Still

A wise man told me recently that the loop I feel I am in... Can be a good thing. A time in your life where you can watch and learn.

And it is true, I am finding I can focus on watching and observing people, experiences and simply sitting still.

I bought a world map, and stuck it to my wall above my half built IKEA table. It is half built as only half the table was for sale. The other half wasn't. I am waiting for it to be, and so in the mean time I have a table with no top. Some may think this is dumb but I think it is edgy. Without the edges. The map was sitting happily until I was in my room and heard it lightly fall off. I didnt think much of it til I remembered that right below it were three candles. I jumped out of bed and raced into the living room. My ears are special and thank goodness they are. Elephant like, just not in size but the amount of noise that would be picked up by that spacial area of an elephant ear. Raced in and yep, my map was on fire. Blowing and blowing and it was out. Close call, as the table with no table top would have caught fire, stainless steel is dangerous. I placed it back on the wall, my map just became more artistic, now with all of Brazil burnt out, that's fine though, I just won't invite any brazilians over.
I do wonder though if the flame only burning Brazil means that Brazil is hot? Scorching even.

Waiting for a tram currently. Though the others who were waiting for it all walked off, damnit I wanna know what they know.




We had an event at the museum the other night. So bloody fun... My friend Marissa livened up everyone and even a random man jumped in a photo I took. Thanks random man.

I called mum earlier. She was distracted and giving directions to Glenda. Though told me off the cuff my Pop is in hospital and had a turn for the worse. Then she hung up.. Thanks Mum!

Tram arrived. Those losers missed the tram.

Loop

So I am sure you all find, that the loop occurs in your life. Sometimes it is often, sometimes it doesnt pop up as much. For some, it never happens but they are lying to themselves. The loop, when you find yourself doing the same thing over and over. Whether it is laziness, staleness or just nothing you can actually change to stop it. For me right now, it is laziness.

Even now, while I write this, my mouse pointer hovers over a tab to read another webpage, anything but face my own structure of thinking, to actually push my cogs in my head to come up with constructive sentences. But then, it isnt that dramatic. I am not struggling in some depressive state, I am having a lot of fun. But I am hard on myself, especially when I move cities and I expect a certain something, and I fall into the lazy routine. When is my photography course? Oh I cant afford it. Really? Yes. Nah I think I can, I just have had the same fear as a kid, where I would be going into a room with strangers and not having any safety net. Noone I knew to talk to but just feel the initial uncomfortable feeling of being alone there. When really, they would all be on the same page, keen to learn like I am. Get some balls Lloyd. No, not that kind. Hey at least I have seen every episode of Dr Who from the new season. That will challenge my life...

I was walking through my exhibition the other day, and I saw a little girl, about three years old. She was kneeling down looking at the golden coffin of Tut's Great Grandmother and had her mother standing next to her(I am assuming, she could have been her cousin, surrogate mother or preschool teacher). I overheard her say with a deadpan face, "If my Daddy was in there, he would be dead and I would never see him again." I kept walking but that sentence stuck with me, whether she is just grasping the concept of death, or she really dislikes her Dad today.

What has happened since my birthday? I have attempted running a few times again, went to the grocery shop four times, paid for a tram trip 5 times, learnt to cook Chinese food, saw 'Love Never Dies' (the kid in that really needs to go back to school), read a few chapters of London: The Novel, planned a trip to Sydney, check my letterbox twice a day for my birthday present from my family, feed poison to the snails in the letterbox, bought a bar table and danced to Beirut 4.5 times. In my bedroom and slightly in my kitchen. Here is one of their tracks 'Scenic World', I will let you watch it twice:




I walked up the Shrine of Rememberence the other day when a mate of mine Dave came to visit from Sydney. Loved the view. I hated the blood my shin produced walking up there.

Mothers

Mother's day and I am on the fence if I think it is a crap commercial venture or actually a day set aside to really appreciate mothers. Like we have Remembrance day for those who have sacrificed their lives and died fighting for freedom, so why not have one to remember mothers who have sacrificed nothing and lived their lives happily looking after us? My mum is somewhere in Australia in a caravan with her partner, and she called me for my birthday yesterday, so we have chatted I reckon. Though I do miss making crap mother's day cards... Cause they were works of art and placed on the fridge or the "good" cabinet in the living room amongst the Chilean pottery houses.

6 years today, since my Dad found out that my Mum was having an affair with another woman. It was on Mother's day, the morning after my 21st. I now say that with no way near as much hurt inside. Everyone is on such a happier page and grown for the better. Living lives that reflect what they need.

OK I feel cheesy when I go too deep on here.

My birthday was great. Nice and simple with some friends for dinner and drinks. I find the older you get, the less expectation you have.

The following day I went for lunch with a friend, but a few hours beforehand I realised the only jeans that were NOT wet in the washing machine were the ones I wore for my birthday. Though these stank of cigarettes cause of the club I was in and I had to hang outside with my smoker mates. Anyways I decided I would try that trick of placing my jeans in the freezer, as this is mean to remove the smell from them. You may not have heard of this but people in jeans shops have told me numerous times that its better to place them in freezer and NOT wash them. I placed them in the freezer for two hours, just a note though, dont put them straight on after the freezer. Tad cold. They still stank of smoke and now slightly of frozen food goods. I began strolling down the street, slightly uncomfortable as the backs of my jeans kept touching my leg, and the cool jeans just did not suit Melbourne Autumn. As I got closer to the lunch venue, I placed my hand inside my pocket, there were about 10 frozen peas in my pocket, half defrosted and stuck to my reading glasses.. Yeah, damn Jeans people I am never listening to you again.

I want to place a picture up. It is one given to me by a friend, it really made me laugh and was given to me for my birthday. Presenting... the people he believes he was inviting to my birthday. Including him of course!

Festival

It is about 4 days til my birthday and you know, why not make it festival. Do everything I usually do but just know it is my birthday. Festivalised.

So to quickly catchup, had my sister and bro in law come down, was really enjoyable having them come and stay and show them a bit of Melbourne. Lou didnt like the random sculpture in the alleyway of the man who had hung himself. Come on Lou, it is art.





















We had some nice strolls and visited my Uncle Phil down south in Elwood, and had a good old family day or two. I attempted to use my camera more, to express the moment but it failed... mainly cause Lou and Dean refused to have an autumn leaf fight for me. Come on, leaves down your back, they feel good after a while. Bonus if you get some flecks of dirt too, the cold and wet kind that sticks to leaves that have been laying there a while.

Dean, Me and Lou.












Easter came and went. As did ANZAC day, as did Kate and Williams wedding.

Went to a nature park with Nick, Matt and Kait. We did silly poses, cause we were the cool kids who had seen all these animals a hundred times. So we can even impersonate them. Talk to them and see how they are doing in 21st Century Australia.














































I really just want to take a break, but how can you when you already are. I work three days a week and have four days off to myself. Gym is not happening, why? Cause.. there is some sort of reason. I am craving structure, like a bottle craves the sea. Bobbing up and down, sending a message to some lady.

I turn 27 and I have done the whole facebook invite out to a few friends and NO idea where to go for drinks or dinner. Melbourne has so many options there is the pressure to choose something good. Or should I just choose something fun and cheesy. No, Karaoke can be banned. Along with cook your own steak nights. Cause that is always a failure. Well I am sure I will find something and the night will come and go.

A kid walking through the exhibition said to his friend yesterday, "This King Tut guy is richer than I am, I dont like him now."

I find cheap cornflakes taste just as good as the Kellogs ones. Even if it isnt real corn, but ground up bits of corn husk. Corn Husk is great for the finger nails I hear.

I didnt have any wine in my house, now I have three bottles. But when you live alone, you cant open a bottle unless committing to the whole thing. Oh wait, what am I doing even considering drinking a bottle to myself alone. Back peddle on that one.

So here is to another year. Live life like a movie.

Friday Goodness

It is Good Friday. We celebrate when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. I find it fascinating that in this secular world (secular is a word used to describe non religious folk, or more specifically, non christians) that there is a still a holiday where pretty much EVERYTHING is closed for the day. And it becomes not a public holiday but more a public curfew... as you may as well stay inside. There are good things to this as you feel no guilt eating chocolate and watching bad movies. I played trivial pursuit with Nick, Matt and Kate, was a lot of fun and I lost. Turns out school gave me a false thought I knew stuff.

I saw my good mate Matt the other week, he was down with his partner. Both are such lovely guys who give such an amazing example of a couple. Sure they would have their challenges but they inspire me, they have been together for years, are now married and just seem just as much in love. I hung out with Matt and had drinks. He is an actor and he met up with a guy he knows who is also an actor, but one of the kind that blow smoke up their own ass. Matt really was not in the mood and was also drained from the whole experience. Have you ever been talking to someone you dont get along with and wish they were gone. Without thinking, Matt closed his eyes and squeezed them tight, and opened them, hoping this guy was gone. He wasnt, so he did it again, but no, still there. So it doesnt work for Matt, but I may try one day. Not like I have anyone I dislike..

Walked past two girls on a park bench on way to work. One was obviously listening in on the other girl's mobile phone conversation, for support naturally. All I heard was the girl on the phone say "You were great when it was great, and that is the part that like, hurts". Makes me wonder how many people are having a similar chat in parks all around earth. Especially with supportive people who are listening in. Like me, I am supportive. Support away.

I have come up with a cookie I like making, and so I have not attempted to make any other cookies now, just this one recipe. I made it up and so feel like I have my own fake grandmother recipe for amazing cookies that I must convert everyone til. But really, they go soggy within two days (not dripping wet soggy, as that is gross but just a bit more than chewy.) So really, not the best cookie but I appreciate the habit and the ingredients. What.. does that even mean?























Possum in park last night insisted it wanted to climb my leg but I did not allow it.

I was asked to wrap a box at work yesterday. I think I lucked out with the understanding how to wrap boxes. My attempt was this. Shit.























Lost my glasses, so have my backup pair. I find it screams that I like my lattes blacker than black. Even though I dont drink coffee.























Happy Easter. Hope the bunny gets you stuff. Even though how on earth a Bunny got linked into eggs I have no idea. Just like lions gel so well with Boxset DVDs and provide lots of happy adults all in one evening, the boxset they have dreamed about. Magic.

Grammar

It has been brought to my attention that due to laziness and the fact I dont read through my blog entries sometimes before I post, I am pretty shit at grammar. I remember the days back in primary school where I came first in "language" as we called it. Maybe it is cause we also rely way too much on spell check and the green underline on Word that informs us that our sentence does not make sense. So, I shall try and make myself speak in a manner that reflects my intellect, as opposed to sometimes sounding like a less intelligent person.

The launch of the exhibition was last night. Was SO much fun! There were camels, celebrities* and awesome food and drinks. Was a great team bonding exercise too. And I got to wear a black tie getup, first time ever, and I think I like wearing suits more these days. So pumped to work on this exhibition, I am loving my job there. The people especially. See the below photo of Kitty and I, as well as some hired Egyptians**
































I am sure you have seen those guys who come up to cars at traffic lights and offer to wash their windows. Well I was walking across the street yesterday and a guy came running out once the cars had stopped, with a yo ho diablo. Remember them? And he began performing for the cars. I dont know what he expected them to do, throw money at him? It was all just a bit awkward cause the people in the cars just ignored him while he spun the diablo thing under his legs and then around his back. I kept walking.

I had two American friends stay with me for the past week and it was great to have them. They loved Melbourne and already beginning to enjoy seeing others discover this city for the first time and tell them places to check out. The only awkward thing was when they had to use bathroom during night which is through my room, and the quiet trickle coming from the bathroom at 4am. Moving on.

I had a friend request on facebook the other day. Actually I get about 5 a day and NO idea who these people are. But my favourite has been an old man from the Southern states of USA, and he sent me a message asking to form a friendship if I was interested. All his photos were of him and guns. Maybe he can help me with the snail problem?

So back to work quickly, the beginning of the exhibition experience involves one of the staff saying a quick speech to a group of guests before they enter. I was doing it as a demo for groups, so the staff could see how to do it. One of the groups had several journalists and I turned the mic on and went "Welcome to Tutank. .. Tutmenahkem.. Tut.. Tutahamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs". NO idea what happened there but I screwed up his name, several times and its the bloody name of the exhibition. I laugh.. now.

I used to love when you could get out of Sport at school cause you had a note from parents cause you were sick or had an injury etc. It had SO much power.
"Get changed into your sports shoes!
"Nah, I dont have to"
"Why?:
"I have ... a note!"

Wish you could do that with work now.

"Can you please take all these boxes down to the storeroom?"
"Nah I cant"
"Ah... why? Too heavy?
Nah, Mum wrote me a note".


Now off to make Milo cookies and then the lovely Cyndi Lauper is performing in Melbourne tonight and since her first single came out a few weeks after I was born, we have a connection or some shit.


* Celebrities is a loose term. I saw a newsreader and a travel show host.
** Only dressed up guys from some gym.

Coles Corn Flakes

Coles Corn Flakes, they are just as nice as Kellogs. I have found this out as I became the grandma to look at the junk mail Coles Catalogue and circle the bargains I would love. I also found out that I can get Nescafe coffee for $3 (its a dollar dazzler!) Oh where has my time gone?

I have been walking to work and it is such a good walk because I pretty much only have parks to walk to between my house and work. So I get to see some interesting sites, and I dont just mean the "hey that flower is pretty wow huh... ". I dont talk like that just so you know. Last night at about 10pm I walked past a dark figure crouching on the ground, as I got closer, not intentionally as dark figures are not the type you wish to approach, but the path went that way. I am a sheep, what can I say. The dark figure turned out to be a middle aged fat man, pouring sloppy bread that was all mashed up, into containers and talking to himself. I then saw about 8 possums all around him, licking his hands and some had their heads in the slop. "Hey Mary, where is Delilah tonight? Sammy, you dont be too greedy!" I kept walking, looked back once and then continued on my way. I thought, hey to this guy, that makes his day. It also answered a question I had last week, when I walked past the same spot and some sort of stick contraption was holding the underside of a makeshift fence (built for an exhibition in the park that week) that left a gap under the fence, and a bowl of white slop. The possum man had made sure his possums could still access their version of corn flakes. Even maybe Coles ones.

I have been here over two months now, starting to feel like home. But I do miss my family, more than I thought. So I buzz them often and they seem a bit surprised I have called as much. Not that I do not want to be here, but just having a stage in life where I do like having them around. Odd huh.

I stood behind an older lady (I dont say old as it is offensive apparently. Because they will keep getting older and older and there is no maximum "old") and she was at the ATM (Cash Machine). I was not paying attention for a while, as you do not really do that while waiting in a queue for the ATM, plus I was skipping through my iPod working out what songs were actually good, and why there was so much shit in a row on random on it. Adam Ant?? I dont even know who he is! So the woman began to take a little while, and so began to observe. After a bit I realised what the problem was. She was staring at the screen at the "Enter your pin" stage. She went to touch the pad to type in a number (dont worry I couldn't see the pac, and was not planning on robbing Doris) and then pulled her hand away again with hesitation. She had forgotten her pin and looked so perplexed. After a while she took the card out and looked around and wondered off and sat on a bench. She looked gutted and confused.

My snails suck. I call them mine now, as they pretty much live in my letterbox permanently and so living in my space and technically pets, but can you have unwanted pets? Yeah, cause I had a Dalmatian Todd who I really pushed the unwanted vibe at. My Credit Card and Electricity bill are half eaten, so really, did I even get the bill? Excuse like the dog ate my homework, but this time, snails ate my bill so dont have to pay? Sort of yeah.

A mate of mine and me were walking along a street near his house and we walked past an OLDER couple (still being politically correct, but also, the lady wasnt old old) they stopped us and asked my friend if he had lost a USB stick. Yes, he had. The lady was looking elsewhere a lot, and said "we didnt look at what was on it, we didnt. But found a file with your name and address so we could work out who owned it and return it." She looked sus. My friend said thanks very much and they said they would put it in his letterbox (snails better not bloody know how to eat USB sticks. The dickheads) We kept walking and I thought about why that lady made no eye contact. We concluded he must have porn on the USB stick. Oh Cherie just thought she was looking for a document with an address and found much much more.

Hm what photo do I put up with this blog entry.. I have a random shot of a toy lemur and a guy on a ladder installing part of the exhibition. Oh wait, a possum from the park.

Taste buds

I was having drinks with an amazing friend of mine Marissa and talking about all this stuff and she went to the bathroom and so I thought, hey I am going to be a bit structured and type into my notes on my iPhone, what interesting points we have discussed, so I can write them down here. I looked at them later and they made no sense. Shit.

This is what is written on my iPhone to discuss:

- Awkward hugs
- Marissa Kiss Story
- Kid Backpack
- Love Differently


I am struggling to remember any of what these points are. Though we WERE talking about how when you go to hug someone and they pull out of the hug as you are still going in. Especially found this when I was getting to know my step mother. Struggle street when that happens. Makes you less and less confident to hug every time and it just gets worse.

Oh and the Marissa Kiss story... My friend Marissa was at her friend's wedding and something about an awkward kiss that was hilarious when she told me, but believe if I explain it, it would just sound like I was explaining how funny the grocery store was when a man in a red beanie walked past. Right?

I will try remember the other two points, including why on earth I titled this post as "taste buds" and try get back to you on that.

I had such a nice night last night. I was randomly invited to a new friend of mine's house. He is quite well known here in Australia and it is an amazing house. The people were awesome and really interesting, and I got along well with one of the guys, I reckon he will be a great new mate. Melbourne really is making me really happy.

The job is panning out well, have been there a week and really amazing. I get to help coordinate such an intriguing exhibit and feel honoured to be a part of it. Kind of like how a turkey is honoured to be a part of the royal christmas dinner as a special guest.

Had some training at the MCG the other day, that stadium is pretty bloody beautiful.


















And a song of one of my favourite songs of all time, covered by one of my favourite artists of all time.

King Tut

I find when so much happens in a small amount of time and I have not written anything, I get a little anxious as I will try and do what I always do and summarise it all way too much and its like a back page summary of how my kettle works. Without the info on where I was made.

So, I wanted to dedicate this to Lucy, as she is a wonderful human being who I have known my whole life and I still know so well and we have gone on such similar and also opposite paths. She visited me for the weekend just gone, and it was tops. Amongst having childhood icecreams from the Milkbar, to patting a cat through a stranger's flat window, singing out old Christian hymns in the park at night (and noticing hymns were NEVER designed for congregations of common people, our vocal chords exemplified this) and sitting under a full moon in a rooftop bar in Melbourne sipping cider (what else??). It was all just simply fun and to be around someone who has known me so long, there is that load of feeling like you do not have to keep giving out info to let the person know you more. We could just laugh and comment on small things, and the other would get it. I find it less and less it is hard to have those people in your life on a day to day basis and so when one of them comes for a while, it is just nice. Familiarity hey!

A cat just ran past my front door, sideways. With a bell on and then I heard a crash.

So back to my story. I GOT A JOB.

I am now the Operations Coordinator at an Egyptian Exhibition in a Museum here. I am so stoked. I love Egyptian history (seems a lot of people do!) and I now get to work and manage the operations of bringing this to Australia for the first and last time. Day One was today and it was quite the day, as most first days are. I was sent home after with a book on Egypt. I am officially loving it. Down my alley and a little bit further I reckon.