Arrived back in Adelaide today. Bumpier than usual flight; lucky flying into Welly has conditioned me. Even finished reading through my lit review.
The granny flat is exactly as it appeared in the photos, which is great. looks to have most things I will need, and doesn't take too long to get to the CBD. had a wander around the city, but it was battle against the crowds clamouring for a post-Christmas bargain. unfortunately central markets were closed, but will go tomorrow and pick my coffee.
Was sad to leave Brisbane and Mum & Dad, but it does seem so familiar being back in Adelaide. Hopefully I will settle in quickly, find some routine, and get what needs to be done, done.
My life feels like I'm clinging to the most enormous pendulum at the moment, swinging backwards and forwards, it is so surreal....
Monday, 29 December 2008
Saturday, 27 December 2008
Been reading again
So much has happened since last post haven't trusted myself really to be here. Not that it matters a helluva a lot since according to my SiteMeter, hardly anyone reads this these days ;).
Oppressively humid tonight, feel like the walls are caving in. Finally the Brisbane I remember. Wish it would just stop holding out on me and storm! The last few days have been a bit surreal, definitely been on autopilot at times to get through. Can't believe it's my last full day here tomorrow. Walking around the place on foot the other day, it dawned on me it has been a while since I've had some real proper happy times here. Even looking back to when I was at school and uni, I wasn't really happy. It is Brisbane when I've been through my darkest hours, which isn't fair. It isn't such a bad place, really, just circumstantial. In some ways I can hardly wait to leave, but then feel sad and guilty, because I know I will miss my family.
An hour ago I finished reading Cornwell's latest, Scarpetta. I was a little reluctant to start this one, since the last book was such a disappointment. It had a potential, but felt like it had been rushed. This one is back to Cornwell's polished best. For me, the science and tech her stories contain have lost their novelty, but it is the relationship I have fallen into with her characters that now draws me. I almost feel like I've grown up with them. It left me feeling sad, that the story had to end there, and wanting to review her previous books to refresh myself with the references she had made. Just like old times when I was addicted to her writing. Now what to read on the plane?! I also finished reading Lady Chatterly's Lover last week, which was nothing too astonishing, more like a Mills & Boon of old, with a bit more reflection on the way people (in particularly men) think. I guess have to remind myself of the book's sensational history, being the first to use so many 4-letter words so candidly. I like the criticism of men's devotion to the Bitch-Goddess Success. In some ways, not a lot has changed.
If I didn't mention before I also recently read Raising the Dead by Philip Finch, a fantastic recount of David Shaw's infamous fatal cave dive in Bushman's. My first biographic-type non fiction, and it was good introduction, I should look up more of Finch's.
I guess I'm reading again, after so long, to escape reality. Not such a bad thing if it gets me through. I saw Winton's got a new book out, so I might hit the library when I'm in Adelaide and look it up.
Such a long post, I think Cornwell inspires me to write, a pity she can't inspire me to write my thesis!
Oppressively humid tonight, feel like the walls are caving in. Finally the Brisbane I remember. Wish it would just stop holding out on me and storm! The last few days have been a bit surreal, definitely been on autopilot at times to get through. Can't believe it's my last full day here tomorrow. Walking around the place on foot the other day, it dawned on me it has been a while since I've had some real proper happy times here. Even looking back to when I was at school and uni, I wasn't really happy. It is Brisbane when I've been through my darkest hours, which isn't fair. It isn't such a bad place, really, just circumstantial. In some ways I can hardly wait to leave, but then feel sad and guilty, because I know I will miss my family.
An hour ago I finished reading Cornwell's latest, Scarpetta. I was a little reluctant to start this one, since the last book was such a disappointment. It had a potential, but felt like it had been rushed. This one is back to Cornwell's polished best. For me, the science and tech her stories contain have lost their novelty, but it is the relationship I have fallen into with her characters that now draws me. I almost feel like I've grown up with them. It left me feeling sad, that the story had to end there, and wanting to review her previous books to refresh myself with the references she had made. Just like old times when I was addicted to her writing. Now what to read on the plane?! I also finished reading Lady Chatterly's Lover last week, which was nothing too astonishing, more like a Mills & Boon of old, with a bit more reflection on the way people (in particularly men) think. I guess have to remind myself of the book's sensational history, being the first to use so many 4-letter words so candidly. I like the criticism of men's devotion to the Bitch-Goddess Success. In some ways, not a lot has changed.
If I didn't mention before I also recently read Raising the Dead by Philip Finch, a fantastic recount of David Shaw's infamous fatal cave dive in Bushman's. My first biographic-type non fiction, and it was good introduction, I should look up more of Finch's.
I guess I'm reading again, after so long, to escape reality. Not such a bad thing if it gets me through. I saw Winton's got a new book out, so I might hit the library when I'm in Adelaide and look it up.
Such a long post, I think Cornwell inspires me to write, a pity she can't inspire me to write my thesis!
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Monday, 8 December 2008
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Chapter 3: Discussion
Found some journal articles last night that will round off the discussion in Chapter 3 just nicely. Yay! Unfortunately 2 of them are in Japanese. Eigo ga dekimasu ka?!
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
going away and coming back
Still feeling the residual effects of Sunday, but slowly, oh-so-slowly bring myself back up to speed. Sold my car last night, reality is really starting to sink in, all seems so final even though I'm coming back. yes I do love Adelaide and it will be awesome to visit again. Coopers and Farmers Union and Central Markets and AUSC and beach volleyball and cheap coffee and schnitties and BDO and dry heat and red wine and the romance of being a poor student at uni again. Not to mention the friends I'm looking forward to seeing. but I still have a knot about leaving Wellington, now that I finally feel like I am finding my feet here - I hope it doesn't forget me while I am away!
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Thursday, 27 November 2008
fucking zombies
Heard ruckus last night coming through the bus tunnel, woke up this morning to find half the cars parked on the street had their driver's side wing mirror kicked in, including mine. fucking zombies. >:(
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
little red book
Had a discussion last week with a friend of how I am not one of those people who sets life goals, how I tend to look at 6-12months in advance but no further. Well. Then of course I found a little red notebook I had forgotten about... on the first page in uppercase I have printed LIFE GOALS. Hmm. And have scribbled notes under the headings financial, career, relationshiops, spiritual and health.
Think I wrote these down about 6-8 months ago when I was at a low point, in an attempt to find some direction to my life, and no doubt spurred by something I'd read. It is encouraging that I have actually made some progress in most of those categories. Certainly the satisfaction of planning ahead and seeing your goals achieved is nice, but I can't help thinking defensively, what if they fail? (Read: what if I fail?). Pessimistic, I know, but it is a safe and predictable place in my mind. Besides, I always thought it was restrictive to plan too far ahead, like it might blind you to other opportunities. But maybe there is some value to some higher-level goals at least.
On another note, I went through another phase of anxiety last week, similar to how I felt around this time. Wonder if there is a pattern emerging. Will stay tuned. Think I might be beginning to understand myself better now. :)
Think I wrote these down about 6-8 months ago when I was at a low point, in an attempt to find some direction to my life, and no doubt spurred by something I'd read. It is encouraging that I have actually made some progress in most of those categories. Certainly the satisfaction of planning ahead and seeing your goals achieved is nice, but I can't help thinking defensively, what if they fail? (Read: what if I fail?). Pessimistic, I know, but it is a safe and predictable place in my mind. Besides, I always thought it was restrictive to plan too far ahead, like it might blind you to other opportunities. But maybe there is some value to some higher-level goals at least.
On another note, I went through another phase of anxiety last week, similar to how I felt around this time. Wonder if there is a pattern emerging. Will stay tuned. Think I might be beginning to understand myself better now. :)
Monday, 10 November 2008
Hell's Belles and Holyspokes!
...it wasn't too bad actually! We only did the 6hr event, which equated to just over and hour (average) on the bike for each of us. We managed 10 1/2 laps in the time on the ~7km course, not bad considering our lack of preparation for the event! :) No lubricant required (Thanks Dave - Helen had thought of it) I did invest in some decent shorts though! We placed 26th out of the 27 teams that entered... but full of enthusiasm for doing it again next year!! I want my own bike now, but am holding out to buy it on my return to Adelaide, so I have a set of wheels to get around on while I'm there. Fastest of our team clocked a lap around the 24min mark; I was happy with my 36min and 34min laps considering my lack of experience, aerobic fitness etc! The hardouts were aiming for about 15min - sorry to the guys I slowed up in the no-overtaking section
Wednesday, 29 October 2008
Wild Wellington
Silly me has agreed to participate in the Wild Wellington MTB relay. Argh, must have been softened up by beer when I agreed to do this! Our team is Hell's Belles and Holyspokes (named in honour of illustrious team captain and motivator!) - should be a good name for dressups. Ten days to go and me not having sat on a bicycle for in excess of 2 years... and on lovely flat Adelaide bitumen at that! Will have to borrow a bike and remind myself what one is. It's funny but I know far more about a car than I do about a bicycle!
Monday, 20 October 2008
Personality profile.... apparently....
Did one of those silly 5min quizes that promise to tell you what job best suits you. My results:
Professional: Sales Executive; Sales & Marketing Manager; General Manager; Politician; Distribution Manager; Doctor; Management Consultant; Recuitment Manager
Skilled: Recruiter; Professional Sportsperson; Political Advisor
...can you really see me as a polly? A professionaly sportsperson? HA I wish! I dunno about the sales/marketing things either... I'm far too honest to be successful! Nice for them to throw Dr in there too!
Reminds me: should re-read my psychometric test I did a couple years ago, see if any of it rings true now I've been in the job a while....
Professional: Sales Executive; Sales & Marketing Manager; General Manager; Politician; Distribution Manager; Doctor; Management Consultant; Recuitment Manager
Skilled: Recruiter; Professional Sportsperson; Political Advisor
...can you really see me as a polly? A professionaly sportsperson? HA I wish! I dunno about the sales/marketing things either... I'm far too honest to be successful! Nice for them to throw Dr in there too!
Reminds me: should re-read my psychometric test I did a couple years ago, see if any of it rings true now I've been in the job a while....
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Fly-by-night
Thinking of going to Brisbane on the 8th Nov for a friend's wedding. And I just got back from my Hobart trip, got itchy feet again! Originally thought it would be too expensive, but flights aren't too bad. Be good to get back and see the family for a bit too. So many things to organise...
Monday, 13 October 2008
we get around, we get around....
Some oddbod photos I have floating around.... the strange hotel across from my apartment in Hobart last week; the Wellington bus tunnel (must try and get a picture of it in the wet); and dragon from the wall of Midnight Espresso....
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Slightly harried
Ah it is October and the weird sense of foreboding I felt on Monday is slowly coming to fruition. A lecture to be written, an annual review to be arranged, and possibly travel overseas? Just to name a few. Ah stress. You would think I would have better time management, but maybe I just work better with that bitter edge of stress? Better than a caffeine hit. And here I am blogging of course, true procastination.
Good deed of the day: stopped my car and herded a dozen paradise ducklings off the road after being scatterd by the postie's bike.
Good deed of the day: stopped my car and herded a dozen paradise ducklings off the road after being scatterd by the postie's bike.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Monday, 29 September 2008
Unsettled
Weather has turned to custard. Left my dive gear out this morning to dry and now it is wet again. Ah well I guess it will be thoroughly rinsed of salt by the end of it!
Feeling slightly unsettled today.
Keep looking at my clock, which tells it is 4:57pm, then remember silly laptop has not rolled over to daylight savings yet. So I am an hour late to all my appointments, which isn't far off my mindset right now, really...
Rising panic on eve of last day of September... I have an ominous feeling about October. A stressful month for those who have not finished their PhD and need to start making decisions and flight bookings and thinking about the future, as much as they'd rather live in the now.
Feeling slightly unsettled today.
Keep looking at my clock, which tells it is 4:57pm, then remember silly laptop has not rolled over to daylight savings yet. So I am an hour late to all my appointments, which isn't far off my mindset right now, really...
Rising panic on eve of last day of September... I have an ominous feeling about October. A stressful month for those who have not finished their PhD and need to start making decisions and flight bookings and thinking about the future, as much as they'd rather live in the now.
Thursday, 25 September 2008
Sugar free times
For some inexplicable reason I have stopped taking sugar in my coffee (and tea). With the exception of chai tea anyway.
All started around the 7th-8th September after a slightly boozy weekend. Usually this lasts for a day or two before I revert back to my white-with-one routine. But so far, I have not reverted! Once or twice in the last week or two, I've added sugar purely out of habit and it has honestly tasted pretty awful.
I wonder what has happened to my taste buds....?! I used to take TWO sugars!!
Ah well. I still crave caffeine and chocolate... surely it can only mean good things, perhaps I will eventually become a short black?
All started around the 7th-8th September after a slightly boozy weekend. Usually this lasts for a day or two before I revert back to my white-with-one routine. But so far, I have not reverted! Once or twice in the last week or two, I've added sugar purely out of habit and it has honestly tasted pretty awful.
I wonder what has happened to my taste buds....?! I used to take TWO sugars!!
Ah well. I still crave caffeine and chocolate... surely it can only mean good things, perhaps I will eventually become a short black?
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Why I am not in policy
What policy adviser says:
"....The information management disciplines we are imposing are a simple tool to capture the static or dynamic picture, within the fluid occupancy of the New Model..."
Huh?!
I'm still stuck on the fluid occupancy thing. Is the glass half full or half empty?!
"....The information management disciplines we are imposing are a simple tool to capture the static or dynamic picture, within the fluid occupancy of the New Model..."
Huh?!
I'm still stuck on the fluid occupancy thing. Is the glass half full or half empty?!
long time no blog
thought I'd have a look to see if they'd deleted this but hey! it's still here! Sweet! so much has happened since I last wrote I'm not even gonna try and update this... besides, i'm pretty sure everyone has stopped looking. which reminds me, i wonder if my mydivinglife blog is still running....?
Thoughts = chemical reactions and electrical signals. well probably anyway. wish I had some control over them. they tend to bowl me over sometimes. then i wonder, are they really emotions? what's the difference? are thoughts somehow logical, while emotions something that are beyond our control? I find it difficult to control either sometimes!!!!
Thoughts = chemical reactions and electrical signals. well probably anyway. wish I had some control over them. they tend to bowl me over sometimes. then i wonder, are they really emotions? what's the difference? are thoughts somehow logical, while emotions something that are beyond our control? I find it difficult to control either sometimes!!!!
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