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Something is making me nautious

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s the white chocolate in my cheap as chips Target Advent Calendar. (For Target, see Primark.)  It feels a little like what I imagine morning sickness to feel like in pregnant chicks.

Came home from a day in the city yesterday to find Lauren in the midst of a Tudor’s marathon. First off was The Other Boleyn Girl, I’m not really one to judge, but from Lauren’s angry muttering of ‘bloody historical inaccuracy,’ and ‘David Starkey would never agree with this,’ I have to say that I don’t believe it to be any more than pretty people running around in corsets. Next up was the Tudors series one, this placated Lauren much more, and she watched happily in silence for the next few hours.

One good thing about living in a boring city is that it allows one to get on with other things that aren’t seeing fun stuff. I know that this may be in direct opposition to the point of going traveling, but being stuck here has given me ample time to write, and a new project is already underway.

The weather feels much more Christmassy now, by the way. It’s been raining heavily all day. Much better!

Counting down instead of up

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

In under twelve hours now, the first half of our year long trip will have diminished into memory. Six months have gone by faster than nearly anything else I can think of. A big part of me is refusing to believe that it really was 5 1/2 months ago that I was on that two day slow boat up the Mekhong to Laos. Seems I have no choice.

Been Christmas shopping today for Lauren. Can’t help but feel that the element of surprise will be lost on the big day though due to our room being just that, a room. Ergo seriously lacking in places to hide presents. It is decidedly difficult to really feel the Christmas spirit this year, and not only because it is my first Christmas ever away from my family (although I’m sure this plays a part,) but rather, this is my first celebration of big J.C.’s birthday where wearing shorts is mandatory. The weather is far from baking yet, but it’s getting there and the lights down Swanson Street (the main road that intersects the city center from Flinders Street station) do nothing to remind me of the festive season. Instead, they put me in mind of Basildon council at home, leaving the Christmas lights up, although not illuminated, all year round.

Lauren had her staff party on Tuesday. It was the reverse of the scenario played out at the weekend. This time it was Lauren’s turn to roll in the door after one or two sherries, although she made it back at a much more respectable 11:30 p.m. rather than my 8 the next morning fiasco.  She had a great time, the food was meant to be delicious (this in itself is usually a good indicator of Lauren’s enjoyment of a party.)

Speaking of my better half, she has taken the step and created her own blog! Forgoing bootsnall.com she has instead opted for another website. She’s refusing to tell me the name of it for now, insisting that she wants it to get off to a good start before she lets me see it. Feel free to badger her for info.

Cutting spending down as much as I can really isn’t going too well at the moment. Considering that I am unemployed (and who is going to employ me when I leave town in 2 weeks?) I’m having to ration myself. Particularly considering that we’re hoping to buy a van in Brisbane to drive down to Sydney in. Still, pasta and pesto is sort of good for you 5 nights in a row I guess. Reminds me of Uni, only it’s hotter and I feel more like I should be on jobseekers allowance.

Reading back over this, I am aware of its vaguely incoherent rambling nature. No other comment, just wanted you to know that I’m with you on this.

Snapped for a little ‘me’ time

Monday, December 8th, 2008
And so, just four days shy of half a year travelling, I've snapped. I've had it up to here. I've had enough. That's right folks, today I finally bought myself a cheap laptop. I cannot stand being away from a ... [Continue reading this entry]

Feral

Friday, December 5th, 2008
Disco dancing was the order of the night, my feet are blistered and I'm 100% cream crackered, but there's no rest for the wicked I'm afraid. Lauren had work today so she couldn't come out last night so now I'm ... [Continue reading this entry]

Near Death Experience

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
Forgot to mention t'other day, but had a bit of a close one at work about a week ago. We were sitting as a group out in the back garden having 'smoko' (morning break.) We sit there for perhaps 45 ... [Continue reading this entry]

Liberties taken, dinner gratis

Saturday, November 29th, 2008
Just got off working a 60 hour week doing heavy lifting. My boss is an absolute liberty taker. Talking me into working the second consecutive Saturday in a row telling me that 'it'll be a short day, only 10am until ... [Continue reading this entry]

Ooh ‘eck, under one month ’till Christmas.

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
I have been particularly lazy with my blog entries recently. There are myriad reasons for this, the most prominent being that I have been working, a lot. The second most important being that I haven't really done all that much. ... [Continue reading this entry]

The worst possible thing that could happen, happened. Twice.

Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
'Sweet Lord, take me instead.' I prayed, holding the lifeless carcass in my palm. It looked so small now that it was dead. I could feel a tear wetting my cheek. I held it up to my face, letting my ... [Continue reading this entry]

‘Mo’vember

Friday, November 14th, 2008
Apparently, it has taken off in England and the U.S. of A. somewhat too, but the month that comes just after  October and  begins 30 days before December is rechristened 'Movember' for the male population of Melbourne. The scheme is a ... [Continue reading this entry]

Caught by the fuzz

Thursday, November 13th, 2008
Well, the door police actually. Massive skinhead Eastern European bouncer at the Melbourne Library doors wouldn't let me in because of 'bag size.' I got a bit fresh, he told me where I could go. I did manage to sneak ... [Continue reading this entry]