I had a bit of an... ...unusual... ...experience this morning.
I was driving along when I looked down and saw a spider the size of a 50c piece on my arm!
Arrgh! S***! OMFG! really doesn't do justice to the shock I got. I nearly jumped out of my skin! Of course at the time I was wearing 5 layers of clothing and a pair of gloves, but that's not what you think of when something like this happens, is it? Thankfully I am not the sort to panic at the sight of a spider - especially as I was going 60km/hr down a fairly major road near my place at the time. After unsuccessfully trying to get it out the window, I pulled over onto the grassed median strip and jumped out the car and stripped off my jumper as fast as possible. A bit of shaking and flicking later and it was all over bar the wondering "how the hell did it get onto my jumper in the first place?" I really hope it was from the outside of the car not the inside and it hasn't left any friends (or babies) behind.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
work rest play... but no mars
I feel like I could use a holiday. I don't know what it is exactly - working a bit more than usual, having more social things on than usual, not getting enough sleep...
Actually it's probably the last one mainly. I've been eating more junk food than usual recently too. Not taking enough time for myself etc, etc... Fallen off the horse a bit, as Jason would say.
I don't understand how people fit everything in. I don't even work fulltime and yet it seems like I don't have time to work, and have a social life, and cook/do the shopping, and keep my flat tidy, and have time to relax, and sleep enough. I can really understand now why so many people just go with the ready made meals or take-away option. In my case, usually it's my flat that suffers. I would like to keep my flat in a decent state but... Well take monday night - by the time I'd got home from work, bought some food, cooked dinner, washed up, hung out some washing, and handwashed some more, it was around 9.30 and I was pretty much ready for bed... and yet there was still more to do and I hadn't had any time to relax either. sigh...
I haven't had any time to write in my blog recently and I regret that. I would like to be able to do this more often, I think it would be good for me. I guess I ought to get organised and connect the internet at home. Now that uni has finally closed my account my only internet access is either at my local library or at work during my break or tues/fri after I finish. Generally this is not enough time for much more than keeping up with emails/messages (somewhat) and internet banking. Getting the internet connected seems such a lot of hassle - trying to work out which of the hundreds of options to go with - and of course there's the additional expense as well. I've also been putting it off because I know I'm likely to waste a lot of time if I have internet at home. But without the easy availability of uni internet access - open til late, 5min down the road - I find not having internet at home a bit awkward. So I'm getting around to it (very slowly).
__________
So what have I been doing with all my time then?
Well, last week, as well as my normal work roster (M, T, T, F, alternate S):
I cooked dinner for mum + my 2 brothers on Mon night
Went to dancing on Tues
Worked an extra shift on my day off and had family over for dinner again (and cooked again) on Wed
Thursdays are my late shift at work (until 8pm)
Friday I went dancing again - until close (midnight)
It was my Saturday to work, after which I had lunch and went to the Da Vinci exhibition with Dad, my Aunt, and my brother.
Sunday - day off (thank god) and got to sleep in. Yay! In the afternoon Mum and I went the So You Think You Can Dance tour.
Bleh, no wonder I'm a bit worn out. It was good though. Well mostly.
___________
I also went to see Mamma Mia the week before last which was great fun :D
It's just my kind of movie - light-hearted, fun, and nothing remotely scary, gory, or cringe-worthy (well maybe Pierce Brosnan's singing). And I like ABBA songs, so what's not to love? I'd like to see it again, but I figure I'll wait for the DVD - to save money and so I can watch any behind-the-scenes at the same time.
The link to the stage musical was very overt - in that there would often be only a couple of lines of dialogue and then someone would burst into song:
Lack the money for some much needed renovations... Express your frustrations with an ABBA song
Want to tell your ex he's a bastard... Say it with an ABBA song
Planning on asking some to marry you... Why not use a ABBA song
Trouble finding a band for your daughter's hens night... just dig out your crazy 70s costumes and perform an ABBA song instead. They'll love it.
It was cheesy and over-the-top, but I loved it.
Actually it's probably the last one mainly. I've been eating more junk food than usual recently too. Not taking enough time for myself etc, etc... Fallen off the horse a bit, as Jason would say.
I don't understand how people fit everything in. I don't even work fulltime and yet it seems like I don't have time to work, and have a social life, and cook/do the shopping, and keep my flat tidy, and have time to relax, and sleep enough. I can really understand now why so many people just go with the ready made meals or take-away option. In my case, usually it's my flat that suffers. I would like to keep my flat in a decent state but... Well take monday night - by the time I'd got home from work, bought some food, cooked dinner, washed up, hung out some washing, and handwashed some more, it was around 9.30 and I was pretty much ready for bed... and yet there was still more to do and I hadn't had any time to relax either. sigh...
I haven't had any time to write in my blog recently and I regret that. I would like to be able to do this more often, I think it would be good for me. I guess I ought to get organised and connect the internet at home. Now that uni has finally closed my account my only internet access is either at my local library or at work during my break or tues/fri after I finish. Generally this is not enough time for much more than keeping up with emails/messages (somewhat) and internet banking. Getting the internet connected seems such a lot of hassle - trying to work out which of the hundreds of options to go with - and of course there's the additional expense as well. I've also been putting it off because I know I'm likely to waste a lot of time if I have internet at home. But without the easy availability of uni internet access - open til late, 5min down the road - I find not having internet at home a bit awkward. So I'm getting around to it (very slowly).
__________
So what have I been doing with all my time then?
Well, last week, as well as my normal work roster (M, T, T, F, alternate S):
I cooked dinner for mum + my 2 brothers on Mon night
Went to dancing on Tues
Worked an extra shift on my day off and had family over for dinner again (and cooked again) on Wed
Thursdays are my late shift at work (until 8pm)
Friday I went dancing again - until close (midnight)
It was my Saturday to work, after which I had lunch and went to the Da Vinci exhibition with Dad, my Aunt, and my brother.
Sunday - day off (thank god) and got to sleep in. Yay! In the afternoon Mum and I went the So You Think You Can Dance tour.
Bleh, no wonder I'm a bit worn out. It was good though. Well mostly.
___________
I also went to see Mamma Mia the week before last which was great fun :D
It's just my kind of movie - light-hearted, fun, and nothing remotely scary, gory, or cringe-worthy (well maybe Pierce Brosnan's singing). And I like ABBA songs, so what's not to love? I'd like to see it again, but I figure I'll wait for the DVD - to save money and so I can watch any behind-the-scenes at the same time.
The link to the stage musical was very overt - in that there would often be only a couple of lines of dialogue and then someone would burst into song:
Lack the money for some much needed renovations... Express your frustrations with an ABBA song
Want to tell your ex he's a bastard... Say it with an ABBA song
Planning on asking some to marry you... Why not use a ABBA song
Trouble finding a band for your daughter's hens night... just dig out your crazy 70s costumes and perform an ABBA song instead. They'll love it.
It was cheesy and over-the-top, but I loved it.
Wednesday, 2 July 2008
So this is who i am
Having a bad case of writers block right now. The main reason I came down to the library was so I could write in my blog, but now I've got here I can't think what to write. I have been feeling better at least :-) these past few days. Thanks are due to Mum for listening to me on Sunday and Monday nights. In fact this morning I was practically chirpy. I was singing along to some Michael Buble songs (rather loud and silly) while driving to my chiro appointment. I wish I had been able to go see him when he performed in Perth a few weeks ago, but unfortunately I didn't find out he was coming to Perth until after tickets had sold out :-( Oh well hopefully next time. At least I am going to see the So You Think You Can Dance Tour in a couple of weeks. YAY!
Other things I want to go to are:
The Imperial Ice Stars in Cinderella on Ice
The Da Vinci Machines exhibition
Mamma Mia (the movie)
I also wouldn't mind going to see Peter Combe at the Fly by Night this weekend. (Go on, go ahead and laugh. But if you fancy reliving your childhood with classic songs like "Toffee apple nice sticky..." give me a call - it's only $25 or so)
And dare I admit to maybe wanting to see Damien Leith too. Well possibly. Except I probably won't end up going.
I have just notice on BOCS that there is something called The Jungle Book and other Dances - hmm... the jungle book in various dance styles... could be interesting, or just really odd.
____________
I feel kind of.... um... odd having what I wrote on Sunday up here. Actually I haven't gone back and read over it again at all, which is pretty unusual because normally I read over every post at least once. And usually I make some minor changes for the benefit of "readability" or whatever.
I guess in a way I'm not really comfortable with what that post says about me. Of course I could take it down, but I don't want to do that. However true for me it may or may not be now, on Sunday the pain was real. The trouble with a blog is that it's a snapshot frozen in time of how I am or what I'm thinking about. Looking back sometimes I think what was all the fuss about.
I think the reason I now feel awkward is that I worry that maybe other people will think it's silly or a stupid thing to get upset about. Well actually, what I really worry about is that they'll think less of me for it (or other things like that). Which is in itself a bit silly really.... If someone doesn't like me for who I am (the good and the bad) than why am I bothering about them. Also someone wise once told me that if something upsets you (no matter how small or trivial) than it's not stupid. Sure it may be something that wouldn't bother someone else, but that's not the point. I am not someone else.
___________
I was going to write about another point, but I forget what now.
Other things I want to go to are:
The Imperial Ice Stars in Cinderella on Ice
The Da Vinci Machines exhibition
Mamma Mia (the movie)
I also wouldn't mind going to see Peter Combe at the Fly by Night this weekend. (Go on, go ahead and laugh. But if you fancy reliving your childhood with classic songs like "Toffee apple nice sticky..." give me a call - it's only $25 or so)
And dare I admit to maybe wanting to see Damien Leith too. Well possibly. Except I probably won't end up going.
I have just notice on BOCS that there is something called The Jungle Book and other Dances - hmm... the jungle book in various dance styles... could be interesting, or just really odd.
____________
I feel kind of.... um... odd having what I wrote on Sunday up here. Actually I haven't gone back and read over it again at all, which is pretty unusual because normally I read over every post at least once. And usually I make some minor changes for the benefit of "readability" or whatever.
I guess in a way I'm not really comfortable with what that post says about me. Of course I could take it down, but I don't want to do that. However true for me it may or may not be now, on Sunday the pain was real. The trouble with a blog is that it's a snapshot frozen in time of how I am or what I'm thinking about. Looking back sometimes I think what was all the fuss about.
I think the reason I now feel awkward is that I worry that maybe other people will think it's silly or a stupid thing to get upset about. Well actually, what I really worry about is that they'll think less of me for it (or other things like that). Which is in itself a bit silly really.... If someone doesn't like me for who I am (the good and the bad) than why am I bothering about them. Also someone wise once told me that if something upsets you (no matter how small or trivial) than it's not stupid. Sure it may be something that wouldn't bother someone else, but that's not the point. I am not someone else.
___________
I was going to write about another point, but I forget what now.
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Hello darkness my old friend
I made myself come straight to my blog as soon as I got on to the internet because I knew that if I didn't I would just end up wasting time doing distractive things - such as checking my email, facebook, reading other peoples blogs etc... Which are all very well and that but they don't really help. They just distract me for a while but there's no lasting effect. When I have too much time to think, I can just as easily get down again.
It's really sad to admit this but recently I'm often happier when I'm at work than when I'm not. That's sad. And the novelty of working in a library has worn off - so although I do enjoy my job, it is in a way still just a job. Admittedly it is a job that I like better than any of the other jobs I've had. But it's not like it's incredibly fulfilling and I jump out of bed wanting to got to work each morning. I like it, that's enough.
The reason I've been down often is I've been feeling lonely. Not really in the sense of 'I miss having a boyfriend' but just generally. I miss having someone to talk to; and I miss having someone to do things with. I don't seem to catch up with friends as much anymore and/or I feel out of place. I also don't think living on my own is good for me anymore. I used to love it, but I think it has the tendency to increase my tendency to withdraw into myself when I'm not feeling good. This does not help matters.
The trouble with getting down about it though, is that I'm in a sense paralysed. I don't do anything about it, I just feel bad. I don't know, I feel like I should do something. Arrange to catch up with people or something, but...
A few weeks ago, I tried to arrange to catch up with two different friends (separately), and in both cases the arrangements fell though (for various reasons). At the time I was really disappointed. Actually that's a bit of an understatement. Since then I haven't tried to arrange to catch up with anyone.
I can't believe I'm still hurting out this, but I am.
gtg back later.
It's really sad to admit this but recently I'm often happier when I'm at work than when I'm not. That's sad. And the novelty of working in a library has worn off - so although I do enjoy my job, it is in a way still just a job. Admittedly it is a job that I like better than any of the other jobs I've had. But it's not like it's incredibly fulfilling and I jump out of bed wanting to got to work each morning. I like it, that's enough.
The reason I've been down often is I've been feeling lonely. Not really in the sense of 'I miss having a boyfriend' but just generally. I miss having someone to talk to; and I miss having someone to do things with. I don't seem to catch up with friends as much anymore and/or I feel out of place. I also don't think living on my own is good for me anymore. I used to love it, but I think it has the tendency to increase my tendency to withdraw into myself when I'm not feeling good. This does not help matters.
The trouble with getting down about it though, is that I'm in a sense paralysed. I don't do anything about it, I just feel bad. I don't know, I feel like I should do something. Arrange to catch up with people or something, but...
A few weeks ago, I tried to arrange to catch up with two different friends (separately), and in both cases the arrangements fell though (for various reasons). At the time I was really disappointed. Actually that's a bit of an understatement. Since then I haven't tried to arrange to catch up with anyone.
I can't believe I'm still hurting out this, but I am.
gtg back later.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Thoughts
Today I am tired. I don't know what to write. Going to the fruit and veg markets in Subi has worn me out. They were so busy - even more packed full of people than they are normally. It was really quite stressful. Last night was good. I went out for dinner with friends who I hadn't seen for a while. I haven't laughed so hard in ages. It was good for me. I needed that.
I have been a bit up and down recently. More down than up, unfortunately. Yesterday went towards addressing that imbalance but only a bit. I worked on my day off (wed) this week. That wasn't such a good idea. I would have benefited more from having the day off.
My original plan in coming in to use the internet, was to write about this book I read over the past few days. The book's called The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Basically it starts by saying that different people have different ways of feeling/showing love and then it discusses these 5 "love languages" as he calls them. Everyone has one main love language which is the key to feeling that other people care about them. If their need for emotional love is not being met through their love language then it doesn't matter what else others do, they still won't feel loved. It's like giving someone a bunch of flowers, when all they want is a hug (or some help around the house, or...).
These are: (I'll use his labels for them)
1. Words of Affirmation (telling them you appreciate them, any positive comments)
2. Quality Time (doing things with them, quality conversation - ie listening)
3. Receiving Gifts (self evident, surely)
4. Acts of Service (doing things for them, helping them with stuff)
5. Physical Touch (also self-evident - hugs etc)
In this book he approaches it from a marriage counselling point of view, but I think it has much much wider applications than that. So many things in my life suddenly made a whole lot more sense. Reading the chapter about my love language (quality time) on Friday night actually upset me a lot because I realised how badly I wasn't getting what I need. But awareness is at least the first step.
I don't think I am doing a very good job of explaining the concepts but I assure you it was excellent - go read it! I found so many things fell into place as I read it.
I'd love to write more and edit this post so it's better written, but they're kicking me out so I gtg.
Au revoir.
I have been a bit up and down recently. More down than up, unfortunately. Yesterday went towards addressing that imbalance but only a bit. I worked on my day off (wed) this week. That wasn't such a good idea. I would have benefited more from having the day off.
My original plan in coming in to use the internet, was to write about this book I read over the past few days. The book's called The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. Basically it starts by saying that different people have different ways of feeling/showing love and then it discusses these 5 "love languages" as he calls them. Everyone has one main love language which is the key to feeling that other people care about them. If their need for emotional love is not being met through their love language then it doesn't matter what else others do, they still won't feel loved. It's like giving someone a bunch of flowers, when all they want is a hug (or some help around the house, or...).
These are: (I'll use his labels for them)
1. Words of Affirmation (telling them you appreciate them, any positive comments)
2. Quality Time (doing things with them, quality conversation - ie listening)
3. Receiving Gifts (self evident, surely)
4. Acts of Service (doing things for them, helping them with stuff)
5. Physical Touch (also self-evident - hugs etc)
In this book he approaches it from a marriage counselling point of view, but I think it has much much wider applications than that. So many things in my life suddenly made a whole lot more sense. Reading the chapter about my love language (quality time) on Friday night actually upset me a lot because I realised how badly I wasn't getting what I need. But awareness is at least the first step.
I don't think I am doing a very good job of explaining the concepts but I assure you it was excellent - go read it! I found so many things fell into place as I read it.
I'd love to write more and edit this post so it's better written, but they're kicking me out so I gtg.
Au revoir.
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Stuff
Recently I'm finding it harder to make time to write posts for my blog. Working takes up a fair portion of the spare time I used to have, but there are other less obvious obstructions. The first of these is I am trying to wean myself off using the internet at uni, as I am officially unenrolled now and it's only a matter of time before my internet account is locked. This means that I'm restricted to using the internet during public library opening hours which are mostly during the times I work. Also I'm now earning enough to have more than a bare bones survivalistic existance, which means I can actually go shopping in my spare time that otherwise could be used for blogging.
It's rather novel to be able to go shopping again. Ironically now that I can actually afford to buy things (well... within reason), I don't seem to have much spare time to go shopping. This is probably a good thing however as I don't want to get in the habit of wasting the money I earn. But on the other hand, I've been on a student sized income for so long, that I have a huge backlist built up of things that "I'll buy when I have some spare cash". For the kitchen alone:
griddle pan, proper chefs knife, bread knife, wok, salad spinner, second chopping board, another wooden spoon, more cutlery, a pan (or several) that can go both on the stove and in the oven, roasting tray, simmer ring, the list goes on...
Other areas of life have similarly long lists of things that cost money.
Clothing (all kinds)
Things to go to (So you think you can dance tour, Cinderella on Ice, the Da Vinci machines exhibition)
Things to do (ballroom dancing lessons, singing lessons, language classes, travel, massages)
Are these things absolutely necessary? Well clearly the answer is no, as I've lived without them so far, but...
It's really cool having a real income. I'm not quite used to it yet and in a way I hope I don't get used to it. It's nice to have this feeling of earning more than I need to survive (As a comparison measure, I'm earning a little under double what I used to earn from casual work while studying). However I know that it's very easy for one's "necessary" expenses to expand to fill up any increase in your income, that's why people (typically) find it so hard to save money. It's often quoted that people generally believe that the amount of money they really need is 10% more than they're earning, regardless of whether they earn $300/week or $3000.
To avoid falling into the pattern of spending everything I earn (or more), I'm following some of the recommendations laid out in the book The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. Excellent book - I highly recommend it. I'd also recommend How to get what you want in life with the money you already have by Carol Keeffe. In some regards, it's rather dated (ie the cost of a block of land in one of the examples she talks about), but most of the advice is timeless and excellent.
Every fortnight direct after getting paid, I immediately transfer a fixed percentage of my income into online savings account where the money is not immediately accessible. Another percentage goes directly toward paying down the credit card debt built up from periods when I wasn't working. It's not a big debt but as the interest on it is simply money down the drain, getting rid of it is a priority. (And for the record: if you don't have a credit card I don't recommend getting one, it's too easy to spend money you don't have, even when you're determined not to. Go debit mastercard or debit visa instead.)
Then I live off the rest of my income. While I still have the experience of getting to the end of the fortnight without any money left over, I'm not worried about that because I know I've already taken care of putting aside money for the things that are important to me.
It's rather novel to be able to go shopping again. Ironically now that I can actually afford to buy things (well... within reason), I don't seem to have much spare time to go shopping. This is probably a good thing however as I don't want to get in the habit of wasting the money I earn. But on the other hand, I've been on a student sized income for so long, that I have a huge backlist built up of things that "I'll buy when I have some spare cash". For the kitchen alone:
griddle pan, proper chefs knife, bread knife, wok, salad spinner, second chopping board, another wooden spoon, more cutlery, a pan (or several) that can go both on the stove and in the oven, roasting tray, simmer ring, the list goes on...
Other areas of life have similarly long lists of things that cost money.
Clothing (all kinds)
Things to go to (So you think you can dance tour, Cinderella on Ice, the Da Vinci machines exhibition)
Things to do (ballroom dancing lessons, singing lessons, language classes, travel, massages)
Are these things absolutely necessary? Well clearly the answer is no, as I've lived without them so far, but...
It's really cool having a real income. I'm not quite used to it yet and in a way I hope I don't get used to it. It's nice to have this feeling of earning more than I need to survive (As a comparison measure, I'm earning a little under double what I used to earn from casual work while studying). However I know that it's very easy for one's "necessary" expenses to expand to fill up any increase in your income, that's why people (typically) find it so hard to save money. It's often quoted that people generally believe that the amount of money they really need is 10% more than they're earning, regardless of whether they earn $300/week or $3000.
To avoid falling into the pattern of spending everything I earn (or more), I'm following some of the recommendations laid out in the book The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. Excellent book - I highly recommend it. I'd also recommend How to get what you want in life with the money you already have by Carol Keeffe. In some regards, it's rather dated (ie the cost of a block of land in one of the examples she talks about), but most of the advice is timeless and excellent.
Every fortnight direct after getting paid, I immediately transfer a fixed percentage of my income into online savings account where the money is not immediately accessible. Another percentage goes directly toward paying down the credit card debt built up from periods when I wasn't working. It's not a big debt but as the interest on it is simply money down the drain, getting rid of it is a priority. (And for the record: if you don't have a credit card I don't recommend getting one, it's too easy to spend money you don't have, even when you're determined not to. Go debit mastercard or debit visa instead.)
Then I live off the rest of my income. While I still have the experience of getting to the end of the fortnight without any money left over, I'm not worried about that because I know I've already taken care of putting aside money for the things that are important to me.
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
Keeping busy
I haven't written a blog post for ages. I've just been busy doing stuff, really. So I thought I'd put down a brief summary of the past few weeks. I really should go home and cook something for dinner but if I don't write something now, who knows when I'll get round to it.
____
Over the long weekend Brightbear* and I drove up to Kalgoorlie to visit Thia*. This is really quite a long drive. (Well... by my standards at least which typically involve stopping for break at least once on the way down to Busselton). Despite that it was good and I enjoyed the time spent up there.
*If you don't know who these nicknames refer to, you probably don't need to know. BB & T if you want me to remove the link, just let me know.
Thia cooked us lots of yummy food (stuff that I could eat too without feeling bleh - bonus!), and introduced us to the joys of two word games called Bananagrams and Bookworm Adventures. Racing Demons (like competitive solitaire) was also played, of course. I really enjoyed this, as recently I'd been thinking that I miss playing cards and board games.
We were entertained by dvds (Enchanted) and Thia jamming on the cello we brought her. "Name a song. Any song..." got Waltzing Matilda, Away in the Manger and the Lord of the Rings theme, among others.
Meeting crazy entertaining teachers was cool. Overly loud dance music at Kalgoorlie pub not so cool and reminded me why I don't like 'going out' in the usual sense of the phrase. There's essentially two reasons: 1) generally I don't really like dance/techno music. Give me oldies (70s/80s/90s) music to dance to any day. 2) when the music's too loud it really grates on me after a while. I don't know if I'm just more sensitive to noise than most people or what, but I prefer my music at a volume that you can still have a conversation with the person next to you if you raise your voice a bit. I know, I know, I'm a bit of an old grandma in this regard.
So if anyone wonders why I prefer to stay home or going to Gilks rather than going out dancing/clubbing with you, that's why. It's not because I don't like you or (non-ballroom) dancing. Really :-/
Right now back to the weekend. All in all it was a really good weekend. Next time though (assuming there is a next time), I'd like to have more time off work to do it in. Only having three days off meant we spent a significant part of two of those days driving. But it was worth it nonetheless.
_____
The weekend before last I went to the Circus. Silver's Grand Magic Circus, to be precise. Having been to both Cirque du Soleil and Circus Oz in the past two years, I wasn't expecting that great things of Silver's but they were way better than I thought they'd be. They've moved their big top down to Rockingham now, and I'd recommend them.
gtg I'll finish later.
____
Over the long weekend Brightbear* and I drove up to Kalgoorlie to visit Thia*. This is really quite a long drive. (Well... by my standards at least which typically involve stopping for break at least once on the way down to Busselton). Despite that it was good and I enjoyed the time spent up there.
*If you don't know who these nicknames refer to, you probably don't need to know. BB & T if you want me to remove the link, just let me know.
Thia cooked us lots of yummy food (stuff that I could eat too without feeling bleh - bonus!), and introduced us to the joys of two word games called Bananagrams and Bookworm Adventures. Racing Demons (like competitive solitaire) was also played, of course. I really enjoyed this, as recently I'd been thinking that I miss playing cards and board games.
We were entertained by dvds (Enchanted) and Thia jamming on the cello we brought her. "Name a song. Any song..." got Waltzing Matilda, Away in the Manger and the Lord of the Rings theme, among others.
Meeting crazy entertaining teachers was cool. Overly loud dance music at Kalgoorlie pub not so cool and reminded me why I don't like 'going out' in the usual sense of the phrase. There's essentially two reasons: 1) generally I don't really like dance/techno music. Give me oldies (70s/80s/90s) music to dance to any day. 2) when the music's too loud it really grates on me after a while. I don't know if I'm just more sensitive to noise than most people or what, but I prefer my music at a volume that you can still have a conversation with the person next to you if you raise your voice a bit. I know, I know, I'm a bit of an old grandma in this regard.
So if anyone wonders why I prefer to stay home or going to Gilks rather than going out dancing/clubbing with you, that's why. It's not because I don't like you or (non-ballroom) dancing. Really :-/
Right now back to the weekend. All in all it was a really good weekend. Next time though (assuming there is a next time), I'd like to have more time off work to do it in. Only having three days off meant we spent a significant part of two of those days driving. But it was worth it nonetheless.
_____
The weekend before last I went to the Circus. Silver's Grand Magic Circus, to be precise. Having been to both Cirque du Soleil and Circus Oz in the past two years, I wasn't expecting that great things of Silver's but they were way better than I thought they'd be. They've moved their big top down to Rockingham now, and I'd recommend them.
gtg I'll finish later.
Friday, 23 May 2008
Shorts
Target is selling organic cotton clothing. This is cool. I bought two organic cotton t-shirts yesterday and nearly got pjs as well. Yes, I know organic cotton is not all the answers, but it is one step in the right direction.
_______
The prime minister was on TV last night. I discovered this accidentally when I went to put a dvd on and I found Mr Rudd on the ABC's new show Q&A. Rather unusually I kept on watching it until the end of the show and I continue to be impressed by our new prime minister. While it did at times seems a little on the lines of a "bag the last lot session" with frequent references to the Howard government's lack of policy on all the things people were asking him about, Kevin Rudd is slowly eroding with my previous political apathy. Wow!
_______
I got paid today properly for the first time. Yay! Now I can actually afford to go visit Thia in Kalgoorlie over the long weekend.
_______
The prime minister was on TV last night. I discovered this accidentally when I went to put a dvd on and I found Mr Rudd on the ABC's new show Q&A. Rather unusually I kept on watching it until the end of the show and I continue to be impressed by our new prime minister. While it did at times seems a little on the lines of a "bag the last lot session" with frequent references to the Howard government's lack of policy on all the things people were asking him about, Kevin Rudd is slowly eroding with my previous political apathy. Wow!
_______
I got paid today properly for the first time. Yay! Now I can actually afford to go visit Thia in Kalgoorlie over the long weekend.
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Books, books, books...
One of the great things about working in a library is that you come across so many books that otherwise you probably wouldn't have discovered even existed. I've borrowed 13 books in the past 2.5 weeks I've been working there, and that's being quite restrained really.
One of my jobs at work is making little booklets of all the new books we've had come in over the past month. This month we had over 400! Although strictly speaking they're not all new releases - a reasonable proportion of them are donations from readers, and some will be are second copies of ones we've already got. But still, that's a lot of books.
I also box up unwanted donations to take down to Save the Children Fund who then recycle them through their massive book sales. Most of the books that fall into this category... well... let's just say it's clear why they are unwanted. But every now and then I turn up something cool in the piles of books and next thing I know I'm taking home half dozen or so books for which I paid $1 each. Technically I didn't have to pay anything for them, as they're being given away, but I felt I should, taking so many.
Another job I do is process local stock, which basically means getting the local stock books (books that don't come from the state library - ie reader donations or ones bought with the local councils' money) ready so that they can go on the shelves. Spine labels, date labels etc... I'm getting lots of practice at book covering. Of course if it's an interesting looking book, it's necessary to look the book over a bit while you're doing so - read the blurb and so on. *grin*
I was going to list and review some of the books I've borrowed recently, but I'm out of time so it'll have to be later.
One of my jobs at work is making little booklets of all the new books we've had come in over the past month. This month we had over 400! Although strictly speaking they're not all new releases - a reasonable proportion of them are donations from readers, and some will be are second copies of ones we've already got. But still, that's a lot of books.
I also box up unwanted donations to take down to Save the Children Fund who then recycle them through their massive book sales. Most of the books that fall into this category... well... let's just say it's clear why they are unwanted. But every now and then I turn up something cool in the piles of books and next thing I know I'm taking home half dozen or so books for which I paid $1 each. Technically I didn't have to pay anything for them, as they're being given away, but I felt I should, taking so many.
Another job I do is process local stock, which basically means getting the local stock books (books that don't come from the state library - ie reader donations or ones bought with the local councils' money) ready so that they can go on the shelves. Spine labels, date labels etc... I'm getting lots of practice at book covering. Of course if it's an interesting looking book, it's necessary to look the book over a bit while you're doing so - read the blurb and so on. *grin*
I was going to list and review some of the books I've borrowed recently, but I'm out of time so it'll have to be later.
Saturday, 17 May 2008
A trip to the tip
I am so tired. It's been a long day, and it certainly doesn't help that I've been burning the candle at both ends recently. I need to develop a good habit of going to bed early rather than staying up until I can't keep my eyes open any longer. But I always say that and never do...
Today, as part of the Earth Carers Training course, I went on a trip to the tip. Or to put it more eloquently, we did a tour of the Tamala Park landfill site and the Balcatta recycling station. Then we had lunch at the Stirling Civic Gardens, which is a rehabilitated landfill site. Not that I would have known, if they hadn't told us.
This was a rather more enjoyable experience than I expected. The stuff we learned at each site was both useful and interesting if a bit sobering at times. I will certainly be thinking twice not only before throwing anything in the bin, but also before buying things. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
I think part of what makes this Earth Carers experience great, is hanging out with a group of like-minded people. Everyone else is also concerned about the current state of the planet, but not just that, they are proactive in doing something about it. It's great to be able to discuss and brainstorm ideas about everything from council recycling systems to community gardens, to biodegrable plastic bags, and green power.
______________
This month, May, is Mobile Muster month with the slogan "old phones, more trees". From the 2nd May to the 5th June for every mobile recycled through the mobile muster campaign, Landcare Australia will plant a native tree. So if you've got an old mobile laying around don't sent to landfill, drop it off at an official drop off point and congratulate yourself on planting a tree for the environment without having to do any of the hard work. Click here and enter your post code to find your nearest drop off point or go down to Australia Post and pick up a free recycling satchel.
_____________
At the first training session we had (on tuesday night) they showed us a video called "The Story of Stuff'". This is a brilliant little animated movie that takes a look at the dark underside of our production and consumption patterns. It was really good - informative while still being entertaining - and I encourage everyone to watch it. In fact, no, I don't just encourage you to watch it, instead I'd like to ask you on behalf of everyone who wants to create a more sustainable future, please take 20mins to watch this short film and recommend it to your friends.
You can download it for free at:
www.storyofstuff.com
It's a simple little thing, and you may think that they're over-simplifying the issues or that you already know this stuff, but watch it anyway. If nothing else, I'm sure you'll find parts of it entertaining. I've drawn the following comments off the website because I agree with them:
The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
____________
After we got back from the tour of the tip, I discovered that our meeting point for the bus trip was right next to West Leederville community garden. Naturally a number of my fellow "tourists" were involved with the community garden so I went in to have a bit of a look around. It seemed pretty cool so I'm thinking about getting involved.
Today, as part of the Earth Carers Training course, I went on a trip to the tip. Or to put it more eloquently, we did a tour of the Tamala Park landfill site and the Balcatta recycling station. Then we had lunch at the Stirling Civic Gardens, which is a rehabilitated landfill site. Not that I would have known, if they hadn't told us.
This was a rather more enjoyable experience than I expected. The stuff we learned at each site was both useful and interesting if a bit sobering at times. I will certainly be thinking twice not only before throwing anything in the bin, but also before buying things. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
I think part of what makes this Earth Carers experience great, is hanging out with a group of like-minded people. Everyone else is also concerned about the current state of the planet, but not just that, they are proactive in doing something about it. It's great to be able to discuss and brainstorm ideas about everything from council recycling systems to community gardens, to biodegrable plastic bags, and green power.
______________
This month, May, is Mobile Muster month with the slogan "old phones, more trees". From the 2nd May to the 5th June for every mobile recycled through the mobile muster campaign, Landcare Australia will plant a native tree. So if you've got an old mobile laying around don't sent to landfill, drop it off at an official drop off point and congratulate yourself on planting a tree for the environment without having to do any of the hard work. Click here and enter your post code to find your nearest drop off point or go down to Australia Post and pick up a free recycling satchel.
_____________
At the first training session we had (on tuesday night) they showed us a video called "The Story of Stuff'". This is a brilliant little animated movie that takes a look at the dark underside of our production and consumption patterns. It was really good - informative while still being entertaining - and I encourage everyone to watch it. In fact, no, I don't just encourage you to watch it, instead I'd like to ask you on behalf of everyone who wants to create a more sustainable future, please take 20mins to watch this short film and recommend it to your friends.
You can download it for free at:
www.storyofstuff.com
It's a simple little thing, and you may think that they're over-simplifying the issues or that you already know this stuff, but watch it anyway. If nothing else, I'm sure you'll find parts of it entertaining. I've drawn the following comments off the website because I agree with them:
The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.
____________
After we got back from the tour of the tip, I discovered that our meeting point for the bus trip was right next to West Leederville community garden. Naturally a number of my fellow "tourists" were involved with the community garden so I went in to have a bit of a look around. It seemed pretty cool so I'm thinking about getting involved.
Monday, 12 May 2008
Life update
I was going to write a post tonight but...
oh well. Better luck next time.
Work = bonafide cushy government job.
Possibly I am just not used to the concept of a job where you get paid holidays... but it's also the fact that as well as a 45min lunchbreak (generous by my past experience) we also get a 15min tea break for both morning and afternoon tea each day. This means it's impossible to work more than 3hrs at a stretch (and frequently time between breaks is less) Not that I am complaining about this.
I'm enjoying it (not really because it's easy-going) but because the people are nice, the customers are almost always nice and... well...
books! lots of books! yippee! :-D
One downside is finding so many books to read that I'll still be getting through them years later, and ending up with hideous overdue item fines. To avoid this fate, I'm trying to limit myself to taking home no more than one item per day. Ok so it's not really a downside. It's actually pretty cool because I run across books I probably never would have found otherwise.
If there is a downside I guess it would be that my feet usually get sore by the end of the day - I think I need some better shoes.
In other news...
I have no other news. Not much else has happened to me lately. Went to the movies with Mum and my brother yesterday to see "Miss Pettigrew lives for a day". It was cute. I liked it (but brother didn't). The story was a little light on substance but I didn't really care. Frances what-ever-her-name-is who played Miss Pettigrew was very good in the lead role.
Happy Mother's Day to Mum for yesterday. You are awesome and I love you.
oh well. Better luck next time.
Work = bonafide cushy government job.
Possibly I am just not used to the concept of a job where you get paid holidays... but it's also the fact that as well as a 45min lunchbreak (generous by my past experience) we also get a 15min tea break for both morning and afternoon tea each day. This means it's impossible to work more than 3hrs at a stretch (and frequently time between breaks is less) Not that I am complaining about this.
I'm enjoying it (not really because it's easy-going) but because the people are nice, the customers are almost always nice and... well...
books! lots of books! yippee! :-D
One downside is finding so many books to read that I'll still be getting through them years later, and ending up with hideous overdue item fines. To avoid this fate, I'm trying to limit myself to taking home no more than one item per day. Ok so it's not really a downside. It's actually pretty cool because I run across books I probably never would have found otherwise.
If there is a downside I guess it would be that my feet usually get sore by the end of the day - I think I need some better shoes.
In other news...
I have no other news. Not much else has happened to me lately. Went to the movies with Mum and my brother yesterday to see "Miss Pettigrew lives for a day". It was cute. I liked it (but brother didn't). The story was a little light on substance but I didn't really care. Frances what-ever-her-name-is who played Miss Pettigrew was very good in the lead role.
Happy Mother's Day to Mum for yesterday. You are awesome and I love you.
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Job update
I'm having a bit of trouble with expressing what I want to say at the moment. I came in to use the internet specifically for the purpose of writing a particular post - the one I wanted to write on Sunday - but I keep putting off getting started. I've been here for over an hour now and I told myself I'd go home at 7pm. I have done a few other things that I needed to get done - like send off my registration form for the Earth Carers Training course - but mostly I've been browsing randomly through the New Scientist blogs.
They have about half a dozen all up, devoted to specific things (technology, space, invention,... etc). You will probably not be surprised to hear that my favourite is the environment one.
-------
The new job is going well. I've done 2 days so far and today I have the day off. After monday I was feeling a bit uncertain about it, but I enjoyed yesterday a lot more. There's a lot to learn. I had no idea how much behind the scenes stuff goes on in a library. From a borrowers perspective you'd think it's just checking out/in books and helping people find information but actually you mostly only do that when you're rosted on the circulation desk - which is usually only 2hrs per day (or sometimes 4hrs). Also they've got probably the most complex computer systems (plural emphasis) I've ever used. And to think I thought Booknet was complicated when I was in my previous job.
I think I'm getting the hang of the circulation desk stuff fairly quickly - but I reckon it'll probably take weeks/months to learn all the other stuff. That's ok though, because I like learning. Also the backroom tasks are divided up between the library officers on a roster system, which means that you do the same set of tasks for 6 months and the everyone rotate to another set. This is good because it means I only have to learn 1/6 of the things immediately (there's a new rotation starting next week) and the rest can wait until later. My background working in the bookshop, being a regular library user, and as books on wheels volunteer helps quite a lot. I would be really lost without it instead of looking forward to all the new things to learm. (but I probably wouldn't have got the job without it, anyway.)
I'm still feeling a little like I don't quite fit in. I think this is mostly because of being so new there but there are a few other factors:
1) I am, I estimate, at least 2 decades younger than the combined average age of the other people working there. I haven't met all the casuals yet but so far I've only met one other person who's within a decade of my own age. Well... possibly within a decade, given that I don't actually know how old he is. Everyone seems really nice and friendly, just... I don't know what I'm trying to say. They are all really nice.
2) I don't follow the footy and it appears that the footy is one of the major bonding factor between most of them. I am lost in conversations about football - apparently something really tragic happened last weekend...?
I expect the sense of not quite fitting in will disappear once I've got used to things. And I'm enjoying it regardless. I think I will enjoy working in a library. I guess it's just a little odd being younger (by a long way) than almost everyone else I work with. But it's not really a bad "odd".
I need to get some more work clothes too. Apparently denim is not acceptable. Nor sleeveless tops. Other than that we can wear what we want, but I only have 2 pairs of pants that seem suitable. And most of my jumpers are old and a bit too scruffy looking to wear to work I think. Good Sammy's, here I come... :-P
------
It's late. I don't know if this "sunday's post" is ever going to get written. I need to get home and make dinner (quite very probably ratatouille) before Spicks & Specks and going to dancing.
Hey cool, Gilkison's have got themselves a new website.
They have about half a dozen all up, devoted to specific things (technology, space, invention,... etc). You will probably not be surprised to hear that my favourite is the environment one.
-------
The new job is going well. I've done 2 days so far and today I have the day off. After monday I was feeling a bit uncertain about it, but I enjoyed yesterday a lot more. There's a lot to learn. I had no idea how much behind the scenes stuff goes on in a library. From a borrowers perspective you'd think it's just checking out/in books and helping people find information but actually you mostly only do that when you're rosted on the circulation desk - which is usually only 2hrs per day (or sometimes 4hrs). Also they've got probably the most complex computer systems (plural emphasis) I've ever used. And to think I thought Booknet was complicated when I was in my previous job.
I think I'm getting the hang of the circulation desk stuff fairly quickly - but I reckon it'll probably take weeks/months to learn all the other stuff. That's ok though, because I like learning. Also the backroom tasks are divided up between the library officers on a roster system, which means that you do the same set of tasks for 6 months and the everyone rotate to another set. This is good because it means I only have to learn 1/6 of the things immediately (there's a new rotation starting next week) and the rest can wait until later. My background working in the bookshop, being a regular library user, and as books on wheels volunteer helps quite a lot. I would be really lost without it instead of looking forward to all the new things to learm. (but I probably wouldn't have got the job without it, anyway.)
I'm still feeling a little like I don't quite fit in. I think this is mostly because of being so new there but there are a few other factors:
1) I am, I estimate, at least 2 decades younger than the combined average age of the other people working there. I haven't met all the casuals yet but so far I've only met one other person who's within a decade of my own age. Well... possibly within a decade, given that I don't actually know how old he is. Everyone seems really nice and friendly, just... I don't know what I'm trying to say. They are all really nice.
2) I don't follow the footy and it appears that the footy is one of the major bonding factor between most of them. I am lost in conversations about football - apparently something really tragic happened last weekend...?
I expect the sense of not quite fitting in will disappear once I've got used to things. And I'm enjoying it regardless. I think I will enjoy working in a library. I guess it's just a little odd being younger (by a long way) than almost everyone else I work with. But it's not really a bad "odd".
I need to get some more work clothes too. Apparently denim is not acceptable. Nor sleeveless tops. Other than that we can wear what we want, but I only have 2 pairs of pants that seem suitable. And most of my jumpers are old and a bit too scruffy looking to wear to work I think. Good Sammy's, here I come... :-P
------
It's late. I don't know if this "sunday's post" is ever going to get written. I need to get home and make dinner (quite very probably ratatouille) before Spicks & Specks and going to dancing.
Hey cool, Gilkison's have got themselves a new website.
Sunday, 4 May 2008
-blank-
Arrgh! I need more time. I came in here with about a dozen things to blog about, but am clearly not going to get them all done before the library shuts in 25min. And then I got distracted by Avaaz's petition about the world food crisis and wrote a post about that instead. Which is a good thing because I think it's important, but also was not what I had planned to write about.
I started out blogging about one of the topics, but wasn't really getting anywhere with trying to express what I wanted to say, so I ditched it. Guess they'll all have to wait until later - if they get done at all.
Also there are people talking nearby which always gets to me a bit, because I find it distracting and hard to focus on what I'm doing. More frequently nowadays, when this happens, I'll go over and politely asks them to go talk somewhere else, but with the library closing in 10mins, there doesn't seem much point. It also annoys me that the library staff rarely do anything about it even if the people making noise are near them. One of the reasons I like using the library is because it is quiet (mostly).
I started out blogging about one of the topics, but wasn't really getting anywhere with trying to express what I wanted to say, so I ditched it. Guess they'll all have to wait until later - if they get done at all.
Also there are people talking nearby which always gets to me a bit, because I find it distracting and hard to focus on what I'm doing. More frequently nowadays, when this happens, I'll go over and politely asks them to go talk somewhere else, but with the library closing in 10mins, there doesn't seem much point. It also annoys me that the library staff rarely do anything about it even if the people making noise are near them. One of the reasons I like using the library is because it is quiet (mostly).
World Food Crisis
I just signed an Avaaz petition to G8, UN and EU leaders regarding the world food crisis.
If you'd like to sign the petition too, here is the link:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/world_food_crisis/9.php
Before I followed that link and watched several of the videos on the Avaaz site, I had no idea that the crisis situation was so severe. I watched two videos, the one that comes up immediately when you follow the link, which has Sierra Leone's foreign minister, Zainab Bangura, who explains that 90% of the people in her country cannot afford the price of a bag of rice. A bag of rice!
Then I watched the second video which was a 10min interview with Raj Patel, the author of Stuffed and Starved - the hidden battle for the world food system. This interview was interesting yet scary (because of the issues we're facing) at the same time. I've decided to chase up his book after listening to him.
I encourage you to inform yourself on this issue, and sign Avaaz's petition if you support their position.
About Avaaz: (taken from their website)
Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means "voice" in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Washington DC, and Geneva.
I support them because I think what they do is important and I believe they get results. Across the world, international decisions are often shaped by political agendas or unaccountable corporations rather than human rights, or sustainability considerations. Avaaz aims to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want, by being the "voice" of the people in the ear of global leaders. So when I agree with what Avaaz is campaigning for, I add my voice to theirs by signing their petition and telling others about it.
You can read more about Avaaz here
-------
And just for the record in case anyone's wondering, they don't spam you with emails, if you join their mailing list. I get roughly one or two per week from them about their campaigns.
If you'd like to sign the petition too, here is the link:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/world_food_crisis/9.php
Before I followed that link and watched several of the videos on the Avaaz site, I had no idea that the crisis situation was so severe. I watched two videos, the one that comes up immediately when you follow the link, which has Sierra Leone's foreign minister, Zainab Bangura, who explains that 90% of the people in her country cannot afford the price of a bag of rice. A bag of rice!
Then I watched the second video which was a 10min interview with Raj Patel, the author of Stuffed and Starved - the hidden battle for the world food system. This interview was interesting yet scary (because of the issues we're facing) at the same time. I've decided to chase up his book after listening to him.
I encourage you to inform yourself on this issue, and sign Avaaz's petition if you support their position.
About Avaaz: (taken from their website)
Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means "voice" in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, Washington DC, and Geneva.
I support them because I think what they do is important and I believe they get results. Across the world, international decisions are often shaped by political agendas or unaccountable corporations rather than human rights, or sustainability considerations. Avaaz aims to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want, by being the "voice" of the people in the ear of global leaders. So when I agree with what Avaaz is campaigning for, I add my voice to theirs by signing their petition and telling others about it.
You can read more about Avaaz here
-------
And just for the record in case anyone's wondering, they don't spam you with emails, if you join their mailing list. I get roughly one or two per week from them about their campaigns.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Earth Carers
Last night I went to a meeting about becoming an Earth Carer. Earth Carers are a not-for-profit community group that help to raise awareness of how people can help the environment by reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Earth Carers teach people about composting/recycling options via the media or stalls at events including Gardening Week and the Perth Royal Show.
One statistic that I read somewhere in their info last night was that the equivalent of Subiaco Oval filled to 1.5 times the height of the goal posts with wastegoes to landfill at Tamala Park each year. And that's just the from the residents in Cambridge, Stirling, Perth, Joondalup, Vincent and Victoria Park. Where the other Perth residents' waste goes, I don't know.
I put my name down to do their free Earth Carers training course which is starts on the 13th May.
Josh Byrne from Gardening Australia was at the meeting as a special guest speaker. I don't watch Gardening Australia but it was actually really interesting hearing him speak. Most of the examples he used were taken from his place in South Freo - his worm farm in an old bathtub, his chicken tractor, the greywater system for watering the garden, and the rainwater tank under the decking. Clearly he walks the talk, practices what he preaches, etc
One example that particularly stuck in my mind is that a 3,500 litre rainwater tank if used to flush the toilet and running the washing machine all through the wet months, can save around 40,000 litres of water each year. This is slightly different to conventional thinking which says get a rainwater tank to water the garden with . But as Josh pointed out, getting a rainwater tank for this purpose means it's full/overflowing in winter when you don't need it, and rapidly runs out in summer when you do. By using the rainwater tank, at the time of year when it's frequently being refilled, it's like putting water in the bank for the summer (by using less in winter and allowing our dams to fill up more). Interesting. Apparently it's also quite easy to install a mains backed-up system like he's got and what with water conservation being such a hot topic at the moment, you can even get a government rebate for it.
----------
5 out of the 8 library applications I put in, have called me regarding an interview. This is good although the last three I've had to turn down as I'm starting my new job on Mon. Yay!
It's an average of 30hrs a week - Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri and every second Sat morning. I'm looking forward to it. I met about half the people who work there the day before yesterday and they all seem really nice.
One statistic that I read somewhere in their info last night was that the equivalent of Subiaco Oval filled to 1.5 times the height of the goal posts with wastegoes to landfill at Tamala Park each year. And that's just the from the residents in Cambridge, Stirling, Perth, Joondalup, Vincent and Victoria Park. Where the other Perth residents' waste goes, I don't know.
I put my name down to do their free Earth Carers training course which is starts on the 13th May.
Josh Byrne from Gardening Australia was at the meeting as a special guest speaker. I don't watch Gardening Australia but it was actually really interesting hearing him speak. Most of the examples he used were taken from his place in South Freo - his worm farm in an old bathtub, his chicken tractor, the greywater system for watering the garden, and the rainwater tank under the decking. Clearly he walks the talk, practices what he preaches, etc
One example that particularly stuck in my mind is that a 3,500 litre rainwater tank if used to flush the toilet and running the washing machine all through the wet months, can save around 40,000 litres of water each year. This is slightly different to conventional thinking which says get a rainwater tank to water the garden with . But as Josh pointed out, getting a rainwater tank for this purpose means it's full/overflowing in winter when you don't need it, and rapidly runs out in summer when you do. By using the rainwater tank, at the time of year when it's frequently being refilled, it's like putting water in the bank for the summer (by using less in winter and allowing our dams to fill up more). Interesting. Apparently it's also quite easy to install a mains backed-up system like he's got and what with water conservation being such a hot topic at the moment, you can even get a government rebate for it.
----------
5 out of the 8 library applications I put in, have called me regarding an interview. This is good although the last three I've had to turn down as I'm starting my new job on Mon. Yay!
It's an average of 30hrs a week - Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri and every second Sat morning. I'm looking forward to it. I met about half the people who work there the day before yesterday and they all seem really nice.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Caution: Ferret on board
This is a mishmash post.
Yesterday I walked past a car with a 'ferret on board' bumper sticker. However unusual this may be, that was not the sticker that caught my attention. This one, which has caused much puzzlement ever since, said "Ferrets are like potato chips. You can never just have one"
Hmm... Interesting. My chemistry lecturer many years ago used to tell us that chemistry is like ferrets. So therefore I have realised that the following conclusion can be drawn:
chemistry = ferrets = potato chips
Well I don't know about you, but I know which one I'd rather eat.
-------
A cat tried to hijack my car yesterday. Thankfully I managed to persuade it to let me have my car back. I'm serious, if exaggerating a little. I pulled up in my friends driveway to pick her up and got out my car. Before I could shut the door this cat jumps in. It was a black cat and it was really dark so I wasn't entirely sure what had happened until I reached in, turned the light on and saw Mr Kitty was making himself comfortable on my passenger seat.
Right.
We had words, lots of shoeing motions and eventually I managed to persuade him to get out again.
----------------
There is a blog on here with the name of Insult Swordfighting - Where everyone fights like a dairy farmer. I saw it on Blogger's 'Blogs of Note' list. Just reading the name brings back memories, even if his blog doesn't really have much to do with Monkey Island. No idea what I'm talking about? I tell you you have missed out by not experiencing The Secret of Monkey Island and it's three sequels, some of the best adventure games ever. Who could forget insult swordfighting?
You fight like a dairy farmer.
How appropriate. You fight like a cow.
--------
I have made myself a beanie. It's blue and fuffy and I'm overly proud of it *grin*
I'd post a picture except I don't have a working camera anymore.
-------
So you think you can dance finale tonight. wheee! Go Jack! :-D
Yesterday I walked past a car with a 'ferret on board' bumper sticker. However unusual this may be, that was not the sticker that caught my attention. This one, which has caused much puzzlement ever since, said "Ferrets are like potato chips. You can never just have one"
Hmm... Interesting. My chemistry lecturer many years ago used to tell us that chemistry is like ferrets. So therefore I have realised that the following conclusion can be drawn:
chemistry = ferrets = potato chips
Well I don't know about you, but I know which one I'd rather eat.
-------
A cat tried to hijack my car yesterday. Thankfully I managed to persuade it to let me have my car back. I'm serious, if exaggerating a little. I pulled up in my friends driveway to pick her up and got out my car. Before I could shut the door this cat jumps in. It was a black cat and it was really dark so I wasn't entirely sure what had happened until I reached in, turned the light on and saw Mr Kitty was making himself comfortable on my passenger seat.
Right.
We had words, lots of shoeing motions and eventually I managed to persuade him to get out again.
----------------
There is a blog on here with the name of Insult Swordfighting - Where everyone fights like a dairy farmer. I saw it on Blogger's 'Blogs of Note' list. Just reading the name brings back memories, even if his blog doesn't really have much to do with Monkey Island. No idea what I'm talking about? I tell you you have missed out by not experiencing The Secret of Monkey Island and it's three sequels, some of the best adventure games ever. Who could forget insult swordfighting?
You fight like a dairy farmer.
How appropriate. You fight like a cow.
--------
I have made myself a beanie. It's blue and fuffy and I'm overly proud of it *grin*
I'd post a picture except I don't have a working camera anymore.
-------
So you think you can dance finale tonight. wheee! Go Jack! :-D
Saturday, 26 April 2008
This is me, This is who I am
I really can't seem to write what I want to say today.
There is so much. Yesterday I thought about lots of things and composed posts in my head. But today nothing flows. I've spent 40min getting nowhere.
Anyway here's the gist of it:
1. I want to apologise in greater depth for my outburst on Monday.
I am sorry about that. I had something I wanted to say but the way I expressed it was pretty terrible. I was coming from a place of anger and bitterness and I directed that towards people who had done nothing worse than invite me to something. They didn't deserve that and I know that they are generally very considerate people who wouldn't intentionally make me feel left out. I regretted saying it later, when I got home, because I knew it was uncalled for. I apologised next time I got on here (wed) but now I don't feel that was enough. So if you are one of the people I directed that at, I want you to know that I am sorry.
2. And the truth is that I do feel left out at times. I know this isn't anyone else's fault. It's just that living with food allergies is both frustrating and alienating when it comes to social event/gatherings. In our culture, as with others, people often bond over food - and when you can't eat those things it's hard. I am frequently tempted to avoid food related social events because:
option A - sitting around watch people eat is a bit alienating, especially when you do it not once, but at almost every social event you go to.
option B - trying to sort out something I can eat too is frustrating for me and bothersome for others. Bringing my own is time-consuming and not always an option (when was the last time you went to a restaurant or cafe that was happy for you to BYO food?)
option C - just eating it anyway, means (in my case) writing off the rest of the evening to feeling bleh.
3. This blog is an exercise in visibility. That is one of my main aims in keeping it. Probably the main reason. So what does that mean? I wrote a little piece in my head about that yesterday. I'll see if I can do it justice...
This is me, This is who I am.
The good, the bad and the ugly.
Sometimes it's scary baring my life and reactions to it in this blog. In public where anyone could read it. Exposing myself to the scrutiny of the world.
I don't know how many people actually read this but the thing is anyone could. Potentially. And that's a bit scary.
I worry sometimes that I'll lose friends by doing this. Or that I might make people hate me by what I say. I know that sometimes I express things badly. If I write when I'm stressed or upset for example. But I've made a commitment to this. A commitment to stop hiding my whole self. A commitment to always express a thing if it needs to be said. And to never settle for writing anything less than the truth. This is what I mean by visibility. So despite my fear that I might get myself into trouble, I am endeavouring to live this promise i made to myself.
I had to review my commitment to visibility recently and I came to the following conclusion:
If I lose friends by doing this, than so be it.
I hope that won't happen, but I would rather lose friends by being true to myself, than lose myself in order to maintain the good opinion of others.
If I cause people to hate me by what I say, than so be it.
I hope that won't happen, but I would rather have others hate me for speaking my truth, than hate myself for speaking an untruth or remaining silent when something needs be spoken.
I further commit to always endevouring to speak the truth with love. In a way that respects others and hurts no-one. I will no doubt make mistakes with this, however I will try my best.
This is me, This is who I am.
4. Thanks and acknowledgements
Neale Donald Walsch, God, and the Conversations with God books. My heartfelt thanks forever and always
Christopher Howard's Performance Revolution training.
Thia
Mum
There is so much. Yesterday I thought about lots of things and composed posts in my head. But today nothing flows. I've spent 40min getting nowhere.
Anyway here's the gist of it:
1. I want to apologise in greater depth for my outburst on Monday.
I am sorry about that. I had something I wanted to say but the way I expressed it was pretty terrible. I was coming from a place of anger and bitterness and I directed that towards people who had done nothing worse than invite me to something. They didn't deserve that and I know that they are generally very considerate people who wouldn't intentionally make me feel left out. I regretted saying it later, when I got home, because I knew it was uncalled for. I apologised next time I got on here (wed) but now I don't feel that was enough. So if you are one of the people I directed that at, I want you to know that I am sorry.
2. And the truth is that I do feel left out at times. I know this isn't anyone else's fault. It's just that living with food allergies is both frustrating and alienating when it comes to social event/gatherings. In our culture, as with others, people often bond over food - and when you can't eat those things it's hard. I am frequently tempted to avoid food related social events because:
option A - sitting around watch people eat is a bit alienating, especially when you do it not once, but at almost every social event you go to.
option B - trying to sort out something I can eat too is frustrating for me and bothersome for others. Bringing my own is time-consuming and not always an option (when was the last time you went to a restaurant or cafe that was happy for you to BYO food?)
option C - just eating it anyway, means (in my case) writing off the rest of the evening to feeling bleh.
3. This blog is an exercise in visibility. That is one of my main aims in keeping it. Probably the main reason. So what does that mean? I wrote a little piece in my head about that yesterday. I'll see if I can do it justice...
This is me, This is who I am.
The good, the bad and the ugly.
Sometimes it's scary baring my life and reactions to it in this blog. In public where anyone could read it. Exposing myself to the scrutiny of the world.
I don't know how many people actually read this but the thing is anyone could. Potentially. And that's a bit scary.
I worry sometimes that I'll lose friends by doing this. Or that I might make people hate me by what I say. I know that sometimes I express things badly. If I write when I'm stressed or upset for example. But I've made a commitment to this. A commitment to stop hiding my whole self. A commitment to always express a thing if it needs to be said. And to never settle for writing anything less than the truth. This is what I mean by visibility. So despite my fear that I might get myself into trouble, I am endeavouring to live this promise i made to myself.
I had to review my commitment to visibility recently and I came to the following conclusion:
If I lose friends by doing this, than so be it.
I hope that won't happen, but I would rather lose friends by being true to myself, than lose myself in order to maintain the good opinion of others.
If I cause people to hate me by what I say, than so be it.
I hope that won't happen, but I would rather have others hate me for speaking my truth, than hate myself for speaking an untruth or remaining silent when something needs be spoken.
I further commit to always endevouring to speak the truth with love. In a way that respects others and hurts no-one. I will no doubt make mistakes with this, however I will try my best.
This is me, This is who I am.
4. Thanks and acknowledgements
Neale Donald Walsch, God, and the Conversations with God books. My heartfelt thanks forever and always
Christopher Howard's Performance Revolution training.
Thia
Mum
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Da Vinci Machines Exhibition
I'm sure some of my friends will be interested in this:
Leonardo Da Vinci Machines Exhibition
From the website:
Experience the incredible inventions of Leonardo da Vinci come to life in this outstanding interactive exhibition of finely crafted machines by the internationally acclaimed Artisans of Florence - Teknoart.
The Exhibition presents over sixty machines based on the original drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, featuring his amazing flying machines, nautical, hydraulic and architectural innovations, groundbreaking applications of civil engineering and incredible war machines.
I've spoken to someone who went and he said that it was good but he wouldn't say it's a "must see". Then again he's someone who's possibly considering going to the Perth Motor Show - so I think it's fair to say we have quite different interests.
I still want to go in any case, but am waiting until I start earning money again before I go to anything that's not free. Fortunately the exhibition runs until mid July.
If you want to go let me know, and we'll arrange a time once I start working :-)
Something else I want to go to once I'm earning again is Silvers Circus - why? just because really. I try to get to every circus performance that coming to Perth. It probably won't compare with Cirque du Soleil, but some of the acts look good. Any takers?
Leonardo Da Vinci Machines Exhibition
From the website:
Experience the incredible inventions of Leonardo da Vinci come to life in this outstanding interactive exhibition of finely crafted machines by the internationally acclaimed Artisans of Florence - Teknoart.
The Exhibition presents over sixty machines based on the original drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, featuring his amazing flying machines, nautical, hydraulic and architectural innovations, groundbreaking applications of civil engineering and incredible war machines.
I've spoken to someone who went and he said that it was good but he wouldn't say it's a "must see". Then again he's someone who's possibly considering going to the Perth Motor Show - so I think it's fair to say we have quite different interests.
I still want to go in any case, but am waiting until I start earning money again before I go to anything that's not free. Fortunately the exhibition runs until mid July.
If you want to go let me know, and we'll arrange a time once I start working :-)
Something else I want to go to once I'm earning again is Silvers Circus - why? just because really. I try to get to every circus performance that coming to Perth. It probably won't compare with Cirque du Soleil, but some of the acts look good. Any takers?
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
:-)
Interviewing is exhausting. I was buggered for the rest of the day yesterday once they were both done. But they went well. I was very satisfied with how I went. Proof it went well arrived today in the form of a phone call from library 2.
Now I have to pass a pre-employment medical which I have organised for monday. I laugh at the pre-employment medical checklist, which includes, among other things:
Can you please determine if the applicant is physically able to do the following actions?
Now I have to pass a pre-employment medical which I have organised for monday. I laugh at the pre-employment medical checklist, which includes, among other things:
Can you please determine if the applicant is physically able to do the following actions?
- stand for long periods of time up to 2 hours
- carry a small load of books (approximately 5 books)
- repetitive use of a handheld scanner to checkout and return books
?!?
I can see this is going to be a tough job. lol
_________
I apologise for my grumpiness on Monday. Sorry everyone.
_________
I stand by my comments about the fur-lined boots. And would also like pants... and a jacket... and... Possibly I have defective internal body temperature control or something, but a few days ago I was freezing and it's not even May. This is sad.
Anyone know of any shops that might sell such things?
_________
I'd like to acknowledge Kmart Tyre and Auto, West Perth. Earlier today, I just dropped in and the guy supplied and fitted two rear brake lights for my car. And then wouldn't take any payment for it. Now I imagine that the light globes don't cost much. But it was nice of them regardless. So, thanks Kmart Tyre and Auto. Extra special thanks, because this is not the first time they have been nice to me either.
Monday, 21 April 2008
Not much to say really
One book I recommend in light of my last post:
Animal, vegatable, miracle - Barbara Kingsolver. An excellent book, interesting story about one family's experience eating local produce for a year, and a great introduction to the issues and facts around conventional/global vs organic/local food. Read it!
There's others, I just can't think of them right now
All I want this winter is a pair of fur-lined boots. Really.
I hate being cold.
Some things that have been annoying me a little lately:
1. Facebook and these computers >:-(
2. The way social events almost always seem to revolve around food
Is it small of me to be annoyed that not one of the three events my friends have organised for this weekend will have food I can eat? Probably it is ridiculous for me to be bothered by it, but, well, I am. I feel left out. And I feel justified in skipping one. What's the point of going to a fondue night when you can't eat cheese or chocolate? I might as well go to dancing instead.
3. The cold, and the fact that my flat is not much warmer than outside.
I really should go home and have some dinner rather than hanging around in the library. And then get on with get all my stuff together and going to bed early, so I don't have to panic madly tomorrow morning. (or at least not too much)
Two library job interviews tomorrow. Fingers crossed they go well. Please God let them go well.
SYTYCD:
I'd prefer Jack or Rhys to win, but I don't really care. All four of them are such amazing dancers and so deserving of being "Australia's favourite dancer"
I can't believe it's almost over... What am I going to do with my sunday nights after this sunday's grandfinal?
I'm hungry, somewhat grumpy and a bit worried about these interviews tomorrow. It really is time to go home.
Animal, vegatable, miracle - Barbara Kingsolver. An excellent book, interesting story about one family's experience eating local produce for a year, and a great introduction to the issues and facts around conventional/global vs organic/local food. Read it!
There's others, I just can't think of them right now
All I want this winter is a pair of fur-lined boots. Really.
I hate being cold.
Some things that have been annoying me a little lately:
1. Facebook and these computers >:-(
2. The way social events almost always seem to revolve around food
Is it small of me to be annoyed that not one of the three events my friends have organised for this weekend will have food I can eat? Probably it is ridiculous for me to be bothered by it, but, well, I am. I feel left out. And I feel justified in skipping one. What's the point of going to a fondue night when you can't eat cheese or chocolate? I might as well go to dancing instead.
3. The cold, and the fact that my flat is not much warmer than outside.
I really should go home and have some dinner rather than hanging around in the library. And then get on with get all my stuff together and going to bed early, so I don't have to panic madly tomorrow morning. (or at least not too much)
Two library job interviews tomorrow. Fingers crossed they go well. Please God let them go well.
SYTYCD:
I'd prefer Jack or Rhys to win, but I don't really care. All four of them are such amazing dancers and so deserving of being "Australia's favourite dancer"
I can't believe it's almost over... What am I going to do with my sunday nights after this sunday's grandfinal?
I'm hungry, somewhat grumpy and a bit worried about these interviews tomorrow. It really is time to go home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)