Bel's Fish Bowl

Thought for the day...

2009-10-27T22:24:00.002+08:00

...but I need inspiration!

Finding it difficult to progress with my screenplay and writing assignments at the moment.

If anyone has any tips, please feel free to share them with me.

Thank you in advance :o)

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside...

2009-09-29T05:47:00.007+08:00

Brighton...such a pretty seaside town and I especially loved the carnival atmosphere.

Took my trusty Polaroid camera along too so I really felt like I'd stepped back into the 70s!

A sunny Saturday...

2009-09-27T05:34:00.005+08:00

This post is dedicated to my family and friends in Australia...as proof the sun does shine in London! :o)

Spent a wonderful afternoon in Hyde Park. We sat in the sunshine reading and watching the activity buzz around us. The colourful women below were taking part in a charity walk for mouth cancer, I think. There were loads of other people walking, but none as dressed up as them. They seemed to be having fun. I saw another couple walking - he dressed as The Tin Man and she Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I was however, too slow with the camera.

Off for a drive into the countryside tomorrow...please sun, come with.

Meeting an idol...

2009-09-17T03:06:00.005+08:00

Just got home from Selfridges, where I met Nick Hornby, my favourite author. He was there for a book signing, promoting his new novel Juliet, Naked, which has just been published. What an awesome guy. Genuinely happy to be meeting and chatting to his fans.

I was lucky enough to see him in New York a couple years back, where he did a reading from his book Slam at Barnes & Noble. I bought the book there and then, but the queue to get it signed was waaaaaay too long. I was more patient this time around (plus the line was shorter) and have my personally signed copy of his new book right beside me.

As a writer myself, he is one of my greatest inspirations. Not only does he write engaging novels about every day people living every day lives, many of which have been adapted to film, he has also co-written a screenplay, An Education, to be released in the UK at the end of October.

Mr Hornby, thank you for writing such wonderful books. I dare to dream of a career as stellar as yours.

Got hiccups...

2009-09-15T20:31:00.010+08:00

I've discovered a cure!

I contracted a rather serious (and noisy) dose of hiccups just before bedtime (what are the chances), and despite attempts to get rid of them via the traditional methods of holding my breath, gulping water, standing on one leg, doing a cartwheel...ok...I may have made some of those up...whatever, the hiccups were still hanging on, begging me to stay awake a little longer.

Then wa-la...I discovered a cure.

Next time you get the hiccups, give this remedy a whirl:

Lie on your side, relax, then breathe slowly, gently and deeply. My hiccups were gone within a minute.

Sweet relief and a good night's sleep...finally!

Get outta town...

2009-09-15T01:59:00.007+08:00

...and into the countryside!

I've just returned from a week in Cornwall (south west England), and boy was I treated to some dandy weather. The sun streamed through my bedroom window around 7am each day, beckoning me to get out into the open, deep breathe the fresh air and make the most of the glorious day ahead. Water, sunshine, sailing boats, rolling green hills, flowers, trickling streams...I feel relaxed just thinking about it.

I've always considered myself a city girl - New York is one of my favourite places in the world - so it came as quite a surprise when I found myself contemplating village life. Its simplicity and serenity are the draw cards. There's no pressure to be anywhere or do anything. I could just be. And when I can just be, I am inspired, refreshed and focused. Plus, there was a great pub serving scrumptious food just down the road!

Hope you enjoy these images of idyllic Cornwall...

Found in the middle of London...

2009-08-18T02:32:00.011+08:00

Well, maybe not right in the middle of London, but certainly in it.

We discovered a little zoo in Golders Hill Park during our walk the other day. The place was teeming with kids thanks to school holidays. They appeared to be delighted at the sight of the animals. I guess they were squealing with delight..or do only pigs do that?

Regardless, I thought it was cool to find donkeys and deer within walking distance to where I live. Now you wouldn't get THAT in Australia!

Jeremiah was a bullfrog...

2009-08-06T03:13:00.007+08:00

Remember this song by Creedence Clearwater Revival? I have no idea why, but it popped into my head just now.

I never did understand why they were singing about this creature but damn...it sure can get the hands up in the air!

So warm up those vocal chords and sing along now - you know you want to.

Jeremiah was a bullfrog,
he was a good friend of mine,
I never understood a single word he said,
but I helped him drink his wine...

Sing it, Joy to the World...
All the boys and girls now...
Joy to the fishies in the deep blue sea...
And Joy to you and me.
Lyrics from www.lyricsdownload.com

Staying in...

2009-07-22T02:03:00.004+08:00

It's raining in London, again. I honestly think the one week of sunshine we had three weeks ago was actually "The Summer". I was warned before being dragged onto that plane over here back in April, but come on...I didn't think anyone was serious!

So I'm longing for the warmth and sunshine of Santorini, and wondering how I can maintain the colour gained from that holiday - it ain't gonna last until I get back to the Australian sunshine in December, that I can be sure of.

But the weather in London is what it is, isn't it, so I'm just going to have to suck it up and get on with it.

London cupcakes...

2009-07-18T00:14:00.006+08:00

There's just something about cupcakes that brings out the girly girl in me. Perhaps the sight of them transports me back to childhood birthday parties, where pretty pastel party dresses were teamed with wooly cardigans, pigtails and polka dot hairclips. Where, with balloons and streamers in hand, we'd rush to the cake table to get a closer look at the sugary treats, which were about to face an invasion of little hands grabbing at their favourite frosted colours and designs.

I'm glad they're back with a vengeance, readily available to purchase at market stalls, bakeries, department stores and supermarkets.

Sweet. Colourful. Moist. Delicious. Irresistible. I love cupcakes. Yum!

Welcome to the Mother Country...

2009-04-23T03:42:00.002+08:00

Nathan and I left sunny Perth three weeks ago now - how fast time flies - and we've been getting to know the streets of London. It's been exactly 10 years since I was last here, and I can't remember a thing. It's like I've never been here before, except I remember the black cabs and red buses, so I must have been!

It's been surprisingly sunny, so we arrived at the perfect time. We've heard that London is beautiful in the spring/summer, and I'm starting to believe it. Bring on the sunshine and warm weather I say....although it was hilarious to read a newspaper article declaring a weekend forecast of a searing 21 degrees celsius - that's winter weather in Oz!!!

My 5 favourite things about London thus far...

1. Pre-packed sandwiches - so much choice.

2. Tulips, daffodils and blossoms....everywhere!

3. The Moroccan food stand at Camden Markets - deeeelicious!

4. The Underground - aside from the dust, fumes and crowded carriages, it makes a piece of cake out of exploring London.

5. The markets - I've only been to two so far, but I can't wait to explore the rest.

8 more sleeps....

2009-03-25T22:36:00.001+09:00

London, here we come!

Wish I wasn't so sad to be leaving home though :o(

What?????????

2009-01-30T11:31:00.002+09:00

As part of a tag, my last post was dedicated to my beautiful darling nonna, who I was looking forward to spending some time with.

She died suddenly this morning. Massive brain haemorrage. There was nothing the doctors could do to prolong her time with us. I am in total and absolute shock, but the worst part - I didn't get to say goodbye.

Spend time with your loved ones today........PLEASE.

I've been tagged...

2009-01-28T15:55:00.004+09:00

I've been tagged by one of my favourite bloggers, LJ of Love, Life and a Double Latte to:

* Go to the fourth folder where you keep your photographs

* Choose the fourth picture

* Explain it.

This is a photo of my beautiful nonna (grandma), taken at my parent's house on (almost) the eve of my 30th birthday. She's 82 here. We were having a family shindig, as Nathan and I were heading off to New York a couple days later to celebrate my entry into the next decade of adulthood. If I could do one thing, it would be to spend more time with my nonna. To drink endless cups of coffee with her, etching the stories of her life into my memory forever. What were her dreams? Who were her best friends when she was five, nine, 12 years old? What were her favourite things to do as a 16 year old? Life was a lot harder for her than I will ever experience in my lifetime, yet despite all this, she has remained ever elegant and loving, offering boundless generosity to anyone she meets.

Here's to you nonna - ti amo sempre.

xxxxoooo

Now it's my turn to tag the following bloggers:

New York City Daily Photo
MahaloFashion
Coco's Tea Party
Mostly Mod

I wish I was as talented as...

2009-01-27T09:56:00.010+09:00

Kat Macleod

The intricate detail and beauty of her illustrations...

The vibrant colours....

The use of luscious fabrics...

Is it possible to envy the wardrobe of something unreal?

I am left gasping at the sheer loveliness of Kat's work.

Old School...

2009-01-19T16:42:00.005+09:00

I've been wanting my own Polaroid camera for a while now and thanks to the inspiration of fellow bloggers who share their beautifully framed, hauntingly grained instant camera images online, I was finally pushed over the edge to get out and source one. First stop - eBay!

I won this Polaroid 636 Instant Camera today and I can't wait to get it in the mail - time to step into Wonder Years mode and start taking some old school photos.

5 things I love about Polaroid photos...

1) The subtle afternoon light that seems to swathe itself across every subject in the image.

2) Their retro sentimental feel.

3) Their ability to instantly transport me back to my childhood.

4) They make everyone smile - bring a polaroid camera out and you can see the memories flood into the mind, and surface on the faces of those old enough to remember the real instant cameras.

5) The excited anticipation of gathering around the still drying film as it morphs from a cloudy blank canvas into images of a moment captured in time.

Images of an Australian summer....

2009-01-17T22:53:00.007+09:00

I love bouganivillea, especially the delightfully deep pink variety I photographed the other day. Wish I'd taken a closer shot. Ah well, next time.

We had dinner last night at a place called Soda along Perth's northern beaches. It was a 42 degree celsius day, so we were inclined to bathe in this icy cold water.

Sunset on the horizon of the Indian Ocean - simply magic!

Time to cleanse...

2009-01-15T16:15:00.009+09:00

In preparation of our move to far away shores in a couple months, we're having a Garage/Yard Sale this Sunday and boy, have we collected some STUFF over the years.

I've two and four garbage bags of shoes and clothes to sell, respectively, yet my remaining wardrobe is still bursting at the hinges...although I can actually differentiate between my pieces now. I'm pretty embarassed at such waste, but it's obvious isn't it? I desperately needed each and every one of these items at time of purchase!

My new year's/new country resolution is to only buy what I really, really, really, really, really need. Although how will I resist all those markets and their nik nak offerings that await me in London? Plus I feel the need to start collecting antique tea cups and saucers, much to Nathan's dismay :o(

Must get back to covering myself in dust as I continue sorting through our much loved, but seldom used bric a brac....such a nice word for "crap" don't you think?

Happy Thursday/Friday to you wherever you may be in this world!

Fly me to the moon...

2009-01-14T16:48:00.016+09:00

Image from Lex and the City

Second and third images from A Cup of Jo

Image from Black*Eiffel

Don't you just love these balloon images?

Being the sentimental creature that I am, they remind me of the simplicity of childhood, where fighting for the red balloon over the pink was the one and only concern of the day.

There's something so very innocent, yet romantic about balloons, particularly in these beautifully captured images.

But their most vital strength is their ability to make me smile.

Hope they make you smile too :o)

I did it, I did it....

2009-01-12T09:38:00.002+09:00

I resisted every temptation laid before me, and refrained from eating meat the entire festive season.

Then yesterday, when I was feeling less than energetic and mighty hungry, I declared to the husband that I was NOW going to start eating meat again. The time had come.

No sooner had these words tumbled from my lips that we drove by a billboard exclaiming Go Veg, Be Green.

Well, there goes that idea... :o(

P.S Happy 2009 to you all by the way! Hope it's a year crammed with a multitude of opportunity to make your dreams reality.

Isn't he AWESOME!!!

2008-12-22T11:31:00.007+09:00

Source: TIME Magazine

"So?" — Dick Cheney, when told that two-thirds of Americans did not support the war in Iraq, arguing that polling should not dictate the war's conduct.

2008-12-22T11:15:00.004+09:00

So I'm at the 5 month mark of my conversion to being a seafood-eating vegetarian, and strangely, it's getting hard again. Not sure if it's the festive season get togethers where delicious aromas and delectable dishes surround me, but I feel like eating meat again.

At the same time though, when I give it due consideration and think what "meat" product I'd actually like to eat, I feel a little queasy and put off by the whole idea.

What to do? What to do?

It's getting hot in here...

2008-12-10T13:55:00.004+09:00

I was at a friend's house the first time I saw this ad. I was sitting on her couch conversing with her and her husband, when all of a sudden I went quiet, allegedly. I then started blushing a little, allegedly.

Saw the ad again last night whilst sitting on the couch with Nathan. All of a sudden I went quiet, allegedly. I then started blushing a little, allegedly.

Come to think of it, I do recall feeling a little feverish after that first occasion. Any clues as to why would be greatly appreciated...

Today's musical treats...

2008-12-07T17:29:00.011+09:00

Made myself a CD today, so thought I'd share some of the tunes with you. Links take you to their You Tube videos.

Time is running out - Muse....my favourite band of all time

Leave it alone - Operator Please...an awesome and fresh Australian band

Mr Brightside - The Killers...bought their new album Day & Age yesterday and looking forward to playing it on high rotation

A-Punk - Vampire Weekend...undoubtedly my favourite album of the year

I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked - Ida Maria...this song is just so much fun and makes me want to jump around screaming the lyrics

I just can't get enough...

2008-12-05T17:41:00.004+09:00

What are we addicted to...

The clothes or the act of shopping?

Hazy days...

2008-12-05T16:34:00.003+09:00

I just had Chinese noodles for lunch, and as expected, I now feel like I've been smacked in the head with a baseball bat.

The MSG (mono sodium glutamate) is shooting its way through my bloodstream, causing a dense cloud of haziness to wash over me. My senses have dulled and the effects are similar to that feeling you get after downing a bottle of wine.

I've known MSG doesn't agree with me for some time now, but I'd never really delved further into it, so I thought I'd do a little google search and this is some of what I found:

MSG is a salt of the amino acid glutamate
Too much glutamate in the body leads it to change to GABA, another amino acid
GABA, whilst being waved about as a potential alternative to ritalin and dexies, may be addictive. It has a slightly sedative effect, which helps induce relaxation and sleep, and it affects the same receptors in the brain as valium.

No wonder I'm feeling totally out of it!

I found a really good overview of MSG here, which I think is worth a read.

But maybe you should finish eating those noodles first!

In Blue by Michael Canetti

2008-12-02T23:52:00.004+09:00

I love this print by Michael Canetti.

Yours for £70.00 from The Real Art Co.

It's what's on the inside...

2008-12-01T17:57:00.004+09:00

The summer sun has finally popped it's head above the clouds, so out came the denim shorts I bought a few weeks back. They were so comfortable, I know I'll be virtually living in them for the next four months.

I was even more chuffed with my purchase when I went to wash them. Turning the shorts inside out, I found this on the inner pocket....

It's the detail that makes the difference, and even though this print serves absolutely no purpose (unless I decide to wear my shorts the wrong side out), I love knowing that someone, somewhere made an effort to put it there.

NEWS FLASH...

2008-11-28T18:16:00.002+09:00

I absolutely MUST update my blog.

Just letting you know, I know, that I know I have to.

That's all.

Off to the ballet....

2008-09-19T17:43:00.003+08:00

I'm going to see the West Australian Ballet perform The Nutcracker tonight - have been looking so forward to it!

Just hope I can keep my eyes open....it's been a looooong and busy week.

Where the Hell is Matt?

2008-08-18T11:02:00.002+08:00

I heard about this "Dancing Matt" guy on the radio this morning, so thought I'd check out who he was.

Please watch the video above to remind yourself just how wonderful the world and its people i.e. all of us, can be when we remember that life is meant to be fun.

I wish for a world where all its inhabitants live in peace and unity; where skin colour, religion, language, nationality and anything that has divided us in the past no longer has relevance and is no longer an excuse to pass judgement .

Because no race is better than another.

No faith is truer than another.

And no person has the right to think themselves more important than another.

We are all one and the same.

Use your mouth to smile.

Use your hands to give.

And use your heart to love.

It takes great effort to remember the above in the midst of our busy lives, but imagine what a better world it could be if we all at least tried.

Tips for ladies....

2008-08-13T10:50:00.003+08:00

I received this email a while back, and stumbled across it again today. It still made me smile so I thought I'd share in on my blog...

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything.

2. If the shoe fits - buy one in every colour.

3. Take life with a pinch of salt... a wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila.

4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hour with the girls!

5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).

6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it.

7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just my personality.

8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok. They know me here.

9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself.

10. Don't get your knickers in a knot, it solves nothing; and makes you walk funny.

11. When life gives you lemons - turn it into lemonade, then mix it with vodka.

12. Remember every good looking , sweet, single male is someone else's ex boyfriend!

13. Now smile and send to any girl wasting time at work, suffering from a hangover, or just suffering from work that might need a reason to smile.

Feeling blue....

2008-08-08T15:19:00.006+08:00

I simply cannot wait for warmer weather!!

Have a fabulous weekend :o)

Those sho(e)ots...

2008-08-01T17:26:00.011+08:00

Photo Source: Just Jared

It's extremely rare that the divine Miss Bilson puts a foot wrong in the fashion stakes, but these open-toe ankle boot/shoes are just ghastly!

It looks like she's stepped into some kankles.........you know........fat ankles......you know.......ankles that aren't clearly differentiated from the knee......YOU KNOW!!!!!!

Anyway, I'd like to suggest that she wears a fat suit in her next movie role and has simply forgotten to take the feet off. That's the only way I can explain this look on her.

I'm sure millions will line up to buy a pair of these, but I won't be one of them.

I still love her though of course. She's just so darn elfin and adorable!

Jamie's Fowl Dinners...

2008-07-26T16:58:00.005+08:00

I've decided to stop eating all meat and eggs.

Why?

Jamie Oliver's program on poultry farming aired in Australia on Wednesday night and I've never been so mortified in my life. Mortified because...

a) I eat chicken
b) I eat eggs
c) I would never in a million years have imagined that in the (chicken) egg farming process, male chicks are gassed to death in something called a dispatching chamber, within a day(s) of hatching. All those adorable little yellow fluff balls are just killed, simply because they're male, and can't lay eggs. To the industry, their lives have absolutely NO value at all.

I know this has been the reality for decades and it's naive of me to have never contemplated it before, but actually watching these innocent little creatures so desperately gasping for breath whilst being unknowingly murdered was just too much for me to handle. I just broke down in tears and vowed that eggs and chicken meat would never pass my lips again.

I mean, how could anyone kill something that looks like this?

Today is my third day as a pescetarian...I hope to continue this way for the rest of my life.

Hmmmmm........

2008-07-23T16:54:00.005+08:00

Sienna, Sienna, Sienna, Sienna.......you're beautiful and all, but why would you parade naked with a married man who has four kids, the youngest of which is only 10 months old, when you know the world watches your every move? And I thought you were still shacked up and madly in love with Rhys Ifans. How quickly you move!

And Balthazar..........you should be thanking the powers that be for the resurrection of your career, and helping your wife look after your kids instead of prancing about with a slapper who gets naked any chance she gets.

I feel sorry for his wife and just don't understand why people have to be so heartless. Don't they learn how to express discretion in acting school?

Welcome princess Samarah...

2008-07-18T12:37:00.005+08:00

One of my dearest friends had her first baby yesterday, and I get to meet her today - YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!

Little Samarah was born on her actual due date, which is the funniest thing in the world, as her mum is never on time for anything!

The world works in mysterious ways :o)

Congratulations Shelly & Sacha and a warm welcome to your exquisite bundle of joy.

Today's whinge(s)...

2008-07-13T12:49:00.004+08:00

Whinge #1

I'm the first to admit I'm a coffee snob. Why else would I have just spent $11.80 on a short macchiato? Well, I didn't exactly pay that much for one coffee, but rather for three....in as many minutes...as I went in search of one that was palatable. Unfortunately they were ALL bitter as hell, so I am utterly dissatisfied and peeved that I wasted almost $12!!

Seriously, a good short mac is enough to send me into a child-like state, where I twirl with glee. It can make or break my mood - a sure sign that I'm an addict. I travel an extra 20 minutes to work twice a week just so the route I take bypasses a cafe that makes me a perfect short mac with half a sugar every time. I can feel the peace and tranquility come over me each morning as I take my first sip of the creamy liquid heaven . Unlike this morning, where my three attempts at scoring the perfect hit saw my face screw up with more creases than an unironed linen suit. And to top it off, I spilt half a cup of the bitter brew all over the gearstick in my car! Simply sensational!

The husband thinks it's a sign I should quit, but I like to ignore his suggestion. As a non-coffee drinker, what would he know, right?

Whinge #2

On another note, we have a council junk collection this week - it's our annual opportunity to stick all our unwanted crap on our verge for the council to collect and dump elsewhere. Anyway, I had just put the first few items on the verge, including husband's old and rusted bike, when a car with a trailer pulled up. A man emerged and started rummaging through the crap, only stopping when the bike seat caught his eye.

He proceeded to twist and pull at the bike seat with all his might, continuing even as I approached with more of our junk. And this is where my beef lies - I'm a supporter of recycling, and I'm glad this guy was offering the bike seat a new home, but I just think it's courteous to ask if you can take someone's rubbish when the rubbish owner is standing right in front of you, instead of just huffing and puffing away like a looter gone wild for goodness sake! It's not like I would've said "No, you can't have it."!!!

Maybe if I'd had a good coffee this morning, I wouldn't be so grumpy :o(

Aaaah well, good luck to him and his "new" bike seat. May they find eternal happiness.

This is very, very, very funny...

2008-07-01T11:27:00.003+08:00

What? No shopping?

2008-06-24T13:28:00.013+08:00

I was in Sydney last week for work and what a whirlwind trip it was. And you know how I know that it was?

I was in Sydney for 3 and a haf days during SALE SEASON and I didn't even go into one shop!!! Sacrilege I know, and I'm still trying to get over it by repeating the "I saved lots of money" mantra each morning, noon and night. It hasn't worked yet and I'm still kind of teary over the missed opportunities.....but I'm strong, so I'll recover :oD

My Dream #1

I had a dream I was pregnant and going into labour. But instead of going to the hospital, I went into a kitchen and Gordon Ramsay was looking after me. Hmmmm....not sure what that was all about. I don't even think he was a doctor. He was just, well, Gordon Ramsay...the chef. I love food and all, but I don't think eating a delicious meal would be high on the agenda during childbirth, even if it WAS cooked by Chef!

My Dream # 2

I was sitting behind Adam Levine (from Maroon 5) on a bus and randomly started massaging his scalp. WHY???? I have ABSOLUTELY no idea!!

I lead such an exciting life don't I? In my dreams maybe.

BTW - Bob Marley's Is This Love is streaming out of the Backpacker's Hostel next door to me right now. Sighhhhh.....wish I was lying poolside at a Four Seasons resort somewhere in the tropics, basking in the warm and brilliant sunshine, eating fresh pineapple and breathing in the clean ocean air.

Miss Goody-Two-Shoes...

2008-06-09T17:01:00.009+08:00

I've been slack with adding a new post the past week and a bit because every time I tried, I was mesmerised by George and wanted him to be the first thing I saw each time I visited my blog :o)

But alas, I came across something interesting in today's West Australian newspaper, and thought I'd share it with you all. So what's so interesting? Well it's the origin of the phrase "Goody-Two-Shoes".

Not that it's a phrase I use, but it's one that's been used for a long time, since 1765 actually...so for anyone who's interested, here's the story behind it.

Goody-two-shoes is taken from a children's story, created in 1765 by Oliver Goldsmith.

The original title of the story?

The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes, otherwise called Mrs Marjorie Twoshoes, with the Means by Which She Acquired Her Learning and Wisdom, and in Consequence Therof Her Estate; Set Forth At Large for the Benefit of Those Who From a State of Rags and Care and Having Shoes But Half a pair; Their Fortune and Their Fame Would Fix, and Gallop in a Coach and Six.

SERIOUSLY!!! Imagine trying to market a book with that title!

Anyway, the story's main character is a poor child who only owns one shoe, but for being good, she was given a pair of new shoes. Her joy knew no bounds and she proudly showed them off to all and sundry, telling everyone she had "two shoes". In time, she acquired knowledge and became very wealthy...in other words she became smug.

So, that's how "good but smug" people came to be refered to as "a little goody-two-shoes".

Photos of the story weren't very exciting, so I thought I'd post this one instead:

Hey! It's my blog so I can :oD

The Bachelor...

2008-05-30T08:57:00.002+08:00

Yes ladies....Mr Clooney is a single man once again.

Not sure why this information excites me, but it does.

He's just so DAMN handsome!

TV Dinners...

2008-05-27T14:02:00.003+08:00

I recently discovered that I can't eat if there are animals on TV.

You know those nature documentaries where they show hyenas in their natural environs preying for their supper; zoomed in images of marsupials giving birth to their babies, or lions ripping chunks out of fresh carcasses?

If I'm sitting in front of the TV and eating my dinner, I just can't handle it.

Is that weird?

Grrrrrrrr...

2008-05-14T13:29:00.002+08:00

I went to the bank the other day to change my loan arrangements, and when I asked if there were any fees associated with doing so, was told "no" as I had purchased a product for $340 that waived these fees.

Well wasn't I shocked when I checked my account this morning, to find that it had been debited $111.50!

So I phoned the lady I dealt with to query it, and her response was that it wasn't a bank fee...it was a government fee. THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT OK!!!!! Shouldn't banks be responsible for disclosing this information???

NOT happy!!!!!!!! >:o(

The classics...

2008-05-12T11:17:00.003+08:00

I've decided I want to start reading more of the classics. I love reading in general, but I've not read much of the iconic works of the literary stalwarts. Take Jane Austen for instance. I love her stories, but I've only ever read one of her books - Pride and Prejudice. And Charles Dickens? I've read Great Expectations, but only because it was part of my year 12 curriculum, and if my memory serves me correctly, I only actually read half of it before turning to the Cliff's Notes for a summary!

Why do I want to read them? These stories have stood the test of time. Many of their themes are as relevant today as when they were written, and if they're not, they at least give us an insight into the thinking of the day. Every week, or even daily I'm sure, new novels are published, yet they flit in and off the shelves in an instant. You'll always find the classics in any book store in the world.

So with this thought in mind, I popped into the book store at Sydney Airport whilst waiting for my flight, and picked up a copy of J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. I didn't know anything about this book, nor the controversy that surrounded it when it was published in 1951. Having read it though, I can see why - whilst the subject matter, language and behaviour of the character wouldn't cause an eyelash to batter these days, it was pretty in your face for its time. Profanity, sexual references, blasphemy...it's got it all...imagine how that went down in 1950's America?!

Catcher in the Rye is essentially a first person overview of the life of a 16 year old boy, Holden Caulfield, on the brink of depression. It's set in late 1940's New York and recounts the 48 hours immediately after Holden's expulsion from boarding school - his experiences, his emotions, his though patterns, his opinions.

Despite the novel's worldwide popularity over the past 50 years, there has never been a film adaptation of it, not due to lack of interest, but rather the author's refusal to grant anyone the rights. Throughout the book though, I kept picturing Leonardo Di Caprio in the lead role and Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) playing Holden's baby sister.

So that's one classic down and hundreds to go! Any recommendations on which one I should tackle next?

Bel returns as a married woman...

2008-04-23T16:16:00.009+08:00

Wow! It's been a while. I think I've been putting off posting again simply because it's been so long! I've missed it though. So where do I start?

Let's start with the wedding. The big day was almost two months ago now. It was awesome, and as everyone who's been through it will say, it went by in a blur.

Nothing beats being surrounded by the love of family and friends who've been in your life for so long. It created such intense emotion for the whole day, which probably explains why I turned into a blubbering mess the moment I stepped foot in the chapel! I was reasonably calm and collected the entire morning, so I have no idea where the uncontrollable sobbing came from! Needless to say, I was very embarassed!! All our guests were laughing though, so at least my tears were entertaining - hahaha :o)

Both my mum and dad walked me down the aisle, and that was just so very special. I'm very glad I chose to do it that way.

And Nathan, my groom, looked hot - and I mean that in both senses! He was wiping beads of sweat from his forehead as I approached the altar (LOL), and he looked absolutely gorgeous in his suit. Have a look for yourself...

I guess each of our reactions was a result of nerves, despite us having been together for almost 10 years already! But we did have about 200 pairs of eyes on us, so that's our excuse!

I wish we could do it all over again - it was just such a fun and brilliant day. Hope our guests feel the same.

And life as a married woman? Well, it's exactly the same as life as a "single" woman co-habitating with her boyfriend for six years, except we each have an extra piece of jewellery and share the same surname! Which basically means life with Nathan is still brilliant...wouldn't change a thing, for now anyway ;o)

I'm getting married tomorrow.....

2008-03-14T18:11:00.003+09:00

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!

Fancy that...

2008-02-13T16:14:00.005+09:00

I just went to text a message to my sister, and I thought it was kinda funny that when I want to text the word "EAT", the word "FAT" came up first on the list.

Gotta love predictive text!!

I wonder how many people are affected by these kind of subliminal messages?

Happiness vs Sadness...

2008-02-11T18:24:00.000+09:00

Just found out that Heath Ledger's wake was held at Indiana Tea House in Cottesloe....that's where I'm having my wedding reception.

And the Chaplain who presided over his memorial service, is the same one who will be marrying N and I.

That's all.

Only five weeks to go...

2008-02-08T13:19:00.001+09:00

Butterflies are fluttering...

Bank accounts are struggling...

Moodiness is rearing its ugly head...

Sleep is intermittent...

"Special" songs are spinning through my head...

Plus, I've just discovered that my hairdresser's left the salon I'm booked in to for the big day!!!

But, I'm still excited to marry my boy... 'cos he's lovely.

RIP Heath...

2008-01-23T09:40:00.000+09:00

Shock. Sadness. Disbelief. Grief. And I didn't even know him.

I, together with many around the world, mourn the loss of such an amazingly talented actor.

Being a fellow Australian (and from his hometown of Perth), I am really, really, really saddened by this news of a local boy done good, yet taken from this world waaaaaay too early.

How many of us aspire to fame and fortune? How many of us entertain the thought that "if only" we lived a celebrity lifestyle or had millions in the bank we'd be happy? Heath's premature death is proof that happiness and satisfaction are not necessarily part of the "Fame & Fortune" package.

My heart goes out to his family and friends, especially his 2-year old daughter Matilda. I can't even begin to imagine what it will be like for her to grow up not knowing her father.

Update: I've just read that Heath Ledger's family found out about his death via the media!!!!!! What is this world coming to?? Is there no respect for others anymore??? The media have taken it too far this time. I am utterly disgusted.

It is a truth universally acknowledged...

2008-01-22T08:28:00.000+09:00

Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors, so I wasn't surprised that I absolutely LOVED Becoming Jane - a movie based on her life.

James McAvoy is the most charming, romantic gentleman (can't wait to see him in Atonement) and Anne Hathaway is really quite brilliant - she does an impressive English accent and her pale, porcelain skin and gentle features make her perfect in the role of Jane. I can't believe she was the star of those awful Princess Diaries! She's come a long way.

I've actually only read one of Jane Austen's novels - Pride and Prejudice - but I've read it three times (and seen a few movie adaptations of her others). I think it's the romantic in me that loves her work so much, and I also appreciate how she portrays the strength of her female protagonists. They believe in romance, but they're also prepared to fend for themselves...much like Austen herself. A good way to be I think.

She is an inspiration.

Who inspires you?

Excuses, excuses...

2008-01-14T10:42:00.000+09:00

It's been a while since I last posted, and I'll admit that this isn't even a "real" post, as I'm only writing with excuses as to why I've been so blog lazy.

Two words: Wedding Brain.

It's the same as Baby Brain, but involves flowers, invitations, cake and a dress I will never wear again! And it's damn stressful trying to juggle it all on top of work and day to day living.

15 March is the big day - yaaaaaaay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you're all well.

Catch you soon!

Home sweet home....

2007-11-07T17:07:00.000+09:00

Howdy all!

I'm back at home after a brilliant holiday.

New York was awesome, as usual, and made even better thanks to the wonderful Ming the Merciless from New York City Daily Photo. He played tour guide to us and showed us all the hip and happening spots in Downtown - his favourite part of NYC.

Our visit to NY wouldn't have been the same without you Ming, so thank you SO SO SO SO much for taking the time to meet up with us - hope I can return the favour one day, when you head to Oz! :o)

That's all for now.

Will update with pics and more travel stories soon.

But for now, I'll leave you with this hilarious billboard we saw at Guadalajara Airport.

Them Mexicans sure know how to keep busy in their own company....hahahahaha!!!

Around the world in 25 days...

2007-10-05T15:38:00.000+08:00

Off on holidays.

See you when I return!

Take care.

"Oh, it's to die for".......REALLY???

2007-09-26T13:59:00.000+08:00

What could you possibly want THAT much that you would "die" to have????

If you die, you don't actually get what you want anyway, so I don't understand why people say this.

There's a juice bar chain in Australia that has a range of "To Die For" yoghurts on its menu.....even if I was the biggest yoghurt fan on the planet, I'm pretty sure I would prefer to live and eat sorbet instead.

He was staying at a backpackers near mine....

2007-09-24T16:46:00.000+08:00

I overheard this sentence in a conversation a few years ago.

Two girls were talking.

I walked past them.

Those words were all I heard.

I can't recall THEIR faces at all, but for some reason, this (part) sentence has stuck in my mind ever since.

No idea why.

But I'm still intrigued by the story that went with it.

One thing on his mind...

2007-09-07T13:27:00.000+08:00

So George W. Bush is in Oz for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Summit.

Sydney's in high security, lock down mode. Residents have been granted a day off work today (Friday) and apparently traffic is in chaos as a result of major roads and intersections being blocked off.

With 21 world leaders in attendance, including China's President Hu Jintao and Russia's President Vladimir Putin, it's a high profile, international event, which you'd assume is of great significance to the Asia Pacific region.

So you'd expect the leader of the world's most powerful nation to have been adequately briefed on what was going on, and what event he was actually attending.

Enter George W.

"G'day and welcome to the OPEC Summit."

OPEC = Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Imagine!

Who would've EVER thought Mr Bush and his administration would have OIL on their minds.

What a joke.

Thanks for coming George W.

Now, please go home!

Bits and pieces...

2007-08-13T16:16:00.000+08:00

1. I went to the supermarket at the weekend, and the girl at the checkout had hiccups. She asked me an interesting question....."Do mute people get hiccups?" I didn't have an answer for her.

2. Australian men's magazine Zoo Weekly has just launched a competition. The prize? Win a boob job for your girlfriend!!!!!! WHAT THE HELL?????

3. Two P-Plate (probationary) drivers drove into a tree and a light post near my house on Friday night. 8 people are now in hospital. When I hear stories of accidents involving P-Plate drivers, I've noticed that 9 times out of 10, these P-platers are driving Holden Commodores (with big V8 engines). Perhaps the only way to stop the insanity of losing an increasing number of young people in preventable road accidents, is to ban them from driving this type of car. One of my suggestions is to hand out pre-paid funeral service brochures to everyone who buys a Holden Commodore. Hell - why not offer a discounted funeral package so their friends get a good deal too. Goodness knows they're sure to be some of the passengers.

If you hadn't sensed it, I feel quite strongly about number 3. It makes me sad and angry every time I hear or watch the news and this kind of story appears, which is more often than not lately. The Office of Road Safety can talk about curfews etc all they want, but everything must come back to cause and effect - take away the Holden Commodore (the cause) and the effect will be different.

Finding Facebook....

2007-08-08T13:33:00.003+08:00

I've discovered Facebook, and during the past couple weeks, have been spending my precious "blog" hours chatting to long lost friends on that.

Since that time the following has happened:

My sister has officially announced a Nerd Alert on my life.

I've tried on my first wedding dress.....very weird.

My boyfriend turned 33......he also wore the most bizarre jumper/sweater in the entire universe, which for some reason, I had never before encountered in the 8 and a half years we've been together. Where he's been hiding it all this time, I do not know, but I can understand why it was kept well away from broad daylight.

One of my most beautifully gorgeous friends welcomed baby number 3 into the world.

Another of my most beautifully gorgeous friends got engaged.

I picked up a cool black leather satchel I had on lay-by for 2 months.

And I had a cold.

It's amazing how much can happen in such a short time.

World clock.....

2007-07-23T17:05:00.000+08:00

A friend emailed this World Clock to me today, but I'm not sure if watching it tick over is intriguing or depressing.

Poodwaddle.com (purveyor of this resource) claims stats were gathered from the World Health Organisation, CIA Factbook, US Census Bureau and other sources.

Check out the World Clock for yourself - http://www.poodwaddle.com/worldclock.swf

(Sorry, a direct link wouldn't work so you'll have to do a bit of a cut and paste job)

Back to the 90s...

2007-07-22T17:12:00.000+08:00

I uploaded some old CD's onto my laptop today and noticed that iTunes sorts songs into default categories, one being "90's Music" - I'm pretty sure I didn't set that folder up, so I'm assuming it's a default.

Anyway, it made me remember what I used to play over and over and over again back in my uni days, all great memories.

One of my favourites was an album called Lovelife by UK band Lush. I think they've now disbanded, unfortunately. Have a listen to a bit of Lovelife here.

And then there was Bjork's first major album (I guess you could call it that). Debut was on the top of my 90s list, with Venus as a Boy definitely one of my favourite songs. Bjork's style was so unique at the time, and still is, but I don't think she's ever been able to recapture the magnificence of Debut. What do you think? Have a listen to Bjork's Debut here.

Do you have any 90s favourites?

I have a question....

2007-07-14T23:01:00.000+08:00

We got some Chinese home delivery the other night, which led me to thinking......is Chinese food the most popular take away/take out/home delivery in the world?

I ask this, as every time (well 8 outta 10 times) we get take away for dinner, it's Chinese food!

Other cuisines high on my take away list are Thai, Japanese and Indian, so is it actually Asian food as a category that's in fact the most popular take away/take out/home delivery in the world?

And what do people in places like Brazil, Russia, Pakistan and Norway order "to go"?

Hmmmm.....always the important things in life that I ponder isn't it! ;o)

I want it, I need it, I have to have it.....

2007-07-08T16:07:00.000+08:00

I went on a little shopping spree last weekend, which was not at all on the agenda for the day.

In fact, before I even entered the shopping centre, I was repeating a little mantra in my head about the actual things I had to do/buy.........and let me tell you, spending 2 hours in one store trying on 36 different items was NOT included.

BUT, I have convinced myself that I bought all the basics I "needed" eg cardigans, singlet tops, t-shirts....plus pieces I just had to have.

Here are just some of the bags and items.....

Is this a female thing? "Desperately needing" this dress, that bag and those shoes, or do males experience it too? And if so, to the same degree?

Or do males just experience this same "desperately needing" feeling upon entering a hardware store, car dealership etc - yes I'm heading down stereotype lane, but you get my drift!

What was the last thing you "desperately needed" to buy?

I have a headache....

2007-06-19T18:01:00.000+08:00

I'm going on holidays in October, so I've spent the past week looking up accommodation on the internet......AND IT'S DOING MY HEAD IN!!!

Who would've ever thought there were 3,243,124 websites dedicated to "helping" you find accommodation in New York City?? Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but you get my drift.

Sometimes, choice isn't the best thing in the world, especially for an indecisive Piscean like me, who also flips out at hotel (guest) reviews that mention words like "mice", "dirty" and "shared bathroom" when describing budget hotels.

Yes - budget hotels.

For those who know me, I'm not a huge fan.....wait a minute....who am I kidding here.....I'm not a fan at all of this type of lodging (give me the Four Seasons any day), but at $400 a night for a 2 - 3 star hotel in New York, I don't have much choice. (Four Seasons would be more like $800 a night at a minimum for those wondering).

And you know what, I still haven't booked anything!

So I called a travel agent to see if I could handball the hard work to her, and she couldn't find me a hotel for less than $500 a night :o(

ENTER LONELY PLANET GUIDE TO NYC.....which lists websites that can organise hosted/unhosted accommodation in studios, apartments etc, for less than/same as the cost of a 1 - 2 star hotel. So there's a separate kitchen, bathroom, bedroom ie room to move.....and no mice!

If you're visiting NYC, check out City Sonnet or Manhattan Lodgings

Now to make a decision between the 10 or so properties I've been sent.

Oh dear - now I have another headache :o(

Lots of green goodness....

2007-05-30T17:13:00.000+08:00

Celery, fennel and silverbeet.....talk about a bowl of green goodness!

I loved this display of veggies, which I was preparing to chop up to make a nice big pot of vegetable soup.

The best thing about a pot of soup is that it lasts you days, and as each day passes, the thickness and flavour of the soup just keeps getting better. I'm very lazy when it comes to creating in the kitchen, so one dish that lasts me multiple meals suits me just perfectly!

911...

2007-05-19T11:50:00.000+08:00

Do you believe in the philosophy of attracting what you fear most? What about energy flow, that is, if you give something enough energy, you make it happen?

I had a thought the other day.

In the US, the Emergency telephone number is 911.

Imagine the number of people who have used this number over the years. That's countless people giving the number 911 energy right?

Nearly six years ago, two planes smashed into New York's Twin Towers.

The date - September 11.

The equivalent number - 911.

The destruction of the Twin Towers and resulting devastation of the human psyche across the globe was to me, the greatest emergency situation of modern times.

I just thought it bizarre that such a tragedy unfolded on the calendar's numerical representation of the Emergency hotline.

That's all.

Look A Likes....

2007-05-14T16:23:00.000+08:00

I went to see the movie Because I Said So the other night (starring Dianne Keaton and Mandy Moore), and it was surprisingly good. I say that because I was expecting the worst, as I've never enjoyed a movie featuring Mandy Moore - not sure if it's her or her characters, but she never fails to get on my nerves. She was however, excellent in this role, playing the part perfectly - big tick to the casting department!

More importantly though was the actor who played her love interest - Gabriel Macht. Extremely easy on the eye, there was a certain familiarity about him. I have been racking my brain trying to figure out why, since seeing the film, and it's just hit me. He reminds me of David Beckham. I think it's the smouldering eyes that look oh so soulful. Hmmmmm........anyway, what do you think? (not that you get the pleasure of looking into either of their eyes in these photos - sorry!)

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York....

2007-05-07T10:30:00.000+08:00

This post is mainly for visitors to Ming the Merciless' New York City Daily Photo blog - http://nyc2dailyphoto.blogspot.com/

Is this MoMA courtyard the same as the courtyard that appears in Ming's post of Sunday May 6?

I would say yes, aside from the absence of the Intersection II sculptures in my photo.

What do you think?

All you need is......

2007-05-05T08:58:00.000+08:00

I've had a rough week, and the one thing I've discovered during this time, is that I have THE most amazing and wonderful support network a person could ever wish for.

A network of family and friends who are always there to listen and offer advice, without forcing their opinions on me, and who make it their job to protect me and keep me strong, focused and determined, especially at my weakest moments.

I am truly blessed and grateful for the gift of family and friends.

Whoever believes money makes the world go 'round is wrong.

The correct answer is undoubtedly, love.

And the Number 1 Greatest Movie of all time is..........

2007-05-02T12:47:00.000+08:00

Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope - 1977; Director: George Lucas

Surprised??

I'm not a Star Wars fan so I wouldn't have picked it.

My pick would have been between The Bourne Identity; The Bourne Supremacy; The Departed; Catch Me If You Can; The Notebook (THE most romantic movie, EVER).

Greatest Movies of All Time...

2007-04-29T17:23:00.000+08:00

I recently bought Empire Magazine's Special Collector's Edition....100 Greatest Movies Of All Time. I've listed the Top 10 here.

10. Goodfellas - 1990; Director: Martin Scorcese

9. Amelie - 2001; Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

8. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back - 1980; Director: Irvin Kershner

7. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - 2003; Director: Peter Jackson

6. Donnie Darko - 2001; Director: Richard Kelly

5. A Clockwork Orange - 1971; Director: Stanley Kubrick

4. Aliens - 1986; Director: James Cameron

3. The Shawshank Redemption - 1994; Director: Frank Darabont

2. Pulp Fiction - 1994; Director: Quentin Tarantino

1. ??????????????????????????????????????????????

Which movie do you think made it as THE greatest of all time?

This little piggy went to market.....

2007-04-27T10:36:00.000+08:00

Scrolling through my photo collection the other day, and found this picture which I took in Hong Kong. Can't recall exactly where this was, but have a feeling it was outside a food market in North Point, close to our hotel.

Now, I love bacon, but I don't like to be reminded of where it hails from! Don't think I ate any pork on that entire trip.

And now for my "favourite" women's clothing store in Hong Kong.........

Hmmmmmm.....questionable name don't you think?

Words of wisdom.....

2007-04-23T12:22:00.000+08:00

"The mind is like a parachute.....it works much better when it's open."

"The best things in life aren't things."

Words from a couple of bumper stickers I saw today.

The new celebrity must have...

2007-04-20T17:18:00.000+08:00

Kate Moss is releasing her own font.

What will they think of next?

Toilet paper embossed with Paris' face??????

T-Shirt Number 1

2007-04-19T17:33:00.000+08:00

Saw some funny t-shirts the other day....

Still squirming and cringing....

2007-04-18T09:48:00.000+08:00

I left the office to get some lunch yesterday.

As I walked out the gate, whilst fiddling with goodness knows what in my handbag, I felt something squishy under my shoe.

For 3 seconds I thought nothing of it.

Then a switch in my brain triggered a thought process that went along the lines of: "What the HELL was that?"

So then I looked..............................

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!

A DEAD MOUSE/RAT!!!!!!!!!!

Again...............Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you commit..............Part 2

2007-04-16T11:16:00.000+08:00

Thank you to NYC Modelista and Nameless4Now for sharing your tips with me - you both sound like you're on the perfect track to help maintain the world we live in.

As promised, here are more ideas..............

8. Support your local farmer....their fruit, vegies, eggs, milk etc don't need to travel far, so less fuel is needed to transport them.

9. Plant a bamboo fence.....it looks great, and because bamboo grows so quickly, it absorbs more CO2 than a rosebush!

10. Shut off your computer.......a screen saver IS NOT an energy saver.

11. Switch off power points....75% of all household electricty is from standby power to keep electronics eg TVs, DVDs, stereos etc running when they're "off".

12. Think about packaging....do you really need the plastic covers for blank CDs? Do you really need that many napkins? Why not return the unwanted sugar packets to that cafe?

13. Service your car:

Tuning your engine can improve fuel-mileage by 4%
Replacing a clogged air filter can boost efficiency 10%
Keeping tyres properly inflated can improve mileage 3%

The Result: all these efforts combined may reduce the amount of CO2 emitted by your car by 90kg a year.

Here's to committing to making a change..............it really is up to us as individuals.

Can you commit?????

2007-04-16T09:25:00.000+08:00

Spent my morning coffee time flicking through the latest issue of Time Magazine, which I was really keen to read for its article on "51 Things We Can Do (to slow global warming)".....because if we don't do it, no-one else is going to do it for us.

Simple as that.

I've picked out some of the easiest changes to make on an individual basis:

1. Change your lightbulbs......to Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) - they're more expensive than standard bulbs but they use 75% less energy and last (years) longer. CFL's are swirly light bulbs that fit into standard sockets.

2. Do smart laundry:

Wash clothes in warm or cold water instead of hot
Wash a few big loads instead of lots of small ones
Use the most efficient machine you can find
Ditch the dryer and hang your clothes on a line to dry naturally

The Result: Reduce the CO2 created by laundry by up to 90%.

3. Ride the bus....transport accounts for 14% of global greenhouse-gas emissions.

4. Pay your bills online:

Saves trees
Reduces fuel consumption

According to a US study, if every US home viewed and paid its bills online, solid waste (paper etc) would be cut by 1.45 billion tons a year, and greenhouse-gas emissions would be curbed by 1.9 million tons a year.

5. Open a window......instead of running the air con.

6. Skip the steak.......the international meat industry generates about 18% of the world's greenhouse-gas emissions. So if you've ever considered vegetarianism, now's the time to give it a try!

7. Just say no to plastic bags.......more than 500 billion plastic bags are distributed annually, and less than 3% are recycled! There are now so many other options, the only trick is remembering to take those options with you on your shopping trips!

I'll post Part 2 tomorrow.................heaps more ideas!

Shanghai Surprise...

2007-04-14T22:53:00.000+08:00

Does this photo of Shanghai remind you of sideshow alley? For me, it's the bright lights.

It really is a spectacular city of enormous contrasts.

From remnants of the past (the bikes, the bikes)...

To something so futuristic, it looks just like a movie set...

Have you been to Shanghai? What did you think? Did Flash Gordon come to mind???

Going to the Chapel...

2007-04-10T17:02:00.000+08:00

My boyfriend of 8 years proposed on December 26.....so we (or I) now have a wedding to plan.

I AM FREAKING OUT as I don't know where to start.

Maybe if I just find the perfect dress, everything else will fall smoothly into place?

Happy Easter...

2007-04-06T18:53:00.000+08:00

Who's more confused - them or us?

2007-04-02T11:10:00.000+08:00

When did rehab become "cool"? I always thought alcohol and drug addiction were serious forms of self harm, and that seeking help to overcome them was a very personal matter.

It seems the more addictions you have these days, the more press you get, and the more press you get, the bigger your celebrity status, and the bigger your celebrity status....you get the idea.

And each and every one of us who hands over our $5 note each week to buy our favourite trashy tabloid filled with grainy shots of celebs on the inside (of the rehab centre de jour), is contributing to this vicious cycle of making serious personal health issues, seem "cool and trendy".

Is it any wonder that the world is in the state it's in when we pay more attention to Britney shaving her head, than to the 1000's killed daily in places like Darfur.

What's happened to our perspective?

Memorable Messages

2007-03-31T16:33:00.000+08:00

I recently bought this book titled Guerilla Advertising...Unconventional Brand Communication.

Filled with creative international ad campaigns that have enormous impact, I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in advertising and the originality of the creative spirit.

I've seen it retailing for AUD$75 in a Sydney bookstore, but you can get it from www.amazon.com for US$27 (approx AUD$33 based on today's exchange rate).

Channelling the chef within...

2007-03-26T14:37:00.000+08:00

Why do I keep burning my toast lately? It's very annoying >:o(

Cafe # 1...The Wild Fig

2007-03-21T12:43:00.000+09:00

So I started my thing, even if it was a day late....oops....and my first stop was The Wild Fig Cafe in Waterman (near North Beach). I love this cafe for its amazing views over the ocean, and generally yummy food. My friend Jen introduced me to it a few years ago, as she just lives up the road, and I'm so glad she did.

On today's menu was toasted wood fired New Norica bread with a side of mushrooms, perfectly complemented by my customary short macchiato. A gastronomic revolution, no, but a fine way to start my day...although the mushies were a bit cold.

Whilst figging it, I got to read the latest drama facing the West Coast Eagles, as well as other worldwide happenings, including Naomi commencing her community service stint in her Christian Louboutin's. See what happens when you throw phones at innocent people! But supermodel or not, stilettos are probably not the most appropriate or comfortable footwear to don when on "hard" labour duty.
But the best thing about reading the paper, was getting back into my car, hearing the radio news, and already knowing the headlines. Aaaaaah the good old days. Loving my "new" thing already!

Definitely something to be said for sacrificing a bit of sleep for some personal time out, whether it be cafe-ing, gyming, meditating, swimming or simply sitting and reading for 15 minutes. For my beautiful friends with kids, this is probably a million times easier said than done, but if you have the chance, try it.

PLUS, I got to work early, missed all the traffic and have been highly productive.

Errrr...speaking of work, I better get back to it!

Starting a thing

2007-03-19T22:24:00.000+09:00

I've decided to start a thing. I'm going to make 6am to 8am every weekday MY time. MY time to sort my thoughts and tasks for the day.
A LOT of that time may well be spent sleeping...given winter's on its way... but I'd like to believe I'll make the most of it. If not, someone PLEASE remind me as to why I decided to start a thing!
I used to love starting the day reading the paper at a cafe. Kinda makes you feel on the ball when you're armed with all that "fresh" knowledge. It's been sooooo long since I've done that before work. Am also getting a bit tardy with the punctuality these days, so this may be a good thing for my work ethic too - don't want ma, pa or the boy giving me a warning now!
So tomorrow I will start my thing. Which cafe will it be??

In the beginning....

2007-03-19T14:38:00.000+09:00

After reading a friend's blog, as well as others of interest, I thought it was about time to start my own. That and the fact I've been craving a creative outlet for some time now.... I'm feeling a wonderful sense of release (and relief) even as I type this!
HOW WONDERFUL!!
So, please be patient with me as I try to figure out how to use my blogger, and hopefully I'll have some interesting words and pictures to share with you over time.
Look forward to hearing from you :-)