The Ask Away Meme

I'm procrastinating. Should be at the library, but I'm more interested in watching the last of "In Treatment" and finding my red sunglasses. Ergh. Why can't I research puppies and kitten instead of systematic military rape?


Questions, as always, come from Sunday Stealing.

1. What is your zodiac sign?

Leo/Virgo. To be really specific, I'm a Leo/Virgo with a Capricorn ascendant, Moon in Cancer with five planets in Virgo in the 9th house and an inherent bullshit meter as my Saturn sits in Aries in the 4th. So I like lists. So shoot me.

2. What is your favorite color?


Depends on the day, but teal blue, pillarbox red and royal blue come to mind.

3. What’s your lucky number?

64. I've always loved the Beatles song.

4. What talents do you have?

I can use scissors with my left hand. I play the flute badly. I can pick a lock if I have to.

5. Are you psychic in any way?

Yes. I read tarot professionally which I suppose puts me in reasonably good stead as a psychic. But I'm only a little bit psychic.

6. Favorite song?


Always has been and always will be Australian Crawl's "Reckless". Here's an acoustic version for you.

7. How many pillows do you sleep with?

4. But one goes on the floor, two for the head and one to cuddle.

8. What position do you usually sleep in?

On my stomach, on arm thrown over my head.

9. Have you ever tried archery?

Nope. Me and sharp, fast moving objects don't mix.

10. What’s the longest you've ever gone without sleep?

About 48 hours. I need at least a few hours sleep each night - it's not pretty if I don't.

11. Do you have any scars?

A couple. There are scars down the back of my ankles where they elongated my achilles tendons. I had abdominal surgery a few years ago and there are marks where the tools went in. Oh, and a small scar in my eyebrow from when my sister clocked me over the head with a five iron when I was eleven. Never liked golf after that.

12. Have you ever had a secret admirer?

Oh, sort of, but we don't talk about that. 

13. Can you do any other accents other than your own?

After living in London for eight years I am known to have a bit of a generic British Accent. Fooled somebody from South Carolina one night in Greece when I told him I came from Alabama. We must have been drunk.

14. Are you a good judge of character?

Normally, yes. The Saturn in Aries gives me a good bullshit meter.

15. Can you curl your tongue? 

Yes.

16. Are you a clean or messy person?

I am clean, but I'm rather untidy. Just because I'm messy doesn't mean I'm unclean.

17. How long does it take for you to get ready?

Depends on the day and the event. I take an hour in the morning before work to get ready, but that's because I like to dawdle. Other times its ten minutes. If I'm going out, it can take longer.

18. Do you have much of an ego?

I'm a Leo. Of course I have an ego. I do try and keep it in check, I will say in my defense.

19. Do you talk to yourself?

All the time. Sometimes I even listen to myself.

20. Do you sing to yourself?

Only when I'm alone. Or stressed. I like singing. Pity I can't carry a tune in a bucket.

21. Can you name all 50 states of America?

With a bit of difficulty. I'm Australian so why do I need to know these things? Remember doing this exercise on a road trip. We came up with all of them except Minnesota. Like what is in Minnesota anyway?

22. Have you ever been scuba diving?

No. I'm not sure I like the idea of open water.

23. What makes you nervous?

Spiders and getting on the down escalators.

24. Do you correct people when they make mistakes?

Sometimes. Depends on the mistake. Grammar, when people are repeat offenders. I got into trouble for correcting a manager who didn't know the difference between bought and brought. Did my head in.

25. Are you ticklish?

Unfortunately.

26. Have you ever been in a position of authority?

Thankfully, no.

27. How many piercings do you have?

Four. Both ears, twice. That counts, yes?

28. Can you roll your Rs?

Six years of French has seen to that. Yes.

29. How fast can you type?

Around 60 wpm last time I checked.

30. What are you allergic to?

Sulpha drugs (the stuff they use instead of penicillin) I'm also slightly allergic to cats. It's a bugger that..

31. Do you keep a journal?

Yes. It's called this blog.

32. Do you like your age?

I'm content with my age. I'm strangely at peace being in my mid forties.

33. What makes you angry?

Injustice. Sexism. Racism. Bigots. Senses of entitlement. Pretty much anything the current Australian Federal Government is doing at the moment and has done since September last year.

34. Were your ancestors royalty? 

Nope. They were Cornish and Welsh tin miners.

Right, starting a new job tomorrow. Best get to bed.

Sunday Meme: Alphabetty 2

Well, I am finally home after a day of fun things and celebrations. There is so much to get done around here - so the Sunday Meme will hopefully get me in the mood to get all of these jobs done and out the way. Works well for me - do a job, do a question - I get to do something I love and something I don't like so much out of the way.

Questions, as always, from Sunday Stealing.

(Put food shopping away)

A) What does the last text you sent say? And to whom? 

Text to Teddy - "I'll be there in 15 minutes." I picked her up on the way to Jonella's Mum's 70th birthday party.

(Dishes put away)

B) What does the last text you received say? And from whom? 

A text from Blarney reading "Chance has asked if I bought a ticket for you for the cinema. How cute!" I went with Blarney and her boys to see "Planes: Fire and Rescue" this morning. The last time we were supposed to have a movie date I mixed up the days and Chance and Lance spent the movie asking where I was. I got the right day today.

(Bathroom sink and loo cleaned)

C) What time do you wake up most mornings? 

I wake around 6-6.30 most mornings, weekend or not. When I get out of bed is another matter. 

(Bed made)

D) Are you afraid of walking alone at night? 

Not really. I do exercise caution after dark, especially when it's later than 9 pm, but I have little trouble in the early evening. If there are lots of people around, I don't tend to stress. I go by the "be alert, not alarmed" motto - and if I feel uncomfortable, get under street lights or hop in a cab.

(Chapter of required reading done)

E) What do you do to relax at the end of a stressful day? 

Depends on the day. Exercise, read, watch television, cook, iron, sleep, crochet. It really does depend on what needs to be done and what I feel like. Exercise is a great way to unwind.

(Downstairs neighbour's cat placed outside for a few hours of piddle time)

F) Where did your last kiss take place and with whom? 

Oh dear, that was back when God was a boy. I think it was like the night that John Howard got ousted from power in 2007. My ex-boyfriend came over to watch the election results. The momentous occasion had to be celebrated some how...

(Dinner put in the oven)

G) Do/did you get into trouble a lot at school? 

No. I was a goodie-goodie. Or the mischief I was responsible for never got tracked down.

(Load of washing in the machine)

H) Do you enjoy your job? If unemployed, are you content being so? 

For the most part. As a contracting instructional designer the work is varied. A bit boring at times, but generally it's pretty good. I will be between jobs from Wednesday so I should get looking again - although I have some irons in the fire. I won't be off for long.

(Looked for work)

I) Do you often pick up on double entendres and innuendos? 

Unfortunately I do. Sometimes I wish I didn't.

(Dinner eaten)

J) Have you ever been offered drugs but declined? 

Yes. On the streets of Seminyak, Bali I was repeatedly asked if I wanted Ambien, speed and various other pills. I flatly turned them down. Sorry, don't do drugs like that, ever.

(Washing hung out to dry)

K) Have you ever met someone who has completely altered your way of thinking? 

Yes. I have a friend I see fairly regularly who changes my perceptions. It's pretty subtle, but she helps me to see things differently over the years. I also spent some time with a hypnotherapist a few years ago - he completely altered my life - for the better.

(Another load of washing in the machine)

L) Have you ever been offered drugs and accepted? 

Yes. I was at the doctors about two weeks ago with a hacking cough. I gratefully accepted the antibiotics and the ventolin he offered. It got me better quicker.

(Cup of tea made)

M) Tell us something weird that turns you on. 

Is it strange to like chest hair?

(New trainers re-laced)

N) When did someone last admit romantic or sexual feelings for you? Was the feeling mutual? 

About a month ago. Unfortunately, the feelings are mutual. Unfortunately he's on the other side of the world.

(Second load of washing hung out to dry)

O) What is something you have given a lot of thought to lately? 

I've got my head in the books at the moment. Finally started my first Masters subject so a lot of time is being spent thinking about my publication piece - which in a broad nutshell is on the topic of "Comfort Women" in WWII. I use the double quotation marks because it has to be one of the worst euphemisms around.Not a particularly pleasant topic, but I'm getting to the bones of where I want my publication piece to go.

(Made a cup of tea)

P) When did you last swallow your beliefs to avoid an argument or confrontation? 

At work about a week ago. Sometimes it's not worth the argument. This was one of those times.

(Bag packed for tomorrow)

Q) Do you usually initiate hugs? 

About half the time. I used to hug a lot more, but now, not so much.

(Shoes put away)

R) Are you a very affectionate person? 

I am very affectionate by nature, but I don't show it anywhere near as much as I used to. Maow Maow gets the worst of my affections. With people, I'm a lot more standoffish until I know them well. It's something I noticed in this current job - I'm in an office of touchers - this is not bad (there are one or two women who touch your arm now and then) and it got me - I realise that I don't touch people without their express permission. I don't have a lot of touch in my life. I'd like to remedy this.

(Started the ironing)

S) Can you roll your own cigarettes? 

No. And as I don't smoke it's a bit of a moot point.

(Did a bit more ironing)

T) What are you looking forward to? 

Finishing my current role on Wednesday. I know it's another step into the great unknown, but I've been bored for six of the last seven weeks., I've done what they wanted me to do - now it's time to move on and find something great. I'm also looking forward to spending Christmas in Tasmania and working through this Master's subject. Lots of things to look forward to.

(Finished the ironing)

U) Do you have any tattoos. Do you want any/more? 

I have a very small Chinese symbol on my right hip. Nobody ever sees it. I love it, but I don't want any more. Have thought about having the World Wildlife Panda put on myself somewhere, but I'm too old for that stuff now.

(Breakfast ready for tomorrow morning)

V) Are you mentally strong? 

I like to think I am.

(Article read for this week's tutorial)

W) Are you physically strong? 

Yes. I can walk for hours and the last time I checked I was able to dead lift around 80 kgs - is that strong enough. Looking forward to getting back to pump class - my goal is to be able to do a 30 kg squad track (I think that's like 65 lbs...

(Read another article for this week's tutorial)

X) Do you think you’re a good person? 

On the whole, I'm a very good person. I have my moments when I'm not, but on the whole, I'm pretty good.,

(Showered)

Y) Name one thing you wish you could change about your life right now. 

My weight. I am doing something about this, but I wish it would hurry up.

(100 sit ups)

Z) What do you usually eat for breakfast?

More often than not, it's yoghurt and muesli or a protein shake. Except for on the weekends when it's poached eggs on toast at least one day on the weekend. Love poached eggs.

I have to say, I feel good in that I've got a lot done this evening. Yay.

Now I'd better go and find that cat and let it in for the night.

Sunday Meme: Celebrity Obsession

It's Sunday, I'm sitting at the airport waiting for my plane after a lovely weekend away with friends. It's that time of the weekend. Either write up my meme or start trolling through a heap of journal articles. After dipping into a bit of history about the Rape of Nanking, I think that this is the more pleasant alternative.  The questions are, as always from Sunday Stealing and are on the topic of celebrity.

1)  First celebrity crush or encounter

This is a bit embarrassing, especially around these parts. I remember being around five or six and having a massive crush on Mark Holden. He went on to be a judge on Australian Idol and is now a lawyer. Always wanted to get a carnation off of him - when I was six that is.

2) Favourite celebrity encounter

Other than scumming a cigarette off Jeremy Clarkson in a restaurant many years ago - I stood behind Emma Thompson in Waitrose (supermarket in London)  once. I have better hair than her and she was taller than I thought she was going to be.

3) Most cherished celebrity obsession 

Clive Owen has been my celebrity boyfriend for years

4) Celebrity you'd like to sit down and have a chat to

George Clooney - would love to talk to him about the making of "Goodnight and Good Luck" as well as his humanitarian work

5) An artist you'd like to see live

It's such a pity he's gone, but I would have loved to have seen Philip Seymour Hoffman on stage

6) A celebrity you'd like to hang out with

Ian McKellen - while rehearsing some Shakespeare or other. He looks like a cool dude

7) A celebrity you respect purely for talent

Other than Clive Owen. Philip Seymour Hoffman was up there. I mourn the films he will never make.

8) A celebrity you feel you'd be friends with

Easy. Clive Owen - and maybe Colin Firth

9) A celebrity you dislike who others appear to love

I can't stand Will Ferrell. I can nearly tolerate him as Ron Burgundy, but I just don't get the appeal.

10)  A celebrity your respect for what they've been through in life

Robert Downey Junior has done a great job of facing his demons. Jennifer Hudson also has my complete and total respect after the murder of her mother and various other family members.

11)  A celebrity you share your birthday with

Matthew Perry (Chandler from Friends) is the only one who sticks out.

12) A celebrity you find annoying

Anybody with the surname of Kardashian. Why are they famous? Seriously....

13) Favourite under 20 celebrity

Chloe Grace Moretz has a great career ahead of her - she also has her head screwed on. Same goes for Abigail Breslin (of Little Miss Sunshine fame)

14) Favourite over 60 celebrity

Clint Eastwood - in his 80s, still makes a great movie - and he's a wonderful actor.

15) The celebrity 'fandom' that means most to you

I have no idea what this question means.

Be nice to the medical student

I've succumbed, completely, to the lurgy. What was a head cold has descended South. They threw me out of Masons last night after a five minute coughing bout. As is the case with me, when I'm home, stress free and quiet in a cool, dry environment, I'm fine. Put me in an overheated room with somebody I'd like to belt up, not a good move (another story, not for distribution).

Waking this morning to even more aches and pains, I reluctantly emailed work and told them I wouldn't be in. Then I called the doctors and made an appointment.

A couple of hours later, after a couple of coughing fits, a dose of nurofen (advil), breakfast, shower and a cup of tea, I made it to the doctor's office.

The hill to the doctors felt like Mount Everest. I normally run up it. The stairs up to the doctor's office felt five time as long. Again, not something I'm used to. I live on the second floor - stairs are nothing normally. My right shoulder blade ached on. The coughing stopped after about five minutes while sitting down, waiting for the doctor.

I love my doctors by the way, even if I avoid going to them. When I do go, normally for the biennial undercarriage check as well as times like this when I admit to being ill, they're great. The lot of them treat you with respect, listen to you and are nice people. Okay, you have to pay most of the time, but really, I'd rather pay for great service.

The practice are also a teaching centre and I was asked if I minded if a medical student sat in. "Oh course not," I told them. It wasn't anything that required disrobing or a long discussion.

Turns out, the doctor was lovely, although he sounded a lot like Peter Capaldi. Thankfully I can listen to that accent all day. Half of me wanted to ask him to shout "Fuck, fuck, fuckity fuck!" but thought the better of it.

Gabbi, the medical student was also lovely in an earnest sort of third-year medical student way. She received my permission to examine me.

The normal questions. How long had I felt like this, what was going on, signs and symptoms? She got off to a good start.

As somebody who used to get these chest infection things five to seven times a year, I know the drill pretty well.

The doctor sat back and let Gabbi do her best.

Ears, clear, throat, a little pink otherwise okay, glands up (she went around it the wrong way however). Listened to my chest. Yep, crackles in the middle lobe on the right (Could have told her that - it's why my shoulder's aching). Tap the lungs and they sound strange.  Temperature - normal, but that could be because I'd taken nurofen. No sweats. A bit hot and cold. No energy.

Yep, it's some sort of chest infection - possibly viral, possibly bacterial.

"Are you asthmatic?" she asked.
"Only on cold mornings and when I get sick." This is true. I'm not an asthmatic - I just get a bit wheezy and short of breath when I get chest infections. I'd grabbed a few puffs of ventolin off one of my Freemason friends the previous night before then sent me home.
"But you've never been diagnosed as asthmatic," she pressed.
"No. I get a puffer when I get wheezy."
"Hmm."

How to I get it through this chick's head that I know what asthma is. My mother had chronic asthma when I was a child. I get wheezy when I get sick. Don't call me asthmatic. Just give me a puffer and go away. I will throw out said puffer after using it three times once it expires a few years later. Like I always do.

So, what was she going to do with me asked the doctor.

Here's where she came unstuck.

Fluids, bed rest, ... ventolin...

Oh alright - I'll take the bloody ventolin.

Anti-biotics....

Yes, I'll take them too.

"Amoxycilin?" she asked.
"No." I told her. "Doesn't work on me anymore. Had too much of it in the nineties. And you haven't asked me if I'm allergic to anything" I added.
"Are you allergic to anything?" She asked.
"Sulpha drugs and bananas."
"What does that mean? asked the doctor.
"Ummm..."
"Don't give me bactrim... gives me a rash... looks like measles." I whispered at her.
The doctor asked her what she would prescribe if I said I couldn't take amoxycillin.
"Umm..."
"Cyclines? Clarythromycin?" I whispered to her.

They worked out what to give me.

She took my blood pressure. After a bit of a muddle, it came out well - 135/90 - brilliant for me.

What else did she have to tell me?
"Umm..."
"What about other medications?" I prompted her.
"Oh..."
"Oh, are you on any other medications?"
"Yes." and filled her in on the details.
"Ah, the antibiotic might diminish the effect of the other medication."
"Cool - that's not a drama."
"And keep on with the nurofen." she told me.
"No." I said.
"Why not."
"Umm, what contraindicates the use to nurofen?" I asked.

The doctor's smiling at me by this stage. "If Pand was in my class I'd have her on the ten second rule - not allowed to answer until everybody else had a change to say somehing. She knows her stuff."
"I don't know why she shouldn't take nurofen."
"You've just told me I'm asthmatic. Nurofen and asthmatics don't mix. Constricts your chest."
"Ah."
"And get some panadol." she told me.
"Okay."

It was quite fun putting the medical student through her paces.

As for me, I walked away with a reluctant prescription for ventolin and antibiotics, a sick note for two days and the knowledge that this is not in my head. I also know that I will be throwing out the ventolin puffer in two years after using it about three times. Ah well.

I will follow doctors orders. I've spent the afternoon in bed and gently pottering round the flat. Thankfully it's quiet at work, though I'm not happy about being off as I don't get paid. Health, however, is far more important. Let this go and it could turn into pneumonia.

Yes, I know when I'm beaten.

Tomorrow I hope to be up and around and bright enough to do some course work. May as well.

Here's hoping.

Alphabetty - The Sunday Meme

Today's Sunday has me cleaning, writing up a tutorial paper, going off to a Father's Day barbeque and pondering my line of attack for my research paper. Oh, and doing some Mason's stuff.

It's good to have the meme to take away a few of the worries of the day.  The questions, as always, are courtesy of  Sunday Stealing.

A. What are your favorite smells? 

In no real order: Vanilla pods, Davidoff Cool Water, freshly cleaned men, dogs paws in the morning, roast lamb, night jasmine, Stella McCartney perfume, baking cake,...

 B. Can you go a whole day without caffeine? 

Yes. Unfortunately I've been made to give up caffeine because of my blood pressure. Most days are now caffeine free days, though I will occasionally sneak in a coke zero. Tea doesn't count - it's not the same.

 C. Who knows more about you than anyone else? 

Different people know me differently. Some people know about some aspects, other's have a completely different view. Lachlan knows me pretty well, although there are details he's completely unaware of.

 D. What song did you last listen to? 

Watching Bull Durham last night - a reliable go-to movie when I'm trying to relax, I listed to "Sixty Minute Man." Love the music in Bull Durham.

 E. Do you have a crush on anybody? 

Other than Clive Owen?  No. Clive Owen doesn't count because he's my celebrity boyfriend.

 F. Do you like The Beatles? 

Of course. Doesn't everybody (except an old boss of mine)? I prefer their middle to late reflective stuff rather than their early, more simple music.

 G. If you could choose one color to wear for a whole year, what color would you choose? 

Probably black. Mind you, living in Melbourne, this would not be too much of a stretch.

 H. Do you cook often? 

I cook regularly. Not as often as I would like, but at least a few times a week.

 I. What was the last film you watched? Did you like it? 

I saw the new Woody Allen film, "Magic in the Moonlight" approximately two weeks ago. Though not Woody Allen's best, it was very enjoyable. A good "Take your Mum" film.

 J. Can you sew? 

Yes. Not that will, but basic jobs are not a problem. Don't ask me to make a dress. I could, but there is no interest in that.

K. What is your favorite fruit? 

Fresh, ripe strawberries.

 L. Are you health conscious? 

Yes, 90 percent of the time. You can't be healthy living all the time - it's not healthy.

 M. What is your middle initial? 

T. Pandora the Bear.... he he. My middle initial is J. Stands for the most boring middle name anybody can have.

 N. Do you curse a lot? 

I wouldn't say I curse a lot, but I do swear. In strict moderation, normally for emphasis. I'm a middle aged woman. I'll f*cking swear whenever the f*ck I like. Okay, not in front of my mother and not in front of children and very rarely at work.... Never underestimate the power of a well-timed expletive.

 O. When was the last time you had a beer?

 About a month ago - I had to cut back on alcohol about the same time that I gave up caffeine. I hope to have a beer this afternoon as I'm heading to a barbeque soon. What is a barbeque without beer?

 P. Are you pro sports fan? 

Not really. I like to know who's won the football and can happily watch cricket for an hour or so, but that it it.

 Q. Is there a certain food you often crave for no reason? 

Cupcakes. Love cupcakes. And sometimes I just want to have tzatziki. That's a bit odd.

 R. What was the last book you purchased? 

Only a minute ago I purchased Jan Ruff O'Herne's "Fifty Years of Silence" as a primary text for my research project. For a book that's not for uni, I bought "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves" by Karen Joy Fowler. Looking forward to that one - heard good things about it.

 S. Where was your last vacation? 

I went to Bali in February for a few weeks.

 T. Do you share your fries?

Most of the time. It's not like ice cream which I never share. 

 U. Did you ever play seven minutes in heaven? 

No. I'm not American. We Australians don't get up to shenanigans like that.

 V. Girls, when was the last time you went out without a bra? Guys, when was the last time you went shirtless in public?

Daft question. I think I picked up a sports bra on Ebay earlier this year.

 W.  What's the longest you've gone "unplugged"?

About two days. I feel naked without my phone or laptop.

X. Have you ever broken a bone? If so, how did it happen?

Not that it was ever verified, but I'm sure I broke a little toe after I collected it on a doorframe many years ago. The toe has never been the same since.

 Y. How do you like your eggs? 

Poached. If I'm feeling decadent, then the poached eggs come with hollandaise, wilted spinach and smoked salmon on a toasted English muffin.

 Z. What was your last argument about and who with?

I don't argue with people that often, preferring to walk away from arguments unless I'm really passionate about the topic. I've had a few minor clashes with Blarney over politics - tending to give in and walk away before I get too frustrated.

The New Normal

It's Saturday night, it's about nine 'o' clock and I'm working on my first tutorial assignment.

And I'm happy about it.

Not sure who this woman is who is going to have her tute paper in two days early, not sure why I'm chomping at the bit to get into the next thirteen weeks, but I am. Last time I was a student, papers went under the office door the day after it was due after pulling an all nighter. I can't do that crap any more.

I'm a student again. Better go and get something pierced or tattooed.

Admittedly, the first tutorial assignment isn't that difficult. Read a couple of papers and answer a few questions, then talk about what you're looking at doing for your research topic.

Where this studying on Saturday night comes from I don't know. The last time I was a student Saturday nights were for going out and getting drunk. Okay, that was 25 years ago when things like that were done. I'm now a "mature aged student" studying a Masters of Arts (Writing) I get that the hard yards need to be done.

Receiving my university login on Wednesday was brilliant. I've met a couple of the fellow students in the course discussion board. Seems I'm not the only 40-something, full time working new starter in the course. That gives me a bit of hope.

Refining my topic of enquiry is my next issue. There's a publication piece and a research journal and plan to complete in any genre I desire. I'll go the 2500 word short story route as it's something I know. But what to research. I've got the umbrella topic - now it's a matter of cutting it down to size. I'm pretty sure that I want to write on the subject of Comfort Women in WWII - just from what angle. This is my dilemma that will become more granular as the week progresses. Why such a grim topic? Women's stories need to get out there.

Right, I best get on with it. There's a tute paper to write.

There is a lot to be cheerful about:

1) This head cold is nearly over
2) It looks like my current contract will be extended for a bit
3) My friend Teddy is taking her very first interstate trip - aged in her early forties. I'm thrilled about this one. Okay, it's a road trip to Adelaide for a footy game - I'm over the moon for her.
4) Jay will be very happy that her football team won
5) The Melbourne Theatre Company nearly redeemed itself last night with it's performance of "The Effect". Jay was a bit over the medical stuff and it's inaccuracies, but I though it was well done
6) The discover of Irish Creme Lindt balls found at the Lindt Cafe will make anybody's world happier
7) There is a barbeque tomorrow at Blarney and Barney's so I don't have to cook tomorrow night (pity it won't do my floors) And I get to see Maow Maow.
8) It was a gorgeous sunny day today and should be the same tomorrow
9) T2 Chocolate Chilli tea is a revelation
10)  I should be right to walk to work on Monday.
11) I won't be secretary of my lodge after Monday night - yay!
12) Essendon lost tonight. The world is always a better place when Essendon loses. Especially in the finals.

I'm in study mode. Simple is good.