Actually, it's more a case of me having to uodate my CV after a phone call this afternoon. This isn't a hard task. Add in my current role, change a few dates, save it as a new file. Bob's your uncle.
I am being prevented in doing this.
Why?
This.
He's taken up residence on my work chair. If I move, he goes back and sits on it.
If I sit on this chair he sits next to me, occasionally clawing at me to for treats or to make a veiled threat to get off. It's amazing how cats seem to think that you live in their house.
I should also get working on my list.
To manifest a new role, what I do is write out my list by answering the following questions.
1. What do I like to do?
2. What am I good at?
3. What would I like to try?
4. What do I never want to do again?
5. What are my non-negotiables?
It's a trick with manifesting - you need to get it straight in your head what you are after.
In the non-negotiables, that's where you write down the concrete things about your job - like salary expectations, company size, sectors, team size and make up, location, travel commitments, working from home expectations.
So, mine looks a bit like this.
I won't mention my salary. I have that down on paper.
I want to work in the city or the city fringes, preferably for a large company in the banking and finance, utilities or telecommunications industries. I will consider government roles, but my internalised bullshit meter may not make me a great fit (though I had a great interview last time I was looking).
For the team structure, I like working with a mix of men and women. I'm not great working in a purely female environment. A few men in the team balances things out.
I'd like to work at home at least two, preferably three days a week. I'm used to it now.
I need to be pretty busy, but not so that I'm forever working overtime.
I don't mind doing a bit of travel.
Those sorts of things.
Strangely, it really helps to have all of this straight in your head.
"Oh, my God, she's a star sign chick." And the balloon is popped. Awesome.
This is five minutes after the said groom saying his new, previously unmet bride. Picky much.
Married at First Sight is my guilty pleasure. I know it's confected rubbish. I know that it's so far from reality that they really shouldn't be branding it as such.
And I've never missed an episode.
So, of the two night's we've seen so far, a little of my faith in humanity and the producers has been restored.
The chippy from the Northern Territory seems like a good bloke. He's been partnered with a woman, an accountant, who has cystic fibrosis, but has been given a new lease of life due to a new drug. They seem to have their head screwed on.
There's the Gujerati woman who's always struggled with being between two cultures, now married to somebody who also seems to be a really nice bloke - a guy with a sixteen year old daughter - and he too seems to have his head screwed on.
These two couples seem pretty normal and may be relegated to the "we never see them because they are boring" pile. I wish them luck. Both couples, from the outset, seem to be going about this with their eyes open.
Then there's the hot chippy and the make up influencer - who are already going for the drama. He's pretty hot. She's very wary.
Oh, and tonight, they introduced us to a marriage celebrant in a pink suit who's standards are impossibly high. He shushed his bride, a rather exuberant kindy teacher, on their honeymoon.
There are two man buns on the show already.
Oh, such fun.
I'm not sure why I watch this crap. Maybe it's the sense of awe I get from watching people do something I'd never have the guts to do.
This is not to be confused with the 1993 Tina Turner biopic of the same name. This film ticked my boxes because, from the trailers, ticked a lot of my preferred film boxes, those being a romantic comedy, set in England with Emma Thompson. This also had an Indian subcultural slant to it, which interested me.
So, what's this about?
Zoe (Lily James) is a documentary film maker looking for her next project. Her childhood friend from next door, Kaz (Shazim Latif) announces to her that he is entering an arranged marriage. Looking for a new project, Zoe offers to make a documentary about the process - and a bit of hilarity, as well as some moral lessons ensue. Kaz makes the statement that there is a continent between the two next door neighbours. And he's right.
Having seen a few friends go through arranged, or assisted marriages over the years, I was curious to see where this was going as most of the film was filmed in North London, and the family involved were British citizens of Pakistani extraction. What the film did well was look at some of the cultural differences between older members of the family and the younger generations. And yes, most of this was fairly stock, but it did show some of the interesting family dynamics of embarking on the process.
The film also showed a couple of interesting perspectives from Kaz's point of view on the process.
Ostensibly, this is a romantic comedy, and we watch as Kaz embarks on his marital journey, while Zoe tries to find happiness is some pretty woeful ways. Of course, you're wondering whether Kaz and Zoe end up together. I won't say... but it is reasonably predictable.
What I really liked about this was that it's great to look at. Other than it shows London, and bits of Lahore in their colourful best.
Another interesting fact about the film, the screenwriter is Jemima Khan, Imran Khan's ex-wife, who is very aware of the cultural divide and its challenges.
Some other stand-outs in the film were Emma Thompson, who was Zoe's Mum and next-door neighbour to the family. Mo the Match Maker was a cracker too. I also loved the sub-plot concerning what happened to Kaz's older sister, who nobody talks about.
This is a good diversion. As a lover of romantic comedies and English films it ticked enough boxes to keep me happy.
Hmm, this is a different set of questions, based on a Judy Garland song. Hmm.
Here is the song:
It's not one I know of.
I'll give these a bash.
Actually, I've just looked back at the Sunday Stealing sight and something strange was going on and a new set of questions is on the page. I've done both. To the questions that are on the like now, they start at question 10.
Questions, as always, have been provided by Bev at Sunday Stealing.
1) In this song, Judy Garland sings about the train whistle and wheels. What sounds make you happy?
Cats purring. The Pixies. Saxaphones. The sound of somebody's heartbeat when you're cuddled up to them.
2) She tells us that, since she loves dreaming of train travel, she must have "a little gypsy in her heart." How about you? Do you often dream of visiting faraway places?
Funny, I've just got back from a week in New Zealand, which has wet my whistle for travel again. I'm aways dreaming of travelling. I love travelling.
3) Judy sings about a future when she's "old and gray and settled down." At what age do you consider a person is old?
Depends on the person. You can have old three-year-olds and young 90 years olds. I do think you're getting old when you're in your 80s. I've seen a lot of people slow down at this again. But not everybody.
4) This song is from the movie, The Harvey Girls. Filming was a time of stress for Judy. She was appearing before the cameras by day (she sprained her ankle in a scene where slips down a hill), recording the soundtrack by night, and dealing with lawyers regarding her divorce from composer David Rose. Yet watching the movie, none of the tension shows. Do you work well under pressure?
Normally, yes, but the pressure valve needs to be let off regularly if I am under great stress.
5) Judy relaxed on the set by knitting and would make blankets and caps for the children of crew members. Do you knit?
Yes, and I knit well.
6) Judy admitted she had a problem with tardiness. Do you strive to be prompt?
I strive for it - doesn't mean I'm always on time. I try. I'm on time when others are relying in me.
7) In 1946, when this song was on the radio, cigarette cases were very popular. Since these metal cases were standard issue in the Army during WWII, many soldiers got into the habit of using them and continued to after the war ended. Women often carried fabric or leather cigarette cases that closed with a clasp like a coin purse. In the 1940s, elegant cigarette cases were a fashionable gift but today, they are largely forgotten. Did you ever carry one? Do you know anyone who did?
Although I smoked (and gave up around 15 years ago) I never had a cigarette case, but I had a friend in London who used one. They said it kept their ciggies in a better state than in the cardboard packets.
8) Also in 1946, bikinis appeared for the first time on runways in Paris. How often did you don swimwear during 2022?
I wear swimwear every couple of weeks. I was wearing my bathers today. I've never, however worn a two-piece swimsuit. I try and swim every few weeks. I have a few friends who have pools.
9) Random question: Thinking of your past romantic involvements, were you truly in love with one of them, some of them, or all of them?
I'm not sure if I've ever really been in love. I've loved a few people, but in love - jury is out on that one.
10. When did you last sing to yourself?
Today. I'm always singing to myself. There is always a song in my head.
11. If you’re male, would you ever rock black nail polish? if you’re female, would you ever rock really really short hair?
I've never had short, short hair. I got down to a long bob once - I'm just not a short hair person. I do wear black nail polish a lot though.
12. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
Other than surviving? Probably getting my Masters.
13. What is the first happy memory that comes to mind, recent or otherwise?
I've just spent a few days with my friend Geetangeli and her husband in Christchurch, New Zealand. I cherish that friendship. We've been friends for over 35 years.
14. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living?
If my health was holding up, I'd probably say stuff money and go travelling. Strangely, this is sort of what the novel I'm writing is about.
15. Do you have a bucket list? if so, what are the top three things?
1. Walk the Camino de Compostella de Santiago in Spain.
2. Live in Paris for six months and become fluent in French.
3. Learn the piano.
16. How do you feel about tattoos and piercings?
I like them on other people. I have a small, out of sight tattoo and my ears pierced. Boring, but that's good for me.
17. Do you feel you had a happy childhood?
Not really. Too much going on. There were moments when I was content. I've spent a lot of time in therapy over this.
18. When did you last cry in front of another person?
A few weeks ago at a movie. I will cry in front of people. I see no shame in that.
19. Who in the world would you most like to receive a letter from and what would you want it to say?
I can't think of anybody, although there is somebody I wish would explain himself - but you can't read his handwriting.
20. What is your night-time routine?
I try and get myself into a quieter space around 11 pm. I try not to talk to people after 9 pm as it sets everything back. I'll watch some gentle telly for a while. At midnight, I do the following puzzles on the phone - Framed, Heardle, Worldle, Worlde and WordHurdle (6 character Wordle).
21. When was your last 3am conversation with someone, and who were they to you?
From memory, a few years ago. The one that sticks out was after a flight from Varanasi to Delhi - I got to the accommodation in Delhi around 3 pm. It wasn't fun.
22. If you were about to die, and you could only say one more sentence to one person, what would you say and to whom?
I have no idea who might be with me when do die, but I hope I say something kind to them, like "Be kind to one another.
23. What is your opinion on brown eyes?
Brown eyes can be very soulful. I'm a sucker for bright blue eyes, I tend to go out with guys who have hazel eyes, but brown eyes can be lovely.
24. Pick a quote and describe what it means to you personally.
It's Shakespeare. From Hamlet. It's Polonius who says this. "This above all - to thine own self be true". Never truer words were written or spoken.
25. What would you title the autobiography of your life so far?
It's great to see something different now and then - and Tár is different. Really different. And absorbing. And strange. And thrilling. And a bit bonkers. All at once. Imdb.com provides the blurb, "Set in the international world of Western classical music, the film centers on Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and the very first female director of a major German orchestra."
It sounds fairly simple. It's not. And it's earned all the Oscars hype.
The film circles around the life of Lydia Tár, a conductor at the top of her game. Lydia Tar is abrasive. A perfectionist. And she doesn't take bullshit from anybody. He long suffering assistant, Francesca (Noemie Merlant) looks like she's on the road to unravelling. Tar's about to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in the last cycle of Mahler's symphonies. Tar, herself, is a bit of an enigma. A woman outshining the men. She's exacting and takes no prisoners. Away from the orchestra, she and her partner, Sharon (Nina Hoss) have a slightly strained relationship. As with all good movies, things get interesting when things start to unravel. Tar lives a charmed life - it is up to the audience to see where life takes her. Mark Strong has a small but impacting role. I love seeing him with hair.
This isn't a film for everybody. Haters may see this movie as a narcissist imploding. I've also seen criticisms that the first hour of this two-and-a-half-hour film is a bit on the slow side - and to an extent, I agree, but it does take off and become engrossing. I loved the last twenty minutes most of all, just for Tár's comeuppance of sorts.
As somebody who loves music, I loved looking inside the workings of the orchestra, with its politics and intrigues. It also has a bit to say about the hierarchical nature of these institutions. But I won't say more than that. You can't really describe the plot - this film demonstrates what life is like inside a privileged pressure cooker. The movie's soundscape is extraordinary.
Todd Feild's direction is flawless. The setting and cinematography are sublime. The music, which is one of the major themes, is divine.
The film also poses the questions of whether art survive without the artist, or the artist without the art? This film also has some cracking one liners and quotes. ("Unfortunately, the architect of your soul appears to be social media," being one of them.)
This is Cate Blanchett's movie. She's in pretty much every scene. She's incendiary - and has earned the Oscar buzz.
If you're into Art House films, you'll probably like this. It's not an easy film. It's not a flawless film. I'm glad I saw it, mainly because it poses more questions than answers.
I'm doing what I do best - waiting for a plane to go home. I'm through customs and immigration. The plane is leaving for Melbourne in an hour or so - I think they said it was running a bit late. I've spent the last of the coin on my travel money card - worked that out well. And I'm on my way.
Finally, the air conditioning in the Christchurch terminal is kicking in. With the influx of people this is good - especially as it's a rather warm, fairly muggy 30 here in Christchurch today. I'm feeling a bit hot and sweaty.
As I'm going home, I'm using this holiday as a line in the sand. As soon as I set foot back in Australia it's time to kick goals. I'm out of the post-COVID funk. It's my time to get on with things.
So, as I'm making 2023 my year of heath and wealth, this is the plan.
1) I'm back on the naturopath's plan to get back on track.
A few years ago, I went on a naturopath assisted diet. Gone were the following: Gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine and alcohol.
Sure, I drink very little alcohol and my caffeine intake has been minimal until this holiday. It's back on the plan. Keep the carbs down, keep the gluten, dairy and sugar out. It makes me feel good. As I'm going through a phase where I am hating how my body looks, it's time to get on with this. It's about accountablilty. I know how to do this. It also means the three blocks of Whittakers chocolate sitting in my suitcase is going to be wrapped up and placed in the freezer.
Not so strangely, after a week, I start to feel great.
2) Exercise daily.
I do some exercise most days, I just want to amp it up a bit. Again. Makes me feel good.
3) Save money
I have a want for this. There's a writer's retreat in France in October I want to be on. This means airfares and accommodation costs and spending money. I need to save bigtime. But some away each week. I've got back my cellular need to travel. Better get saving.
4) Get back onto the novel
I've been making notes. Needs to be done.
That's enough for the moment.
My blog is done for the day, and they are calling my flight.
