Seems I am showing my age. Not visually, as I don't look a day over 25, daaaarlings! Haha. However, the other night after tucking myself up in bed and having drifted off to sleep at a respectable 11pm on a Friday evening - what! Its been a long week!
Anyway, back to me....sleeping away, only to be blasted unceremoniously (I am a very heavy sleeper so it takes quite something to get me awake) out of my beauty preserving slumber by the neighbours teenage childrens' friends having decided right at that moment that revving the crap out of your car was a cool thing to do. I'm sorry, NOT AT 1AM IN THE FRIGGIN' MORNING it isn't!! You know the usual boy teen macho stuff, meat head, motor brain "cooor look at the wheels, mate!", pimp my ride sort of thing. Great. Just great.
However, as teenagers are rather vampirish and sleep till well beyond noon, 1am in the morning would clearly be the equivalent of, oh say you and I's 6-7pm in the evening. A much more respectable time to be showing your mates that you know how to step on the accelerator of your car really hard, repetitively without actually moving said vehicle. Yippee, lets clap, the boy can use the accelerator.
I was mere seconds from dragging myself out of the bed and launching myself out the front door to scream at the nearest car occupant. I would have been a sight with my cleavage revealing nighty, scruffy bedhead, and makeup less. I reckon I could have had them screaming for the hills within seconds. All I can say is they are lucky they stopped and also, if they had continued, lucky also for them that I decided to actually wear any bedroom attire that evening at all. Scary it would have been for them indeed!
I did however take a bleary eyed peek out the front window (the reason for my problem in the first place - Australians appear to deem double glazing not only unnecessary but ridiculously expensive) to notice that the neighbours house had become a regular rave joint. I felt I was suddenly living and looking out onto Hindley street (a Camden High street on a Sat night equivalent) with the cars lined up down the street with little Miss Hotties getting out cars and taxis, then sashaying in their clunge revealing skirts up the path into the house. I was surprised not to see bouncers at the front door.
Now technically I should have been disappointed that I wasn't actually invited to what appears to be the newest Adelaide "it" Saturday night club. However *sings* "what's my age again? what's my age again?", aggravation at lack of sleep got the better of me, I crawled back to bed, a grumpy grumbly old woman and finally fell back to sleep, grumbling further briefly when at 3am they all piled back into cars to their dens before the sun came up.
Indeed "what's my age again?", obvioulsy old enough to know that I prefer sleep to clubbing. Sigh.
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Getting back into the swing of things...
So we are officially back on land that "is girt by sea", as goes the national anthem, that's right Australia, and to be more precise Adelaide, Australia.
It's day 6 and I am ready to curse the person who invented cardboard boxes. I have paper cuts galore, my hands are a ruddy black colour, my nails ruined and I am permanently dusty. Ok am a bit overboard there, but I just want you to understand that I am up to my armpits in boxes and I get excited when its NOT a cardboard box that I am unpacking or i get to tidy something or better yet do washing.
Then to make matters worse, we haven't even received the shipping stuff yet, so although I am now about 90% done with existing boxes (we had an entire furnished house) and there are about 33 on their way via customs. Customs just charged us $88 for alcohol - damn that WET tax, why do they tax wine so heavily in this country - so any day now.
Fortunately of the 33 boxes, about 80% of that will be bubble wrap. That of which we may have to donate to a multinational glass exporting company for re-use after, which could potentially save them $1,000's on shipping costs. Mark made wrapping the shipping into a high security military operation for which I did not have the correct authorisation codes or biometrics, thus was relegated to a desk job, aka spreadsheet data entry clerk. What fun.
So anyways...enough about me, ok no...you want more. Glad to hear it. More there is. Well I have been to an agency already on Monday and they had 3 suitable roles, varying in my preference for them of course. They told me to give them 72 hours and let them work their magic, well success, I am lined up for 2 interviews already. Wish me luck. Mark fortunately is already working, though I say fortunately because it means he doesn't have to un-pack stuff with me.
Now this is nearly the end of Tourists on the Weekend, as we are definitely no longer such, more like Sunshine Devourers of the South, hmm, nice ring. Oh and my photo of the day project has clearly gone tits up. However, because I don't like things to remain unfinished I am going to probably change it to a Photo of the Week....maybe month....or a photo of the year....project just to complete it. Don't worry though, there will be more blogs to come, we did get up to quite a lot in our last couple of weeks in the UK, including a trip to Oxford and various parties. Photos of Egypt will follow too, just a few as most will go up on Flickr of course.
Ok well the boxes are calling me, they have a high pitched whine, its rather unsettling, so I shall get back to them and bid you adieu for now, whilst you contemplate if I should do a new blog and what it should be called... your thoughts please.
It's day 6 and I am ready to curse the person who invented cardboard boxes. I have paper cuts galore, my hands are a ruddy black colour, my nails ruined and I am permanently dusty. Ok am a bit overboard there, but I just want you to understand that I am up to my armpits in boxes and I get excited when its NOT a cardboard box that I am unpacking or i get to tidy something or better yet do washing.
Then to make matters worse, we haven't even received the shipping stuff yet, so although I am now about 90% done with existing boxes (we had an entire furnished house) and there are about 33 on their way via customs. Customs just charged us $88 for alcohol - damn that WET tax, why do they tax wine so heavily in this country - so any day now.
Fortunately of the 33 boxes, about 80% of that will be bubble wrap. That of which we may have to donate to a multinational glass exporting company for re-use after, which could potentially save them $1,000's on shipping costs. Mark made wrapping the shipping into a high security military operation for which I did not have the correct authorisation codes or biometrics, thus was relegated to a desk job, aka spreadsheet data entry clerk. What fun.
So anyways...enough about me, ok no...you want more. Glad to hear it. More there is. Well I have been to an agency already on Monday and they had 3 suitable roles, varying in my preference for them of course. They told me to give them 72 hours and let them work their magic, well success, I am lined up for 2 interviews already. Wish me luck. Mark fortunately is already working, though I say fortunately because it means he doesn't have to un-pack stuff with me.
Now this is nearly the end of Tourists on the Weekend, as we are definitely no longer such, more like Sunshine Devourers of the South, hmm, nice ring. Oh and my photo of the day project has clearly gone tits up. However, because I don't like things to remain unfinished I am going to probably change it to a Photo of the Week....maybe month....or a photo of the year....project just to complete it. Don't worry though, there will be more blogs to come, we did get up to quite a lot in our last couple of weeks in the UK, including a trip to Oxford and various parties. Photos of Egypt will follow too, just a few as most will go up on Flickr of course.
Ok well the boxes are calling me, they have a high pitched whine, its rather unsettling, so I shall get back to them and bid you adieu for now, whilst you contemplate if I should do a new blog and what it should be called... your thoughts please.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye...
It's been said before, but its now really true.
That time, to go, that time has come.
My, oh my, wow how the time did fly,
Life has certainly swished on by.
It's been a blast, we've travelled far, and travelled wide,
so long as it was on the European side.
We worked hard in London, then spent our days and much of our nights,
booking plenty of dates, exhibitions, so many shows and cheap flights!
We've made amazing new friends, some mates for life,
which made it more special, more fun and more homely.
Though it makes it harder to leave,
and we'll certainly grieve!
It's been four years, four crazy odd years,
so much has happened, including some tears.
We've broken up, saw all that through, then later started fresh together anew,
but, sadly some tears were because, I lost my beautiful Mum too.
God rest her soul, she always said, "Do what makes you happy..."
So I always will, we're soldiering on, oh Mum and this ones for you.
The travels continued, as did the fun time,
oh and the dining, the food's been sublime.
We've travelled light, then heavier with arms fit to drop,
as heaven knows, you know, I really do like to shop.
We've seen London, Greece, Gent, Dublin, Paris, Edinburgh, Croatia, Turkey
Bratislava, Delft, Madrid, Sevilla, Salzburg, Vienna ..... are you bored yet.
The travel list it was long, and it was never wrong.
Our world its too wonderful, there is too much to see.
We only live once, and three lifetimes I'd need,
to squeeze it all in, so enough done, home bounds we speed.
This chapter is closing, such amazing moments been had,
especially in August with time spent with my Dad.
I will always be glad that I have had this opportunity,
a thank you to my husband, and to British immigration consent.
When all is said and done, my word Qantas never got it wrong,
and just like that famous song,
We still call Australia home,
so in sunshine, with family, that's really where we have to be!
That time, to go, that time has come.
My, oh my, wow how the time did fly,
Life has certainly swished on by.
It's been a blast, we've travelled far, and travelled wide,
so long as it was on the European side.
We worked hard in London, then spent our days and much of our nights,
booking plenty of dates, exhibitions, so many shows and cheap flights!
We've made amazing new friends, some mates for life,
which made it more special, more fun and more homely.
Though it makes it harder to leave,
and we'll certainly grieve!
It's been four years, four crazy odd years,
so much has happened, including some tears.
We've broken up, saw all that through, then later started fresh together anew,
but, sadly some tears were because, I lost my beautiful Mum too.
God rest her soul, she always said, "Do what makes you happy..."
So I always will, we're soldiering on, oh Mum and this ones for you.
The travels continued, as did the fun time,
oh and the dining, the food's been sublime.
We've travelled light, then heavier with arms fit to drop,
as heaven knows, you know, I really do like to shop.
We've seen London, Greece, Gent, Dublin, Paris, Edinburgh, Croatia, Turkey
Bratislava, Delft, Madrid, Sevilla, Salzburg, Vienna ..... are you bored yet.
The travel list it was long, and it was never wrong.
Our world its too wonderful, there is too much to see.
We only live once, and three lifetimes I'd need,
to squeeze it all in, so enough done, home bounds we speed.
This chapter is closing, such amazing moments been had,
especially in August with time spent with my Dad.
I will always be glad that I have had this opportunity,
a thank you to my husband, and to British immigration consent.
When all is said and done, my word Qantas never got it wrong,
and just like that famous song,
We still call Australia home,
so in sunshine, with family, that's really where we have to be!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Photo of the Day No.31 - So Long Farewell....Tufnell Park
The last photo of us at our flat in Tufnell Park, just minutes from leaving, our mini cab is in the drive behind us. We now live in Bush Hill Park, quite North but still in London!Friday, January 22, 2010
GLEE!!!!
You'll love it or you'll hate it...but frankly anyone doing this little ditty, has gotta make a TV show just a bit sexy!!! Oh except for the fatty bloke who does it and they make fun of him on You Tube...(sorry dude, so not sexy)...
PS though am also hanging out for new series of Mad Men!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
A cosy new home
We are now officially in and suprisingly, how time flies, we have nearly been in a whole month. It only took a week to unpack everything and there are still a few boxes of papers hidden safely away and I am sure will be neglected till we need to move again. Why then have you waited to see more photos? Blame the internet people - soo sooo slow, we only got it active on Friday, it only took 2 weeks, grr.
As you can see I have made it very homely and it is indeed lovely and cosy. Did I mention the spare bedroom for would be visitors?? Hint hint. As you can also see I have plenty of books and more are really not required, though I just bought a guidebook on France, does that count as a book? Its reference and super important for upcoming travels, so I am going to say no.
We have already used our fully equiped kitchen - you'd think since its been 3 weeks - and I have even stepped in it too. Yes - donned tools and cooked....hard to imagine but it did happen! I have made a delicious stirfry from scratch, wihtout managing to burn down the flat and also I made pasta too. Mark is ever so helpful, but he gets in the way and is banished to the sofa.
So here are a few pics! Enjoy
The Living area
Our kitchen dining area...dining just for show we never eat there!
Mark hard at work in the kitchen
And the main bedroom
As you can see I have made it very homely and it is indeed lovely and cosy. Did I mention the spare bedroom for would be visitors?? Hint hint. As you can also see I have plenty of books and more are really not required, though I just bought a guidebook on France, does that count as a book? Its reference and super important for upcoming travels, so I am going to say no.
We have already used our fully equiped kitchen - you'd think since its been 3 weeks - and I have even stepped in it too. Yes - donned tools and cooked....hard to imagine but it did happen! I have made a delicious stirfry from scratch, wihtout managing to burn down the flat and also I made pasta too. Mark is ever so helpful, but he gets in the way and is banished to the sofa.
So here are a few pics! Enjoy
The Living area
Our kitchen dining area...dining just for show we never eat there!
Mark hard at work in the kitchen
And the main bedroomMonday, February 09, 2009
North Londerners once more
We have done it we have moved back North, it is a move that has been said never happens, once South never again North. I suppose since we are Australian and not English the rule does not apply.
So we now are living in Dartmouth Park, which is a tiny pocket suburb surrounded by Highgate, Tufnell Park, and Kentish Town. We are about 3 minutes from Tufnell Park tube station (Northern Line, so easy Southern access) and 10 minutes walk (all downhill) to Kentish Town tube and overground (which takes us to Kings Cross or West Hampstead in mere minutes). We are also a very short 10 minute walk to Parliament Hill, where you can go fly a kite! Or sledge even when there is snow...
Welcome, this is the front of our flat (1st floor) in the snow...
The lounge room
The Kitchen, just off the lounge, so Mark can multitask with cooking and watching TV at the same time
The Hall way and second bedroom...note to potential family and friends wanting to visit London!! hint hint
The Bathroom
The Bedroom, which has a view all the way to the Gherkin!
Ok so these photos are of the day we moved in, so its now nice and homely and those pictures will come soon too.
Stay tuned for pics of - Snow...snow and more snow along with long belated blogs on Xmas
So we now are living in Dartmouth Park, which is a tiny pocket suburb surrounded by Highgate, Tufnell Park, and Kentish Town. We are about 3 minutes from Tufnell Park tube station (Northern Line, so easy Southern access) and 10 minutes walk (all downhill) to Kentish Town tube and overground (which takes us to Kings Cross or West Hampstead in mere minutes). We are also a very short 10 minute walk to Parliament Hill, where you can go fly a kite! Or sledge even when there is snow...
Welcome, this is the front of our flat (1st floor) in the snow...
The lounge room
The Kitchen, just off the lounge, so Mark can multitask with cooking and watching TV at the same time
The Hall way and second bedroom...note to potential family and friends wanting to visit London!! hint hint
The Bathroom
The Bedroom, which has a view all the way to the Gherkin!Ok so these photos are of the day we moved in, so its now nice and homely and those pictures will come soon too.
Stay tuned for pics of - Snow...snow and more snow along with long belated blogs on Xmas
Monday, January 26, 2009
Just a preview....
Just a preview of our lovely new flat, obviously I will make it lovely and homely, then put up more pictures for you all.
PS have a peek at this soon, as am not sure how long the link will live for!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
The Park, the Sun and other things...
That was my mum, she made me happy, my sister and my Dad happy; my Dad most of all. They were each others lives, my Mum and Dad.
On the plane over this time I could not sleep, but made the most of my 3 seats to myself by getting all my feelings out and writing about how I felt and how I feel now, so some of this was modified after re-writing for events that have now come to pass, with recent feelings being added, since it has now been 5 weeks since that flight.
I am on my third trip to Australia for the year, to see … for what was to be the last time ever, my Mum. I spent a great deal of time with her on my visits during the year, and thinking back I had seen her more, much more then I did when I actually lived in Adelaide. Despite what some might have considered a curse that I had chosen to live in the UK; having done that actually had given me the opportunity to come back and do nothing but devote my time to my Mum for 3 weeks straight at a time, each time. Something had I been living in Australia I could not have done.
I can always know that I was there when it counted, even though I was a long way away. I was trying to make my hope work for me and I felt that while I was there I was giving up, and accepting that the end was near. I was not there for 5 weeks between my second and third visits, which may have been one of the hardest period of my family’s lives, but I was on the end of the phone to my dad every couple of days, which was as close as I could be.
It certainly was not the same being back in the UK when it came to going out and doing things, and it won't be the same for a while now anyway, but one (gosh how English is that) must earn a living and pay the bills.
I had so much hope, which is why I returned to the Uk after the second trip, I hoped she would be well again, I made plans for her to be well again. I hoped to see my family at Christmas, to take both Mum and Dad to the Farnborough Air show, to Silverstone (my mad motorsports Mum, and Dad for that matter), to Wimbledon, to see the Pharaohs in Egypt, to the Cotswolds, to where I live in London and most of all to Paris.
I wanted to show her my world, a world she knew of from my phone calls (far too infrequent), my photos, my emails and my blog. I know she was and still is proud of me and loves that I am doing what I wanted in life, from what she has told me herself and from what others (thanks Laura) have told me via my Mum.
It has been several weeks now (5 weeks since I arrived, 4 weeks since she died and 3 weeks since the funeral) and it is still very weird not having my mum around, I don't know how I should necessarily feel about her being gone. I know I have accepted it (that she is physically gone part only) sort of, but it does not make it easier that is for sure. No matter how someone leaves you, the hardest part is that they are gone at all.
The best piece of advice I had about how to feel, and what to feel, was "you feel what you feel when you feel it, don't have any expectations". That made me relax and not be too stressed at how I was feeling, or worry what I was doing or being worried if I was feeling the right things. It helped me to especially realise that grief is a very personal experience, even if you are grieving over the same person.
I think the most important thing is for me now is; to know I care, to know I miss her, to know my family are here, to know they love and miss her, to know she loved me, to know she only wants us all to be happy and to know I will always love her.
On the plane over this time I could not sleep, but made the most of my 3 seats to myself by getting all my feelings out and writing about how I felt and how I feel now, so some of this was modified after re-writing for events that have now come to pass, with recent feelings being added, since it has now been 5 weeks since that flight.
I am on my third trip to Australia for the year, to see … for what was to be the last time ever, my Mum. I spent a great deal of time with her on my visits during the year, and thinking back I had seen her more, much more then I did when I actually lived in Adelaide. Despite what some might have considered a curse that I had chosen to live in the UK; having done that actually had given me the opportunity to come back and do nothing but devote my time to my Mum for 3 weeks straight at a time, each time. Something had I been living in Australia I could not have done.
I can always know that I was there when it counted, even though I was a long way away. I was trying to make my hope work for me and I felt that while I was there I was giving up, and accepting that the end was near. I was not there for 5 weeks between my second and third visits, which may have been one of the hardest period of my family’s lives, but I was on the end of the phone to my dad every couple of days, which was as close as I could be.
It certainly was not the same being back in the UK when it came to going out and doing things, and it won't be the same for a while now anyway, but one (gosh how English is that) must earn a living and pay the bills.
I had so much hope, which is why I returned to the Uk after the second trip, I hoped she would be well again, I made plans for her to be well again. I hoped to see my family at Christmas, to take both Mum and Dad to the Farnborough Air show, to Silverstone (my mad motorsports Mum, and Dad for that matter), to Wimbledon, to see the Pharaohs in Egypt, to the Cotswolds, to where I live in London and most of all to Paris.
I wanted to show her my world, a world she knew of from my phone calls (far too infrequent), my photos, my emails and my blog. I know she was and still is proud of me and loves that I am doing what I wanted in life, from what she has told me herself and from what others (thanks Laura) have told me via my Mum.
It has been several weeks now (5 weeks since I arrived, 4 weeks since she died and 3 weeks since the funeral) and it is still very weird not having my mum around, I don't know how I should necessarily feel about her being gone. I know I have accepted it (that she is physically gone part only) sort of, but it does not make it easier that is for sure. No matter how someone leaves you, the hardest part is that they are gone at all.
The best piece of advice I had about how to feel, and what to feel, was "you feel what you feel when you feel it, don't have any expectations". That made me relax and not be too stressed at how I was feeling, or worry what I was doing or being worried if I was feeling the right things. It helped me to especially realise that grief is a very personal experience, even if you are grieving over the same person.
I think the most important thing is for me now is; to know I care, to know I miss her, to know my family are here, to know they love and miss her, to know she loved me, to know she only wants us all to be happy and to know I will always love her.
Monday, July 14, 2008
In hiding, In Adelaide
I know I have not been particularly adept at keeping this up to date more recently, well just a few reasons. I am in Adelaide enjoying family time, especially with my mum who has just had major surgery, thus ruling out London activities and holidays for I must say the best reason in the world.
Number two I am loved up, so all my time is devoted to the boy....sigh, and I can hear all you saying "oh please....", from here, oh yes I can!! The girls understand, I caught up with the Santos girls last night and the had the philosophy that no news is good news, and yes it sure was.
Anyway I promise I am working on updates of recent past holidays and will send them through, soonish, pending motivation and procrastination. Seems I am the best procrastinator in the world, though I do try and I believe it was a New Years resolution not to be.
Also looking forward to the arrival of Heathers baby, and sad that Fred has broken his mummy's laptop....crazy kids!
Back here soon....
PS in the middle of planning manic, crazy and super exciting trip to New York for my birthday - yippee, start spreading the news.............!
Number two I am loved up, so all my time is devoted to the boy....sigh, and I can hear all you saying "oh please....", from here, oh yes I can!! The girls understand, I caught up with the Santos girls last night and the had the philosophy that no news is good news, and yes it sure was.
Anyway I promise I am working on updates of recent past holidays and will send them through, soonish, pending motivation and procrastination. Seems I am the best procrastinator in the world, though I do try and I believe it was a New Years resolution not to be.
Also looking forward to the arrival of Heathers baby, and sad that Fred has broken his mummy's laptop....crazy kids!
Back here soon....
PS in the middle of planning manic, crazy and super exciting trip to New York for my birthday - yippee, start spreading the news.............!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
A beautiful country....
Photos taken through the dodgy two layer dirty plane windows, does not guarantee that one will be taking pictures worthy of being prized National Geographic shots.
However, such beautiful clouds and masses of glorious Australian countryside seen from great heights, it seems to me, cannot be captured any other way, but they still make beautiful pictures to me and that is all that counts - enjoy!
Flying over the south of Adelaide, lush and green
View of Adelaide in April this year...just a tad brown
This is my favourite, the low cloud in Sydney's Blue Mountains at sunrise on Sunday morning
These just looked so comfy, and if you look closely you can see two layers of clouds
Sunset whilst somewhere over Europe after flying out of London...sigh...
However, such beautiful clouds and masses of glorious Australian countryside seen from great heights, it seems to me, cannot be captured any other way, but they still make beautiful pictures to me and that is all that counts - enjoy!
Flying over the south of Adelaide, lush and green
View of Adelaide in April this year...just a tad brown
This is my favourite, the low cloud in Sydney's Blue Mountains at sunrise on Sunday morning
These just looked so comfy, and if you look closely you can see two layers of clouds
Sunset whilst somewhere over Europe after flying out of London...sigh...
Friday, June 27, 2008
On my way....
Well if you have not heard by now I am on my way back to Adelaide, I fly out of London at 8.20pm GMT tonight, via Dubai, Singapore (just a refuel) and Sydney before finally landing in Adelaide on Sunday morning.
I am home for a family visit, but I do hope to catch up with friends where I can, in the 3 weeks that I am there. I could break into song with "I still call Australia home........", but well that is too cheesy and you all know I do anyway.
I am home for a family visit, but I do hope to catch up with friends where I can, in the 3 weeks that I am there. I could break into song with "I still call Australia home........", but well that is too cheesy and you all know I do anyway.
Friday, April 25, 2008
And so does Adelaide...........
Battersea is great, but so is Adelaide!!! Ra-delaide!
I have attached a few pictures from my most recent trip home to see my family and most importantly my Mum who is not well. She is doing great and a real trooper, her boxing gloves are on and she doesn't plan to take them off - go Mummy!!
I was lucky enough that I also had time to catch up with friends, those I saw when I popped into Santos, it was great to see you all - Avril, Jenni, Kelly, John, Debbie, Lynn, Sue, Ross, Ben, Lisa J, Lisa H, Megan, and I am sorry I missed more of you....I will def see you next trip.
I spent time with my best friend Laura and my sister at a play cafe called Jack in the Box, so we could have the wee children - Harry and Oliver - entertained while we girls had a good natter. Laura was lovely enough to organise a fabulously delicious dinner at Melt (tapas, pizza and a scrumptious chocolate pizza) to catch up with those who could make it - Eva, Mel, Matt, Scott, Emma, Craig, Paula, Chris, Tuti, Brad, Laura, Graham, so thank you to those who came, and to those who couldn't, your on the most definitely will see next trip list. You all know who you are!
Thank you to Chris, Saroeun, Scott, and Becs for taking me out for a yummy meal of wine and steak at 1877, to Saroeun for shopping (I hope you like your wedding gift), to Julie for cooking me a feast, Harry for entertaining me at Fasta Pasta (mum and dad - Laura and Graham too), to Michael for lending me his car, for Renee and Ben for letting me have a day with my gorgeous nephew (and for the video camera), to my Nana for having a good ol chat with and most importantly - to mum and dad for letting me live under their feet, boss the doctors around and hog the phone at all hours of the day and night.
And to the others I saw and spoke with I really loved seeing and speaking with you, you are not forgotton at all - Rosanna, Mel, and Amanda. Oh and a big congrats to John and Mel on their engagement too.
If I missed anyone I apologise....jet lag had my brain ceasing to function most of the time...or is that normal. Well I guess we shall never know. It was great to be back and Adelaide provided the goods in the way of home comforts for sure!
Harry and Laura at Jack in the Box - play cafe, and play we did!
Oliver in the Balls
Renee with Oliver at the Play Cafe
Dinner at Melt - Tuti, Lisa and Laura
Cute wee Oliver
Lisa, Laura and Renee....
Oliver with Renee, or vice versa...
Me with my loverly Mum and sister Renee
Jenny and Lisa - Happy Birthday Jen!
Oliver enjoying Jack in the Box
Lisa and Paula, lucky we were out at the same place..
Lisa and Mel
Crazy kids...Emma, Matt and Scott...but I wouldn't have them any other way!
Tuti and Brad with me!
My Nana with Oliver..story time
Proud Dad, Ben with Oliver...
Me and my other Mum - Julie
Eva, Craig and Me at Melt
Laura and Graham - cute!
Emma and I...
Sigh...reminiscing of Adelaide
Adelaide and the famous Popeye
Scott, Chris, Saroeun and I before out to dinner at 1877 for steak...thanks guys!
Saroeun, Becs and I before dinner
Family at home, Uncle Stuart, Dad, Mum and Nan...
My Mummy!! xxxxxxxx
I have attached a few pictures from my most recent trip home to see my family and most importantly my Mum who is not well. She is doing great and a real trooper, her boxing gloves are on and she doesn't plan to take them off - go Mummy!!
I was lucky enough that I also had time to catch up with friends, those I saw when I popped into Santos, it was great to see you all - Avril, Jenni, Kelly, John, Debbie, Lynn, Sue, Ross, Ben, Lisa J, Lisa H, Megan, and I am sorry I missed more of you....I will def see you next trip.
I spent time with my best friend Laura and my sister at a play cafe called Jack in the Box, so we could have the wee children - Harry and Oliver - entertained while we girls had a good natter. Laura was lovely enough to organise a fabulously delicious dinner at Melt (tapas, pizza and a scrumptious chocolate pizza) to catch up with those who could make it - Eva, Mel, Matt, Scott, Emma, Craig, Paula, Chris, Tuti, Brad, Laura, Graham, so thank you to those who came, and to those who couldn't, your on the most definitely will see next trip list. You all know who you are!
Thank you to Chris, Saroeun, Scott, and Becs for taking me out for a yummy meal of wine and steak at 1877, to Saroeun for shopping (I hope you like your wedding gift), to Julie for cooking me a feast, Harry for entertaining me at Fasta Pasta (mum and dad - Laura and Graham too), to Michael for lending me his car, for Renee and Ben for letting me have a day with my gorgeous nephew (and for the video camera), to my Nana for having a good ol chat with and most importantly - to mum and dad for letting me live under their feet, boss the doctors around and hog the phone at all hours of the day and night.
And to the others I saw and spoke with I really loved seeing and speaking with you, you are not forgotton at all - Rosanna, Mel, and Amanda. Oh and a big congrats to John and Mel on their engagement too.
If I missed anyone I apologise....jet lag had my brain ceasing to function most of the time...or is that normal. Well I guess we shall never know. It was great to be back and Adelaide provided the goods in the way of home comforts for sure!
Harry and Laura at Jack in the Box - play cafe, and play we did!
Oliver in the Balls
Renee with Oliver at the Play Cafe
Dinner at Melt - Tuti, Lisa and Laura
Cute wee Oliver
Lisa, Laura and Renee....
Oliver with Renee, or vice versa...
Me with my loverly Mum and sister Renee
Jenny and Lisa - Happy Birthday Jen!
Oliver enjoying Jack in the Box
Lisa and Paula, lucky we were out at the same place..
Lisa and Mel
Crazy kids...Emma, Matt and Scott...but I wouldn't have them any other way!
Tuti and Brad with me!
My Nana with Oliver..story time
Proud Dad, Ben with Oliver...
Me and my other Mum - Julie
Eva, Craig and Me at Melt
Laura and Graham - cute!
Emma and I...
Sigh...reminiscing of Adelaide
Adelaide and the famous Popeye
Scott, Chris, Saroeun and I before out to dinner at 1877 for steak...thanks guys!
Saroeun, Becs and I before dinner
Family at home, Uncle Stuart, Dad, Mum and Nan...
My Mummy!! xxxxxxxx
Monday, April 07, 2008
Visit Home - Adelaide!
Well I am currently back in Adelaide to visit my family, an unscheduled visit because my mum is not well, but it has been 16 months (as my lovely sister pointed out) since I was here last so clearly a visit was much overdue. I am glad to be back and its good to see that nothing has changed, at least something in my life has remained stable over the past year or so. You can always count on Adelaide with its many "anti-everything" supporters to ensure that it stays the same, so its the place you will always remember as home. Though I am not sure what happened with the trams down King William street, what a disaster, where were the "anti" people when this proposal went through!!.
I suppose the lack of changes is why people always come back, you either love it or hate it. Everyone wants the same streets, the same Victoria Square, the same King William Street (well slightly modified now), the same cafes and restaurants. I am very much looking forward to having a decent coffee, that is for sure, gotta love Bean Bar and Cibo..mmmmm... that and catching up with as many friends as I can given the circumstances, just because I don't get to see you does not mean I didn't want to. I will also be back again before the year is out so I will get in a good chin wag with you all at some point this year for sure.
As for Adelaide, well lots of people ask about Adelaide when I say where I am from because usually well they have not heard of it. Its a lovely friendly little town, all about friends and family, where generally the biggest news is how much the cost of petrol is and how the Crows and Power are doing in the footy, that and there is lots of complaining about the traffic! That always makes me laugh - what traffic!!! Anyway, sorry this is not a bag about Adelaide, I love the beautiful sunny calm town that nurtured me to become the cultured little cookie that I am. There are things to do here and you can do them, while catching up with family, good friends, good food, good wine and damn good coffee - can I mention the coffee again....can I take Cibo back to London, oh I so wish.
What I love - well here is a list and its only a small list, but its a start, so before you bag Adelaide think of all the wonderful things we have;
Haighs Chocolate (must be first)
Fruchocs
Cibo/Bean Bar
The Central Markets
Rundle Plaza (where DJ's is)
Farmers Union Iced Coffee
St Peters Bakery...pies, pies, and more pies
Adelaide Oval - what an Icon
The Crows
Cleland Wildlife Reserve
A day out down at Victor Harbour
The Torrens - have you ever biked or run/walked along it, its gorgeous
Brighton and Seacliff beaches
The winery regions - Barossa, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, Limestone Coast and Southern Vales
Skyshow
Camping in the Flinders Ranges
Clipsal 500
The Fringe Festival
Starlight Room
WomAdelaide
The Dinosaurs at the Adelaide Museum, especially the blue whale
Rundle Mall
Bunnings, I love a good wander around a hardware store!
The Royal Adelaide Show
Big Day Out
Festival centre
The Big Rocking Horse in the Adelaide Hills
Foodie Streets - O'Connell Street, Melbourne St, Gouger Street, Hutt Street, Rundle Street and Unley Road
Grumpy's Pizza
Swimming with the dolphins at Glenelg beach
Sushi Train - mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Food and Wine Festivals, all of them, though Norwood is the best one
Day on the Green
Glenelg Jetty and ice cream at Glenelg beach on summer evenings
Autumn in the Adelaide Hills
Mt Lofty
Morialta Falls
Monarto Zoo
Friendly people (I experienced this today and was in heaven!)
Sunshine, Sunshine and more Sunshine
Well I think that is enough things don't you - so there - I love Adelaide and proud to call it Radelaide!!!
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Another year has just whizzed by .... alas I turned 31
Yes it was my birthday on Friday and thankfully I was spoilt as I don't think my 1st Birthday in London (does that make me only 1 in London years....) would not have been such fun. I got lots of lovely texts, emails and cards from home, thanks Laura, Amy, Av, Jenni, Mel, Michelle, Tasha, Rosanna, Renee, Mum and Mum, Scott, Michael, Chris and Saroeun.
Av and Jenni sent me some gorgeous lillies, which arrived on my birthday and are just starting to open up today. They look lovely with my roses, that I brought myself to celebrate my passing the "Life in the UK" test, more on that later, so step one to my next Visa is done.
I have a nice selection of cards too, most of which arrived in time for my birthday too. Royal mail was on form for a change, so feeling more hopeful they have cleaned up their act I actually went down to the post office the other day and got a few things posted off (fingers crossed). Hopefully they get there prior to Xmas along with a few Xmas cards that got sent out too.
At work, I did try to hide when my birthday was and I nearly got away with it. However, I must have let it slip a couple of weeks ago to one of the girls who actually made a note on her calendar! Damn it. So I got the standard work place humiliation which consisted of the entire office of around 40 people turning up at my desk (well my bosses, whilst I was in the middle of a heated discussion with him) with cake, donuts and lolllies, all belting out Happy Birthday to me. Well you can imagine that despite my knowing it was going to happen I was still stunned, and blushed a fabulous shade of red, that a lobster would be proud to show. I also got a box of chocolates and a card signed by everyone in the office.
It's an amazing cultural change from where I used to work, that is for sure - but you gotta love it, as it is moral boosting. There was talk of taking it away as it costs about 20 quid for each persons birthday, but seriously, I think the birthday extravagance of this company is imbedded in the company charter, much like the constitution, so would cause mass outrage, uproar, and possibly a full office revolt if it was taken away.
At lunchtime we had a casual lunch out at a local restaurant, very last minute and only just a few of us, but when time came to pay the bill, they would not let me pay. Lovely, very spoilt.
Friday night saw me meander out the door at a little before 6pm, which seriously in that office is an early minute on a Friday!! A few of us headed to Roundhouse, a pub in Covent Garden - in the pouring rain I might add (and its never ever rained on my birthday) - for a couple before heading to Doon Bar in the Albanach Pub on Trafagar Square for the proper celebrations. Lots of my lovely English friends were there so I was a very happy camper for the night and managed to get in lots of chats, drinks, presents, dancing and even a Tequila.
Alas it had to end and after much dancing and chatting the night was over and a cab was hailed. There was no hangover fortunately, lots of water and stuffing my face at 3am with cream cheese with ham and sundried tomatoes on crackers, saw to that.
The next morning I was a bit slow, a bit tired, but happier that I had moved to being 31 years old with a good time had!! Plus I was off to Worthing to see Anne so more fun was going to ensue.... the bonus was that it was brilliantly sunny too.
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