JENNAFINA'S BLOG

NO WAY!

2012-02-03T10:07:00.004+08:00

Came across this pic which was apparently photographed an hour outside of Brisbane last week, they are saying it's a python. Can't be real - can it ? Sending shivers down my spine just looking at this photo!

MUSIC TO MY EARS

2012-01-29T03:56:00.005+08:00

My ipod nano has carked it after 7 great years & cannot find my ipod shuffle which is my backup.

Just been on the Apple website but they don't make the one I have anymore, the new ones are a 3rd of the size of my old one.

I need my music when I go on my daily walks otherwise I find my walks dead boring. My music on my iphone seems to play a song for a few seconds then jumps a song & it is so annoying I end up turning it off. Looks like I will have to sing my way through my walks with no music until I buy a new one !

DOES ANYONE KNOW STEVEN?

2011-11-18T10:11:00.004+08:00

TIME TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT!

2011-11-16T10:59:00.003+08:00

Has taken me well over a year to get back into my walking. I became too comfortable with my sofa/TV & laptop!

On my way back from my first walking session, I was 10 minutes away from home & my legs were killing me. I think I came out walking to fast to quick instead of gradually? All I wanted to do was to hitch a ride home but unfortunately the road I go walking on has very little traffic at that time of the evening. I had to push myself - yelling "come on you can do this, your nearly home". After 2 weeks it's getting much easier & now back to striding it out - phew!

THERE'S A RIGHT WAY ?

2011-10-17T16:58:00.009+08:00

Correct Way of Getting Out of Bed:

1. Bend your knees upward & flatten your feet on the bed. Roll onto your side closest to the edge of the bed, keeping your knees together.

2. Using your arms, push up the top half of your body until it's upright, then slowly swing your legs to the floor. Stay there for a moment.

3. Lean forward. Use your legs and arms to push yourself up to stand.

My Way of Getting Out of Bed:

1. Slowly roll my sluggish body out of bed, moaning "I don't want to get out of bed" or

2. When alarm clock goes off & you say to yourself another five minutes, then realising an hour has past, using your whole body, jump straight out of bed & start running around like a mad woman screaming, "I'm going t be late for work".

I prefer my way as the correct way sounds like too much effort!

2011-10-07T11:56:00.004+08:00

R.I.P STEVE JOBS

WILDFLOWERS IN THE GOLDFIELDS

2011-09-22T10:33:00.001+08:00

BACON & POTATO FRITTERS

2011-09-19T10:57:00.003+08:00

This recipe looks yum & fattening too but hey, you only live once! I am no cook, but this looks pretty easy to whip up.

NEW YEARS EVE

2010-12-31T20:31:00.003+08:00

Last day of the year & about 3 1/2 hours before 2011 begins.

Wow, 5 months ago I last posted, where did this year go? I must of been too busy to post on here or I was just too slack, yeah I would say slack! A promise to myself - to update my blog more regularly even if it is just monthly.

2010 was a pretty good year for me & hoping 2011 will be a great one too.

Happy New Year everyone.

MISS TUBBY

2010-07-12T15:39:00.004+08:00

Miss Tubby enjoying the winter comfort of my bed! I actually banned her from sleeping on my bed as outside she loves the red dirt which she brings onto my doona cover, but it is winter time & she spends most of it indoors & too cold for her to go outside exploring.

PS: She loves my electric throw rug and my electric blanket too!

OUR NEW TEMPORARY VISITORS

2010-06-10T12:19:00.007+08:00

West Australia Newspaper - 9th June, 2010

Kalgoorlie Miner - 9th June 2010

KALGOORLIE/BOULDER HIT BY AN EARTHQUAKE

2010-04-21T11:04:00.004+08:00

The Old Commercial Hotel

No Skimpies, here tonight!

Golden Eagle Hotel

Kalgoorlie/Boulder was hit by an earthquake yesterday (20.04.2010) reading 5 on the richter scale with aftershocks still happening today. Most of the damage was done to the hotels in Boulder and to some houses. My sister works at the Rec Hotel in Boulder and she said that is was pretty scary stuff & with the engineers checking out the structure of the buildings (as some of these hotels are over 100 years old) not sure whether she has a job to go back to. My niece who is 12, has the rest of the school week of as a couple of the roofs in her school collapsed. She had put on her facebook that it felt like an 7 or 8 on the richter scale. Did not have the heart to tell her "how would she know as she has never been in one that size except for yesterday", bless her! Lucky no one was seriously injured. Hopefully they will be able to rebuild the old buildings? Who says Kal/Boulder is boring??

LEO SKYLINE

2010-04-20T16:03:00.004+08:00

Yesterday's skyline in Leo about 5.00pm, the colours are just gorgeous.

CHOCOLATE EASTER EGGS

2010-04-05T09:45:00.002+08:00

Considering I am not really a chocolate person, I got very spoilt on Easter Sunday. I only ate the 2 Easter eggs (great bunny's in the pink packets). I will have to take the rest to my niece, Bella when I see her next.

MARCH - WHERE DID YOU GO?

2010-04-02T21:15:00.001+08:00

April already, I have no idea where the month of March went to?

...................................................

Plans for our trip to the States this September is all booked & just waiting for confirmation. Friends wedding in Las Vegas, can't wait. Doing our trip by car, as long as we have the GPS there is not way we can get lost - I hope! Driving on the left hand side will be interesting too, though I have already done that a few years ago when I was over there, was nerve racking & lots of thinking - we will be right mate!! Looking forward to the drive through the desert from LA to Vegas as that has always been a dream of mine & now will become a reality. Our drive will take us to the cities of LA, Vegas, San Fransisco then along the coast back to LA with a few stopover's between the cities. Have booked helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon/Hoover Dam along with a walk on the skywalk. Hoping to get tickets to be part of the audience on the Ellen show, love Ellen & of course Disneyland is on the agenda too.

TIGER FOUND!

2010-02-17T08:37:00.002+08:00

Tiger spotted off the coast - haha!

OUT PLAYED THEM ALL!

2010-02-03T08:16:00.005+08:00

SURVIVOR SAMOA:

Russell Hantz - day one he came to play & nothing & no one was going to stop him. At the beginning of the show I thought who is this cocky little bastard then through out the show he grew on me & then he started to dominate the show, the leader of the pack & practically ruled the show & I liked! A few episodes were on the edge of your seat viewing. It was far the best Survivor I have seen.

Last night Russell should of won as he outwitted, outplayed & outlasted the others but NO he didn't as the other cast members were bitter that he beat them all, & decided to give it to Natalie who hung off Russell through out the show. He played the game well and at the end of the day it is how you play the game & Russell was brilliant. He put Johnny Fairplay to shame!

MELBOURNE - WHAT A CITY!

2010-02-01T11:36:00.007+08:00

What a wonderful vibrant city Melbourne is.

A week ago was in Melbourne for 8 days. Stayed at the Crown Towers - a fabulous hotel, the rooms, deluxe & the bed and pillows to die for, as soon as you hopped into bed you were out like a light. So wanted to pinch a pillow & take it home but I knew they would notice me carry it under my arm - lol! Reception told us that we could buy the pillows from their website which I checked out - $195.00 for one pillow so for that amount you would want a good nights sleep - I will have to save up for a couple.

Had a couple of games of Black Jack also the Pokies at the Casino which was part of the Crown Towers complex. We took in a few sights around the city which we went mainly by tram & what a great tram system they have. Went to watch a tennis match at the Rod Laver Arena (Australian Open) we saw Leyton Hewitt win and Alicia Molik lose, the atmosphere in the area was awesome. Went to see the musical Jersey Boys at the Princess Theatre, fantastic. Did a Neighbours Tour & what a laugh that was. Went to an Ice Lounge where everything is made from ice to the tables, chairs, floor to the glass we drank out of and the temperature in there is minus 10, we were decked out in jackets, boots & gloves but still froze had to dance around to keep warm! Went up the Eureka Building for a view of the city on the 88th floor - heights & me don't go together but I braved "The Edge" which a glass cube that projects 3 metres out from the building (with us in it) suspended 300 metres from the ground - yes I was shitting myself!! Spotted a few tennis stars (they were staying at the same hotel) Rafael Nadal, Rodger Federer, Kym Clisters plus a few has been sporting stars - Shane Warne (cricketer) & Jeff Fenech (boxer).

Everything in Melbourne is so central to get to, the people are so friendly, weather was glorious, though had one afternoon of rain, they say you never know what the weather will be from day to day there, so we were lucky. Shopping is fantastic too!

Perth city you have got a lot to learn from Melbourne.

Yarra River

Silver Man entertains the crowd in Bourke St

Leyton Hewitt & Ricardo ?

AUSTRALIA DAY

2010-01-26T13:17:00.002+08:00

Happy Australia Day - Oi, Oi, Oi!

HO, HO, HO!

2009-12-25T03:48:00.002+08:00

Merry Christmas to you all - Have a wonderful day!

DUST STORMS - THEY ARE NEVER ENDING!

2009-12-16T17:43:00.000+08:00

The dust storm hits town -the skyline at 5.00pm

The dust storm passing

Just made it home yesterday from work before the dust storm had arrived - phew! So sick of cleaning up after them! Probably had about 3 dust storms like this in the past month.

SNAKES ALIVE!

2009-12-15T13:20:00.003+08:00

Sunday night at about 9.15pm I had hung out the washing & walking back to the door I saw my cat Miss Tubby acting unusual - then spotted the snake against the wall. I went into panic mode, throwing what ever I could at Miss Tubby to scare her away from the snake, thinking that the snake will bite her. I scream out to the neighbour to call the Ranger & he arrived 5 minutes later (1/2 tanked mind you) walks out to the back patio where the snake is (mumbling it is harmless) then goes back to his car and brings out his rifle....WFT! If he shoots the snake he is gunna wake up the whole street. I stay indoors & keep out of his way then next I hear him driving off in his car. Thank god he did not shoot the snake but I have no idea whether he caught it? A strange man he is!

I was told it was only a harmless python, I don't care if it is harmless or not as far as I am concerned a snake is a snake & they scare the hell out of me.

LITTLE COCONUT

2009-11-20T11:26:00.003+08:00

AC's new little bundle of trouble - Coconut. Butter wouldn't melt in her mouth!! Too cute, her real name is Chloe, but I say that is too much of a human girl's name, I like Coconut, so to me she is Coconut.

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

2009-11-12T10:46:00.006+08:00

The Milan Moped

The Monaco Moped

Thinking on buying a new moped for myself but there is so many to choose from, here are a couple that I have my eye on. Wish I could make a snap decision but no. Gee I have not even looked at the prices on these BUT when my mind is made up and I want something I normally get it even if it does take me months to decide!

REMEMBRANCE DAY

2009-11-11T10:11:00.003+08:00

Respect to all the brave that have lost their lives for our country, and to those still serving.

They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning - We will remember them.......on 11/11, at 11am silence.

DO I OR DO I NOT?

2009-11-08T00:41:00.006+08:00

I was driving to work last night as I was 1/2 way there, could not remember if I turned my hair straightener off at home. Arrived at work & told the staff I am not sure whether I turned it off, I did not want to worry all night so I went back home to check & of course it was bloody off. If I had not gone home to check I bet it would of been a different story! With me it is either the hair straightener or iron. I just hate that feeling when you leave the house wondering did you or did you not turn what ever off - I suppose it is best to be safe than sorry.

It is 1.00am & all is quite here at the hospital. I went to Kal yesterday so struggling to keep the eyes open. Oh the Christmas stuff is all out in the shops too, come to think of it Christmas is not too far away.

SWEEPS, EATS & DRINKS

2009-11-03T20:39:00.002+08:00

Had the office open until lunch time today - had our own Melbourne Cup luncheon in the office. Was in many sweeps that they had going around town & I had at least 10 different horses & not one of the silly buggers came in 1st, 2nd or 3rd - see me never lucky! Eating a big lunch & drinking alcohol (2 glasses of champagne I had) is not normal for me. After lunch I was that bloated & tired, luckily we have a ottoman/lounge in one of the offices, I was able to have a hour siesta & woke up with only 1/2 hour until knock off time, yeah I like days like these!

GO THE JACKSON JIVE!

2009-10-08T18:07:00.004+08:00

There is no way I would think these guys are racist, that never came to my mind when watching these guys, they did not do anything to offend. I thought they were great, they should of won Red Faces on Hey Hey. It was a tribute to MJ. Come on Harry Connick Jnr, all they did was dress like them, look like them, dance like them & sing like them. Some people so need to lighten up!

ISSABELLA & PAIGE

2009-10-02T09:06:00.004+08:00

Local Bikies!

Paige & Bella

I have my niece Bella & her friend Paige with me for the school holidays. The are happy girls and certainly keep me on my toes!

They are happy keeping themselves occupied, watching DVD's, playing games, making a cubby house & the internet (thank god for that as they can spend hours on net talking with their friends & making videos for you tube).

I have asked them to hang their towels out on the clothes line once they have had their shower everday but they seem to forget to do that. Yesterday I got home & they were really proud to have hung their towels out without me asking them - problem was it was raining outside. Their answer to me was that it was not raining at the time and they did not know it was raining.....HELLO.....the could not hear the rain on the roof or see the rain through the window!! They tried!

It was nice having them here with me & I will miss them when they go.

PS: They must like it here as they asked if they could come back Christmas holidays - mmm we will see!

DUNT TAKE HIS TICKETS - EH!

2009-09-30T11:55:00.007+08:00

Wiremu, a New Zealander, was in Australia to watch the upcoming Rugby World Cup and was not feeling well, so he decided to see a doctor. "Hey doc, I dun't feel so good, eh" said Wiremu.

The doctor gave him a thorough examination and informed Wiremu that he had long existing and advanced prostate problems and that the only cure was testicular removal.

"No way doc" replied Wiremu "I'm gitting a sicond opinion eh!"
The second Aussie doctor gave Wiremu the same diagnosis and also advised him that testicular removal was the only cure.

Not surprisingly, Wiremu refused the treatment. Wiremu was devastated, but with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner he found an expat Kiwi doctor and decided to get one last opinion from someone he could trust.

The Kiwi doctor examined him and said: "Wiremu Cuzzy Bro, you huv Prostate suckness eh" "What's the cure thin doc ?" asked Wiremu hoping for a different answer. "Wull, Wiremu", said the Kiwi doctor "Wi'regonna huv to cut off your balls."

"Phew, thunk god for thut!" said Wiremu, "those Aussie bastards wanted to take my test tickets off me!"

DUST STORMS - HERE IN LEO THAT IS NORMAL!

2009-09-29T10:30:00.006+08:00

Sydney Harbour Bridge - September 2009

My car looks like this nearly every 2 weeks living in Leo!

View from back of hospital - Xmas Day December 2008

The dust is normal here in Leo, it is a constant battle to be dust free in the house let alone outside. Dust storms normally happen in December/January and you can see the dust afar approaching & that is the time to stay indoors & close all windows and wait for it to pass, then you have the job of cleaning up!

NEVER FALL ASLEEP ON THE JOB AS YOU WILL BE CAUGHT!

2009-09-14T12:25:00.004+08:00

A QUIET NIGHT

2009-09-13T08:21:00.006+08:00

Did a night shift at the hospital last night, a very quiet night it was. They must of all been behaving or everyone is just well as not a soul to be seen the whole shift - yay. We managed to watch 2 DVD's - Madagascar 2, funny, & Confessions Of A Shopaholic, which was so, so. Only bought the DVD Confessions of a Shopaholic as we were in New York last April & we got to see part of the movie been filmed in the streets & when that scene came up - I was like EXCITED as we were there at that moment. Spotted Miriam that travelled with me to the States walking in one of the scenes, how funny!

MY NEW PC

2009-09-09T20:05:00.005+08:00

My new pocket size VAIO PC & it slips into what looks like a clutch purse, so small and compact you can just pop it into your handbag. Saves taking your large laptop everywhere with you.

I WANT TO BE A CAT!

2009-09-07T20:00:00.004+08:00

My Miss Tubby, doing what she does best - cat napping on her favourite blanket from Aunty Andrea. I wanna come back in my next life as a cat, so I can just eat, sleep and lounge around!

WHY CANNOT I THROW IT OUT?

2009-09-07T18:49:00.006+08:00

I bought myself a new dictionary awhile back (I use a dictionary all the time, it is like a Bible to me) but I keep referring back to my good old faithful pocket size Collins Gem Dictionary that I have had for well over 10 years. The pages have fallen out, been stuck back together with sticky tape many a times & it is held together by a lackey band. Why can't I just biff it? Maybe because it is small instead of big and bulky like my new one?

My well used dictionary!

SEPTEMBER LAUGHS

2009-09-03T11:30:00.004+08:00

WHAT AN UNDERSTANDING WIFE HE HAS:

A married man left work early one Friday, but instead of going home, he spent the weekend partying with the boys. When he finally returned home on Sunday night, his wife really got on his case and stayed on it. After a few of hours of swearing and screaming, his wife paused and pointed at him and made him an offer. "How would you like it if you didn't see me for a couple of days?".....The husband couldn't believe his luck, so he looked up, smiled and said, "That would suit me just fine!!" Monday went by, and the man didn't see his wife. Tuesday and Wednesday went by and he still didn't see her. Come Thursday, the swelling went down a bit and he could see her a little out of the corner of his left eye.

……………………………………………..

LOTTO TICKET:

One day, the wife comes home with a spectacular diamond ring."Where did you get that ring?" her husband asks."Well, she replies, "My boss and I played the lotto and we won, so I bought it with my share of the winnings." A week later, his wife comes home with a long shiny fur coat. Where did you get that coat?" her husband asks. She replies " My boss and I played the lotto and we won again, so I bought it with my share of the winnings." Another week later, his wife comes home, you guessed it: driving a cadillac, her share of the lotto winnings. That night, the wife asks her husband to run her a nice warm bath while she gets undressed. When she enters the bathroom, she finds that there is barely enough water in the bath to cover the bath plug. "What's this?" she asks her husband. "Well," he replies, "We don't want to get your lotto ticket wet, do we??"

ALL DONE

2009-08-30T09:24:00.004+08:00

Hello Blog - me long time no write!

Spent 2 days in Kal, had to get my car serviced and new tyres as they were bald as, so that is all out the way until next time. Had my hair done, so feel like a new woman again. Was booked into have a manicure but the beauty therapist was away sick - WTF! Used my gift vouchers that I had for about 6 months, finally! One at a book shop, bought an autobiography on Jennifer Aniston (Team Jen I am) & the other at House, a homeware shop on some diffusers, love them as they make the house smell nice. It was nice to have the 2 days in Kal as usually I head down on a Saturday and always in a rush so this time I was able to browse the shops at my own leisure & buy things I am sure I don't really need! Always feel better after retail therapy! Also bought a web cam, but will have to wait for my friend AC that is coming next weekend, yay to help me set it up, me no see her for nearly 1 year! Caught up with family & finally met my nephew's girlfriend Tash.

My last stop before I head home to Leo (a 2 hour drive) is always Red Rooster, as their chickens are yummy but yesterday they didn't have any - what is the go with that, a fast food chicken outlet with NO CHICKENS!! They are the best chickens when they do them!

BLOG

2009-07-23T09:22:00.003+08:00

Hello Blog, no I have not forgotten you, I just don't have anything interesting to blog about at this present time (spending too much time on facebook and Twitter!)

MEMORIES LIVE ON

2009-06-26T10:04:00.003+08:00

RIP Michael Jackson & Farrah Fawcett

STRESS TIME!

2009-06-24T11:55:00.005+08:00

My head has got a 150 things going on, not sure where I am or what I am doing? Work is busy as hell, have all my end of financial stuff to do, my PAYG is not balancing, cannot find the answer, I just want to run away to a tropical island sipping on ice coffee during the day & Bella champagne during the evening!! This is the most stressful time of the year at work.

MISS TUBBY

2009-06-02T18:55:00.001+08:00

Miss Tubby had her matted fur on her back shaved on the weekend. Vet Miriam came around and shaved her, Miss Tubby was a very good patient, she just sat there and did not even meow to scramble away. I thought the matted fur was from rolling around the red dirt but no it is because when she grooms herself, she is way too fat to reach her back -LOL, so now I will have to purchase a brush and do it for her.

THANK GOD FOR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2009-06-01T08:03:00.006+08:00

The weekend carnival went well, the athletes were great, entertainment was good, weather was perfect but I am stuffed, pooped, buggered and I am glad it is over.

Its a public holiday today (oh how I love public holidays) I wanted to sleep in this morning, so I set my alarm for later in the morning, but no I am up with the birds and the bees! Today is overcast and cold so the perfect weather for sleeping in . During the week I struggle to get out of bed for work??

_____________________________________

CONGRATULATIONS to Jodi & Rob on the arrival of Madison Mae (8 pounds) born on Saturday (30th May) morning.

BORED? NO NOT NOW!

2009-05-29T10:00:00.003+08:00

On one of my previous posts I said I was bored, well this week I don't even have time to scratch myself with the Golden Gift (Athletic Carnival ) happening this weekend in town, it is all been go, go go. To all the athletes, drinkers, gamblers, spectators over this weekend, enjoy while us poor bastards have to work.

OMG - I have just received my bloody Mining Tendex as if I haven't got enough on my plate as it is. Its a mad house in the office today - H E L P!

Windscreens and I don't see eye to eye, yet another damaged one from my Kalgoorlie trip on Wednesday but luckily I went down as a work day so work will pay for a new windscreen!

Roll on Monday, as public holiday and maybe just maybe I will have a sleep in.

PS: Jodi's contractions have started today so maybe a bundle of joy tonight. Good luck Jodi.

BAN WAS WORTH IT

2009-05-25T02:25:00.001+08:00

I banned myself over the weekend from using the computer, which was very hard to do, had to restrain myself a few times. Ever since I got the internet connected at home, I have been wasting a lot of time on the computer therefore neglecting everything else. So it was great to get the washing/ironing out of the way, vacuum the house, wash the car, water my plants and feed my hungry pussy cat. Ooh to have the clean house back again and pussy cat, Miss Tubby not meowing at me every 5 minutes to feed her!

Maybe I should leave my laptop in the bag as when it is out on the table all set up, it is easy access.

BORED!

2009-05-20T12:15:00.002+08:00

All computers are down in the office & not sure what else I can do to occupy myself. We still have access to the Internet (thank god!) so I have already been on facebook (been on my farm), twitter, hotmail (cleaned up and updated my address book) , I have popped bubble wrap for 1/2 hour, that's how bored I am, now on my blog. I have no one to talk to as they have all gone for lunch. Hurry up IT man and fix the bloody computers as I am going mad just sitting here doing nothing but then by the time they are up and running I won' t wanna to anything. Roll on 4.30pm.

VICTORY TO NO DAY LIGHT SAVING

2009-05-17T10:43:00.005+08:00

After 3 year trial period of day light saving, I nearly decided that I would prefer daylight saving, then thought no, I do love the early morning light (I am a early morning person - summer time only), love going for my early morning walks, when I head off to Kal or Perth driving, to see it light at 5.00am is great, I also love to get up and do things before work & there is still plenty of day light after work too.

I see a lot of people are not very happy over the no daylight saving been voted in & the ones that are complaining are from the east, so if they don't like it, go back to the east, why are you calling us backwards etc? because if that is the case what the hell are you doing in the west then!

The people have voted and NO is the go!

VOTE NO TODAY 4 DAY LIGHT SAVING

2009-05-16T04:00:00.000+08:00

I am spending the whole day down at the Rec Centre as a Polling Official for the Day Light Saving Referendum. I have said many a times that this is the last time I will be a Polling Officer but somehow it keeps sucking me back in! Maybe it has got something to do with the money?

I will be voting no to daylight saving. When daylight saving finished in March this year it was like a huge sigh of relief and felt like we were back to normality

So don't forget to :

as I truly think we have enough daylight as it is!

________________________________

So with Ruddy's money & election money I will be able to put that money towards the Pocket Style PC VAIO that I so want - mmm!

LAZY SUNDAY

2009-05-10T15:40:00.004+08:00

I have just spent the afternoon lazying out in the gorgeous sunshine catching up on my trashy magazines and resting up my leg from my netball injury, it was so relaxing - love days like this.

Ever since I got my internet connected at home, that is all I seem to be doing is surfing the net, I hope this wears off soon as my house work is becoming 2nd to this, which reminds me, must go and hang out my washing and I can hear my pile of ironing calling me - bugger!

PS: Happy Mother's Day to all.

WORLD CLOUDS

2009-04-21T16:09:00.004+08:00

Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. Check out their site - http://www.wordle.net/ - pretty cool.

I AM THANKFUL:

2009-03-25T09:29:00.010+09:00

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours BECAUSE it means I am alive

For the crazy people I work with BECAUSE they make work more interesting and fun

For weariness & aching muscles at the end of the day BECAUSE it means I have been capable of working hard

MY MOTTO IS "NEVER GIVE UP" - BUT I WONDER SOMETIMES!

2009-03-20T08:08:00.009+09:00

I started my health kick in the middle of January this year, it is now the middle of March, have only lost 2.5 kilos, WTF is with that! I should of lost at least 6! What the hell am I doing wrong? I just get so frustrated with the whole thing. I have got right back into my walking at least 6 times a week, Ta Bo classes have started , have signed up for that, was attending Step classes, just could not get the grip of that so gave that up, eating much healthier and given up on my Ice Coffee's (oh I miss you sooooo much). What do I have to do? Starve myself to death??

Biggest Loser Challenge will be starting on the 30th March for 12 weeks here in town, they have an induction this afternoon so will attend that and hopefully sign up!

HAS FACEBOOK TAKEN OVER?

2009-02-26T09:14:00.002+09:00

No one seems to be blogging anymore.

I have an excuse - I don't have anything interesting to blog about lately.

Jo- is still blogging - onya Jo.

Odi Lee - well I can excuse her, as she is pregnant.

Kelly - well I have given up on her a long time ago.

AC - I have written her off.

PS: I do have something interesting to tell, I am off to Goorlie On Saturday and I am so looking forward to my M.I.C. treat !.

UP DATE ON NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

2009-02-11T08:11:00.002+09:00

My 1st resolution was to drink less Masters Ice Coffee -

Accomplished so far - gave them up a month ago and have only had 1 (which have decided that will be my treat once a month for my drive to Goorlie).

My 2nd resolution was to get healthier and fitter -

Have got of my arse and right back into my walking - my first walk I was in aches and pains as it was the first time I did any exercise for nearly 6 months! Still trying to get to the gym! I have lost 2 kilos but still have a flippin long way to go.

My 3rd was to be more tolerant towards others -

That's not happening at the moment!

TERAMA KASHI EVERYONE

2009-01-21T10:44:00.005+09:00

Thanks to all for my birthday wishes and pressie's, I got cup cakes (sent up via the post and then I was told I had to open them there and then on which I did and nearly demolished the whole lot, they were yummy), perfume, pedicure stuff (waiting on someone to give me a pedicure), bottle of bubbly, a hammer (as I am forever borrowing other people's - yes AC you will get your hammer back) a screw driver, flowers, gift voucher from House, Body Shop stuff, photo frame and a flower clip for my hair and the most ugliest thongs out (read below), so me got very spoilt - thanks everyone.

I am not sure what you call these thongs (below) - but I call them surf board thongs, I find them the ugliest footwear ever made & I hate them, they make your feet look ugly. When I see men wear them - I cringe, women wear them - I think how could they. Guess what? I got a pair for my birthday, Bev knows I hate them and she bought them for me, telling me I had to wear them down the street - I just laughed and said that there is no way I would wear these clobber hoppers anywhere except maybe to her place for a laugh.

PS: Good to hear from AC last night, after long time no hear!

THE BUMP GETTING BIGGER

2009-01-19T16:20:00.004+09:00

Jodi at 20 weeks

(The bump is slowly but surely getting bigger!)

THE BABY BUMP

2009-01-07T14:22:00.001+09:00

Jodi at 18 weeks - looking gorgeous as always.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T11:00:00.000+09:00

My New Years Resolutions:

1. Get healthier and fitter (getting off my arse, going to gym/walking etc)
2. Lose weight (have smaller meals)
3. Have more patience with people (don't get pisst off with them if things don't go my way!)
4. Drink less Ice Coffee, drinking more water (story of my life!)

The above is the same as every other year I make, they never seem to last long but once again will give it my best this year.

Happy New Year to everyone, hope it is full of happiness and fun.

CHRISTMAS HAS COME & GONE

2008-12-26T12:30:00.003+09:00

Christmas eve up at the hospital was full of surprises and emu came to visit, then Santa & Co arrived and we were ready for them with our water bombs as were they, I think we all came out even. 1/2 an hour later we could see from afar a dust storm was approaching, OMG it was unbelievable to see, it did not hit the hospital it went around it. We usually have one of these at least once a year but this was the first time I had seen anything like that full on.

Thanks everyone for my presents - loved them all.

What next? Making new years resolutions - mmmmm.

A visit from an emu

Santa is arriving on fire truck

Tania & Sam ready to water bomb Santa & Co

The the dust storm on its way

The reddest dust storm hits

HO HO HO

2008-12-24T08:45:00.002+09:00

One more sleep until the man in red arrives!

Merry Christmas everyone.

THE REAL JINGLE BELLS SONG!

2008-12-20T04:00:00.000+09:00

THE JOYS OF SHOPPING

2008-12-11T05:00:00.004+09:00

Went to Goorlie (Kal) on Saturday and went to the Gift Home shop to see if the Christmas tree was still there and guess what? - it was there waiting patiently there for me. Paid for it and walked out the shop with a smile, first time for awhile that something has gone my way, as the other day my ipod shuffle said it was corrupt - so now I am looking at purchasing and ipod classic, also I have lost my phone - I know it is in my house somewhere but where is the question?? Had to ring Karen up the other day for her to give me my mobile number, rang my number but to no avail.

My New Xmas Tree

_________________________________

Bumped into Karen and her friend Chloe in Goorlie they were both trying/buying clothes in Target. I did my good deed and bought 2 Chrissie presents for the Target Xmas Tree for the under privileged children.

I went to Woollies to buy my diet coke (as here in Leo for a ctn of 24 cans of diet coke $39.00 - forget that) one ctn of 30 cans for $19.00 - I am not sure how they justify their prices here, its a total rip off.

Thought I was going to put my first aide/PCA nursing skills into practice when I was in Woollies I was waiting for my sister while she was doing some shopping and I was sitting on the seat inside Woollies, this girl came out of one of the checkout aisles and she stumbled at bit (thought she was a little bit tipsy), anyway she stumbled towards me and I could see in her face she didn't look right - I asked her if she was "OK" but no reply, as she fell to the ground I grabbed her before she hit the floor, this girl that was sitting on the seat next to me I had to actually had to say to her "can you please help me to lift her onto the seat" by the time we got her onto the seat this lady just pushed me aside and took over and then this guy yells out from the crowd - "I am a Medical Officer - lay her down on the seat blah, blah, blah", so I just stood aside. Poor girl had fainted.

PS: 14 more sleeps till Christmas - Ho Ho Ho!

4 WEEKS TILL CHRISTMAS

2008-11-25T10:09:00.005+09:00

Our Christmas display at work

Gosh time is flying and Christmas is just around the corner. I saw this most gorgeous Christmas tree in Kal a few weeks ago at a gift shop, it was about 2 foot tall and made out of fake red roses (no not plastic but material) with little fairy lights through it - I fell in love with it and wanted it, but the price of it was ridiculous, have not stop thinking about it so if it is still in the shop when I go back then I was meant to have it. A certain person that left Leo a few months ago was throwing out her branch/twig tree that she decorates as a Xmas tree (which I so wanted for my back patio) but no it was given to someone else and here I thought she was my friend - so jingle bells to her!!

RAIN DROPS KEPT FALLING

2008-11-17T09:13:00.006+09:00

Catching the rain water for my plants
(I wish I had a water tank)

View from my back yard

Rained on and off over the weekend and I loved it. It was a weekend of sleeping in, doing nothing much at all except snuggling up with my electric throw on the lounge chair and watching a few DVD's, have not done that in ages.

On Sunday afternoon I received a call from AC, I had just finished telling her about the rain and it was pouring down at that stage and if she could hear it, next minute there was a big clap of thunder & lightning and then a humongous bang - I just instantly threw the phone and all that came out of my mouth was F _ _ K! I was not sure if AC was still on the phone as too scared to touch it. The power and phone lines were cut instantly. I know you are not suppose to be on your land line while there is thunder and lightning and there was nothing to suggest that at the time, it just happened that quickly. I rang her back on the mobile to let her know what had just occurred and that I was OK. I was shaken for the next 1/2 hour after that happened, it was so scary and poor old Miss Tubby was scared with me.

PICK ME!

2008-11-13T12:21:00.007+09:00

This is Santa's new helper, his younger brother, he takes care of naughty girls only and guess what? I have been very, very naughty this year! Thanks Jo for sending him to me.

TIM & SARAH'S WEDDING

2008-11-12T11:07:00.003+09:00

The Bride & Groom - Tim & Sarah
18th October 2008

The Wedding cake

The Bell Tower - Perth

Jodi, Jarron, Sarah, Tim & Me

NOVEMBER GOSSIP

2008-11-06T12:15:00.000+09:00

He Did It

I bought my Obama badge when I was in Washington in April this year and yesterday I wore it proudly, no I am not an American but an Aussie, if I was an American he would of got my vote for sure. It is time for change, a younger, fresher new face to run the country. President Obama is the man.

________________________________________

Yippee

This time I was determined to catch Mr Whippee that came into town last weekend, I could hear his music from his van afar, as the music came closer, I grabbed my money and waited for him on the street. As per usual my eyes are bigger than my mouth and went for a double cone ice cream (been years since I had a Mr. Whippee ice cream), it was very filling but delicious as the same time. That was my Sunday treat.

________________________________________

My Stall

It was that time again to de-clutter out the cupboards and biff out things that I knew I would never ever wear again (there was stuff there I didn't even know I had!) and set up stall for the market day last weekend. I sold 80% of my stuff with with help of my offsider Shawnaye , the things I did not sell will go to the Salvation Army bins in Kal.

NO REST FOR THE WICKED

2008-10-16T14:13:00.010+08:00

This afternoon fly out to Perth for a wedding - Tim & his wife to be Sarah, getting married/reception at the Bell Tower in the city. So looking forward to the day.
My Weekend Plans:

Booked into the Sheraton Hotel for the weekend.

Friday Evening - catch up with Miriam (who will kindly will pick me up from airport), have a me night on Friday evening, manicure, pedicure, nice relaxing bath, just chilling.

Saturday - Meet Jodi (looking froward to seeing her, with many laughs for sure) both have hair appointments in the morning, Jodi's a blow wave and myself a French roll (oh very sophisticated) then off to wedding Saturday afternoon. I still have no idea what the hell I am going to wear or whether anything will fit me - I should be panicking by now - but I' m not, just threw this and that in bag and hope for the best on the day!

Sunday - Meet AC for lunch in the city and a spot of shopping of course- yeehar. Sunday evening, meet Kelly for a few drinks and dinner, looking forward to seeing them both again.

Monday Morning - Catch early morning flight back to Leo - then straight to work.

PJ PARTY

2008-10-15T15:47:00.006+08:00

20.09.2008

Had a girls night for AC, lots of drinking - alco's we are!, dancing - dancers we are not!, singers - Australian Idol - no way! but a good night by all to farewell AC leaving Leo. I miss you AC.

Singing to Singstar

Doing the sprinkler dance!

Farewelled AC with a bottle of champers

Come on AC get it off!

LOOKS LIKE A PRE-HISTORIC CRITTER

2008-10-15T15:28:00.004+08:00

This little tail-less ghecko was underneath my bin and scared the shit out of me when I went to put the bin out for rubbish day.

BALI BERRY GOOD

2008-10-14T14:54:00.010+08:00

05.09.2008 to 15.09.2008

Bali holiday just memories now - great memories at that, The Kunja Villa (as the Bailinese pronounce it "Billa") was everything we expected and more, had a wonderful relaxing time there. The company, food, shopping, weather etc all bloody bantastic!

This is where we spent most days, just lazying by the pool

Good Ole Kuta Beach

My Good Ole Faithful Thongs
(This is what happens when you try to exercise on the beach with thongs!)

Me & my adopted family on our last night at the Kunja Villa ("Billa"!)

THIS TIME NEXT WEEK...

2008-09-02T12:06:00.005+08:00

We will be in Seminyak, Bali maybe having a late breakfast or relaxing by the pool, reading our trashy magazine (which I love), sipping on an icy cold diet coke/banana milkshake, munching on pringles and catching a few sun rays or having a massage, maybe shopping or we could be sight seeing then again we might be sleeping in, getting a tattoo (henna) sounds good too, who knows. All I know is no alarm clock, no work, no stress.

Must go and finish my packing.

WAS SLEEPING SOUNDLY UNTIL ............

2008-08-29T08:03:00.009+08:00

Early to bed last night as I wanted to rise early so I could wash my hair (it takes me about an hour and a half to dry and straighten my hair). I was having a sound sleep until I heard the phone, looked at the time, 10.00pm. It was my neighbour (name withheld) 4 houses down, "are you sleeping"? - WELL YEAH! - "I want to know about the routine steps we did in aerobic step classes the other night"? - WTF - you are asking me, when you know I have no idea at all as I am so confused with steps as it is, your talking to the wrong person. After phone conversation it took me ages to get back to sleep. Did I get up early as planned? Not as early as I wanted.

This will be me at work by lunch time!

TIME FOR A CHANGE

2008-08-28T12:04:00.005+08:00

Thought it was time to change the colour of my blog but kept same template layout. Not sure how long I will keep this before I change back to black?

Don't have many choices to pick from "pick a new template".

SINGER I'M NOT, THOUGH WILLING TO LEARN

2008-08-27T08:16:00.013+08:00

Singing Classes started on Monday night, me I will give anything a try, can't sing but always wanted to learn so thought here's my chance. The first thing I said to the teacher "I hope we don't have to sing on our own in front of everyone, as I am too shy" and he assured me no. There were 5 in the class and he had asked each and everyone one of us if we had ever sung before, I told him "I had plenty singing experience in the shower and in the car"!

My fear had just become a reality, we had to sing Mary Had A Little Lamb ON OUR OWN (he tricked me) as wanted to hear what our voices were like. I shot up my hand to be the first as I wanted to get it over and done with. We practiced singing two songs Your The Voice by John Farnhman and Tainted Love (have no idea who sings that), could not of picked two harder songs. In the song Tainted Love, there are words in the chorus - touch me baby, touch me, nothing wrong with that but I thought to myself that's a bit rough especially as we had Sr. Annette from the Catholic church in our class and every time we sang the chorus all I could think was I wonder what Sr. Annette is thinking!

Watch out Battle of the Choirs!

Watch out karaoke bars in Bali!

BURGLAR'S!

2008-08-18T09:20:00.005+08:00

Early Saturday morning I woke about 2.30am, I could hear noises out side my house and security lights were on. Sat upright in my bed petrified for 10 miniutes thinking what should I do? Call the Cops? No, as knowing my luck it would of been diverted to Kalgoorlie (last time that happened I thought someone was in my back yard, rang the cops and got through to Kal and she told me "to ring back if I was worried" - that's why I rang the cop shop as I was WORRIED - I told her "I could be raped or murdered in that time" and slammed the phone down.) My Neighbour was away. So I decided to be brave (me never brave), grabbed my wadi (a club thingy made out of wood) and tip toed into the lounge room, took a deep breath and peered through the blinds and what did I see- 3 BLOODY KANGAROOS eating at my lawn, I forgot to close my front gate!

CHRISTIAN THE LION

2008-08-05T11:14:00.002+08:00

I just love this clip - brings a tear to my eye every time I watch this.

NO YOU CAN'T GO!

2008-08-01T11:14:00.019+08:00

AC rang me yesterday to tell me her news (not good news for me) that her and hubby were leaving good old Leo (gold country) for Quairading (wheat belt country) within the the next 2 months. WTF am I going to do - no doubt go back to talking to the walls!! AC was my drinking partner - IC's /champers (I will will be drinking solo from then on), gym partner, walking her mongrels, our Sunday drives (you have to be there to understand our Sunday drives!) our laughs, our whinges. Who's gunna (good English) help me when I need a birthday card or when I get a new gadget and help me put it together, I am going to be lost.

I have friends but I only have a handful of really close friends. I said to AC yesterday I hope we will be friends forever as many have come and gone in my life and you stay in touch for a few years then you lose all contact, I hope that is not the case with AC. No bull we actually speak nearly everyday via email/phone or in person and she only lives 4 houses down from me! I first met AC when she arrived into town and she came to join the gym and I gave her a guided tour of the gym. Who would of thought we would become good friends?

I WANT A NEW OFFICE

2008-07-31T11:53:00.013+08:00

This is my office where I work, I am in the hub of everything and everyone its a real thoroughfare. When I am busy it is difficult to concentrate especially come pay day, rates or end of month, people walk past and want to talk (I don't mind a chat when I am not busy) or the fax machine or photocopier is playing up and they ask me why is this not working? I get cranky and tell them to read the instructions as I am not the bloody mechanic, the worst is when the Ranger is in the office and his mobile phone starts ringing and his ring tone is a bunch of dogs barking - that's when I want to pick his phone up and throw it at the wall. I have asked to be moved but to no avail!

ANOTHER BIG MOTHER ?#%#*#

2008-07-30T14:57:00.005+08:00

This is what crawled through the main street yesterday morning hitting and bending a few keep left signs along the way, presumably heading to one of the mines out of town , thank goodness I was not sitting behind one of these going to Kalgoorlie.

45 DAYS TO GO

2008-07-23T10:52:00.004+08:00

The Bath

This is what I am looking forward to when I go to Bali at the Kunja Villas - "THE BATH" so it better have those rose petals in there otherwise it is false advertising, I don't have a bath at home so where ever I go and there is a bath I am in there. Eating, drinking, shopping, massages (the feet), hanging out at our very own pool (having not to share with a hundred others) and sipping on diet coke, munching on Pringles, the company (my adopted family!) and not having to get up for work for 10 whole days - that's what I call chilling. Our dollar better stay high while we are there as we will feel like millionaire's changing a hundred Australian dollars.

ONYA NANA TERRI

2008-07-22T10:26:00.002+08:00

Yeah for Nana Terri wining BB08, she out beat the young ones.

I read that this was the final BB ever, and me just love reality TV (I know as I have said many times before "I have no life") will miss it. OMG what will I watch now? - oh yeah there is still The Amazing Race, Farmer Wants A Wife or I could get off the couch and do something constructive!!

LOOK AT ME

2008-07-21T15:55:00.002+08:00

Murphy relaxing after his walk!

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

2008-07-16T11:14:00.005+08:00

WORK:
The last couple of weeks have been super busy here at work, with the end of financial year stuff to do, group certificates (I was 24 thousand dollars out but after shutting the books for the day and coming back to it a day later, bingo, found it), new payroll to download (had to converse with some IT guy over east, who I could hardly understand, it was so frustrating, it was the longest 45 minute phone conversation I have ever had, you could just tell in his voice he could not be bothered with me, they get paid an annual fee so when we have any queries they are suppose to be there to help us!). At present we a doing the annual property and mining rates so they should be out in the next few days then we wait for the onslaught of the little old pensioners scurrying in to pay their rates - bless their little souls. Hurry up September - Bali here we come.

MISS TUBBY:
Miss Tubby has settled into life with me though she has been locked out of the house several times as come my bed time and I go to call for her she is nowhere to be seen so out she stays until I hear her meowing at the door at 6.00am so begrudgingly I get up to let her in and give her a stern talking to about staying out all night in the freezing cold.

PURCHASES:
I bought myself an electric throw rug, OMG the best purchase so far, for winter anyway, while watching TV, turn it on, throw if over yourself and you are settled in for the night, pity it does not plug into your cigarette lighter in your car!!! My other purchases was a 19' flat screen TV for my bedroom and a combo Video/DVD recorder - I do a lot of TV recordings (which is still sitting on my floor in the lounge room, waiting for me to connect it up, if I can't there is only one person to call, Miss Technology AC.

FRIENDS:
I received a call from Kelly last night, to say that she has settled into her new position in Port Hedland as Regional Coordinator - Pilbara, Active After School Communities I think she will be much happier there than she was in her last position in Mundaring, told her she had to get down to the local boozer and mingle with the locals.

FOOD:
I had the most delicious, yummo camp oven roast delivered to me last week (meals of wheels) and it was the best roast I have ever had, that delicious that I even licked the bowl. I want a camp oven now and somebody to cook it for me!!

WILL I OVER TAKE THIS? I DONT THINK SO!

2008-07-09T10:47:00.005+08:00

This is what I had to contend with on the road a few weeks ago - lucky I was on my way home and only 20 kilometres out of town, the escort vehicle did indicate for me to pass the big mother f.....! on several occasions but I declined as I was only 10 minutes out of town. At times I have no choice but to pass these big dump trucks and that's when the heart is thumping at 100 miles an hour and once you have overtaken them, a big sigh of relief!

WHERE'S THE PUDDY CAT?

2008-06-16T09:43:00.006+08:00

Come On Puddy Cat!

Leave me Alone!

AC had the pleasure of baby sitting little Finn on Sunday morning and they both came up to visit me. I wanted to show little Finn my cat, Miss Tubby but as you can see by this photo there was no way Miss Tubby was coming out from under the bed.

TRASH & TREASURE

2008-06-16T08:58:00.007+08:00

Bargains galore @ our table

Morning Price, Morning Price!

Michaela & Shawnaye left with bags of goodies, happy customers, that's what we like.

AC and myself headed down to the local school to sell our goods for the Trash & Treasure Day on Saturday, we sold 97% of our stuff and came home very happy traders. One man's trash is another man's treasure - that is for sure.

Flickr

2008-06-11T14:52:00.003+08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

MISS TUBBY

2008-06-06T09:38:00.006+08:00

Miss Tubby exploring the outside

Miss Tubby and her new friend Tiger the stuffed animal

I have myself a new cat called Miss Tubby (she weighs 7 kilos - hence the name!) she's a moggie and is 3 1/2 years old. She came to me from the city, where the owners were separating and took Miss Tubby to the vet to be put down (sometimes I wonder about people having pets), the vet Tiffany couldn't bring herself to do it - so she took her home hoping someone would take Miss Tubby into their home - this is where I came into it.

Miss Tubby flew up on Tuesday, she was a little stressed after her flight but slowly getting use to her her environment, she has already found her favourite spots in the house, she does like the outdoors, she seems to sleep 60% of the day, is a little scared of me - but I am sure with time we will be great friends.

SOME PHOTO'S OVER THE GOLDEN GIFT WEEKEND 2008

2008-06-04T15:31:00.013+08:00

Race Day on Saturday 31st May 08

Mr. Clown - certainly kept the crowd entertained - he was funny

AC & JB

Kate Ceberano - doing what she does best - singing (she was awesome)
Saturday Night 31st May 08

ABBA Girls (they got the crowd up and dancing)
Saturday Night 31st May 08

Kate Ceberano relaxing after show in shire office
Saturday Night 31st May 08

The Athlete's - The Winners
Sunday 1st June 2008

JUNE GOLDEN GIFT WEEKEND

2008-05-22T11:26:00.002+08:00

AUSSIE'S NOW!

2008-05-21T14:03:00.007+08:00

Congratulations to Joice and her daughters Melissa and Tafazwa on becoming Australian Citizens on the 20th May 2008 - Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!

THE KUNJA VILLA'S - BALI - INDONESIA

2008-05-15T10:55:00.005+08:00

The Kunja Villa's in Seminyak, Bali - this is where we will be staying in September 2008, 3 bedroom villa with own swimming pool, breakfast cooked for you every morning. Lazying by the pool, reading maggies, shopping, eating, drinking, OMG this is just heaven, rock on September.

I LIKE HIS HONESTY!

2008-05-07T12:20:00.004+08:00

We took this picture driving down one of the streets in New York, if I was actually walking past him I definitely would of given him some money for his beer, gotta love his honesty!

EAST COAST OF AMERICA

2008-04-21T11:47:00.010+08:00

Finally made it to America after a long flight from Perth to New York - we flew Perth-Tokyo-Minneapolis - New York, think this was the milk run flight! Was glad to get off plane to our destination as my poor little feet were so puffed up, truly if I had the money first class would be the way, but I am afraid that is out of my price range, though we did see what the cost from Tokyo to New York was and they said it was an extra $2000 US and they did not have any complimentary upgrade, didn't even know that existed so we will try for complimentary upgrade on our way home - that would be heaven, bigger seats, more leg room, better food service, better sleep, though I must admit I did sleep 80 percent of the way over here.

Stopped over in Minnesota for a few hours before we flew onto New York and we saw SNOW FLAKES, so I had to go out and have a ciggie and let the snow flakes fall on me but the snow flakes disintegrated before they hit the ground - weird.

NEW YORK - What a wonderful full on vibrant city - just love it here, the weather has been kind to us, the first few days here was a bit chilly and the rest of the time the sun has been shining, just glorious. Central Park could just hang out there all day everyday.

CHICAGO - We drove down to Chicago and stayed a few days, treated our selves to a stay at the Hilton Hotel, the beds in the room were to die for, as soon as we hopped into the beds your body just moulds around the pillows and bed, slept like a baby those few nights. We had tickets to go and see The Jerry Springer Show - I know what losers we are but had a laugh, I am not sure where they get the guests from or if they pay people to come onto the show and act like that or are they for real? There were a few punches thrown and a few slaps over the face, they looked like they were acting??? People very friendly and helpful in Chicago I could easily live there.

WASHINGTON DC - Spent a day in Washington DC took in all the sites - Mr Bush did not have any time to see us!!, so so many tourists I could not believe my eyes when we got there, on every street to every corner you turned, there were thousands of them - I'm not joking.

Every place we have visited I have enjoyed, the food is great, there is a Starbucks on every corner, thank god for that as Miriam has to have her fix of coffee every few hours, shopping is fantastic and I find it very similar to our prices back home in Australia, they have all there summer stuff out now while we have our winter.

All the sites we have seen in each cities have been magical so many we have seen, Ground Zero bought a tear to my eye (they are still working on it to this day) and all I could see in my mind was those poor people jumping from the buildings. Helicopter ride over the city of New York was awesome, The White House was amazing and for the like of me cannot remember this building we went up in Chicago, 94 floors high for a view over the city, I was that giddy every time I went close to the window - it seems heights is not the place for me.

Hiring a car was great as we could go and see what we wanted when we wanted, Miriam did most of the driving, onya Miriam, especially in the cities and I did stretches of the driving from one city to another. Had to get use to left hand driving, that was really strange, you go to put your seat belt on from the right hand side then realise it is on the left, along with everything else, we got by! Toll gates OMG we drove through so many of them. The money goes to upgrade the roads and a hell of a lot of them need upgrading, pot holes are humongous, road works happening everywhere. Most people here could not believe that we were driving to Washington which is 4 hours away or to Chicago which was 13 hours but when you drive the distances like we do back in Australia that is nothing to us. They have 3 lane highways everywhere which was great as I could not imagine myself trying to pass the many trucks that were on the road if they were single lanes, it was scary enough with the 3 lanes and the hundreds of trucks that were on them when we went down to Chicago, got a bit nervy several times.

The towns we stopped along the way were real country bumpkins but friendly, we would ask them how far is it to such and such place and they would have no idea, I thought Americans new everything? Some of them just need to go outside the square!! We asked one gas attendant if we were heading the right way to Washington and he had no idea what so ever.

When driving long distances here they have these rest stops/service stops for cars and trucks along highways, you stop for gas then go and park and go to these malls where they sell everything it is so strange to see.

Some signs we have seen in the cities: Honk and it is a $350 fine, Don't drive over the box which I think means cross walk?? Take you sunglasses off - sign going into tunnel.

We were taking the car back today to Avis and we saw this man sitting on the ground with a sign "Need Money For A Beer" at least he was honest! Not as many homeless people here than in LA.

Today we saw Ilsa Fisher (Ali G/Borat) other half doing scenes for the movie "Confessions of a Shopaholic" on 6th Avenue - she just just walking down the street, but she had to do that same scene about 10 times. We did manage to get some photos of her.

You hear sirens from Fire Brigade, Ambulance to Police all day long at first we would think OMG what is happening but after awhile you just ignore the sirens.

We have a few days left here in New York before we head home - I DON'T WANT TO GO HOME - and having the best time but at some stage your holiday has to end.

I will try and post before we fly out - sorry no photos will have to wait until I get home.

AC got you a Hooters T-Shirt.

Chow Bella for now.

NEARLY TIME TO GO

2008-04-03T15:40:00.006+08:00

Shit it has been 3 months since I actually wrote anything on my blog!

6 days before I fly out to New York, so I'd better start packing, have been meaning to do this for a few weeks now, I wish I could pack lightly but I can't, I start off with a case full of stuff then I go through it again take out stuff that I don't think I need, but then it all ends up in my case again, you would think I have learnt after all this time of my many travels. I wish they had packing planners like they do wedding planners!

Got tickets to go and see Jerry Springer in Chicago (thanks Jodi) Go JERRY, Go JERRY!

I hope New York is everything I imagined it to be.

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Daylight saving is over, at long last, back to normality. I vote NO to daylight saving.

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This picture just sends shivers up my spine!

The question to this picture is: would you drive over it? or wait for it to slither across to the other side of the road? Well if I came across anything like that I would be shitting me pants and I would be turning around going back to where I cam from quick smart.

A LOVELY SURPRISE

2008-02-04T11:20:00.000+09:00

I received a lovely belated gift basket for my birthday today, consisted of champagne (yum) chocolates (yum), flowers and an array of body stuff - thanks Tiff & Ben, love it.

When it arrived via courier at the office this morning, Shawnaye came running up to me real excited for me - me thinking oh my god - I have an secret admirer - no harm in wishing!!!

PALMOLIVE UPDATE:
Karen come to pick Palmolive up on Friday just gone. I was cat sitting for a week. Don't get me wrong I am a cat person but after having Palmolive for a week, she certainly kept me on my toes, I am so use to being on my own and not having anyone else around.

Did I enjoy having the company of Palmolive? Well yes especially at night time where she would cuddle up to me in bed and upon waking in the mornings she would be sitting on my pillow staring at me - waiting for me to wake up and play! Palmolive enjoys the outdoors and when she is outside that is when I can get stuff done in my house.

I know she is just a kitten and all she wanted to do was play when I got home from work and all I wanted to do was relax but no I would end up playing ball with her. I borrowed a scratching pole for her and showed her what she has to do but she had no interest in it what-so-ever , she had ruined my shower curtain and bed wrap and sometimes she would just go spastic and run flat out through the house, up my bedroom curtains, I tell her no but she just didn't listen and would continue going spastic until I had to lock her out from my bedroom. Where ever I moved in the house she would be one step behind me. I know she's only a cat but it was like looking after a child, I give credit to people who had lots of children to look after like my mother did and never a complaint, how they managed amazes me and I am having trouble looking after a kitten!

Again I will be looking after Palmolive when Karen goes babysitting Andreas dogs for a few weeks, while Andrea and Wayne go skiing in Canada (some people have the right life!), so Palmolive be on your best behaviour.

FOREVER YOUNG - REST IN PEACE HEATH

2008-01-24T10:58:00.000+09:00

JUST GOTTA LOVE THIS PICTURE!

2008-01-22T15:13:00.000+09:00

Would you just look at the expression on the "Other" little girl's face!

This is absolutely priceless!

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!

2008-01-21T15:15:00.000+09:00

We celebrated another birthday (mine!) 19th January- I am not big on birthday celebrations for myself and I always say it is just another day and another year older - Yuck! Anyway we all went out to dinner and had Chinese on Saturday night.

I got some really nice gifts, Fantasy perfume by Britney Spears, Body Shop soap,Champagne, Scracthies, Lotto Ticket, Boxing Gloves for the gym (think Andrea bought them for me cause she got sick of me using hers all the time :-) a small portable Hair Straightener (thought it was a vibrator so a little disappointed - only joking Jodi) a book called "Magic Spells"- "How to Pick Up A Fella" (read the book back to front 4 times - you never know a miracle might happen!) a Teddy Bear signed from all the staff at the hospital, Sudoku book (right into that at the moment) and a beautiful packaged small box which I did not want to open - so we had guessing games, I thought they were condoms and Andrea said they were a pack of cards but no good old Shawnaye bought me a packet of ciggies I was stoked!! Thanks Shawnayne for decorating my office in balloons on Friday. I was a bit overwhelmed by the gifts as I am a giver not a receiver. So a big thank you to you all for coming out to dinner with me and for my pressies.