The Shop Around the Corner Meme

Well, study is now over, interim marks are in and it appears I've got through my first semester back at university. Final results aren't in until the end of the month, but it's looking positive. Tomorrow is December. Very cool.

So no I'm at  a loss - what do I do for the next three months? Write a novel. Knit a jumper? I don't know.

Anyway, here's this week's meme. It's too hot to think at the moment. Questions, as per normal, are from Sunday Stealing.


What kind of job did your mom have when you were growing up? 

Mum was a theatre sister and general nursing sister at the local hospital.

 Have you ever known anyone that’s been on tv, including you? 

I was on "Win Roy and HG's Money" a very defunct quiz show in 2001. I won $700 and beat a "Sale of the Century" Champion. I have a couple of uni friends who are on television regularly. One's an economist, the other is an expert in the internet security field. Both are wheeled out regularly.

 What was the most interesting animal you have seen in the wild? 

An antichinus. It's a small marsupial and they live out near my mum's face. I faced off with a fox in the woods in England one day too - Foxes are gorgeous in the English countryside.

 What holiday do you enjoy the most? 

The last one I took to America and Europe was brilliant. Seven countries in 35 days. Loved it.

 What was the first video game you ever played?

I remember playing Pong when I was about eight years old.

 What is the one thing you own, that if it got lost, you would be bummed? 

My phone., I'd be lost without my phone?

 Do you have a favorite breakfast item? 

Poached eggs on toast with lots of tomato sauce and smoked salmon.

 What do you find yourself buying all the time? 

Other than groceries - I do have a weekly ice cream cone. Keeps me happy.

 When was the last time you got a real letter in the mail? 

I seriously can't remember - it must be a couple of years ago.I got a few birthday cards on my birthday - do they count?

 Do you have a most prized piece of jewelry? 

My three strand Pandora bracelet.

 Do you own any board games? 

No

 What chore seems the most daunting right now? 

Just cleaning my flat is daunting enough - dusting is the worst of it. I hate dusting.

 Were you born in the state you live in? 

No. I was born in South Australia - I live in Victoria.

 Have you ever lived in a house that has been broken into? 

Yes. Thankfully nothing too much was taken and nobody was hurt.

 What is your favorite cheese? 

I love cheese but I'm not allowed to eat it. Brie - love Brie. And blue cheese... ah, cheese...

 Who do you know that watches the most sports? 

Most of the men I know what a heap of sport, but this one goes to Barney, partner of Blarney. He'll watch anything with a ball and men running around a pitch. Weird that.

Oh this should be fun:

As always, the questions come from Sunday Stealing.

I might have to do a proper blog post after this one...

1. Are you celebrating Thanksgiving at home or elsewhere this year? With whom will you spend Thanksgiving Day? 

Um, I'm Australian. We don't have thanksgiving.

 2. What do you have for breakfast on Thanksgiving? 

Though vaguely aware of the concept, I'm not sure when thanksgiving is - other than it's on a Thursday(?) at the end of November which seems really inconvenient. So I will have my normal protein shake because it's a Thursday and that's what I have on weekday mornings.

 3. Do you go to a Thanksgiving parade or watch one on TV? 

What, they have parades for Thanksgiving. On a Thursday. Seems a bit decadent.

 4. Do you serve appetizers, lunch, or snacks during the day? 

Why would you? It's just a normal Thursday.

 5. What do you wear on Thanksgiving? 

It's a normal work day, so work clothes. No need to dress up - it's just a normal working week day in Australia.

 6. What's your Thanksgiving table like -- do you use special plates/silver/glasses, etc? Do you have a centerpiece? A color scheme? Candles? 

Sorry, no idea what you're talking about. This sounds like the things we do for Christmas.

 7. Do you serve buffet-style or family-style? What do you have to drink? 

It's just another Thursday. I'll be going to the gym to see my trainer. That's what I do on Thursday evenings. No special meal.

 8. Once you're at the table, do you say grace or a toast or does everyone go around and say what they're thankful for? 

I'll just be thankful if I make it to the gym on time.

 9. Do you have dessert right after the main meal or later on? 

Sometimes I have a small tub (single serve) of ice cream after the gym. Because it's just a Thursday.

 10. What do you do with your leftovers?

I still think you're talking about Christmas.Sounds like Christmas. Food. Family arguments. Leftovers. Yep, Christmas. Like Halloween, Thanksgiving has no place in Australian society. However, unlike Halloween, Thanksgiving isn't a something that's slowly encroaching on society.

I think I'd prefer to have Thanksgiving encroach on our society instead. Halloween - to me, appears to be a pointless affair that leads to diabetes and excess rubbish.

The Taking Stock Meme

My study year is nearly over, my second to last tutorial paper for the year is in draft form and I'm in a good spot at the moment as my new job is treating me well. Having a bit of time on my hands, I can do my Sunday meme in peace. Ther questions of this Taking Stock Meme come from Sunday Stealing, as always.

So, what am I doing - let's take stock:

Making: I'm nearly finished crocheting a cat blanket for Maow Maow. I can't be the only person who makes things for a favourite cat.

Cooking: This week is mini-hell week so I won't be cooking much. I am planning to make apricot jam in the next few weeks in preparation for Christmas. 

Drinking: Currently sipping on a coconut and pineapple water with a bit of ice. Nice.

Reading: I'm trying to decide on a book. I've just read Richard Flanagan's "The Narrow Road to the Deep North" twice (end on end) and I'm sort of mourning it's finishing. Have been recommended something called "The Folded Man", though the second Rosie Project book could be good.. I'm a bit litted out at the moment.

Wanting: Six hours consistent sleep every night. I'm not making that at the moment.

Looking: Forward to studying next year.

Wishing: That somebody would get off his arse and come out to Australia. Sick of the talk fest.

Wasting: I really have to get into the habit of using all of the vegetables in my crisper. I'm sick of throwing half of them out at the end of the week.

Enjoying: Writing again, proper writing again. Thinking of getting into that novel over summer.

Waiting: For the gumption to start losing weight again. it's not too far away.

Liking: Richard Flanagan's "The Narrow Road to the Deep North". The bed in the hotel I stayed in last night - Amazingly comfortable.

Wondering: How it is that that f*ckwit Abbott every got elected as Prime Minister of this nation. He's an absolute disgrace.

Loving: My new job. Great team, good location.

Listening: To Alt-J's first album.

Needing: More exercise. This will be remedied this week too.

Smelling: I put on Jo Malone's Red Roses fragrance this morning. So I smell like roses. Love that scent.

Wearing: My dressing gown. Going to bed soon.

Following: What happened at the G20 summit. And doing a lot of cringing because of it. England, please take back Tony Abbott. he appears not to have rescinded his British Citizenship, which voids him from being a Member of Parliament and Prime Minister. Anything to get the c*ckehead away from here. Can we swap you for David Cameron - he only seems mildly incompetent. And he appears to know that coal really isn't good for humanity.

Noticing: That the esteem in which Australia is held around the world is slipping by the day. mainly due to this effed up government.

Knowing: That once you know about Corporate Actions, you never really forget, unfortunately.

Thinking: Moving country might not be a bad idea if these idiots remain in power - where is a dismissal when you need it.

Feeling:  A bit sleepy

Bookmarking: I only bookmark boring industry sites at work.

Opening: Up to the possibility of becoming an author one day

Giggling: About nothing inparticular. That's normal.

The Blue Meme

Stolen once again from Sunday Stealing, I'm just about to submit my major assignment for my course. Phew.

Anyway, I'm putting the final touches in my papers and doing this at the same time. The worst of the coursework is now over.

Yay. Thankfully the questions aren't too bad this week.


1) Are you happy with the person you've become?

Pretty much. it's taken a long time, but I like myself

2) What's a sound you hate; sound you love?

Sounds I love. Rain on tin roofs. Cats purring. The sea.
Sounds I hate: The freaking leaf blower used by the neighbour when I'm either trying to have a sleep in, have a day off or have a migraine.

3) What's your biggest "what if"?

I still wonder what would have happened if certain events in October 2007 had been different. A girl, a boy, ten minutes of silence in a car. It's best not to ponder that.

4) Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes. Have witnessed too much strange stuff not to believe in them.

5) How about aliens?

We're a huge universe. It seems very selfish to think that we have the place to ourselves. I'm open to other life forms out there.

6) What is the single best decision you have made in your life so far?

Taking up running at 40.

7) What's the worst place you have ever been to?

I wasn't enamoured with Naples when I visited 15 years ago. Thought I'd stepped into the Italian set of Goodfellas. I've never been so scared as I was then. It was the vibe.

8) Can insanity bring on more creativity?

I think it can help.

9) Most attractive actor of your opposite gender?

Clive Owen - who else is it going to be?

10) To you, what is the meaning of life?

Love, friends, laughter, poetry, music, food. In that order.

11) Define "Art".

Any format of creative expression that makes you feel something.

12) Do you believe in luck?

Yes and no. I believe that for the most part, you make your own luck. Then again, some people just appear to be lucky.

13) In your opinion, what makes a great relationship?

Hmm. As I've never been in a long term relationship (other than with friends) I really can't comment on that. Honesty, kindness and laughter seem like a good start.

14) What's a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

It's an old Rolling Stones track. I always dance around to this. Love it.

15) Where were you yesterday?

Sitting in front of this blood computer preparing my assignment for submission. That's about all I've done this weekend.

16) What's the worst injury you've ever had?

That's a toss up between breaking my little toe and nearly snapping a calf muscle a few years ago. Both took forever to fix - but thankfully nothing too drastic either.

17) Do you have any obsessions right now?

Just the normal ice cream and books thing that I always have. Oh, and Clive Owen.

18) What's up?

Nothing. A bit more sleep would be nice.

19) Ever had a rumor spread about you?

Not to my knowledge - well not since high school and then it was nothing too bad.

20) Do you believe in real magic?

.Yes.

21) Do you ever hold grudges against people who have done you wrong?

With two exceptions. No. And I wouldn't call the grudges, grudges - more I avoid any contact with these people. That they're idiot blokes I used to go out with should jot be a surprise. But as a rule, I forgive and forget pretty quickly.

22) What's your favorite (non-pet) animal?

I love all animals, but I love elephants (cos they're cuddly and you can paint their toenails red and hide them in strawberry patches)

23) What is your secret weapon to get people to like you?

I talk to anybody and I'm friendly. That disarms most people.

24) Where is your best friend?

At home with her kids. It's Sunday night after all.

25) What do you think is Satan's last name?

Either Murdoch or Abbott or Morrison - probably the former.

The Music Meme

Plastic Mancunian - you might like this one! I'm trying to write a major paper as well as finish a tute paper and clean the flat, but as it is Sunday, I like to do my blog post as well. It breaks up the day.

Questions, as always, are from Sunday Stealing.


1. Which bands/artist do you own the most albums by? 

I have everything that The Pixies have put out and most of the Hoodoo Guru's albums. I reckon most people who are reading these from out of Australia will never have heard of The Hoodoo Gurus - and they probably haven't heard of The Pixies. The Pixies are God. The Hoodoo Gurus are just wonderful fun. I give you one of my many favourite songs by the Hoodoo Gurus.

2. What was the last song you listened to? 

I saw the film "Pride" yesterday, which I can't recommend highly enough. The story about a group of gays and lesbians who supported the Miner's during their strike action in the 80's. Brilliant, life-affirming film and well worth a look. The soundtrack took me back to high school - and the last song of the film was an old Billy Bragg favourite - and yes, I can sing along with it easily. My politics are showing.

 3. What’s in your CD player right now? 

You mean what's on my iPhone? A mix of of alternative music that I can work to - Damian Rice, Alt-J, Laura Marling, Nick Cave, the Amelie soundtrack and lots of Philip Glass. Yes, I know, ecletic.

Here is a bit of Philip Glass that I use to wake myself up when working on dull documents.

 4. What was the last show you attended? 

Oh, this is taking me back. I think it was when I went to see The Pixies with Alice and Dougall a few years ago. I left my run to see Sixto Rodriguez to late. The Pixies, as always, were superlative and they did the Doolittle album from cover to cover.

I give you The Pixies:

 5. What was the greatest show you've ever been to? 

Oh, that one has to go to David Byrne from Talking Heads playing at the Brixton Academy with a 45 piece mariachi band back in the early 90's. Fan-effing-tastic. As a lover of Talking Heads, how could you go wrong. Also saw Hunters and Collectors at the Tivoli in Adelaide in 1991 - I still remember that show. Brilliant. The Pixies at the V Festival on the Gold Coast were brilliant - especially as they had never played in Australia before.

See, more foreign music for those out of the country. Here's one of Hunters and Collectors finest.

 6. What’s the worst show you've ever been to? 

Thankfully I haven't been to many bad shows. Nothing stands out. Mind you, it's been ages since I've been to a show.

 7. What’s the most musically involved you have ever been? 

I did music all through school and played the flute. Does this count?

 8. What show are you looking forward to? 

The return of Rodriguez - and I reckon in Alt-J were to come out, I'd be there. I've really got into Alt-J but I don't think they do concerts somehow.

 9. What is your favorite band shirt? 

I scored a pink t-shirt from a Jason Mraz concert with the word "Geek" on it. Love that t-shirt.

 10. What musician would you like to hang out with for a day? 

I'd really love to see how Philip Glass works. Incredible composer.

 11. Who is one musician or group you wish would make a comeback? 

I miss The Police. And Sting. Used to love them.

 12. Who is one band/artist you've never seen live but always wanted to? 

Rodriquez. If he comes out again, I'm there. He's amazing.

 13. What was your last musical “phase” before you wisened up? 

I don't think I've ever had a musical phase. However, I did stop owning up to liking Phil Collins for many years. Now he's retro and it's okay to like him once again.

 14. How many music related videos/DVDs do you own? 

I have no idea - somewhere in the 200-300 region. Most if it is digitised now.

 15. How many concerts/shows have you been to, total? 

In my lifetime, somewhere around 50 I reckon. My memory is a bit vague on this, but this seems right.

 16. What’s your “guilty pleasure” that you hate to admit to liking? 

My trainer, Slap, has the bad habit of playing really dodgy 90's boy band music when we train. Really, I should not like it, but it makes me dance. Here are two of his dodgy collection that had us dancing in the gym on Thursday (I best take my Pixies mix in to get my street cred back). In my defence, I will dance along, but not sing along. Slap likes to sing along to the Kriss Cross... baaaaaddd.

and

 17. What is your favourite movie soundtrack? 

There are so many to choose from. Pulp Fiction, Bull Durham, Pretty in Pink, The Graduate, Almost Famous, Magnolia - all great sound tracks.

However, only because it was on television last night, I am giving this one to Beetlejuice. Just because you can never get too much Harry Belafonte.