Dangerous Curves Ahead

Thank you note

2008-12-01T11:56:00.004+11:00

Dear Erin and Steve,

I know it's not customary for a guest to send a thank you note, but your wedding was so wonderful, I just had to say how grateful I was to be invited.

The setting was so serene, rustic and lush, like being in a postcard. The gorgeous (and at times amusing), music from the string quartet and Irish band created the perfect atmosphere.
The drink flowed freely and the food was abundant, all so delicious.

Erin, you were sumptously beautiful, and positively glowed. That hourglass figure wrapped in ornate brocade made you reminiscent of a Renaissance angel, topped with a veil of honey tendrils.

Steve, you were so charismatic, and generous with big, strong hugs (my favourite). I think everyone was in awe of how you commanded the room, but not surprised at how you stole Erin's heart. Oh, and you bake a mean ginger biscuit, so moreish!

Your love is so inspiring, you're so comfortable with one another, and your warmth radiated out to touch everyone present.

Your friends are amazing, if only the night was longer I could have met every one of them. They seemed so content within themselves, happy in each other's company, intelligent and witty. I'm so envious that they get to have you, and you get to enjoy them too. It's no secret that I have a bit of a girl crush on Allison, she's so smart I wated to soak up all she had to say.

If only every wedding I went to so perfectly fitted the couple. It just shows that if you can manage such a perfectly balanced union, you'll navigate the path ahead with ease, leaning on each other for support.

I hope the joyous feeling of the day follows you throughout your marriage, you lucky pair!

I love you guys! (hiccup)
xoxo

P.S. - Happy birthday to the bride!

The One

2008-10-03T14:59:00.010+10:00

I thought it only right that I update the old journal, in fact, this post has been smouldering away for a few months, so lazy am I!

Obviously, there was a wedding, given the content of the last post.

This wedding, my friends, was all I could hope for. I am going to start sounding rather immodest here, but all this is just my praise and gratitude for those who helped to bring it together.

My gown was exactly what I invisioned - elegant, beautifully made by my mama, in just the right shades of white and pewter silk.

The shoes, oh, the shoes, snow-white kitten-heel peeptoe slingbacks with crystal detail. No one else saw them, but they were for me, it's nice knowing that you have something fabulous tucked under your skirt! I still wish I had a reason to wear them again - I may get another pair in an everyday shade.

My jewellery, heavy with rough hewn quartz crystal, had a vintage feel, that glistened rather than glittered - reminiscent of the whole event, really.

Invitations, bonbonniere, service booklets, thankyou cards and all the other accoutrements were similarly toned, chic in black, white and silver, with a nod to my Japanese addiction by way of a stylised cherry blossom print.

The cake, lovingly constructed by mum, was gorgeous, dripping with silver baubles and hand made blooms. It was also delicious, thick with rich, dark flavour. Yes, t'was fruit cake, out of respect of mum's preference (and the fact that I actually like it), but we had other desserts so all palates were catered for.

The venues also fitted our ideals perfectly - an original redbrick Anglican chapel, and a tasteful country retreat. No ostentation, just graceful refinement, focussing on the things that matter. Aside from forgetting the specially ordered guest book, I feel like we covered all the bases, and did so in a way that was so 'us'.

But really, that's all stuff. The whole day is about rituals, and gestures which represent the couple. The epitome being the ceremony, which was romantic, respectful, and very personal. The string quartet gave me shivers, so splendid was their contribution.

Most special were the vows, though it is fashionable to read the personalised vow, having memorised our sacred lines made them so meaningful to us. There was no repetition from an officiant, no flowery statements about the ocean, just us, making a solemn promise to each other, like millions before us.

My bridesmaids, parents, hairdresser - everyone really - were so supportive and kind, and I teared up quite a few times, so generous were their compliments.

Another personal touch was, by way of a game, to give my bouquet to the woman who had been married the longest, Stuart's Granny. I thought this far more civilised than tossing the flowers at my friends, and it meant to much to Granny-in-law.

Oh, and my delicious husband had secretly learnt guitar and visited a vocal coach, so that he could perfom 'our song' to me after his lovely speech. I cried, it was so wonderful. I still swoon to think of it!
I'm not surprised that he did it, because he's such a warm, generous soul, and that is what every day of our marriage has been like. We recently celebrated a year of wedded bliss, and despite the challenges that the outside world hurls at us, we get through it because we know we have each other, and we are so grateful for it.

Cluck Cluck

2007-09-17T11:05:00.000+10:00

My hen's party rocked!
The right mix of people and activities meant that I had a fabulous time, and everyone else is saying how good it was also.

We started at my parent's house with a few drinks and nibbles.
I was given a red sash declaring 'Bride to Be', and the bridesmaids and mothers wore appropriate ones also. Not to mention the obligatory silver tiara with veil and fluffy pink sceptre!

Then we piled into a bus which was decorated inside with butterflies and silver and black balloons, where we sipped (and poured on ourselves) pink bubbly.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Soy, a Chinese restaurant in Mornington which has such a modern but warm decor. They were even kind enough to position the round tables in such a way that they would accommodate the 15 guests.
We played a game throughout the meal, and the person who knew the most about me won a prize. Interestingly, the person who has probably known me the shortest time, won the game!

Back home in the bus, then more games (of course my mum engineered things so that my future mother-in-law won the fluffy handcuffs), drinkies, and the most generous dessert table I've seen (outside of a buffet!).
My sister handmade me a gorgeous scrap book, which held individually designed pages. Each guest chose their favourite page, and left me a personal note. I cried with joy at the love and effort that went into it. There was even a beautiful picture of Stu and I, which made me all the more soppy! I read it again yesterday, and cried all over again, it's so special.

Lucky me to have such a wonderful mother and sister to organise such a great party.
This all makes me feel confident that the wedding will be enjoyable for everyone, as the guests, who mostly did not know each other, mixed perfectly.

Can't wait - 12 sleeps!

Ta da!

2007-07-06T15:53:00.000+10:00

For the first time in literally years, I am under 100kgs.
I've hovered close many, many times, but then became discouraged for whatever reason, and shot back up (right up).

I know the teeny weenies will think that's still mega, and yeah, it's not small, by any stretch of the imagination. But it's a mental goalpost that I'm delighted to have passed.

Happy days. Apparently the loss is most noticable on my shoulders. I never really thought they were a trouble spot, but hey, I'll take any compliment I can get.

I heart my work

2007-06-14T13:41:00.000+10:00

I've always felt lucky that I fell into this job.
Sure, I've earnt the success that I've had with the company, but I feel that I could just as easily be working in an unispiring, underpaid position, had they scrolled past my application.

It's paying for our wedding, it means that we will be able to buy a (very modest) house in the future, and it keeps petrol in my car.

But more importantly, we've moved to a big shiny office in the past few months, and they've just installed a coffee machine - with a barista! And a big flat panel TV, hooked up with a Nintendo Wii. And a ping pong table (?). And a cushy lounge area. I don't think they want us to work any more!

I wish that all my favourite peeps could work for a company like this!

Update
I just read the blog of one of my dearest friends, who is not enjoying work quite as much as I am. Just wanted to make it clear that I wasn't boasting, but retrospectively, perhaps this shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how long or dark the tunnel might be.
I'm thinking of you shnookins. xoxo

Everything's coming up roses

2007-05-21T11:55:00.000+10:00

Yesterday we had our meeting with the Reverend to discuss the results of our questionnaire - and, no surprise, we're very compatible. He gave us each a list of about ten different facets, and we each had to tick three which we thought were strengths, and three which we thought of as 'growth areas' - we both had a really hard time naming anything as a weakness, because really, you should work on things before getting married, not just hope that marriage will fix things. Stu was so sweet and complimentary, even though he is very sick and snuffly right now, poor baby.

I won a three month membership at my gym for winning a weight loss competition - I lost 9.8 kgs in six weeks.
I've now entered the next comp, and one week in, have lost 1.7kgs. Hurrah!

But most exciting, I went to pick up my engagement ring, and it's bigger! Stu knew that I always wanted a perfect one carat solitaire, and he made it happen. Gosh, he's wonderful. And so is my beautiful shiny sparkler!

More of the wedding

2007-05-07T10:13:00.000+10:00

On Saturday morning, we visited two florists in Mount Eliza, whose arrangements I've always liked. Both had differing ideas of how to deal with our vision, so we'll see what they come back with, and go from there.

That afternoon, we went into the city to drop my engagement ring in to be polished, the setting checked, etc. I probably won't get it back for 2-3 weeks. But in the meantime I get to wear the big pretend ring that Stu propsed with, which is rather sentimental.

On Sunday evening we had another meeting at the church, with a few other couples. We all completed a questionnaire (individually, to ensure that the answers were honest), which tries to determine where the strengths and 'problematic issues', lie in a relationship, and then provides ways to discuss them.
Our questionnaires have been sent off, mine will be compared against Stuart's, and then we have a 'fun' meeting with the priest. I actually quite like the idea - in no way will we be told that we're doomed, but in a time where far too many couples jump into relationships without really discussing their problems, and then (shock, horror!) divorce, I like that they're helping people to strategise their way through the relationship, and respect each other's differences.

Bad news however, Reverend Timbo, whom we thought would be officiating our ceremony, is moving to another parish. So we have no idea of who it will be, nor can the church confirm who it will be at this point. We might find out a month or two before the day. Ah well, we are assured that there will be somebody, and I guess that's all we should worry about.

Also, we were hoping to move the time forward slightly, but no can do, as another couple is also getting married that day (Grand Final day is apparently as popular as any other at this church!).
Eh, we'll cram it all in!

Sadly, Stu's grandma is saying that she wants to come to the ceremony, but is unsure about the reception - as we're arranging a room for her to retire to when she's had her fill, we really hope she'll reconsider.
Better than my grandparents, who, as they're in Queensland, and one is rather ill, don't think they'll come at all (Dad's working on them).

Update

2007-04-27T09:24:00.000+10:00

I've streamlined the links section, to pages that are actually updated occasionally (how hypocrytical!).

I guess the reason for the delay in blogging is that my life is mostly about the wedding now. However, I want to put all of that on the other blog - but the other blog hasn't been updated because we wanted to post about Bec's wedding with pictures. And getting our hands on many of those in a digital format has been near impossible.

So I'll just talk about it here, and then polish it up for Altar Bound.

Hmmmm, where to start? Location.

We originally had planned to have our wedding at a venue called Bram Leigh. I can't really say why - it seemed like a good idea at the time.
But I've become fiercely proud of the Mornington Peninsula over the last year, and it just didn't make any sense to hold the event anywhere else. So we're marrying in Mornington at a quaint little church, and celebrating in Red Hill, at Lindenderry.
We've lost the deposit on Bram Leigh, but I could justify that loss, knowing what we would gain.

This means that I can have my hair styled by my usual hairdresser, use the services of my favourite florist, and most importantly, spend my last night as a single person at my parent's house. To go to Bram Leigh we were resigned to staying overnight locally the night before, and it all felt wrong.
Not to mention that Lindenderry is far more beautiful than Bram Leigh, with lush, natural gardens to pose in.
Also, we probably wouldn't have wedding cars, because the whole thing was on the same site. Now we're having a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, and the bridal party will travel in a Daimler Limousine, both exquisitely black.

That's more like it!

Stuff I've done, things I've seen

2007-02-27T11:06:00.000+11:00

I seem to have become the queen of listing things I've done. Here, I cement my title.

- Saw Marie Antoinette. Fneh. It's like Who magazine trying to publish a volume of the encyclopaedia.

- Saw Dreamgirls - I actually liked this. Not the ending, but the songs were infectious, and Jennifer Hudson made me cry. Beyonce needs to get over herself.

- Saw Blood Diamond - pretty heart-wrenching. You weren't quite sure of who to take sides with, and I didn't feel any deep connection between any characters, but the story was definitely thought provoking.

- Saw The Pursuit of Happyness - I really liked this too, though I was anxious all the way through, worried about which other awful thing was going to happen next.

- Went to Little Britain Live - hilarious! Could have done without the old ladies throwing up, but all round, very good. The set changes were ingenious, as were the camera montages of the audience during intermission. And Anthony Stewart Head at the end - what a surprise!

So far, you may have decided that my tastes aren't all that highbrow. Y'know what though, I've just decided that I'm not going to go out of my way to see gloomy documentaries, or painful art house films.
I know, I know, expand the horizons - when I want to see these things, they're on Foxtel, or SBS, and I'm hardly going to get on here and blog about it. If I go out and about, I want to see something upbeat. I have a tendency to be a bit pessimistic, so a little harmless fun peps me up. Sometimes I wonder if the reason that we're all so depressed is because we watch all these deep, dark, and sometimes tedious projects, reminding us that the world is going to implode on us, that love can die out, our family will wither into dust, and poverty's just around the corner. What fun!

- Oh, I also won an award from work, a $400 voucher for Rockpool, Neil Perry's new venture at Crown. Absolutely. Amazing. Go there people. It's not often that I eat something and feel that it's sublime - every morsel was an epiphany. If we have something to celebrate in the future, it'll be there.

We've kicked the wedding into the next gear

- I called a trusted muso for help with the music for both the ceremony and reception, looks like the first options he gave are absolute winners, what a load off my mind!

- I have to make an appointment with the florist to see what they can do, this weekend perhaps. My problem is that I know what I don't like, but it's very hard to find a perfect example of what I do like.

- We've started to lock down the cake and dress ideas, and I have to get the bridesmaids together to decide on styles, fabrics, etc.

- Have a 'how to be married' session at the church soon - I'm really looking forward to it. We'll get to choose the readings and vows and get a run through of what to expect. Oooh - exciting! (for me anyways!)

Celebrity Crush

2007-02-06T08:58:00.000+11:00

The absolute love of my life is Stuart. He lights up my life in such a beautiful way. I just cannot type enough about how gushy he makes me feel.

But this Foxtel thingy has brought a new person into our living room. Kevin McCloud

It's more an intellectual crush, so Stu has nothing to worry about (as if he ever did!), but this man is an engineer, focussing his talents on architecture and product design. He wraps his tongue around the most delicious, descriptive words, and is also fluent in French, Italian, and God knows which other languages. And he's so darn sensitive.

Having dabbled in the arena of industrial design myself, I can attest to the fact that most men in the industry are sooooo self important, so worried about their own image, that they have no time to ponder the needs or feelings of the users of their product or space. They're just concerned about whether the shade of green that they've used is futuristic enough.
Kevin worries about the truth of the materials used, whether the inhabitants will be able to interact with the space on a spiritual level, whether the community around the building will be impacted, and what kind of environmental effects can be expected. And he has the most wicked, dry sense of humour.

Honestly, women, treat yourselves to a viewing of Grand Designs. A truly melty experience. If you get to watch it with Stuart by your side, well, it's the nearest thing to an intellectual threesome. Oh yeah.

So, so stupid

2007-01-29T10:20:00.000+11:00

Stu has a semi-new car, and it's still on the dealer warranty. As such, he has his car serviced at the main service centre five minutes from home.

So that he could have his service last week, I offered to drive him to work. He works in Mulgrave, and I'm in Brighton, so it's out of the way, but with an early start, we could easily get it all done.

So why, oh why, did I not confirm the destination?

Stu left a little earlier, to book the car in. I took off about ten minutes later, and drove all the way to our mechanic in Somerville (in the wrong direction, of course). Only when I arrived, and saw that his car was not amongst the mechanic's collection, did my brain finally wake up.
Sheepishly, I drove all the way to the service centre in Frankston, and we proceeded to be twenty minutes late. We could have been on time!

The lesson learnt from this experience? Charge your mobile phone! Stu tried to call while I was on my magical mystery tour, and we would have averted the whole disaster.
Oh, the lamentations!

Meeeeeeemeeeeeee! Stolen from Ren and K

2007-01-13T22:31:00.000+11:00

1) What side of the heart do you draw first?
- Left.

2) Can you dive without plugging your nose?
- Yes, but I'm scared of hitting the bottom, with my nose.

3) What color is your razor?
- Blue, but I'm thinking of getting one of those ones with the moisturising block attached.

4) What is your blood-type?
- Dunno.

5) Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
- A Boost Juice employee.

6) What does the underwear you’re wearing right now look like?
- Me neither, Rennikins! Don't know what I'm going to do about that at the wedding...

7) How do you feel about carrots?
- I have to like them, I eat them at lunch daily.

8) How many chairs at the dining room table?
- Six.

9) Which is the best Spice girl?
- Ummmm, Ginger, 'cause she got her norgs out.

10) Do you know what time it is?
- Is this question telling me off for being home late?

11) Do you know all the words to the Fresh Prince Theme Song?
- Yeah, up until the bit where he arrives at the mansion, and does that weird swivelly thing with his head.

12) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?
- Cry, because knowing my luck, it'd be my wedding day.

13) What’s your favorite kind of gum?
- Nothing beats Hubba Bubba, definitely grape. I love purple foods.

16) Do you know how to use some words correctly, but not know the meaning?
- Well, if I know how to use them correctly, there's no problem, is there? Do you, Mr. Question Writer, know how to write questions correctly?

17) Do you like to sleep?
- Spleep? He he.

18) Who are two people that know EVERTHING about you?
- Everything? No-one. But Stu and Ren know the most.

19) Do you know the song When it was Me?
- Nup.

20) Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 Mustang?
- Yuck.

21) What’s something you’ve always wanted?
- Effortless thinness.

22) What’s your favorite color Pixi Stick?
- This is so American.

23) Ever done something scandalous with whipped cream?
- I think so, ages ago. Can't remember. Whipped cream sex is hardly scandalous.

24) Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?
- Well, our local newspaper tells me that there's Blue Ringed Octopy floating about at the beach only 200 metres away - that's my favourite bit! Waaahhh! So, Lake McKenzie, on Fraser Island.

25) Do you wear a lot of black?
- Ooooohhh yeah. People prolly think I'm emo (as opposed to Elmo).

26) Describe your hair?
- Medium brown with an auburn sheen, and very subtle highlights. Mid length, layered, with a side part, and a fringe that tapers off to the side.

27) Do you have Entomophobia?
-Not enough to diagnose it like that!

28) Are you an adult?
- I guess I do all the things grown ups do, with a dash of tanty thrown in. Stu and I are like old people, content with each other's company.

29) Where is/are your best friend(s)? Stu's playing PlayStation, Val's probably tucked the girls into bed and enjoying some time with her hubby, Vicki's hopefully snug at home by now, Ren's just being generally sexeh.

30) Do you have a tan?
- Just on my right forearm - my car has no tinting.

31) Are you an internet addict?
-Neh, I can live without it, I spose. But then I'd have missed meeting some great people.

32) Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?
- She's great. We've become good friends.

33.) Are you a sugar freak?
- I, alas, am a food freak.

34) Do you like orange juice?
- Juices are what make me tick. Boost should put me on a monthly direct debit.

35) What sign are you?
- Libra. Of course I get stuck with the embarassing sanitary products one.

36) Where do you wish you were right now?
- I'm happy, I'm at home.

Mmm... Dot points

2007-01-02T23:46:00.000+11:00

I've been on holidays from December 22nd, and won't return to work until the 8th of January. I've really faded into delightful obscurity during this time, but haven't wished anyone a merry Christmas, nor a happy New Year, though from the bottom of my heart I truly desire the best for each of my treasured friends, both those I know personally, and those who've warmed my heart through the magic of the internet. I think they know this, but are aware of my disappointing ability to become very introverted at the precise moment that I want to be social. Something to do with fear of rejection, I'm sure. I luff you all, really, truly.
I've been promoted. I'm now a Senior Consultant. This means I am self-managed, so I don't report to a set manager, nor am I part of a 'team'. I'm really flattered by this, as I'm amongst the first few people to take these positions, and it's quite a vote of confidence, given the highly detailed nature of our work. I'm glad that they've put this rung on the ladder, as previously, the next step was straight into Team Leader. Whilst managers have been generous enough in saying that I could definitely aim for this, I feel I would want a bit more experience - so this is the perfect way for me to feel appreciated, without taking a whole team down with me in a ball of flames. They're talking about all kinds of incentives, ranging from extra dollars to company cars, but I won't get my hopes up until they are actually in my grasp. Remember what happened when my last employer started talking promotions? A tasty dollop of redundancy.
For the first time, I went to a proper corporate function which was, of course, my work Christmas party (I've always avoided them in the past, but have been to a few of Stu's). It was a 'Gangsters and Glamours' ball, held at Red Scooter in St Kilda. It was about 36 degrees that day, so not an ideal evening for suits and feathers, however Stu looked great, all dressed up in suspenders (or braces if you want to call them that), fedora and pinstriped suit. I wore a black halterneck dress with a delicious teal fur stole, and to-die-for teal satin wedge-heeled peep-toes. Stu had on a teal coloured tie to match, which brought out the gorgeous blue/green shade of his eyes. I was given a nice bonus on the evening for being number one consultant at close of business that day, but really, some people had been on holidays, so I'm not running around blowing my trumpet!
I made a special trip into the city (like a crazy person, on the Friday before Christmas), to buy a pair of Chanel sunglasses which I'd been coveting, only to find they'd just swapped over to the next range. Everything for the new season is so garish, dripping with bling, so it was quite a task to find anything to my tastes, but I'm quite liking my new Dior shades instead. They've released a range of the most popular classic designs from the beginning of the label, which are mostly inconspicuous, and very tasteful. Still a bit sad that I didn't get exactly what I went in for, so I cheered myself up with a new Tiffany charm. It's super cute!
Christmas was busy but very enjoyable. I really enjoyed putting together all of the colour co-ordinated gifts, in shades of silver, with metallic sky and cobalt blue accents. We saw Stu's family (about 12 people) for lunch, and had a lovely 3 course meal. We then went to my parent's house for dinner with a total of seven people, for a veritable smorgasboard.

I really liked this schedule, because I feel like I have to be on best behaviour around my future in-laws, and need to exert a lot of stamina to dodge some little barbed comments (about which I'm far too sensitive), and exude an aura of tolerance towards those I'd rather never have met. Really, 99% of the time they're a joy, and it's been a delight to get to know them and to become an adult in their midst, but I am engaged to their golden boy, so I want to represent him nicely. To go to my family's gathering second is great, because then I can let my hair down, eat and drink as much as I like, amongst those I am most familiar with. To arrive at the future in-laws drunk, and too full to appreciate the meal which had been slavishly prepared would be blasphemy. However, most years the order is my family first, and Stu's second, as some members on Stu's side prefer to gather later in the day, as they are unwell. I understand this, but it means that I probably don't enjoy the day to its fullest potential.

I received gifts too numerous to detail, but standouts were jet black blown glass candlesticks from my brother, a tote bag handmade by my mum in Japanese fabrics, a Morroccan lantern from my sister (If you were to take Norway, and stand it up on its Southernmost point, and allowed it to fall forward in a southerly direction, where would it's Northernmost point land?), the rest of the Otori novels, plus a book on famous 'family trees' from Stu. Everyone was so generous and thoughtful, but most of all, they were in good spirits, and optimistic for a good year ahead, which is priceless.
I have toothache, in both sides of my mouth. Just minor, but I always worry about my teeth, and am guilty of not flossing enough. I'm thinking of having some tooth whitening done, and am dreading having my wisdom teeth out this year. How interesting for you all to read my tooth blogging.
We're going in on Thursday to Jalpak to discuss our honeymoon arrangements, as my insiders tell me that air fares to Japan are likely to be increasing significantly in the near future. We probably needed this to happen anyways, to encourage us to set some plans in stone. We're getting married this year!

Sheepishly retracting initial criticism

2006-12-12T16:20:00.000+11:00

Okay, so a while ago, I was all scathing about the new James Bond instalment.

I was so wrong. It's a fantastic movie, so enjoyable, far more sophisticated and less cheesy than the others. Daniel Craig did a great job, so suave, so physical. He might not be as 'pretty' as Pierce Brosnan, but he has such a forceful charisma - it's all a bit sexy, really.
It was less gadgety, less gimmicky, though Stu laments the absence of John Cleese, and whomever plays Moneypenny. Eh, can't say I missed them.

I'm already looking forward to the next one, if this is the dawning of a new era.

Eau de Cheap

2006-11-29T11:40:00.000+11:00

I absolutely hate seeing luxury perfumes making their way into low-end department stores.
I know, it's elitist and shallow, but surely the manufacturers should be protecting the integrity of their brands by maintaining exclusivity? Offloading your merchandise for $50 a bottle at Big W or Target hardly screams opulence.
Sure, Britney's plastic-bottled creations are perfect for a discount chain, and if people want to buy 'designer replicas', they're welcome to. But the moment I see my favourites popping up in the cheapy catalogues, is when I deplete the bottle, and not ever buy it again. I suppose they're my favourites for the very reason that they're unlikely to be candidates for bargain time.

Okay, I'm done.

Hey, does anyone know when the next Clinique Gift Time is? I need to replenish my supplies (I am sooooooo addicted to Clarifying Lotion), and who doesn't love a little something extra?

Dear God, I am starving. I beseech you to conjure up a goat's cheese tart between your other, rather more important duties.

Allo!

2006-11-10T13:05:00.000+11:00

So, what's happening?

My car died. It's been resurrected since, but I'm very, very lucky that it only cost me around $200 to fix, including the towing charge from Brighton to my mechanic in Somerville.
Apparently there's a chance that the head gasket might warp in the future, which would cost over $1000 to repair. My mechanic is gobsmacked that I was able to make it as far as I did without frying the engine... I got to within walking distance from work, which was handy, really (I say this retrospectively, at the time I was CHEESED, especially as Stu was in Sydney, so could only save me from afar).

I keep waking up at around 4-5 am, inexplicably. I'm not feeling too tired during the day, nor am I falling in to bed exhausted, but I feel robbed.

I've been playing squash about once a week with my little brother John - so much fun! But he's like, mega-champion of the squash world, and I am ultra amateur, so his patience is something to behold. I'd love to play more often, but Stu's reluctant to take out a membership, and John only has so many days to spare. Anyone down my way wanna play?

We've changed just about everything to do with the wedding - we'll eventually elaborate on that on the other dormant blog.

Still doing well at work, winning awards, getting bonuses and receiving compliments. Hurrah! Sometimes though I feel that it's too good to be true, and I'll be back in an admin role, or worse, unemployed again... but then I guess that's why I make an effort - once bitten, twice shy, all that.

I'm the same old weight as usual. It goes down, 'my time' comes along, it goes up, I work out really hard, it goes down, I have seventeen birthdays in a week, it goes up, I play squash, it goes down. I'm going to see a counsellor, to make sure that I can maintain my enthusiasm, and learn to say no to grandmas who insist I must have cake.

That's all - smooch!

Selfish

2006-10-17T13:28:00.000+10:00

Erm, 'twas my birthday yesterday, I'm now twenty four whole years old.
I feel so shy about all the attention, I didn't even tell anyone at work, but they found out anyway, so I got flowers and of course a rousing version of 'happy birthday'.

The gathering I had on Sunday with my family and friends was just right - low key, warm, really uplifting. Everyone was so generous with both time and gifts - a rose from my friend's garden, a gorgeous pair of earrings chosen by my dad (which makes them all the more special), candles which are filling the living room with the most delicious aroma. I received so many Japanese inspired cards - very touching, it's obvious that I wear my heart on my sleeve!
My sister made fudgey caramel filled cupcakes, all stacked with candles on top - so sweet.

Stu of course came through in fine form, he gave me the most wonderful card, filled with the most beautiful words, took me to a Japanese restaurant for dinner (I found out that I like eel!), bought me a book (Across the Nightingale Floor - looks amazing), a dvd (naughty), and got Foxtel connected (I'm ridiculously excited, now I can watch the Lifestyle channel whenever I want! And we really like the Girls of the Playboy Mansion - so cute and stupid!)
Even the cat bought me a card, conceding that I may be in charge for the day - Stu tried to get a paw print from him, but that just became a bit of a blob - poor fat cat.

So all in all, a lovely few days!

Plus, as my birthday reminded me that I want to avoid the inexorable ravages of time, I took a trip to the Clinique counter, did the whole facial analysis dealie, and bought one of just about everything. I was expecting to see eyebrows arched in judgement at the state of my skin, but the lovely lady there said that I had a silky smooth complexion, with no problems that she could see - what a great surprise for someone who grew up with awful acne, punctuated with the ugliest bout of chicken pox you're ever likely to see.

And my manager today actually described me as a 'high flyer'. Can you imagine it? Me, flying high!

Ah, what a great week.

Important questions

2006-10-06T16:36:00.000+10:00

If the wrapper on gum says that one piece contains 15 kilojoules, is that before or after swallowing? Do you chew out all the goodness, leaving nothing but calorie free goo?
If that's the case, why don't they sell 'calorie free goo' as some kind of appetite suppressant?

Also, how funny is Hambo?

Birthday!

2006-10-03T11:32:00.000+10:00

'Tis the birthday of the cutest dresser in all the land, Jickitia.

Wish her well guys! Though, it may be difficult, 'cause it's a Live Space page, and I think you have to sign up. So at least light a candle, blow it out, and make a wish for Jicks.

Hugs and kisses girl!

Finally getting organised

2006-09-19T09:42:00.000+10:00

Okies, I've tidied up my linkydinks, so all should be operational.

Erin, of Spider to Fly fame, I tried to fix your link, but when I tried to get to your newest blog, I got a Wordpress login - is that right?

I've also bought a few shoe organisers - enough to fit thirty-six pairs, so I'll need to cull the herd, but it will be cathartic. It's ridiculous how many pairs of black shoes I have - but I know there'll be more!

I've also spread my efficiency system to the ensuite, which is where I apply the warpaint for the day (the natural light is better in there than in the bathroom). I used to have a huge basket full of hairbrushes and makeup sponges and those random gifts you get for spending over a certain amount at the makeup counter (which never suit my colouring). I'd haul it out every morning - if I'd even managed to put it away the night before - and I'd have to dig through to find the things I want for the day. A real routine killer.
Now I have a teensy little tray with compartments - and the rule is that I have to use the items every day for them to be included. It has cut my preparation time by at least half! And I actually put it away afterwards, so the ensuite looks great!

I've also bought a big 1.5 litre water bottle, because it's so easy to get lazy with water at work, and tic tacs to help with sweet toothedness.

Now I just have to tackle the spice shelf, the craft closet, and find a magic device which will make our bed every day...

Enjoy the champers, daaahlinks

2006-09-18T11:50:00.000+10:00

That's what Spanish models will be doing, now that there has been a ban placed on underweight models at Madrid's fashion week, according to The Age.

And honestly, that is something to toast - a government making a decision which may open the gates for all countries to ensure the images projected as 'beautiful' are attainable by the everyday, healthy girl.

I'm not desperate to see overweight girls striding up and down the catwalk - I don't really think that my current size is something to aspire to, but being able to see models who have a healthy BMI, neither over or underweight, would do wonders for the self esteem of all women, at all sizes.

Marvellous

2006-09-15T11:29:00.000+10:00

My right indicator is now sitting on the passenger seat of my car.

Reversing out of the garage, I got all distracted by glowering at the neighbour's porch light, which they insist upon turning on at 9:30 each evening, only to turn off at 4 am - it illuminates our bedroom to Vegas proprtions, causing me to have to wear an eye mask to sleep.

So I turned a little earlier than usual, and scraped the front of the car along the rendered concrete pillar of the garage. The paintwork on the house is a bit damaged, but judging by the gaping hole and serious claw marks on the Excel, the garage won the argument.

How fortudinous that my car is scheduled for a service tomorrow, at which time the mechanic can shake his head at me, and justifiably remark disparagingly about women drivers.

Springalingadingdong

2006-09-01T12:11:00.000+10:00

Yay spring. Love it. Delighted!

What I'm not delighted by though is the fact that many men, when liaising with me at work on the phone, become a little bedazzled by my speaking voice.

People whom have had the dubious honour of hearing my voice (a nasal whine, which is either singsong when I'm playing cute, deadpan when I'm comfortable, and always staccatoed by my desperate need to use big words and correct pronunciation - all really no good), would probably be surprised by this.

However, there are several guys who have asked me out just because of my voice. The last one found it 'intriguing', and several have called back many times to ask the stupidest questions, all under the guise of collecting some material to 'enjoy' themselves with.

I'm no prude, and I have a bit of fun with it, and can certainly use it to my advantage. Problem is, the nature of my work means that I know that they have wives, children, etc., and I can't help but feel sorry for those poor women.
What state is their relationship in that the man is trying to get dates with a girl, sight unseen? I don't like being a party to it, it makes me feel dirty.

And that wrecks the springtime feeling!

Worst Movie Ever

2006-08-29T09:32:00.000+10:00

Forget all the hype about this Snakes on a Plane movie.
I haven't seen that, but it can't be half as bad as this.

Thank goodness the new version is to have nothing in common with the piece of disjointed trash Stu and I subjected ourselves to on Sunday night.
Hey, it was so bad, I fell asleep for a good 20 minutes or so, and Stu was at a loss to explain to me what happened while I was in the land of nod.

Do yourself a favour... avoid at all costs. Unless you're an insomniac, it did wonders for me in that department!

Getting my goat, airwaves style

2006-08-24T12:29:00.000+10:00

There are these HBA ads on the radio at the moment, where 'Mr Streetwise Modern Guy' is telling off his friend 'Mr Dropkick Bogan Guy', about wearing parachute pants, and not having private health insurance to avoid extra tax.

Question - How on earth is Mr Dropkick Bogan Guy earning over $50 a year, let alone the $50k threshold you need to pass to be required to take hospital cover?!

I know, it's just an ad, but it's stupid.

Also, could the radio please stop playing Christina Aguilera's new song so frequently? Once a day, fine. Once every two hours (I kid you not), not fine. I actually like Christina's music (please hold your taunts!), and this is really making me not want to listen to her CD.

And damn MMM Melbourne (and I'm sure their Sydney counterpart as well) for saying that a squillion listeners needed to register for the 'Music Jury', so that they could avoid becoming an ethnic radio station.
I know that they would say 'it's just a joke', but it was advertised in such a way, and with such fervour, that one gets the impression that MMM think that the listeners would actually believe it, and sign up in droves. I find it patronising.
Thing is, if they did become an ethnic radio station, it would be better than their current daily programming - Ashlee Simpson's 'Pieces of Me', everything by Nickelback, and 'Land Down Under' or 'This is Australia' on alternating evenings during The Shebang.
Now, after the condescending recruitment drive, they're playing ads saying 'thanks to your vote, we're playing (insert Nickelback clip), instead of (insert Macarena music)'. Yeah, big change, thanks for that.

See, I need a station which plays R'n'B, Jazz, Classical, and a hint of poppyness, with witty hosts and relevant social commentary, with minimal ads. I'm dreaming, aren't I?

Mmmm, obvious hinty-ness

2006-08-22T15:09:00.000+10:00

So, the delicious Martie has been kind enough to elude to the scarce posting. And to compliment the blog title - thanks hun! She's so right, and I don't want to be struck from the list, so I'll post.

Erm... isn't it funny that when it comes time to post, all of your memories float out of your ears?
Here's a general round-up

Weight -
I lost 5.4 kilos (over a few weeks), then I gained half, then I lost 2.3, then I gained another half. We had a big week last week - my work took us all to Werribee mansion for a function (I'm sorry Rennikins, by the time I got out of there it was midnight), and on Sunday I ate almost an entire wedge of the most decadent slice of cheescake ever created. So I will have gained this week - though I'll be busting my butt at the gym to ensure I minimise the damage.
I had a PT session a few weeks ago. It's the only time that I've ever felt like exercise related loss of lunch could be a possibility. I mean, I'm fit, I can run and skip and jump and I'm a gun in the RPM (spin bike) classes, but my Lord, I think the trainer wanted me to die! I'll be booking in for more of the same though - it was fantastic, I think I shrank an inch straight away. Strangely though, I lost not a single gram that week. Curious and curiouser!

Work -
All is marvellous. I really decline to say more than that, because of all the doociness. I'm really proud of what we do, it's a great service, and people should be grateful for it. Luckily they usually are. There's a little competition based stress, but my praises are regularly sang (sung?), and I honestly feel I'm contributing well.

Wedding -
Okay, so ages ago we booked a venue. In Croydon. Put down the deposit and all. Recently I've been feeling all nostalgic, so we really wanted to celebrate everything down on the Mornington Peninsula, closer to home, and to our hearts. So now we've booked another venue, in Red Hill. These places really couldn't be much farther apart!
At the old venue, everything was to be enacted on the same grounds - preparation, ceremony, photos, reception.
At the new venue, the outdoor ceremony options are gorgeous, but I'm an awful pessimist, and their indoor option is nice, though not to die for. So we're getting married in a church. I wrestled with this idea... did we, non-churchgoers, deserve to be married in a house of reverence? And we thought yes, we are both Christened Anglicans, whom have fairly Christian values (with a hefty dose of modern open mindedness). We hope to Christen our children (I am slowly thawing to the idea of actually mothering one day), and in my most vulnerable moments, I have been known to call upon Him - hoping that he feels I was worthy of something resembling divine intervention.
So the Lord bestowed upon us the desire to search for churches - and it was good.
That means however that we need cars (probably three) - I'm coveting the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud right now.
So now I have to approach the previous venue all sheepishly and apologise for cancelling - what fun!

Wesidential -
(Gold star for anyone who just got my silly sense of humour. And my bad bible reference.)
We're getting a cleaner. Life's just way too busy for chores. And quite frankly, I'm far too infected with diva disease to actually do anything around the house, so poor, patient Stu ends up with the rough end of it all. It's not caused any arguments or problems or anything (I think deep down Stu actually enjoys cleaning), but he only has so many hours in his day, and I prefer that he uses them for something that enriches his soul.
Of course, getting a cleaner made me feel guilty, there's plenty of people who maybe can't avail themselves of that kind of service. So a little while ago I started sponsoring a girl in Uganda - hoping that it might restore some karmic balance.

Peace y'all (How embarassing!)

Yet another sporadic post

2006-07-18T17:25:00.000+10:00

Did I tell you all how much I love my job? Yes? Okay, sorry.
I just feel a bit blessed, with the whole maintaining employment dealie. Lucrative too, thank heavens, with this wedding coming along, it's nice to know that we'll not have a cent to owe. Plus we're planning a honeymoon that will realise a long held dream. Can't wait!
I have been moved to another team, to help with the performance there - can you believe it - I'm an asset!
I feel really bad sharing this, because one of my nearest and dearest friends has found herself without a job, which hurts me so deeply. But knowing that I've fallen on my feet makes me want to share my happiness, as a testament to the fact that whilst things may seem desolate, circumstances could be doubly good at the next place - a blessing in disguise even.

So, next topic. I am absolutely adoring the Mazda MX5. I want one in black, and I shall have one after the wedding. It won Wheels' car of the year, drive.com.au gave it 4 1/2 stars (as good as a CLK!), and they're just plain sexeh! And you can't dissuade me, it makes my heart sing, which is a lot more than I can say for my P platers' plod machine.

Hooray for Big Brother David. I grinned from ear to ear to see an unapologetic display of love between two men. But the music in the background was horrendous. Couldn't they afford to pay a few extra dollars to get the Belinda Carlisle version?

Oh, why is it that I have so much to say, but then I get here and forget it all? Eh, when I remember, I'll post again!

Spontaneous brain emissions

2006-06-08T10:06:00.000+10:00

Hey there! It's me, your old pal Janet, who has just pulled her head out from under the rock of life. For general ramblings, read on -

Work is brilliant, just fantastic. I love the people, the culture, the challenges, and the rewards. The hours are generally great, and as such, I have a bit of time to spare for the important things. However, I used to blog whilst I was at work, as I had loads of free time (hence the redundancy)... so it's been hard to fit it in.

I've lost 4 kgs since embarking on my newest weight loss journey - it's been great! I'm remarkably fitter already, as the trainer at my gym has put togethar a great, challenging program, and I'm already noticing that a few inches have been carved away. Deeeelightful.

The cat is still a big tub o' lard, but adorable none the less. He's arrogant too, so I guess I can relate to him. I have wanted a kitten soooo badly, since the season for them just came and went, but really, I don't think I could put up with two boofheads eating the flowers I carefully display, and breaking the vases we've gratefully received.

I'm finding it really hard to find a perfect makeup removing facial cleanser, that doesn't leave a residue, or actually removes the makeup effectively. Any ideas?

My dentist has gone back to Adelaide, and there's only one dentist left at the practice we visit. As such, the next available appointment is late July. I had fillings scheduled! And now, they can't be done at the next visit, because that dentist didn't prescribe them. (Am I making sense?) And they don't take weekend bookings! So it's time to leave the modelling agency that is my dental surgery. Does anyone know of a great dentist, in the South-South-East suburbs?

That's all for now, I'm going home!

Isn't she lovely...

2006-04-14T17:13:00.000+10:00

Here's my little sister, less than an hour before saying vows to my new brother in law. Mum made the dress she's wearing, and the cake we all dined upon later as well - she's quite a talented lady, my ma. You can't glean a real appreciation of it here, but the whole bodice was hand beaded with thousands of Swarovski crystals - so subtle and ethereal. The skirt had a train which just swept the ground as Bec walked, and mum installed a nifty bustling system, which gave the gown a new dimension, quite pretty.

The whole day was a delightful confection. I must say that all through the morning I was holding up nicely, and was confident that I would get through the day mostly emotionally unaffected. Then we're in the church annexe, listening to the first few notes of the wedding march song (Des'ree's 'Kissing You'), and the tears start to well in my eyes. I raced up that aisle, desperate to reach the altar so that I could sop up the tears with the tissue I'd secreted away in my cleavage. Then I look at Nathan, whose eyes were also glossy with tears, and I started all over again! The ceremony was touching, the photos were as fun as could be expected when one is wearing a halter neck satin dress, in 15 degree weather, and the reception was a blast. I cried again at the speeches, they were charmingly honest and affectionate. It was all over way too soon, and I simply cannot wait for our day to come along so that we can go through it all over again.

But a few gears shifted in my head the next day (may have been the ten litres of champagne killing off my brain cells). As you can plainly see, my sister is a stunning creature. She deserved every compliment she received, and I'm sure she felt every bit as gorgeous as she looked. At my size, I'm just not able to believe the compliments which come my way. People were generous with praise about my appearance that day, and of course I accepted it all gracefully, but in the back of my mind I'm thinking 'yes, I'm pretty, but fat too, right?'.

So, the next Weight Watchers meeting is tomorrow. And I'll be joining. I used to work for them, and had to give it up as my old employers told me to, so that I could be more available for the company. I protested at the time, knowing that WW was what I needed - the support, the pressure of monitored weigh-ins, the advice - but gave in, reluctantly. As expected, I gained all my weight back. I'm really looking forward to walking back in there - that surge of anticipation, all the encouragement, as well as friends I came to adore - very addictive!

I understand though, that food is only half the issue. I maintain my fitness fairly well, but I'm always looking for new challenges. My little brother plays squash at the gym, and I've always wanted to join him. Plus a few weeks ago, my mum took me along as a guest to an RPM (cycling) class, and the buzz was just electric. So before I join WW, I'm going to join the gym as well.

I'm gonna do this - the goal is attainable (69 - 71 kgs), and I'd like to be at least halfway there before I start trying on wedding dresses in September. Can do! I can't be exactly sure what my weight will be tomorrow morning, as I usually weigh myself in a satin nightgown, sans shoes, and before breakfast, but I'm expecting that a 40 kg voyage is ahead of me.

I think that I just wanted to get all of Bec's wedding out of the way, didn't want to mess up the bridesmaid's dress by losing weight and needing to have it re-sewn, plus I didn't want to deny myself all the treats that a wedding entails. Bec's had her day in the sun, now it's time for me to focus on my goals.

Celery, anyone?

Sporry...

2006-04-02T22:37:00.000+10:00

Hee, that title reminds me of high school, at which time John Howard was having issues with saying 'sorry' to the indigenous peoples who were mistreated by previous governments. So we all decided that he might just say 'sporry' instead... it was funny at the time... I miss those girls.

I lived with them for three months, but we were all at different points in our lives, and had moved away from home for different reasons, so it was not to be. Tash, Meely, if you're out there, please know that there is a place in my heart for you which is warm, forgiving and apologetic all at once, and I wish you well. Jenny D too, we had such deep, connected conversations, what a shame that circumstances dictated that our paths would diverge.

Anywhos, I'm sporry for neglecting the blog. Life has been well and truly hectic. My sister's wedding is next weekend, so, as you could imagine, my family's existence is a whirlwind, with Bec and Nathan at it's twisted core. It's a delightful time, however, and the hen's day/night was deliciously fun. Grandparents arrive during the week, rehearsals are on Tuesday, and I will be picked up on Saturday morning at 7:30am to begin my day of pale pink frippery.

I am loving my job, love, love, loving it! The days are so jam packed, and I'm learning so much, each day goes past in a blur. But I've been much congratulated on my progress, and I'm told that I should be very successful, so it's easier to feel comfortable with my unceremonious ejection from the last employer. Plus, after only three weeks in my permanent role, I've earnt a bonus of several hundred dollars - nice! Here I go about the money again! But really, at a time when we are saving for the wedding, and perhaps developing a dream of enjoying a decent honeymoon, it's wonderful to know that I can look forward to fulfilling some modest fantasies.

I'm thinking of returning to Weight Watchers. I don't want to stick around for meetings or whatever, but the weigh in will provide an incentive - nothing's worse than three ladies assessing the number on the display when it's a gain. Stu and I were flicking through some pictures of when I was a member, and Lordy, Lordy, I was one hot piece of ass (comparitively). Stu says he can't tell the difference (sweetheart that he is!), but I certainly can, and liked the support that the group provided. We'll see.

Anywho's, bedtime, can't have bags under the eyes (or bigger ones, at least) for the wedding!

Observations

2006-03-16T09:36:00.000+11:00

I've lost 0.6 kgs this week, so that's a nice observation.

I also observed a deliciously big jump in bank account land, as the first work based deposit for three long months appeared. Thank heavens, stability is back. At no time was I destitute, but not knowing just how long your money has to last is never a good thing.

We observed a beautiful charcoal modular lounge suite at Myer last week, so it's being delivered on Saturday. (That statement really negates my last comment about getting paid!)

But a strange observation - people all of a sudden seem to think it's okay to chat to me while I'm in the bathroom. Like, not just at the basin, but whilst in cubicle usage situations. What's with that? I would just love to pretend that the whole digestion procedure doesn't exist, so it's strange to be engaging in witty banter with colleagues whilst trying to imagine that I'm anywhere else.

Geebus, I've managed to write about two things I usually hate to discuss - money, and bodily functions. Looks like this blog has taken a turn for the worse! Eh, Dooce is the land of backdoor observations, and Heather's a gem, so at least I'm in good company*.

*Please do not think that in any way am I comparing myself to Heather - she's a bloggy goddess, and I am a humble minion.

Teeny tiny progress

2006-03-06T10:32:00.000+11:00

I lost 0.1 kgs this week - obviously nothing to rave about, but no drama either.
I'm glad that I've lost more centimetres everywhere, that's the real sign of increased smallness. I'm also feeling a lot fitter and stronger, and am achieving fantastic scores with my PS2 PT sessions, so that's another plus... I'm getting to the end of my twelve week program, so I'm wondering whether to add some running again... oh, it is such an effort, but I get real value out of it - I just have to take care of my knees by keeping on grassed areas.

Nothing to celebrate this week, and now that I have a routine established, I should see better numbers next Monday.
I am already dreading the week of Bec's hen's celebrations - a tour of Melbourne's best chocolatey destinations, followed with many flirtinis at mum and dad's house. I am taking crudites, to encourage myself (and others) to break up the fats and sugars with something nutritious.

But will my willpower last when the chocolates are laid out in front of me? Time will tell.

Emptyhead

2006-03-01T10:40:00.000+11:00

This week I am acting as though I sold my brain to gypsies.

Last night I left my wallet in Stu's car. And we realised long after I left this morning.
Of course tonight is a tafe night, and I will be needing to buy some kind of meal, so that I don't starve to death between lunch today, and breakfast tomorrow.

So I'm driving from Brighton, to Mulgrave, and then on to Frankston. I have to do this within an hour and a half, in peak hour, hopefully including a visit to a sushi vendor (to procure the all important dinner).

I never make things easy for myself, do I?

Stuff

2006-02-28T16:10:00.000+11:00

I lost 0.7 kgs last week. I'm happy with that, though it will be nice to catch up to where I was.

And my face is healing - it appears that my foundation, of all things, has helped immensely. (Those affected areas which have been concealed with foundation are healing much more rapidly than those left alone.)

Oh, I did the stuuupidest thing last night. After coming home from real estate school at 10 pm, I locked my keys in the car. Of course I did not realise this until 7:15 am this morning, when it was imperative that I leave for work, which currently starts at 8:30am, as it's the busy season (hence the fact that I was employed in the first place).

Cue major tanty. Swear words and general impatience all round. So dear, sweet Stu decided to spare the neighbourhood my fisherman impression, and let me take his shiny blue baby to work. And I just made it, with ten minutes to spare. So Stu won't be doing any housework for a week (Except ironing, for which I have no patience), to make up for the fact that he had to wait around for the RACV man to come, and then had to squeeze his lankiness into my darling little hatchback. Of course now we have had a second key made!

Mwah.

Mission Accomplished

2006-02-24T14:18:00.000+11:00

Ask, and you shall receive.

About half an hour ago I was moaning about wanting to be permanent. Ten minutes later, I was offered a permanent consultant's role. Blogging works people!

Apparently they have been 'impressed with my attitude', and see potential in me. Nice!

So I went and celebrated by buying the fabulous dress from Laura Ashley which I have been coveting since I arrived here. (Laura Ashley is next door, which could be an issue, as they have the most delectable collection of skirts I have ever laid eyes upon).

This is going to be a great weekend!

Get a haircut, and get a real job

2006-02-24T12:39:00.000+11:00

I'm really enjoying my new job, but am looking forward to feeling like 'one of the team'. You know the 'third wheel' feeling one gets when they join a new group? Well, I am beset with it at the moment, and hope it wanes before my contract expires.

About the contract, I am trying my hardest to endear myself to everyone, as I'm determined to secure myself a permanent position. This seems to be such a wonderful company to work for - quite progressive and relaxed, yet professional when it counts - and it would be a great place to set down roots. The role I'm fulfilling at the moment isn't exactly taking advantage of all of my abilities, but if I can show that I'm capable of more, hopefully a niche will be available for me. If all else fails and my contract isn't renewed, I should have real estate accreditation under my belt (if they don't defer the course again *grumble*).

Oh, and I have finally diagnosed my medical situation (which I should probably refer to a healthcare professional!).
I have developed a new crop of strange, inflamed, rashy bits all over my face and chest, which are far too round and specific to be just a general allergy. It seems that the tea tree oil which I had been using as an antiseptic to treat any little bumps or redness, is actually exacerbating the problem, and burning my skin wherever I apply it. Note to self - dilute! The drugs the doctor prescribed don't address that issue (just the infection I had), and I really don't know how to make the rashes go away. I have been able to disguise them (mostly) with makeup, but they're sooooo itchy, and a bit puffy, and moisturiser only soothes them temporarily.

And I do really need to get my hair looked at, it's getting too long, and the colour needs refreshing. I have regrowth - gross!

Hello!

2006-02-20T17:38:00.000+11:00

Busy times, my friends.

Here is a sequence of events from the last few weeks.

- I am on my way to an interview, and receive a call from the company from whom I accepted my first offer of employment. "Can you start ASAP?" They ask. "Sure can - Friday?" I reply. So I have been working for a week and a half. Gee, isn't the working week long? Funny how one forgets these things.

- I received an offer from the other people, but only for part time work. As lovely as that would be, it is also lovely being able to pay the rent, so I said "No, thank you".

- I contracted a nasty infection, which spread into an awful rash. For which I took medication, causing more horrendously itchy, festy rashes and a propensity to burn easily. It also made me bloat up to zeppelin proportions, and as such I have gained 2 kgs, despite stringent point counting. I am coming off the medication, however it is interfering with my anti-baby tablets, so we have to resort to plan B for another two weeks. I hate plan B.

- My real estate course was meant to start tonight, however it has been postponed a week. It will be two nights a week, 6pm - 10pm. So for the next two months, I will resemble death warmed up. Don't mess with me.

- I bought a car. A cute little three door Excel, in a metallic oyster shade. It goes, I love it. Public transport, you're dumped. Man, am I glad to be getting out of that abusive, one-way relationship. But now I have a new neuroses to deal with - "Is my car okay?" will be running through my mind, on the continuous loop which already includes such worries as - Stu, hair, clothes, family, reputation, job, cat, blah, blah, blah. Joy.

- Oh, speaking of relationships, Valentine's was just lovely. Stu gave me a single, perfect rose, with a cute card containg precious words. He also took me to dinner at Sophia's, a new restaurant on the pier we've been eager to try. Huge, huge meals, as is typical of the mafia restaurant chain. And the weather was just gorgeous, so we strolled on the beach and watched the sunset - just my kind of Valentine's day - low key, yet still beautiful.

Mwah.

Oh, and...

2006-02-06T15:23:00.000+11:00

I lost another 0.5 kgs last week.

Happy days!

Bubbye, Oprah.

2006-02-06T14:42:00.000+11:00

As much as I have loved getting in touch with daytime television, and making the bed every day, I am delighted to say that I have been offered a job.

It's an admin role with a brokerage for financial services. It's full time, in the ritziest of Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, working amongst a medium-sized friendly team. I'll be receiving more $ than I was at the Fizz Factory, and the proposed hours are fantastic.

The only aspect which could be viewed as a negative is the fact that it's only a five month contract. There is a possibility of extension, however, they want to assess the landscape before they add too many sheep to their flock. This, however, is actually a good thing. I have enrolled in the real estate representatives course, which I'll complete in evenings over the next few months. Those who know my soul are all too aware that it swells at the mere mention of real estate, and I would be thrilled to work in the industry. With a deadline to work towards, and certification under my belt, I can realise that dream.

I'm going to buy a car as soon as possible, as this new job is tricky to get to using public transport, which I detest anyways. It will also allow me to get between work and my course, and to be generally independent, thus more employable when I next have to search for work.

I actually have another interview for an entirely different kind of position on Wednesday, and I'm still going to go, if only for the chance to strut again in my hot hot hot new charcoal suit from Jacqui E. It's got a delicious flippy knee length skirt, and looks so cute with stockings and black heels. Curvy girls, get thee to Jacqui E, their clothes are beautifully styled, in lovely fabrics and sophisticated shades.

Hurray!

Hello strangers!

2006-01-30T16:12:00.000+11:00

Oh, I'm soooo sorry for not checking in here for ages ('cause I know you've been just hanging out for me to write something- pfft!).

I've had the busiest time since my last post. Here's a summary -
- Nathan's (Bec's fiancee's) birthday (held at La Porchetta, a 'restaurant' I detest)
- Dad's birthday (at my parent's house - much better)
- Loads of job applications (I am considering enrolling in a real estate representative's course, in lieu of the social sciences course I really want to start, but can't, with our wedding being right in the middle)
- I saw Billy Connolly (and cried with laughter, I still wish he was my grandad)
- I saw Memoirs of a Geisha (wore one of my kanzashi, did not allow myself to become too despondent at Rob Marshall's molestation of the original text and traditions)
- Had hair and makeup trials for Bec's wedding (made me look like a vampy burlesque dancer, but once I took down the hair and removed an inch of eyeliner, I had a nice, smokey 'Charlotte from Sex and the City' visage (if only!))
- Spent Australia Day with Stu's side of the family (upon whom I desperately want to make a good impression, so spend the entire time being gushy and over polite, feeling fat and misunderstood - but they are nice people, I think it's mostly my negative internal dialogue)
- Completed Bec's wedding invitations (I am much celebrated for my bow tieing abilities, was told I should start a business in invitation design, don't have the confidence)
- I registered a loss of 0.5 kgs last Monday (nice)
- And a loss of 0.7 kgs today (la la la!)

Erm, that's all. Email me! I need outside contact.

Let's all praise some deities

2006-01-16T14:03:00.000+11:00

Actually, no, I'm gonna praise myself for once. I worked so hard last week, exercising and counting points and denying unecessary extras. Even innocent little cups of tea will accumulate on the hips, thus I declined them, if I felt I couldn't afford them.

Finally, I recorded a loss of 1.7 kgs in the last week. But I also lost a few centimetres from each of my measurements. Nice.

Yep, I agree with my smart supporters, muscle is quite the heavy entity, but my weight has to go down at some point, being as huge as I am. Looks like that might be happening. I'm prepared for plateaus and all, but I'd like to get a headstart on the fat loss, before that happens.

Just the kick start I needed. I wish you all a sunshiney day!

Memelicious

2006-01-11T15:36:00.000+11:00

Thanks, Rennikins (ummm, can I call you that here? If no, spank me when we see Billy - gently!)

What were you doing 10 years ago?
- Lusting over Jonathan Brandis (seriously, it was like a disease)

What were you doing 1 year ago?
- Working

Five snacks you enjoy:
- Mangoes
- OT's bars
- Berri Smoothie icypoles
- Teriaki rice crackers
- Cashews

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
- At Last
- Caged Bird
- Goin' Down
- Throw Your Arms Around Me
- Lately

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
- Give up a traditional 9-5 working day (should I actually attain one of those), in favour of creative endeavours
- Pay off the homes of my loved ones, purchase homes for those who are renting. Cars too.
- Move to the gated community in Mount Martha which contains the most delicious Japanese/European fusion home I have ever laid eyes upon. Or build one for myself, with uninterrupted bay views. Mount Eliza would be okay too. Hell, they're building a house a minute's walk from mine which also sets my heart aflame - I guess I just want a nice house!
- Give unrestrainedly to charity, especially to MS, Parkinsons and Alzheimer's foundations.

Five bad habits:
- Cracking joints: all of them - knuckles, wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles, neck, spine - it's awful.
- Silently ignoring disparaging comments from others, only to dwell on them incessantly later, with poor Stu as my audience. I should just defend myself straight away.
- Pulling out Stu's grey hairs.
- Biting my lower lip.
- And well, obviously, the emotional eating.

Five things you like doing:
- Singing
- Hugging
- Visiting new, beautiful places, and indulging in their activities, vistas and gourmet treats.
- Shopping
- Erm, spending quality time with my fiancee.

Five things you would never wear, buy or get new again:
- Pants (if I can help it)
- Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash (my skin came off in sheets, I was like a burn victim)
- Basketball singlets (or sports merchandise of any kind, really)
- 'Cheap' accessories. There's nothing wrong with something that's surprisingly inexpensive, or on sale (oh, how I love a sale), but I find generally avoiding faux leather, polyester, and tacky trims or colours helps me to avoid looking like a member of the Timmons family
- A mini skirt

So this is the plan: Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot
watching me grow
Ready or Not
Contemplating Albert
Suspiras Web
Dangerous Curves Ahead

Then select five people to tag:
Aw, Jeez, everyone's already done this, 'cept maybe Jicks, and Deej, and Dieter, and loads of people who have topic-specific blogs. Do it!

But I have some good news...

2006-01-09T18:58:00.000+11:00

I got my license today!

Fortunately, the processing lady made a mistake which took her (and a helpdesk) some time to fix, so my (very, very cute) instructor couldn't drive me home, as he had to help another hapless young girl to gain her independence.
So I enjoyed a pleasant (if drizzly) 1.5 hour walk from the Vic Roads office to the beach, along the cool, damp sand, then up the punishing cliff to home. If that ain't going to melt away my thighs, I give up!

As a reward, my beautiful man brought me a bouquet of long-stemmed roses, yellow to match the colour of the L-plates I no longer have to use.

Incidentally, the new licence picture's nice enough to earn a place in my wallet - I've decided that my face actually seems prettier when it's fuller, but perhaps I've just become more adept at make-up application? Eh, I'd rather have a slimmer figure than a Mona Lisa face.

That's all, I'm off to make a pot of 1 point soup.
Smooch!

Feckkidy-feck

2006-01-09T18:43:00.000+11:00

Goddamnit, I've gained again - since my last weigh in, I've accumulated another frickin' 0.7.
Just what I need. Now, usually I can say it was because of fudge, or champagne, or whatever, but I really busted my butt working out and counting the points and all. My muscles ached for a good week after Christmas, with all of the effort digiMatt was making me exert.
All I can imagine is that it was accumulated... like, all of the crap I ate at Christmas had not yet converted to fat by the Monday weigh-in, leaving a legacy that no amount of exercise could remove quickly. But I'm narrower in the waist and hips, I feel stronger in my legs, and a bit fitter, too.

The only way is down, baby

2005-12-27T19:26:00.000+11:00

Yesterday morning, after a day of double feasts, I weighed 106.6kgs. That is the most I will weigh, ever again. I have been bigger, it didn't suit me, I will not go there again. I have no reasons for eating more than what will keep me healthy, now that the obligations of Christmas have passed.

I now have Bec's wedding to look forward to, and I am determined to have the dressmaker cut a huge amount of fabric from the gown I have bought. I am still trimmer than when I first really dedicated myself (and subsequently got retrenched, thus depressed, and heavier), probably due to the regular exercise I've been doing, but no matter how much muscle there is on these bones, I want less fat getting in the way.

Aside from a sensible eating plan, I think that the biggest factor in my success will be my personal trainer... Stu bought me Kinetic for Eye Toy (in addition to some other lovely gifts, and a deliciously sweet card), and already my muscles are aching after a PT session with my digital taskmaster, Matt. The magical software has set up a twelve week program for me, based on my answers to a small questionnaire. It starts with a warm up, then you move on to an aerobic workout, then an anaerobic workout, then strength training, and finally a stretching session.
You can also do meditation, tai chi and random workout sessions. It's fantastic, because they can actually see what you're doing, and provide appropriate advice, comments and motivation, unlike a video. They also know when you're slacking off, and don't like it when you hit 'pause' so that you can tell the software not to include the sofa as a player. Also, I can afford to do this three times weekly, as is recommended, with walks, bike rides and runs thrown in on the alternating days. At this point in time, I just couldn't do that with either a gym or a real personal trainer, but we all know I need the motivation.

Stu's on holidays now, so we're looking forward to a few weeks of living based on our whims, during which time I will try to ignore the fact that I am unemployed (a surefire way to dampen the mood!). I've applied for a few absolutely fantastic, well suited opportunities, (one with a leviathan competitor of the Fizz Factory, the other a massive trade partner with whom I've had many important communications.) Fingers crossed that one of those wonderful people at the other end see my potential.

Kisses to all!

Downtime

2005-12-19T11:28:00.000+11:00

It's all a ghastly nightmare, my friends.

Over the last week, I've been really down. The last time I cried for myself (and not Bert) was last weekend, and it set the tone for the week to come. I just want to contribute to my household. Sure, there's the payout, but I would really prefer to leave that in my savings, and use it to our future advantage.
However, add this delightfully festive time, with the expectations of presents and cheer, and my cash is needing to be stretched further. Because of Christmas, good opportunities are thin on the ground, so it's unlikely that I'll see work any time soon. And of course my dentist feels that I need two preventative fillings, and to have my wisdom teeth removed, but all of that can wait until I have a regular income.

So I'm a little bit depressed. And what does an emotional eater do when depressed? You guessed it, I didn't really restrain myself as one should when following the WW routine. No bingeing craziness, and I still worked out, but just an extra dollop of light mashed potatoes here, and a small serve of frozen custard there, was enough to help me pile on 1.9 kgs. I lost 0.2kgs last week, so it all equates to a total weight of 105.6 kgs. Joy.

I'm going to behave every single day of this week - no treats, nothing extra. On Christmas day, I'll enjoy one last hurrah. And then I am going to bust my ass. Points perfectly balanced, workouts strenuous, less salt, less sugar points.

I'll be posting pictures to prove my efforts have not gone to waste, but I'm determined to have lost at least 10 kgs by Bec's wedding in early April. And you all have permission to reprimand me for doing anything different. I can't justify the expense of WW meetings at this point, so I need you as motivation.

It's Christmas week, however, so my childlike giddiness is setting in! La la la.

Friday Fact

2005-12-16T17:04:00.000+11:00

I am such a wussy sentimentalist.

I couldn't help but shed a tear when Bert took his last trip down the Channel Ten elevator while his colleagues, past guests, and family sang 'That's What Friends Are For'.

I hated this show, mostly. I enjoyed the witty repartee, but it is my unfortunate observation that entertainment comprised approximately 20% of GMA's programming. Moira and her gang of enthusiastic advertisers molested the rest of the schedule, making GMA a mostly frustrating experience.

However, I can't help but feel for Bert, who must feel so utterly rejected. Yep, I'm sure that the folks over at the ballpit will wipe his tears with healthy cheques, but that wouldn't lessen the pain of the 'You're too old' meeting.

Kerri-Anne will have her gaudy hot-pink leopard print knickers in an excited twist - no competition! There are rumors that either Mark Holden or Kyle Sandilands will take up Ten's lazy-person's breakfast slot, so I reiterate - no competition!

Libra

2005-12-13T11:17:00.000+11:00

The eerily serene Karen Moregold had an unwelcome message for me today:

Lucky Day - Wednesday
Crisis Day - TODAY!

So, astro lady, may I go for my walk today? Will I be hit by a car? Should I apply for jobs? Will Samurai hack me to pieces? Is shower drowning likely?

Honestly, what good does this news do for anyone?

Peep!

2005-12-10T18:57:00.000+11:00

Okay...

Monday - I stayed exactly the same again, weight wise. I would almost rather gain, at least then I would know that my scales are working!
On Wednesday, I fell over, and acquired myself a twisted ankle, plus an ugly gaping wound on my left shin. Much love to the pharmacy ladies who patched me up.
Yesterday, I met with a recruitment consultant. This service has been supplied by the Fizz Factory, as a parting gift, of sorts. This delightful lady, M, placed me at the Fizz Factory, so we know each other well enough, and it's comfortable knowing that I'm navigating this enemy territory with a co-pilot.
We identified my deep longing to pursue market research (oooh - statistics!), however M recommended a few opportunities which would be a lovely fit otherwise. Both great positions, with lovely remuneration rates, alas, geographically undesirable. Currently, my desperate need to work is telling me "Apply!", however, my rational side says "Don't! You hate travelling too far to work." It was half an hour to Fizzland by car, and I would have to say that 45 minutes driving is my max. I'm happy to do public transport for a while, which will always take longer, but it is my eventual aim to not have to leave the house before 7:30 am. I'm too picky for my own good, but really, I'm a 'work to live' type.
I picked up my bridesmaid's dress for Bec's wedding today. Far too big already, the seamstress will have a heart attack when I take it for alterations in late February. At least this means I'm losing inches, if not kilograms.
I miss you guys.
Suss, baby, I think of you all the time, type you silent thought messages throughout the day. When your schedule opens up, I'm yours.
Jicksypop, let's catch up, I need your trademark optimism! (And to find out what it is you wish you hadn't said!)
Deej, can you please come by and be my diet coach? Oh, and I emailed you, as urged by my alternate lover.
Special K, keep up the good work. My intuition says you're a hottie, but WW will definitely help you to feel fantastic, even if it takes time.
I love, love, love my fiancee. He's so patient and supportive, and just taught me how to perform line breaks, to override Blogger's awful excuse for formatting.

Belated Fact

2005-12-04T21:49:00.000+11:00

Shaun Micallef is one lovely fellow.

We met him on Friday, at a book signing in the city. We've met him before, at a taping of his show. But this time Stu had the opportunity to ask a question about his influences, and Python, a topic dear to both their hearts.

It was so lovely to see them both light up, engaging like old friends. Shaun's so charismatic, and though I didn't introduce myself (not being the 'fan' in our little duo), he seemed genuine in his happiness to have met me, as we chatted on the availablity of DVDs, their origins, and the ins and outs of region coding. All an act? Maybe, but he's good at what he does!

And seriously, my bust was smokin' hot that day, so how could he not have been happy to meet me? Heee!

DC3 for ever (pfft!)

2005-12-01T22:01:00.000+11:00

As Stu left for work on his own this morning, I can't begin to describe how bereft I felt. So humiliated by all that had transpired in the last twenty four hours. I couldn't even enjoy a sleep in, so upset was I. So, I wept for a good fifteen minutes. Sobbed and allowed myself to feel every bit of anguish, fear and hurt.

The uncertainty is bad, I really don't like not knowing what my future holds. I've gone through a kind of grieving process, you know, the denial-anger-bargaining-depression-acceptance scenario. Though, the anger phase tends to creep back up on me if I dwell on the situation. Like, 'It's his fault for not utilising resources effectively', or 'Trust men to fire an engaged girl with no qualifications just before Christmas'. It bites, but it is what it is, and it's not healthy to dwell.

Everyone's telling me how employable I am, how I'll be back on my feet in no time. I sincerely hope that is the case. But at this time of year, my efforts will likely be hindered. Who employs staff over the holidays? And really, I'm picky. I don't do weekends, I am very reluctant to take calls, I want it to be within a reasonable distance from home, I want career progression. All this from a person who doesn't have a license, doesn't have a degree. Hurrah.

So, I did some sudoku, calmed down, then my conscience yelled "Get over yourself woman!" I pulled on my running gear, and left.

Thank the heavens above for Destiny's Child. (Don't diss me!)
Just as my stride began to languish, 'Survivor' popped up, and inspired me to run twice my usual distance. 'Happy Face' reminded me to appreciate the beauty of the little things. However, their song featuring the line 'Thank you, Lord, hallelujah, you've been so good to me' was a little lost on this little bruised duck.
Regardless, feeling all womanly and empowered, I continued down the Nepean highway, investigating the streets studded with homes belonging to those ridiculously privileged, with views of the bay and Sweetwater Creek. I found the quaint little shopping strip on Norman Avenue, which all the real estate guides praise so enthusiastically. A cool shower washed away the evidence of my efforts, likely saving me from heatstroke! An elderly couple offered me firewood. And after two and a half hours of running, walking, blisters, and 'glowing' (I am a lady, after all!), I jogged home one happy chicky.

I'm optimistic. I'm looking forward to bumping into former colleagues as a slimmer, healthier Janet. I'm looking forward to the phone call telling me that I can start work on Monday. But for now, I'm glad that I can lighten Stu's burdens by taking care of all the chores, and catch up on Dr. Phil, Oprah and Entertainment Tonight, and be paid for it! (Seriously, I have to focus on the positives.)

Biggest positive - Sussy's birthday!
I'm so deeply in love with this girl, and wish for her every happiness. Enjoy the next two hours, precious pie!

Update

2005-11-30T23:31:00.000+11:00

It's permanent.

My promotion at the Fizz Factory depended upon my manager being able to progress himself. The Australian head office thought that it was all systems go. Unfortunately, the international head office reviewed the YTD and projected figures, and decided that there were to be no promotions, and additionally, a staff member was to be cut. I had been there the least amount of time, thus, I am unemployed.

It would have been very easy to point out that there are people within the company who contributed less, have a far lower work ethic, and whose lives would be far less impacted by such an awful decision. But I was determined to leave with dignity, and so thanked them for their honesty, offered sympathy for the uncomfortable position they were in, and expressed my hopes that this would result in future success for those remaining with the company.
That doesn't mean I didn't cry, but I think that as a young woman who had just been ejected from a life of promise and security, I deserved that luxury.

The redundancy is meant to commence on new year's eve (happy new year!), however they thought it best, thank goodness, that I be allowed to leave immediately. I collected my possessions, said quick, quiet goodbyes to those I had counted as friends, they organised a taxi, and I was homeward bound at 11am.

My boss hugged me several times before I left, and he tried repeatedly to explain. However I understand completely - I generated the reports, I saw the issues, but the optimist in me hoped for an upturn. He has promised me a written reference, and has made himself available by phone as well.

Though I am assured it has nothing to do with me or my abilities, I can't help but feel diminished by the event. I'd recently become so grateful for where I was in life, what I'd left behind, and where I was going, I was starting to shed a bit of my trademark cynicism, becoming more confident and optimistic. I should have known that I was due some trauma.

I will be fine, financially, for three months, more if we are frugal. I refuse to touch my savings, and hope to be employed soon enough that this may contribute to them. I will allow myself the rest of the week to relax, accept, and heal. Then we go into major job hunting mode. During which I may undertake some volunteer work to stop myself from rattling around the house. If I've not secured a suitable position by the end of the third month, we will revert to desperado plan B - temping.

At the very least, this is giving me a lot of time to do some serious working out - and so I shall. The house is already sparkling from my afternoon of frenzied cleaning, and I am looking forward to striking a great deal of items from my mental to-do list. I am determined to emerge from this a stonger, wiser person.

Thanks to those who've offerered consolation, it really means so much to me. I'll still be here, still be trying to lose a kilo or two, and I'm sure the coming months will provide lots of blogging material!

Kisses...

(Oh, I should point out that I've been using pseudonyms for the companies I've worked for - please don't bombard any companies unlucky enough to be called Fabcorp or Fizz Factory with hate mail, I'm sure their products are lovely!)

News

2005-11-30T10:30:00.000+11:00

My position was just made redundant.

I'll post as soon as I can, until then, take care of your beautiful selves.

Driving Range

2005-11-29T21:24:00.000+11:00

Apparently, I'm going to be a licensed driver within two months.

My instructor says six more lessons, but I'd like to rack up more practise hours, around 100 would be good.
I've done a little over 60 hours so far, in the awful old brown Camira. After a few more professional lessons (last night I had my first) Stu will be comfortable with me driving the Focus, and I'll be able to accumulate many more, driving to and from work, plus extra jaunts on the weekends.

I'm told that my wheel control is great (probably from the heavy Camira steering), my attention to road signs is exemplary, and I'm talented with the parking. That didn't stop me from failing to give way to a car when I wanted to turn across its path - oops!

Down

2005-11-28T10:08:00.000+11:00

I lost a kilo this week, so I'm now 103.9.

The only real hurdle to my being able to be under one hundred by the new year is Christmas... I know that I won't want to start counting points at the dinner table, but I can try to make the right choices. Big problem is wine, if I so much as take a sip of the nectar of the gods, my hips inflate. Must be all the sugar.

Eh, I won't let a holiday stop me from working my butt off for the rest of the month. Hopefully it'll all balance out!

Friday Fact

2005-11-25T09:41:00.000+11:00

I go gaga for Christmas.

However, only parts of it. I'm not a huge fan of repetitive Christmas carols, perhaps from years in choir singing the same old tunes. That said, I still watch the Carols by Candlelight, but only the Melbourne ones, as they are held at the most perfect time, Christmas eve, when we're all excited from having left work early and buoyant from plenty of drinkies.

Christmas craft warms my soul - vintage fabrics and gingerbread and timeless motifs - all loverly. As we have organised to have Friday the 23rd off from work as a lead in to our two-week holidays, it will be good to have two days to make fresh goodies to include in hampers.
I really despise the earrings, jumpers and general kitsch that accompanies the season though - aren't I a paradox!

The feast for us is such a ritual, my whole family plans the day months in advance. Presents in the morning, a bit of a play with new toys, and then so much food your stomach groans to look at it. We love our prawns especially, and were dismayed when mum decided last year that we were having a 'traditional' meal - sans prawn. This year, they're back! I've planned three different salads that I'll be making, in the interests of a healthy alternative to taters and crackling.

Of course, now that Bec and I have our partners, it's a bit of a logistical nightmare getting all three families to co-ordinate the times of their celebrations. It was sad last year not having Nathan sharing the meal with us, but this year, everything seems to have aligned itself nicely. Thinking back over six Christmases with my sweetheart, I'm all warm and fuzzy, but I do look towards the event with a touch of trepidation - two families means two meals, and as much as I can restrain myself, I do have to be a polite guest, grateful to the mums who prepared such generous banquets. *Sigh* I think I'll have to eschew the weigh-in that week!

And the Christmas tree. Nothing evokes childhood regression like assembling the tree, carefully hanging the fragile decorations, and 'coming to an agreement' over who gets to place the star or angel upon the top branch. Mum's tree is the one which her family owned when she lived in Canada as a child, and many of the decorations are brittle family heirlooms. Of course, she's also hung on to the awful pipecleaner decorations and polystyrene garlands we all made over our school years, which we deftly remove when mum's not looking!

We bought a new tree last week, and I'm giddy just writing about it! My parents gave me the most thoughtful house warming gift a few years ago, a little tree and boxes of silver and cobalt blue ornaments, plus a blonde angel (Sussy?) bedecked in silver robes. But that cute little tree would look a bit forlorn set up in the new house, so we've gotten our forever tree - as tall as the ceiling will allow, featuring branches thick with lush, realistic foliage. We could hardly fit it in the car! It will be sad not to put together the housewarming tree - sentimentalist that I am - though we have some friends who are just freshly moved out of home, and might appreciate a virtually brand new tree to bring some cheer to their new abode.

I don't really go in for real trees, their scent is amazing, but the bugs and loose pine needles are a real turn off. Also, I just don't find their shape appealing, and the branches of most of the locally grown trees are insufficient for supporting many decorations.

Oh, decorations, I am going to need so many new ones, with all these branches to fill. I've bought a lot, but I fear that it will still look sparse. Beware the feisty brunette hoarding piles of silver and deep blue baubles in department stores!

Bec put up her tree about two weeks ago, which, um, is a bit too early in my eyes. December 1st up, January 1st down. But then, December 1st is a weekday this year, so I'm sneaking it up this weekend (tonight if I can distract Stu for long enough!).

Only a month until Christmas day!

Hurrah!

2005-11-24T21:28:00.000+11:00

I've been guarding this happy news for a little while, just making sure it was true before I blurted it out to the world.

Finally, my promotion has kicked in!

So now, the phone is not my concern, and I can concentrate on doing my job.
Apparently I'm being groomed for management, which is lovely, though that may mean I'll eventually have to move upstairs, where I'll miss out on girly chit chat.

Back at Fabcorp, the possibility of managing departments both at head office and in stores was offered a few times, but I had no intention of staying at HO for very long, and I know from experience that managing stores is an unglamorous, thankless, underpaid job. And ugh, uniforms? A company issued uniform is the perfect way to turn a curvy figure into a boxy heap, and acts as a sign to customers that you are there to be verbally abused at their leisure, regardless of your influence. No thanks.

But this will be just right - no customers, just ensuring the safe and timely delivery of product, facilitating credit, and maintaining a perfect balance in our inventory. Trust me, as our goods come from distant lands, are perishable, are classified as dangerous by the government, and are shipped Australia wide through stores and a web interface, the job is harder than it sounds! But a welcome challenge, nonetheless.

Well, I should get back to it!

By popular demand...

2005-11-22T14:26:00.000+11:00

A picture of me on Saturday night.

The dress is from Big City Chic, in the smallest size possible. It's still a little too big for me, and being strapless, it was sliding down my bust, but a bit of Hollywood tape kept me family friendly. I think they had other colours available.
The bolero dealie is from Jeans West.
That huge hump on my right side is a hip, I am not pregnant!

Suss honey, did I really look that bland on Saturday? I got lots of compliments that night, but in this pic, I look a little fneh in the face. Yep, fneh.

The smallest loser

2005-11-21T09:46:00.000+11:00

I lost 0.1 kgs last week. A loss, for which I am grateful, but the teensiest one possible!

So I'm now 104.9.

We have nothing to celebrate in the coming week, no social obligations, so I'm in minimal points mode.

Friday Fact

2005-11-18T10:23:00.000+11:00

It's Bec's 21st birthday this Sunday. Happy birthday bella!
She doesn't read this, as far as I know, but hey, it's out there.

I decided I needed something new to wear to the party tomorrow night, so I gleefully hit the shops for some retail therapy after work yesterday.
Now, being the host of some serious curvature, it's not as simple as just walking into any store - I have to do my research to know which places stock things which will accommodate and flatter my frame.

I'm in an awful position where my proportions are often a teensy bit generous for regular girly shops, but too small for plus-size girly shops. It blows.
And the cut on bigger clothing is all wrong for my frame - I have a waist and bust, which I don't want to hide under shapeless shirts. The skirts often just hang off my hips, and ugh, everything's elasticised. I'm big, not disabled! I know how to operate a zipper! Plus, the extra gathered fabric created by the elastic can create unflattering bulges, making one look even larger.

Now, maybe I have expensive taste, but whenever I hit the mother lode of style and comfort, I am charged an amount possibly better spent on eradicating third world debt. Yet, when perusing other stores or departments, I see identical items, at half the price. Same fabric, same designer, literally identical. Now, the ignorant might say "But you fatties need so much more fabric, you can't get it for free!", however, they are completely deluded (and rude).
Firstly, the difference between these sizes is no more than a few inches (in my case, anyways), which is the same as the difference between a size eight and size twelve. But twelvies don't have to pay more, why should a sixteenie, or a twenty-sixie? Having been a cog in the machine of a major fabric retailer for many years, I know exactly how much manufacturers are paying for their materials, and the difference between the sizes is negligible. You would be astounded at the markup on even the smallest item of clothing, so someone making clothes for bigger girls would be swimming in profits.

Some shoptions -
Big City Chic - Lots of younger styles, not afraid to let you show some skin. Too big for me however, even their 'small' sizes swamped me. Lots of polyester.
My Size- Big, shapeless clothes, usually. Big, scary pricetags, often, even on the cheaply made items. Elastic galore.
16/26 - I have a few skirts from here, which I wear a lot. However, I've never found a top here that didn't try to make me look like a grandma.
Target - So unflattering. Sometimes some linen or cotton, but mostly in huge shapes. Loads of polyester, kept up by elastic.

A tip from me to you - if you're a hourglass shaped woman, having trouble finding clothes to play up your sexiness, go to Myer. Still pricey, but I can always leave with something I'm proud to wear. Lovely fabrics, great detailing, and proper fastenings.

Oh, and for the record, I'll be wearing a black strapless cotton jersey dress, with shirred bodice and handkerchief hem. Might need to pop out tonight to get a tie front bolero cardigan, to cinch in my waist, and protect my modest shoulders. Hopefully in blue, to match the earrings my friend Jen bought for me, which feature lovely indigo firepolished czech crytals. You should have seen the look of appreciation on Stu's face when I paraded that dress about the living room - priceless!

Toasted cheese

2005-11-17T09:47:00.000+11:00

Remember ages ago, when I so intelligently lost my train of thought, mid post?
Well, I just remembered!

I was also cheesed about:

1 - flippin' Daniel Craig as Bond! This is wrong on so many levels.

2 - The Memoirs of a Geisha film adaptation I have so patiently awaited will be released here on January 16, 2006. But the US and Canada will get to see it from December 9th. We didn't even make the distribution list! Okay, we fare a bit better than many distant lands, but penguins in Antarctica will see it before me at this rate. They're trying to squeeze it in for Oscar consideration, and that just seems contrived to me.

It's not convenient?!

2005-11-16T10:38:00.000+11:00

Okay, so you all remember my uncle's sudden acquisition of fiancee and kids? Eh, it's somewhere in the archives, or email me, we'll talk.

Anyways, we're all very happy that he is settled and content. However, we are also a bit worried about his priorities.

My sister is to be married in April next year. Bec is very family oriented, doesn't care who screwed over whoever, her motto would be "Why can't we all just get along?". Born with rose tinted pupils, in Bec's world every cloud has a silver lining, a buffet, and a pool.

So imagine her shock to find that her beloved Uncle wouldn't be attending the wedding next year. When he was single, he was planning on donning his ceremonial uniform on the special day, now apparently "It's not convenient". These things don't usually happen to Bec, so she's a bit hurt, to say the least. She's offered accomodation for him and the new brood, to pay for flights, and said that she understands if just he flies down quickly for the celebrations, and flies back, without lingering. No takers.

Me, well, I'm not surprised. I learnt long ago to expect that everyone, family included, is capable of causing disappointment. Hey, I'm sure I've been the cause of it myself on occasion.
I personally won't miss him. I hardly know him. He has always afforded Bec more attention than me, and hasn't acknowledged any of my life's achievements the way he has for her. But I'm sad for Bec, and my dad, both of whom were eagerly awaiting his visit.

Eh, cest la vie.

Bye bye Smokey-Joe

2005-11-15T16:47:00.000+11:00

Stu's cat, a member of the family for seven years, has unfortunately expelled the ninth of his lives.
A huge, temperamental, yet fairly active boy, we were all expecting many more years of his grey hairs floating around the vicinity.
Alas, Stu's sister found him sprawled on the lawn, still alive, but immobile from the neck down. How he sustained a spinal injury, we'll never know.
When we visited, he was purring, glad to see familiar faces, but he was obviously distressed at not being able to move, and seemed to have shrunk from his usually proud, imposing self.
After a few days hoping that there would be an improvement, the decision was made to ensure that he was comfortable.

Ciao, boychops.

Sorry...

2005-11-15T09:41:00.000+11:00

...I'm going to discuss something you will rarely hear me mention, in the interests of good taste - the toilet.

See, Stu teases me, saying I'm the only woman in the world who doesn't want the seat down. Nuh uh - I don't want the lid down.
At night, when I stumble to the ensuite for relief in the darkness, I need for the lid to be up, so that I don't have to wake up too much to manoeuvre everything. A worse scenario would be if I didn't wake up enough to notice its downness, and just went about the activity as usual. I'm nauseous just thinking about it.
If, as Stuart believes, the seat was also up, I might get wedged in there, making for a bad night's sleep.

In the main bathroom, which I never visit during snooze times, I prefer for all hinged covers to be closed, when not in use. It's only polite.

I feel like I need a shower, to rinse off my vulgar post!

I'm laughing on the inside

2005-11-14T10:17:00.000+11:00

My scales must have a sense of humour. One week they register a loss, the next week they go on strike. This is one of the latter.

No loss again.
Perhaps muscle gain? We did climb the stairs up the cliff face, leading from the beach to our street, a few times, quite a challenge, for which our legs are grateful.

Still, I'm looking forwards, desperate to be under the hundy.

Friday Fact

2005-11-11T15:11:00.000+11:00

I am immensly proud that my father served in the Australian army, for six whole years of dirt, camouflage, and hospital corners.

I do not appreciate when others scoff, as I express how grateful I am that he didn't have to go to war. My dad was prepared to give his life for our country and it's people, and he is no less deserving of honour because he didn't have to fight.

Personally, I despise war. I believe that only the weak, and largely unaffected, decide to send their young men off to hostile lands so that oil may be purchased for two cents less per gallon. The strong, the intelligent and the compassionate can discuss and negotiate a mutually advantageous result, without the loss of lives.
However, the men and women who choose to answer the call and defend their country are to be respected, it is their efforts which allow us to sleep easy, and be optimistic about a future untouched by the ravages of war.

Lest we forget.

Special K

2005-11-10T09:07:00.000+11:00

Happy Birthday Kendall!

I hope the powers that be bring you everything you want and deserve over the coming year. And if nobody reads your mind, don't be too shy to ask for what your heart really desires. Speaking of which, I gotta start pestering for a Kompressor!

*snuggles*

Apparently...

2005-11-09T11:28:00.000+11:00

This Is My Life, Rated
Life:	8.4
Mind:	6.9
Body:	7.3
Spirit:	8.3
Friends/Family:	7.7
Love:	9.1
Finance:	8.9
Take the Rate My Life Quiz

Pretty accurate for where I am at this moment in time, I guess.

*BTW, I 'borrowed' this from my delicious Sussparilla friend.

Choc off

2005-11-09T10:46:00.000+11:00

I have been running a little competition between the calorie/fat reduced chocolate drink powders. This was a fun competition, but unfortunately plagued with disappointments.

My local Coles store is limited in its variety (grumble), so all contestants are medal winners, by default.

The bronze medal goes to -
Cadbury 'Highlights'. 1 point per serve*
Has a 'mealy' kind of taste. I felt I needed at least double the amount of powder to get a satisfying chocolate hit. Also has a yucky grainy residue. On the plus side, once stirred it forms a lovely smooth crema. After you've slurped that up, however, it's all downhill from there.

The silver medal goes to -
Weight Watchers 'Drinking Chocolate'. 0.5 points per serve*
Original name! But surprisingly, a great product. Has a hint of 'diet shake' taste, and still leaves a strange residue. But the consistency is slightly thicker than Highlights, and the flavour is rich enough that it feels naughty!

The gold medal goes to -
Jarrah 'Choc o Lait'. 0.5 points per serve*
This is gooooood. Thick consistency, decadent flavour, no unpleasant aftertastes. It even smells great, and works well with coffee, for a mocha, or with a slurp of Baileys (when you've made sure you have enough points for such a treat!).
It used to be a cow to stir, but Jarrah have reformulated it, so it's now as smooth as silk with a quick swirl.
On the downside, my Coles store has stopped stocking it. I have considered changing supermarkets for this reason, but we like the Fly Buys, and Safeway is even worse. So instead, I've requested that it be resupplied. No word yet.

*Each company recommends that either 2 or 3 heaped spoons of powder be used in approximately 200ml of boiling water. I add an artificial sweetener and a dash of milk, and, as such, add an extra 0.5 points, 'cause that's the way I like it. If only I could stir it with one of Ben Lee's gazillion ARIA awards, we'd be set.

I'm getting too old for this

2005-11-08T11:27:00.000+11:00

Something is wrong with my biological clock.

At 23 I should be saying "Pete Murray pub gig? Hooray!"
Such things always include plentiful beverages (at extreme cost), lots of young bodies tightly packed against one another, and music.

I'm not really a drinker, beyond a cocktail or a celebratory bubbly, so the allure of alcohol is never enough to entice me. I also gained no pleasure from having to stand so close to so many strangers, all jostling and smoking and intruding upon my personal space. An arrogant, yet ridiculously tall 'see you next Tuesday' decided that I, at 5'6", was the best person to stand in front of, and I almost incited a pub brawl trying to let him know how he had inconvenienced me.

It was so freaking hot in there, I was afraid that I might cause a scene by fainting. I wondered if I should remove my top to reveal the cute pink cami / black skirt combo that I had going on, but my internal dialogue warned me against it "Look at all these hot, tanned 20 year old chicks in their uniform of double layered singlets and tight jeans. I don't need their male counterparts making comparisons and verbalising their disapproval. The top stays on." So sweat coursed its way down the small of my back in rivulets of protest, and my hair hung as lank as sodden grass.

Stu was kind enough to say that I was as sexy as any of the other girls there, but at the time I just felt ungainly. And as he so knowingly rationalised, had the music been 'my type', I might not have noticed all of these factors, being preoccupied with the singing and dancing and general good times. But rock music, even the fairly laid back, sensitive musings of the admittedly attractive Pete Muray, just doesn't float my boat. Especially when I can't even see him.

They say "you can't knock it untill you've tried it", and I've certainly tried, many times, for the sake of sharing something with my delicious man. But this just proved that I'm better suited to a walk along the beach, a good coffee, and a nice, thick magazine.

I need a good dose of soul music, interlaced with a bit of funk, where the rhythms will lift me to my feet, where the beat will mimic that of my heart, and where I'm so captivated by the voice that I forget how wide my hips are, and just dance with wild abandon.

That said, I'm so over the 'word, homey, peeps in tha hood' blingy lingo that accompanies mainstream r'n'b. I don't care about your hoes, your cars, your ill-deserved dollars, you're tacky, and your message is corrupt. Hence why I shy away from it, searching for songs with meaning, artists with integrity... a hunt that leaves me turning to old time jazz and modern poets who set their powerful words to equally stirring sounds.

Really, there's an old woman rattling around amongst these curves.

Quelle surprise!

2005-11-07T11:44:00.000+11:00

I lost 0.3 kgs this week, so I'm now 105. I might just make it under 100 for the new year - here's hoping!

With the sparkling wine and canapes, fruit platters and giant fudgy walnut brownies with our initials on them at the engagement party on Saturday, I had thought I had no hope of losing this week. Though, I was virtuous on the other days to compensate, so maybe I deserve it.

I also spent three wonderful hours being poked and prodded at my dayspa before the party, and jokingly feared that I would have gained at least a kilogram from all the products that were rubbed into my skin.

The engagement party was wonderful, from my perspective. The space was great for it, the staff were attentive, and the weather was perfect. We might chat more about it here, when we've rounded up photos from everyone's cameras.

Friday fact

2005-11-04T00:13:00.000+11:00

I have eight piercings.

I have three in each ear lobe, plus one in the cartilage, half way up my left ear. Five of these were made by a professional, two of these I inflicted upon myself, as a crazy teen. Strangely, my job healed a lot quicker than those done by the gun.

I never wear any more than one earring in each ear now, any more just looks tacky on me. I definitely never use the one in the side.

Oh, and the blue stone sitting in my navel makes eight. That was just a present to myself a few years ago, when I was smaller and proud of my flat stomach (not that I would ever display said stomach) . Bec and I went together to undergo this rite of passage, but over time, hers grew out, to the point where at the end, the ring was only held on by the tiniest shred of skin. Now there's just a bump where it once was.

No more piercings for me!

Billy!

2005-11-03T00:35:00.000+11:00

My list of things to do before I die is soon to become very much shorter, as I am a lucky purchaser of tickets for Billy Connolly's 'Too Old to Die Young' tour, to be enjoyed on January 24, 2006.

I have eagerly checked for updates on a possible Billy tour for some years now, when rumours first started to surface, but hit the jackpot when his website told me that it would definitely be happening next year (as I squealed about earlier!) . I signed up for every advance notice presale waitlist opportunity. And yesterday, my efforts turned up roses.

The first email I opened after a day of rest was the delightful news that I could buy reserved tickets to see Billy, in the best part of the theatre. Clickety click on the links, only to find that Friday, Saturday and Monday are all unavailable. My last hope was for the Tuesday performance, and luckily, my request was approved.

I was a bit confused about how others could have gotten in so quickly, given that I was opening this email at 8 am on Wednesday morning. But then I realised that it had been sent early on the Tuesday - a freaking public holiday for Victoria! What moron decided to send it then? Doesn't that negate the 'advantage' of a presale, if many have decided to do something away from a PC that day? Well, obviously some didn't, but that doesn't make for an even playing field. I imagine that the service is facilitated interstate, likely Sydney, but when you offer a service nationwide, you should be catering to the circumstances in all states.

Well, I really can't grumble, cause I'm going to see Billy, with great friends and family, in A level seats! Plus, being on a Tuesday means that I can take a day off in the middle of the week. Joy!

Now I just have to decide whether to wear heels, or some big banana feet.

My me, my my, blue knee, French fries

2005-11-02T23:42:00.000+11:00

Or however that song goes.

So, on the weekend Stu was hankering for takeaway, as all growing boys do. I wanted something satisfying, yet behaved. I was really up a creek without a paddle! So the behaved part of me won, and I bought a Macdonald's chicken salad, with mango and sesame dressing.

Now, the whole Macdonalds aesthetic never appealed to me, all vinyl cushioning and fibreglass booths, but my goodness, the store I visited the other day actually looked great. I'm ashamed to say it, but the design was nicer than many real restaurants I've visited! The shapes were all pared back, with a tasteful palette, and none of those awful prints they insist upon displaying. Loverly. I'm sure that it's all mass purchased, and done fairly inexpensively with artificial materials, and yes, it's all a ploy to snare our patronage, but it's still a step forward for Maccy-D's.

Now, if the staff at this particular store could try not to be incompetent, they'd be on to a winner.
Oh, and really, why integrate a cafe with a restaurant, if you have to buy items from each separately? I decided that Stu deserved a caramel slice, and I needed a banana muffin (b vitamins are good for you!), but had to buy these independently from my salad. Nonsense!

Down

2005-10-31T12:01:00.000+11:00

I lost 0.6 kgs. This makes me very happy! Nice, sustainable progress.

So I'm now 105.3.

Cannot wait to crack the hundred mark, though at this pace, I'll need to be patient!

Besotted

2005-10-29T20:38:00.000+10:00

I don't usually post on a weekend, but I am lucky enough to be able to say that I spent today in the sparkling company of Suspira, and just had to boast about it!

All women should aspire to be half as wonderful as she. Talented, funny, and scrumptious to look at, Suss is a treat for the senses. And she makes a perfect coffee!

What a day. It flew past, and I'm beaming from having had such a great time.

Oh, and do go see Pride and Prejudice, should you be so inclined. I shed a few tears, so beautiful was the crescendo. The cinematography, the soundtrack - delish.

*swoon*

A fact and a photo

2005-10-28T12:26:00.000+10:00

The very smallest I have been as a fully grown person is 79 kgs.

This is still more than my current goal, but at the time, I was between a size 12-14, and was thrilled about it. (I would still be thrilled about it!). I can just see all the slimjims recoiling, thinking, 'You're proud of that?' Well, yes, I am. I was in great shape, though a little part of me thinks my face is prettier when it's fuller.

I can't find a good picture of me from that time, but here's one of me at about 85 kgs.
I personally can see a huge difference between now, and then. This picture is my inspiration, something to motivate me towards what I deserve. It's not the end point, but shows me that I'm going to look and feel noticeably better along the way.

If I find myself getting to a point where I look and feel great, but am still above 69 kgs, then I'm happy to stop, and maintain that weight. It's about health, and what my body can sustain, it's not a competition.

Quatro photo

2005-10-27T16:13:00.000+10:00

The lovenest -

Note absence of lawn. This makes me very happy. The garden is more lush now, I have been giving it a lot of tenderness.

So, if you happen to pass this house on your travels (unlikely), knock on the door! If I like your blog, you can come in and we'll share a coffee! If you don't have a blog, well, get one!

Photo week, day three

2005-10-26T11:14:00.000+10:00

I've managed trois! *hee*

Anywho's... people often wonder why, since Samurai is such a rascal, did we get him in the first place?

This is why.

I also have the cutest picture of kitten Sam and Stu having a nap together, but Stu wouldn't let me show it to you (fair enough, too!). But I swear, it would make you melt!

(Oh, and by the way, we don't live anywhere near that carpet any more).

Photo week continues

2005-10-25T11:24:00.000+10:00

Since we're getting all up close and personal, I thought that I might take the plunge and show you my pussy.

Shame on you if you thought it was going to be anything different. Shame on me for making such a crude joke!

Photo week

2005-10-24T11:29:00.000+10:00

When reading other people's blogs, I find myself imagining what the writer looks like. I create physical representations based on their personalities, their interests, and little clues the blogger might leave along the way.

Not too many bloggers will put a picture of themselves on the net, and that's understandable. Privacy is a golden asset.

But I thought I might offer you an indulgence. Please be gentle. If you don't have anything nice to say, you know where to stick it!

Oh, and as you might have noticed, half of my head has attached itself to the top of the page. If you're after prettier fare, try here.

Nil, nada, zip

2005-10-24T11:23:00.000+10:00

Not a single gram up or down in either direction.
I counted, I abstained from naughties, I walked my butt off. Alas, it was not to be.
*Grumble*

Weight Watchers is generous with giving explanations for why you may not register a loss, despite hard work.
1 - The female cycle - At certain times, the body retains weight, because women are cursed.
2 - High salt intake - Lots of salt in the diet means retained fluids.
3 - Muscle gain - Muscle is denser than fat, so gaining muscle can cancel out any fat loss.
4 - Not enough sleep - The body burns fat most efficiently both during and after a good sleep.

All of these apply to me right now. The damned cycle thing, had two salty meals yesterday, my muscles are sore from working them hard, and I endured several nights of insomnia in the past week.

I am happy to say though that my clothes are looser, so we're rolling along nicely, really! Onwards and downwards.

Friday Fact

2005-10-21T11:29:00.000+10:00

Despite my having used many an overpriced pen in my years, for me, nothing beats the feel of a Kilometrico on low GSM paper.
You know that cheap, slightly brownish paper they use in colouring books? It's got a lovely amount of give, and a Kilometrico just glides across it.

End of stationery advertisement.

Oh, another fact! I can not stand it when people can't spell stationery properly. E for envelopes, people!
Stationary can be defined as such -
1 - a. Not moving.
b. Not capable of being moved; fixed.
2 - Unchanging: a stationary sound.

Newsagents do this all the time, and should have their licenses to sell paperclips revoked.

Okay, I'm done.

Hair

2005-10-21T11:11:00.000+10:00

Don't worry, this won't degenerate into a hippy musical. Though if a nude romp to express your lust for revolution is just what you're after, by all means, be my guest!

Have you ever noticed that your hair is at it's most fantastically glossy manageability during the week leading up to your hairdresser's appointment? That it seems to be just the right length, and the style is perfect?

I think that this is hair's defence mechanism - making you ponder the idea of cancelling the appointment means that the ends might just get to hang around for six more weeks.

I've been getting compliments all week, but I won't be fooled, these ends are to be chopped tomorrow- no matter how nicely they behave!

What goes up...

2005-10-20T21:48:00.000+10:00

A few months ago I was scouting the real estate websites, just to see what property values were like in our street. This little hunt turned up some interesting news - the old brick house next to ours was to be levelled, subdivided and sold off as three double storey town houses, each worth $530,000. *gasp*

This raised a few issues for me.
First - building houses is noisy business. If I could live in the cone of silence, I would, so I'm not happy that all of this unwanted noise will be going on at, presumably, all hours, and is completely beyond my control.

Second - this patch of land is slightly up the hill, plus, they are going to be two storey, where the old house was single. They will be able to see into my courtyard! And my dining area! Y'know, sometimes, I might find the need to be at the other end of the house, when I don't have any clothes on. Now I'll have to be fully clothed, all the time! And what of spontaneous fun with my fiancee? Grumble!

Third - five hundred and thirty thousand dollars! They will have exactly the same appointments as ours - same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. There are also three residences on our block. The only difference is that they will be taller, and ours are three years older. We had entertained the idea of purchasing the unit we're in if ever it became available... but even if they may have depreciated by $100k, it is still a lot of money for a unit an hour away from the city.

Yes, yes, it's all about the lifestyle. Property advisers in the know are touting our area as 'The new Brighton' (which is ridiculously ambitious, though locals know it's a lovely place to be). The council has initiated lots of (sometimes misguided) projects to revive the image of the less desirable areas, amenities are plentiful, shopping is above average (though for labels, you'll need to go further), the views are amazing, and the peninsula is a hedonist's wonderland. But really, it's not there yet, if it will ever be, and outsiders are all too aware of the stereotypes perpetuated by those whom haven't visited in years. We know that it would be prudent to purchase asap, but the wedding means that we will need to revisit that idea in a few years. By then, prices may well have escalated as predicted, and our hilltop lovenest will be just a dream.

I know I'm only 23, but I get this tightness in my chest when I ponder the thought of moving into a house I don't like, in an area that means nothing to me. I'm sure we'll one day achieve the bay views I so longingly covet, but at what cost?
Eh, looks like it's a renter's life for me.

Anywho's, I was relaxing in the quiet afternoon on the weekend, conquering some sudoku puzzles. A quiet rumble in the distance grew louder and louder. The ground vibrated ominously. The plants protruding above the fence from next door trembled in fear. CRUNCH! BANG! ROAR! I was seriously cheesed - my serenity had been destroyed!
And then a monstrous mechanical arm, loaded with serrated teeth pulled down the wall about 6 metres to my left. It was like something from War of the Worlds, this uncontrollable beast hell-bent on destruction. Samurai and I just stared, eyes wide and mouths agape, in the dubious safety of the dining room, as this house was demolished in no more than an hour.

So, it begins.

Oh oh oh!

2005-10-18T16:41:00.000+10:00

I don't know why I didn't post about this immediately, but given my limb-flailing excitement, I'll forgive myself.

The Big Yin is definitely coming. In January!
I was so worried that he would only visit melbourne on April 8th, which is the day of my sister's wedding, such is my luck. Eh, I'd go interstate to see him if I had to.

"I think tonight I'll have multiple orgasms!"

You have to take up the tax before you pull up the carpet.

2005-10-18T11:18:00.000+10:00

I never have any luck with tax. I always just break even, except for the one year that my employer didn't withold money for HECS, and I had to pay a year's worth in one lump sum. I was living on my own at the time, and I was devastated, but I made it happen. Surely, this would never occur again?

Heh, never say never. This year I had a firm idea of which bracket I was within, and planned my budgets as such. So I'm plugging all of my data into the Etax programme, and it was telling me that I would get a tidy amount back. Then, I entered the amount relating to the payout I received when leaving Fabcorp. This was more than enough to push me over to the next bracket. The tidy credit became a terrifying debt of several thousand dollars.

Tears were stinging my eyes, I was so upset. Sure, I have savings, but of course they're allocated to the engagement party, the plastic surgery I want to have done, and the wisdom teeth I should have removed soon. Not to mention the actual wedding, and the fact that I like to have some left over for a rainy day.

Stu was by my side when all this happened, and without hesitation he offered "You can have my tax return". Now, his return was equally commensurate to the debt I'd just incurred, so that would have been the perfect solution. But I couldn't possibly take his hard earned money, he deserves each and every cent (and then some). Though this showed me once more how much of an angel Stu is, so generous, so loving.

Luckily, I'd not yet entered my deductions. Thank goodness for charitable donations - including those, I ended up a hair's breath beneath the threshold.
Crisis averted, and I will now be the happy recipient of $57.

And now, for something completely different...

2005-10-17T11:56:00.000+10:00

I gained 0.2 kgs. So I'm back to 105.9 kgs.

But don't fret my pretties, after my weekend of unbridled consuming, I was expecting to pack on all that I have lost so far. So I'm actually fairly happy with this week's result. Besides, slipping into that bridesmaid's gown put it into perspective for me.

I'm cutting my rations down to 18 points again this week to compensate, and we'll be back on track.

Aw, thanks guys!

2005-10-17T11:49:00.000+10:00

Thanks to all those who sent me well wishes by phone or comment or email or whatever - much appreciated!

Oh, and Sussy has really set the benchmark for kindness with this - she's such a doll!
(By the way honey, if I'm illegally linking, or just being plain annoying - let me know!)

Whirlwind

2005-10-17T11:33:00.000+10:00

I just had a great weekend - I hope you can say the same!

Friday night Stu and I went out for Japanese and bowling. It has been ages since I last bowled, but we had sooo much fun. At first, I was doing really well, and poor Stu was sending the ball to the gutters again and again. So I won very convincingly in the first game... but by the second, Stu had tuned his technique to a fine art, and pins were flying. But my mojo was lost, as was the game.

Saturday, I was was prepared for the worst. I walked along the beach in the sun on the way to the bridal store where the bridesmaids' fitting was to take place, just to make sure my mood was as good as possible. But whereas last time I had to wriggle into a very snug dress, this time it fitted beautifully through the hips - my widest feature. *beam* Alas, it gaped around the back, waist and bust, I'm probably a good three sizes smaller in those areas. After it was pinned in all the right places, it was really flattering, though I was trying on a chocolate brown version... I just don't know how I'm going to look in the pale pink.
Mum, Bec and I enjoyed coffees and solved the world's problems for the rest of the morning, until Stu and I spotted each other (he was doing errands). He wanted to send me off for a spa treatment, as an early birthday present, but unfortunately the dayspa was all booked up, so now I have a three hour appointment booked for the day of the engagement party.

Saturday night, birthday celebrations with my family. I received Alicia Keys' Unplugged album, a huge bottle of Ralph Lauren Romance, and the cutest cards! Bec also baked me a white chocolate mudcake, using the pattern from the Women's Weekly birthday cake book, in the shape of a pink butterfly - gorgeous and delicious! We spent the evening listening to old gems from dad's record collection, imbibing far too much of my favourite dry white, Christobel's, and laughing 'til it hurt - good times!

Sunday morning, Stu and Sam sang me a happy birthday, and gave me Stephanie Alexander's Cook's Companion - the must have cooking bible for any foodie - it's luxe! The card they gave me contained some of the most beautiful words, I'm so grateful for my boys. Oh, and Stu's parents sent me a lovely designer card with a crisp green hundy inside - nice!
Stu wanted to treat me to a nice lunch, so off to Mornington we went, so we could suck in the sea air while we dined, and peruse the boutiques. But as soon as we pulled onto Main st., something was amiss - the road was closed. A food and wine festival - what fun! But there wasn't a parking space free anywhere near where we wanted to be.
I'd heard good reviews of a restaurant in Hastings, and was eager to sample it, so we drove across the peninsula. I gotta say, Westernport Bay is rather dreary in comparison to my beloved Port Phillip, but the restaurant wasn't bad. It's kind of a training ground for aspiring hospitality staff, so they're all trying their hardest to please. Very inexpensive too. If ever for some crazy reason you find yourself needing a bite to eat in Hastings, try the Pelican Pantry.

Ummm, I think that's all. I have a dear friend coming down my way in a few weeks, and I'm hoping and wishing that the weather is as delightful for her visit as it was over the last few days. I want the water to sparkle, the sand to glisten, and the view towards the city to be as pretty as a postcard. She deserves good weather!

The good, the bad, and the ugly

2005-10-14T16:21:00.000+10:00

Good - It's my 23rd birthday on Sunday!

Bad - Bridesmaid's dress fitting tomorrow. I am filled with dread.

Ugly - After writing that post about feet this morning, I realise that I am in serious need of a pedicure.

Early gift

2005-10-14T10:07:00.000+10:00

Today I received an e-card from iSubscribe.

Mum and Dad bought me a subscription to OK! Magazine! It's the gift that keeps on giving!

A year of frivolity, I love it!

Friday Fact

2005-10-14T10:02:00.000+10:00

I am a shoe size 9-10.
To add insult to injury, they are also wide, and each has a strange bump on the outer edge.
I love shoes, but it's so hard to get the pretties to fit!

Hopefully I keep people distracted with the jewel tones I choose to paint my toenails!

Boobie-non

2005-10-13T11:53:00.000+10:00

Sorry guys, I forgot all about it by the end of the week.

But if you're extra nice to me, I'll let you have a look!

Hump day

2005-10-12T09:29:00.000+10:00

Thank goodness we're already halfway through the week!

Last night, when Stu went out to get some milk, I took advantage of the opportunity to put the bins out for collection the next morning. Normally, they live in a place which is obstructed by cars, spare furniture and the clothes dryer. With one car out, I rushed the bins to freedom, making sure not to hit the automatic garage door button on the way out, as is often my subconscious response to leaving the house - I didn't want to be locked out in the cold!
Unfortunately, I'd forgotten to apply the same thinking to the back door. It's an easy push-button lock, which I'd obviously engaged without thought.

Ummm, what to do? It was dark, it was cold, and I didn't want my neighbour to see me hovering around outside without purpose, she'd think I'd chucked a tanty!
"Aaahh - I can get into the courtyard!" So there I stood, pressed against the glass of the dining area, watching Frasier.

Imagine Stu's reaction, seeing me on the outside steps, straining to hear the television. You probably thought he rushed over, let me in quickly, and fussed over me a little? Neh! He stood there for what seemed an eternity, a look of utter consternation on his face, as if to say "Why has my nutty fiance chosen to watch television from the porch?" I had to usher him to come and release the latch, and then almost had a head rush from the change in temperature. Brrrr!

In better news - the bunnies are back! All the way through Aspendale to Keysborough, bunnies nibble at the grass, and make me squeal in delight. Sure, they're a nuisance for farmers, but they're so darn cute!
Baby duckies will be hatching soon, and wandering past my office window.

I love working in the sticks!

Yoghurt crusades

2005-10-11T10:57:00.000+10:00

After my shocking discovery about the points content of Yoplait Light yoghurt, I've swapped.

I'm now trialling Yoplait's No Fat varieties. At 1.5 points per tub, it makes it a lot easier to include sufficient dairy into my diet.

There are a few criteria a yoghurt has to pass to become a winner though. This one passes on flavours - they are accurate and varied. So far I've tried watermelon, lemon spritz, strawberry spritz, coffee brulee, vanilla brulee, and honey creme. All lovely.
At first the texture isn't perfect, a bit slippery, but once you stir it a few times, the consistency is nice and smooth.

I'm also going to give Nestle's Diet varieties a try soon... I switched from them a while ago, but they've added some flavours.

If only I could find Yoplait's Hazelnut Creme again... it would probably be 5 points per tub, but oh, it was good. Doesn't beat Connossieur... mmmm, custard yoghurt!

Oh, and if you've seen advertisements for Nestle's new Refresh citrus mousse, you might want to give them a try. Fairly large tubs, only 0.5 point each... I personally didn't adore them, but as a light dessert, they're not bad.

Better is Nestle's Creme Caramel, or the chocolate mousse. Yummm. Oh, and you can't beat light jelly for a filling, zero point dessert.

Is anyone else really hungry now?

Oh! And...

2005-10-10T14:29:00.000+10:00

...I lost 0.5 kgs.

So I'm now 105.7.

Happy days. Well, for me anyways, if someone was 60 kgs, they might find that prospect quite horrific... sorry if I frightened you, skinny folk!

The weekend was too short

2005-10-10T14:23:00.000+10:00

Friday night, I settled in with some Billy Connolly. This was a good start to the weekend, though I did doze off towards the end of the disk... so tired!

I was half dreading Saturday. We were visiting Stu's grandparents, and his grandma has a habit of slipping insults into the conversation. There were none that I could detect this time, though she has taken to calling me her Mona Lisa. At first I thought that this too was a thinly veiled insult (ie. round and pale), but I'm sugar coating it with the thought that the Mona Lisa has captivated the imaginations of men throughout the ages... that ain't half bad!

The funniest thing about this grandma is her sense of propriety. She started a conversation by saying "Oh, I hope you don't mind me asking this, and don't answer if you don't want to..." and the dread rises in my gut "...is your mother a tall woman?" I breathe a sigh of relief, and answer easily.
And then, in the middle of us showing her pictures of our cat, and the unit, and the day we got engaged, she just drops a "Do you take naked pictures of each other?" Que?!
Why is asking about my mum's height a more sensitive question than a direct enquiry about our bedroom antics? Heh, makes me laugh.

I also learnt to play Gin Rummy... I really like it (mainly because I won a few times)!

That night was great. I went out to dinner with some high school friends to celebrate my friend's birthday last week, and my birthday, next week. I received a beautiful set of Japanese ceramic dipping bowls and serving plates, glazed in an irridescent shade of blue tinged jade. The details are key with these girls though, so they were beautifully wrapped, and accompanied by the cutest cards!
Two of the girls came back to my place, and though I had intended for us to partake of some kind of entertainment, we just chatted all night. I climbed into bed at 4am, and dreamed heavily until morning.

The sleep I had was insufficient though, as I was feeling moody and rushed all morning. We were off to my parent's house for lunch, and once there, Bec started enthusing about the bridesmaid's dress fitting I am to endure next weekend. Already I've been dreading the idea of a stranger wrapping a tape measure around my curves, knowing that my measurements will be hollered out to all and sundry. I know that my size is no secret, but I could get along quite nicely without being appraised.
But now her fiancee's mother will be there, in addition to the other blonde size 10 bridesmaid... virtual strangers privvy to this most mortifying of rituals.

Add this to my tiredness, plus some other things that have been weighing on my mind recently, and you have one unhappy girl. I cried and cried, but mum, thankfully cushioned my fall. Stu was horrified to come through and see me sobbing, so once adequately comforted, he took me home and wrapped me up in his loving.

Calm and contented, I took to the roads for a driving lesson, and then came home to the deceptively monstrous job of weeding our garden. Well, our patch was fine, but the landscaping either side of the driveway leading up to our unit, and another, had also become overrun. It doesn't belong to anyone in particular (least of all us, as the other units are both owner-occupied), but it's not aesthetically pleasing, so out it all came! A bit of Jill Scott in my ear, and a lovely breeze made it quite enjoyable.
But the best part - my cyst burst! I was using the hedge trimmers to carve through a stubborn branch, and as they snapped back together, I felt a strange sensation in my wrist. "Oh, just the cyst", thought I, but when I surveyed the damage, there was nothing to see! My wrist had shrunk down to almost its original size, just a small bump remains. Still a bit hurty though.

I could do with one more day to kick my heels up, but today's flying past... not long until another weekend (compared with say, Christmas)!

Friday Fact

2005-10-07T11:32:00.000+10:00

The last time I smoked a cigarette, I was four years old.

It's a Boy!

2005-10-06T15:48:00.000+10:00

Well, we knew for a while that a boy was on the way, but I'm overjoyed to hear that Sussy's sister, MS, has delivered a whopping, healthy bubs, Phoenix.

I have the deepest, most heartfelt wishes for everyone's quick recovery.
It all sounds a bit hurty to me, though I'm sure if Phoenix is anything like his aunty, he will be a joy to behold, and it will all be worthwhile.

*gush*

Oh, another glass of chamagne? Don't mind if I do! *hiccup*
Cheers!