The Alice Through the Looking Glass Meme

Writing this from a hotel room in Sydney. Once again a lovely break in the sunshine.

Questions, as always, courtesy of Sunday Stealing.


Who is/was the weirdest person in your life?

Does there have to be just one? I know many strange people - the proctologist, the guy who balances oil rigs, the arms dealer, a couple of paragliders, the Porsche enthusiast, the ultra marathon runner. Do I have to choose just one. Oh, and all of these people are lovely - even the arms dealer.

What is a special thing that someone once did for you?

I had an small operation and a friend came and stayed at my place overnight to make sure I was okay. I will never forget that.

If you could erase someone off the planet, who would it be?

I think we'd be better off without Donald Trump and Peter Dutton (Australia's current Immigration Minister).

What’s a big goal that you have?

To write a best selling, award winning novel.

If you could time travel and meet yourself at 16, what would you tell yourself?

Sweetie, you are not fat, you are not stupid, you are not ugly and you have a very bright future. Stop being scared.

If it were the last day of your life, how would you spend it?

Hopefully shagging, while drinking lots of gin and eating Zumbo's desserts.

If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?

I'd love to meet Clive Owen. Why - yeah......

What is one thing that you would never do that others you know have done?

Class A drugs. I've tried a few in my days, but I wouldn't go near them now.

What is one romance depicted in film that you’d love to experience?

I think I'd love to live "The Notebook" from beginning to end. Love it.

Describe yourself in just one sentence.

A simple, yet complex, middle-aged woman with left-leaning tendencies and a love of literature, film and animals.

Who is the most beautiful person on earth?

I don't think beauty is relevant, so I have no idea. My Aunty Marg is up there - she's awesome.

What was the best experience in your life?

Travelling. All of my travels have been excellent.

If you could rule the world, what would you change?

I'd get rid of the rule of corporations and bring back daily meditation as a part of everybody's life.

Where were you when you heard the news of 9/11?

I found out about eight hours after it happened. I was at home in my flat, it was about 6.30 am in the morning (Melbourne)and I couldn't work out why every station was playing the same bad Bruce Willis movie.

The Mad Hatter's Meme

So, I've been to see the writer of my favourite book read this year speak, which was excellent. now I'm waiting from some friends to come out so that they can have a ride in my car. Men are funny like that  - always wanting to see a new car... they really are terrible.

Anyway, now back from the said trip in the car, as well as cooking dinner and sorting out a friend's CV here I am.

Questions, as always, are from Sunday Stealing.

What’s the meaning or inspiration of your blog’s title?

It came from that old saying, "Denial is a big river in Egypt". I am the queen of denial. It fitted, especially as I started the blog thinking could run a marathon. Like yeah. Nah.

What do you consider your biggest strength?

Probably my resilience, kindness and courage.

What do you consider your biggest weakness?

I get bored very, very easily.

Tell us why we should like your favorite band.

Because they are GOD! The Pixies invented the loud-soft-loud sound. The very best of rock.

Who is your favorite model of all-time? Why?

Model of what? Clive Owen has done some modelling.
Models are not something of which I take much notice.

Does it bother you when people talk about their pets? Why?

Not at all. I talk about my best mate's cat and sister's dog all the time.

Tell us about your favorite holiday.

If you're meaning vacation, I had a great time in Bali earlier this year doing a lot of yoga and mending a broken heart. If you mean public holiday (I believe the Americans amongst us call public holidays holidays) I rather like Anzac Day. A day to reflect. It's better than Australia Day - or Invasion Day as I call it under my breath.

What was the last fabulous meal that you ate? Where were you?

We went to Movida, an great quality Spanish restaurant for my birthday. That was a fortnight ago.

What’s your lucky number and why?

64. I like the Beatles' song.

What are five things you hate?

Conservative politicians
Intolerance
Bigotry
Psychological violence in films
Racism

What are five things you love?

Most animals
Vanilla
Open fires
Long walks
Swimming

Tell us a secret (you can because other than us, who’ll read this anyway?)

I'm not wearing a bra at the moment.

What is the favorite body feature of yourself?

I'm rather fond of my ankles and eyes. Both are good and not to be complained about.

Is there a tattoo that you want? If you don’t have one, gun-to-your-head so you have to get one, what would it be?

I have a very small one already, and though I don't want another particularly, I'd probably get the World Wildlife Fund Panda somehere out of sight.



What do you love about yourself?

My kindess and intelligence. I don't know how I could be me without these features.

What do you hate about yourself?

I dislike (not hate) the fact I don't have the patience and fortitude to lose weight and keep it off.

Who is someone you miss?

My friend Reindert who lives in Boston. A great friend, we talk regularly, but he and his wife are awesome people.

Pokemon for Adults Episode One

I admit to being a player of Pokemon Go.

Judge away.

I'm not like one of those kids that can be found getting run over trying to catch rare pokemons in the middle of four lane highways.

I don't Pokemon when I'm driving.

I Pokemon on my way to work or when I'm walking around the place trying not to. My phone stays on put in my pocket most of the time. I'm not overly upset if a Pokemon doesn't get caught.

Of the 150 odd Pokemon, I've caught or evolved around 90.  I've been Pokemonning for about two months. I am not addicted. I just like collecting things. It was the same when I went after the painted elephants a few years ago.

I'm rather fond of catching Pokemon in places I haven't been before. Circular Quay in Sydney is excellent for finding Pokemon. Even Myponga has four Pokestops and a PokeGym.

It's a bit of fun

The on Pikachu in my collection surfaced on my phone when I was in bed one morning when I turned on the app by accident.

One of my workmates was rather taken with my collection. That I have an Onix and a Skyther is great, or so he reckons.

However, Sunday Morning, walking home from the gym, I was a bit taken aback. Coming out of the centre, the phone buzzed. It wasn't one I'd seen before (One of the big enjoyments of Pokemon Go is finding new ones)

This is what I caught.

His name is Lickitung.

Seriously. Lickitung.

It can't be just me. I reckon it looks like a demented sex toy. A demented, but cute sex toy.

Maybe this will be the next spin off from the Pokemon Go craze. Recreational rubber and latex products that do more than give your phone a buzz.

I wonder what Onix does in his other life?

Yeah,, I thought so too.

Right, must prepare my taxes.

Shannon's Moment Meme Part II

I've just had a lovely afternoon sitting in a beer garden with friends discussing all sorts of things. It was the final part of my birthday celebrations.

Now I have to work out what I want to do with my year, other than  stay happily solvent, finish the worst of my Masters, buy a new mattress and think about where I might want to go on holidays.

I'm also polishing a story ready for a competition.  It's all happening around here.

Questions, as always, from Sunday Stealing.


23. Have you ever gone to the “dark side”? 

What, voted Liberal? Never. However I have just purchased a new car which is an automatic. That's about as dark side as I go.

24. What shirt are you wearing right now? 

Dress, leggings, cardigan, underwear. No shoes.

25. What’s important about a bed to you? Like type of sheets, size or whatever. 

I love high thread count cotton sheets. A good mattress is great, but very good sheets are a necessity.

26. Can you sing? 

Yes. Do I wish to inflict my singing on others. No.

27. What is something about you that would surprise us? 

I've never eaten a meat pie in my life. Never. Happy with pasties, sausage rolls and the like, but never eaten a bog standard footy pie. Ever.

28. Have you been a pirate, Renaissance Fair, or other costumed event? If not, would you for the right event or say cause? 

No, thank goodness.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? 

I'm currently singing a lot of the songs from the musical, Matilda at the moment. I've also been singing a bit of Skyhooks and a lot of songs from the eighties. Oh and a bit of Lily Allen.

30. Favorite girl's name? 

I like fairly traditional names - though if I ever had a daughter she's probably be a Freya or a Sienna. There are some very pretty Indian names out there too - Jayanthi is one of them.

31. Favorite boy's name? 

Again, fairly traditional names like Jonathan and Matthew.

32. What’s in your pocket or purse right now? 

Lots of receipts, not enough money.

33. Last thing that made you laugh? 

The Australian version of Rake. Love Rake.

34. Best toy as a child? 

Lego.

35. Worst injury you have ever had? 

Umm, I'm still recovering from Bruce the Bum Bruise.Tripped over and got the mother of all bruises on my bum. The muscle is still recovering. This was my left bum cheek for a week.

36. Where would you love to live? 

If I had money, I'd love to live in London again.

37. What type of TV do you have? Would you’d like an upgrade? 

I bought a 55" Samsung ultra high definition SMART television about a year ago. I love it. Don't need to upgrade ad it's just been upgraded.

39. How many dogs do you have? 

None. I'd love one but don't have the infrastructure (back yard) to have one.

 40. Do most folks trust you? 

They seem to - they let me sit their children and drive their cars regularly.

41. What book are you reading? 

Currently halfway through the new JK Rowling / Harry Potter play as well as revisiting a couple of Roald Dahl's.

42. What’s your favorite classic TV show? 

I'm still rather fond of Twin Peaks. That can be called classic now?

43. What’s your favorite sports team? 

The Adelaide Crows Australian Rules football team. And they're not doing too bad at the moment.

44. Favorite month and why?

I love April. Not too hot, not too cold, the leaves are falling and there are lots of public holidays.

Shannon's Moment's Meme - Part One

I am supposed to be at the gym. I'm writing instead. It's been a big weekend. It's set to get bigger as we're off to see Matilda tonight after a nice lunch at the Studley Park Boathouse later today. See, it's birthday weekend and there have bee many celebrations. I also have to work out when to finish a CV, do my food shopping, do my ironing  and try and get some rest in. So the gym didn't happen.

I have plans. You will see.

Questions, as always, are from Sunday Stealing.

1. Do you like blue cheese?

Yes. I like blue cheese. However, blue cheese does not like me and more than a taste sends my blood pressure through the roof and my gall bladder screaming, as proved last weekend when we had a Gorgonzola sauce on polenta chips and I suffered for a day. Great stuff, but we have to be sometimes friends.

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? If yes, how did you quit?

I'm an ex-smoker. Only ever a social / light smoker thank goodness. I gave up about ten years ago when I started having blood pressure issues and I quit cold turkey. I only miss the social aspect of smoking.

3. Do you own a gun? How are your feelings about gun control/2nd amendment rights? 

Hell no. I'm Australian and we have very strict gun control laws here. I have no problem with farmers, soldiers, cops and gun club members owning guns> I've not too much problem with hunters owning single shot guns. But I also look at America's issues with gun control and shake  my head. Like why do you need so many guns? When the second amendment came through wasn't it so citizens could protect themselves from the British Militia with a single action musket? I don't get America's love of guns. Never have, never will.

4. What is your favorite flavor of water or liquor flavors?

I'm a lemon and vanilla fan. Either or. Love them both.

5. Do you get nervous before a doctor visit? Why?

Yes, but only because I ragged about my weight and blood pressure.

6. How do you like your hot dogs?

Okay, not an Australian thing, but I LOVE getting a hot dog from the Keith Roadhouse on the way to Adelaide. They do them like they used to when I was a kid. Toasted roll, lots of butter and tomato sauce. The Keith Roadhouse is a revelation (and in the middle of nowhere)

7. Although it’s been asked a lot, tell us about a favorite movie that you haven’t shared before.

I saw Sing Street on the plan back and forth from Sydney this week. Loved it.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?

Coffee. Lots of coffee.

9. In a dating situation, have you ever misrepresented yourself to seem cooler or hipper? (Yes we know for most of you it was long ago…)

1) Can't remember being on a date. 2) I can't even pretend to be cool.

10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? Why?

I've got a faux Cartier tank watch,. It's a good watch, but it didn't cost me five grand. it looks like a Cartier Tank watch, but it's not. Very fond of my Pandora bracelets too.



11. Favorite hobby? Tell us about it so we understand it.

I'm not sure if writing is a hobby or a vocation.

12. Do you have A.D.D., or have you suspected it?

No, I'm too chilled for that.

13. What’s a thing you dislike or would change about yourself?

I'd love to have a faster metabolism so I could eat a lot and remain slim.

14. Middle name? Like it or not?

Jane. It's boring and very late sixties.

15. Name three random thoughts you might have on this week:

1) I hope I get to see Maow Maow on the weekend.
2) What am I going to do with my screenplay.
3) I hope I don't get a certain tutor next semester.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. Tell us a bit about them.

Gin and tonic. Best drink ever.
Coffee. It's life elixir. Much needed and necessary.
T2 teas. I feel virtuous drinking them.

17. Current worry: 

Staying employed in a job that I love.

18. Current annoyance:

Australia politics and Donald Trump. Both are dangerously annoying.

19. Favorite place to be in the summer? Give us a wee bit more than “the beach”.

Give me a decent beer garden with a glass of Pims. Or if it's over 35 degrees (read 100 Americans) I tend to put myself in a movie theatre.

20. How do you usually ring in the new year? If forced (how we’d do that without Judd coming to your house, if you even know who he was) to do something new, what would it be?

I'm normally in bed and asleep by midnight. Never been big into New Year's Eve.

21. What have you done this summer that’s special? Pictures please.

It's the middle of winter. I bought a new car yesterday.

22. Have you ever walked into a room with just shoes on? 

I'm not a big one for clothes at home, especially as I live alone, but I'm known, in Winter, for shoving on a pair of shoes to go into the kitchen-  as the tiles get really cold. 

The Gal's Meme Part Two

Well on the first trip to Sydney this week. I'm home tonight, but back here later in the week for work. Lots of time at the airport.

I got a note on my facebook page today - five years ago I was participating in the City to Surf. Part of me wishes I could do that again. Maybe I will.

Today's questions, as per usual, are from Sunday Stealing.

What did your last text message say? 

"Cool".  I was answering the arrangement for a time and place for lunch today.

Are you someone’s best friend? Tell us about your friendship. 

I don't think so. I have  number of close and good friends who I've known for years, but I don't think I'm their best friend. Definitely in the inner circle however. Take Blarney for example - she's more like my sister. I don't tell her everything - just the important stuff.

What are you doing tomorrow?

Working and seeing my trainer.

What do you think of when you think of Australia?

I'm Australian. I think of a weird dichotomy. A place of generous people who lock up refugees like animals in offshore concentration camps where the population stick their heads in the sand. We have a government who couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery - take the census they just did last week.... We have so much going for us - it's going to the dogs.

Last person you talked to on the phone? What about? 

My manager on Friday afternoon about what was going on with my part of the project.

Any plans today? Do tell.

Going to see Absolutely Fabulous before going back to Melbourne.

What makes you happy?

Writing, Movies. Animals. A well turned sentence. Cuddles.

What’s your favorite room where you live? 

Most things get done in my living room. The bedroom is good too. Don't like my spare room as I really need to clean it out.

Biggest annoyance in your life right now?

Other than our Federal Government? I've had a rugged few weeks at work. Annoying, but it will pass.

Last movie you saw? Review, please. 

I saw the Globe Theatre's Henry V last weekend. Brilliant. Wonderful to see Shakespeare done as it was when it was first written. Jamie Parker was excellent as Henry.

If you are jealous of anyone, tell us about it. 

No. I'm not 14 any more.

What is the most serious relationship you’ve had? 

The one with myself. It's long term and ever growing and changing.

Should anyone be jealous of you? 

No. I know some of my friends with kids are a bit envious that I get to do what I want when I want. That's about it.

What do you usually do during the work day? 

Work. Which means write, push paper and go to meetings.

Tell us about someone that you really don’t care for.  

Donald Trump. Hideous person. The world would be better off if he didn't get any air time. Scary, scary man. Peter Dutton comes a close second.

Do you use the phrase “Have a good one” daily? 

Yes. I'm Australian. Of course I do.

How old do you wish you’d be turning on your next birthday? Why? 

32. I'd love to have another crack at 32. I messed up my 30s in some ways, but did a good job of them in others.

Do you still like amusement parks? Tell us about your last trip to one.

No. Can't ever remember being to one.

How did you get one of your scars?

The ones at the back of my ankles were from an operation to make my achilles tendons longer when I was eleven.

Will you still love me tomorrow?

Of course.

The Gal's Meme, Part One

A big weekend, which is why I'm writing this later than normal. I'm also doing jobs in between questions as I have so much to do.

But, this weekend was big because I got my assignments in for this semester - which is fantastic, especially since it's not been my favourite subject to date - though I''ve met some great people.

I also bought a new car yesterday. Took my car into be serviced and came out with the receipts for a new car - pick it up in two weeks. It's red. :)  Interestingly, I was only talking about replacing my car on this blog last week - and the car I bought was sitting next to the Veloster I was talking about last week. I'm getting a Mazda CX-3 but the way.

Anyway, questions, as always, from Sunday Stealing.


What’s your favorite word or phrase?

I love the word serendipity - a happy accident. If I ever had a daughter I would have given her that as a middle name.

Tell us about a person who made you smile today.

Jay at the gym. Walked in and growled "Don't talk about the football." You had to be there.

I also saw a very good Henry V today at the cinema. they filmed a performance at the Globe in London. It was great. The guy who played Henry was excellent and this made me smile.

What were you doing at 8 am this morning? 

Dressed for the gym, drinking coffee and giving a last pass to my assignment that was put in after I got back from the gym.

What were you doing 30 minutes ago?

Doing my census form, which is due in on Tuesday - just one more thing to get out of the way.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

I love going to Ubud in Bali. It's like my spiritual home. Spain is another motherland - love the place. Love the food.

Tell us about a visit to another country. 

Which one? I've visited 14 of them. I think Singapore is one of the most sterile places I've ever been - and it is the one place I got rather nasty food poisoning.

What is the last thing you said aloud? 

"Goodbye". I was leaving Blarney and Barney's place. Went out there for dinner.

What was the last thing you had to drink? 

A cup of tea at Blarney and Barney's place.

What are you wearing right now? 

Jeans, top, bra and underpants. I will be getting into the shower soon. It's not cold enough to wear socks at the moment.

What was the last thing you ate?

Apple crumble and ice cream (I think the American's call it cobbler) I made it and took it round for dessert tonight.

Have you bought any new clothing items this week?

Not this week. Thought about it.

When was the last time you ran?

In the gym a few weeks ago - but only for a few minutes. Prefer low impact cardio now. Better for the joints.

What’s the last sporting event you watched?

I watched a bit of the Olympics this evening at Blarney and Barney's place. Also watched about 10 minutes of football yesterday. Aussie Rules football that is.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I'd really love to do the Camino de Compostella de Santiago in Spain. Would love to do that.

Who is the last person you sent a comment/message to on Facebook? 

A couple of my study buddies to see how their papers were going.

Ever go camping? If yes, tell us about one time. 

I don't go camping. I'm not a camper. Next.

Do you think a tan improves your looks?

I'm pale and interesting - but a little sun does brighten things up a bit. I can't wear fake tan so really, I have to keep on being pale and interesting.

Have you ever lost anything down a toilet?

The odd earring - that's about it. I'm not somebody who takes my phone into the toilet.

What is your guilty pleasure? 

Tattoo programs on the telly. They're tacky reality television - and I like the fights as much as I love the art work.