happening now. The woman in the Post Office looked at me like I was completely mental when I asked her for a money order for over $3k. Then a look of suspicion came over her face and she asked me for ID, and proceeded to look between me and my drivers licence for several moments. I was incensed to say the least. Turns out you can't put that much on your card in one day anyway.

As a result of the move, I won't be doing Run Club on Saturday. I figure moving is like an extra weights session anyway. And the gauntlet at Ikea will obviously increase my fitness levels and my ability to manage stress remarkably. Luckily I'll have Kell & Jamie with me to help fight off those who choose not to follow the arrows, finish off the Swedish meatballs and conquer the choice-related anxiety I will inevitably experience in the lamp section.

All day I have been thinking about how much I am looking forward to getting back into making a massive plunger of coffee at the weekend and drinking the whole thing black with no sugar. YUM! Bring on the heart palpitations I say.

This morning on the drive in to work some chump sped up to pull in front of me, and then slowed down. I shan't repeat the obscenities that were heard two towns over as I slammed on my brakes to avoid hitting him, but seriously - why do people do that?? I have a theory about my own driving - I strongly believe I will drive like less of a hoon when I get my full licence. I don't know why, but the P-plates make me feel invincible - even though I am 26 years old, and have a strong sense of my own mortality (I won't even learn to ride a bike for fear I will crack my head open and my brain will come out). I wasn't hoon-like when that dude cut me up though.

Last night at the gym I didn't see Odd-Shoe. I was pleased, and spent my entire workout looking shiftily out the corner of my eye to see if he was coming up behind me.

My crazy colleagues Nicole and Ashley have just done a best-of-three typing challenge. Now the three of us are discussing the possibility of an Administration Olympics involving all sorts of office tasks. Hole punching, stapling and the removal of staples, shredding, meeting room booking - the list of events goes on.

I am considering a new tattoo or piercing. This needs more pondering.

Three cheers for the less-stinky house!

- B xxx

Monday 9 November 2009, Part 2

All these dual entries, I don't know!! I had to write again, I just had to - what an eventful day!! I got the smelly house. And the not-so-smelly-but-still-a-bit-smelly house! So I've taken the less stinky road and hopefully it will be one that works for me. I'm just waiting on the real estate lady to call me back and confirm but hopefully I can start moving in on Friday.

Also, the microwave I bought on eBay arrived! My microwave carrying skills are not well developed it seems. Comes with being unco I expect.

I had a haircut. It looks good, she cut it like this guy I used to go to when I worked in the city did - she blowdried and straightened it first and then cut it. Only small issue is she made the fringe a little too short. Not mullet territory by any stretch of the imagination, but not far enough off for my liking really.

Something has been worrying me today. I keep seeing this guy @ the gym - he is a trainer there I think, he has long curly ginger hair and he wears these ridiculous shoes that have individual toes. It really creeps me out and for some reason it has haunted me today. Why does he wear those shoes? Doesn't he realise how stupid they look? I assume they must be comfortable. But still.

What a top notch day to be alive.

- B xxx

Monday 9 November 2009, Part 1

Isn't it funny how the post-drunken wrap-up is always so much more magnified in your own head than how things appeared to everyone else? Everyone is telling me I was fine on Saturday night and didn't make an absolute twat of myself after all! I'm quite pleased - I had started a pattern of thought that I just could not shake yesterday about how important Vision is to me and how awful it will be when I can't train there any more. I truly am a crazy lady.

Yesterday Grant, Steve and I went to see Astroboy. I don't recommend it if you are more than a minute older than 7. We all felt it was necessary for us to waste the 90 minutes since we'd all loved Astroboy as kids, and it was a good distraction for me in my lamenting state! They gave me such a hard time about refusing to see Saw VI though. I don't do scary films so it would've been a massive waste of money for me - I would have sat with my hands over my eyes for the entire thing. I did love that guy in it though - he was in Picket Fences and I loved that show. I totally thought I was going to marry him when I was a kid.

Hopefully I'll hear back from one or both of the real estates that I have applications in with today. I'm still dying to move next weekend - my bedroom is bursting with all the bits & pieces (mainly fine china) I've been buying and I just can't wait to have my own space again. I think the first thing I will do is set up my stereo and play music so loud that I can't actually do anything else but listen. I'm a bit concerned about my ability to build all my furniture solo. I've picked everything out (mainly the same stuff I had in Bondi!) from Ikea and once I've got somewhere to go I'm going to buy it all. The main thing I am worried about is the bed - it's pretty chunky. I have been working out though, maybe I'll surprise myself. Ha ha!

Later today I have to start choosing my subjects for uni for next year. Can't wait! That reminds me actually - I'll need to get some study furniture sorted out too before uni starts.

Anyway, back to the daily grind. I've had two temps call in sick this morning. Fun & games. Shaping up to be a fab day though - I've just had 2 bottles of my favourite wine in the whole world delivered to my desk (thanks Sally & Tim xx), and the husband of one of my temps just delivered me a new hairdryer to thank me for finding her work!! I love getting gifts for just doing my job. :o) 

- B xxx

Sunday 8 November 2009, Part 2

Goodness me. Where does a girl start?? I am going to simply say, last night made me remember (like I needed reminding!) why I don't usually drink!

A catalogue of events:

• I made an idiot of myself on the dance floor.
• I let information out that I definitely know I should not have and can't think of a legal way now that I am sober to get the information back in the bag.
• I was refused entry to party on @ The Mean Fiddler for being too intoxicated. I mean seriously - The Mean Fiddler. I was TOO INTOXICATED for The Mean Fiddler's liking!! What does this say about me? (In all fairness, I was pretty trashed but still...)
• I talked a load of trash in the car on the way home (thank you Paige & Steve for letting me in your car in the first place, not booting me out 50 metres down the road & listening to my nonsensical ramblings. xx)
• I ordered a pizza, then realised how many calories I would be consuming and rang them back and cancelled it - even though he told me it was already in the oven! I think I'll go down there and pay for it today. I feel totally ridden with guilt.

Honestly, I am fairly certain I can never go back to Vision Bella Vista.  But on a lighter note, I feel surprisingly great today! Good old 2 Voltaren and an entire Powerade before going to bed never fails. Also, there is a fabulous shot of me on my camera which I am quite pleased about. Lovely pic of Sandi too (thanks for coming to play with me Sand!! xx).

In other news, I have applied for a slightly less smelly house about 2km from where I am living now. I think the stench is just because it's been vacant for a couple of weeks so hasn't had any air flowing through it.  I wanted to be a bit further away and a bit closer to the gym but beggars can't be choosers and all that. It has a massive deck out the back, the rooms are fine, bathroom is old but more livable than Stinkville and the kitchen is fine. So hopefully still a chance I could move next weekend!!

I promised it would feature in my blog, so Uncle Chop (you know who you are...), I am also displeased at your moustache and can't wait till the end of November when I hope you will shave it off immediately.

My apologies to everyone who had to watch me last night & cringe.

- B xxx

Sunday 8 November 2009 Part 1

Hungover. Mortified. Shall explain later.

- B xxx

Saturday 7 November 2009

Yesterday when I got home from work I could not keep my eyes open. Goodness knows why I was so tired - I've been sleeping at least 6 hours a night but had been living for a while there on about 4 hours because I just kept waking up and then lying there for hours. Anyway, I digress...

As a result of my sleepiness I just could not go to the RSL with my brothers. This is Castle Hill RSL we are talking, who in their right mind would miss such an opportunity?? :) When my two younger brothers got home from work both said I looked completely dead, so it was cemented that I would not be joining the party.

At about 1am, Grant (my 18 year old brother), who had gone along to the RSL for the first time AND was celebrating completing his last HSC exam, walked in the door, waking me immediately. I heard him stumbling around for a bit, then falling into bed and making a slurring phone call to what I assume must have been his girlfriend - hilarious!

Then about 10 minutes later, Steve (23 year old brother) walked in. He made a bee-line for Grant's room, and I heard him very caringly ask if Grant is ok, and the go on to show him what signage he had, *ahem*, procured from the RSL. At this point, I got out of bed to go and engage in the festivities.

Steve and I decided it was important for Grant to eat something and to have some anti-inflammatories, powerade and a good night's sleep. Grant was hearing none of it, telling me he is an Ironman and will totally back-up tomorrow when the boys are all going to the races at Randwick.

Steve and I proceeded to force Grant to eat a sandwich and take the pills. I am sure he will feel much better this morning for it. Grant came out of his bedroom to consume the sandwich wearing only his underwear and wrapped in his duvet. When he arrived in the kitchen, he announced "I am the lizard queen." a-la Lisa Simpson in the Duff Gardens episode of the Simpsons. It was hilarious yet slightly disturbing - I don't like seeing my brother in his undies.

Grant also told me I must be totally "devo" (devastated in teen-speak) that I missed such a wild night. I am really - I really wanted to go out and celebrate with him, he's such a cool kid and I have a lot of time for him. But it was fun to see him drunk and look after him despite his protestations. It was worth being hauled out of bed at 1am!

- B xxx