Yellow-faced Whip Snake
Potentially dangerous. But very, very small!
In other news - having very hot and humid weather here in the Bay. 30 degrees and counting.
Also have started to plan Christmas Menu! More on that next time.
Off to yoga.
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Snake of the Day!
Today's close encounter:
Yellow-faced Whip Snake
Potentially dangerous. But very, very small!
In other news - having very hot and humid weather here in the Bay. 30 degrees and counting.
Also have started to plan Christmas Menu! More on that next time.
Off to yoga.
Yellow-faced Whip Snake
Potentially dangerous. But very, very small!
In other news - having very hot and humid weather here in the Bay. 30 degrees and counting.
Also have started to plan Christmas Menu! More on that next time.
Off to yoga.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Stuff White People Like
A little while ago, read a hilarious book entitled "Stuff White People Like" - another one has now come out which have not read:
Perhaps will order it.
This is definitely not a book designed to stimulate your intellect - but will definitely make you laugh!
It's one of those "it's funny because it's truuuuuue" books.
For instance, a couple of my favourite things that white people enjoy:
- Farmer's Markets (yep)
- Organic Food (yep)
- Yoga (yep)
- Vegetarianism (yep)
- Living / Doing things near Water (yep)
- Renovating a House (yeah, sort of)
- Hating people who wear Ed Hardy (mostly)
- Adopting Children from Abroad (considering)
In our circle of friends, we commonly reprimand each other by saying perhaps "That's so white." Or "You're the whitest person alive."
Hubby and I get that a lot.
In Byron Bay, they have invented what is possibly the most pretentious - white - drink in human history.
The LSD.
The Latte Soy Dandy.
It looks like a coffee, it costs the same as a coffe - but it is... ground up and brewed dandelion.
That's right. A weed. Something others may pour roundup on to get rid of. Fortunately there are plenty of white people here in Byron who will drink it.
Me included. Yes. Have confession to make. Have decided to stop all intake of caffeine. It was getting ridiculous.
For instance - could no longer get out of bed unless heard kettle on downstairs. Would actually do insane things like order a hot beverage (soy flat white) at cafe even though sunny and 30 degrees. I mean. Heard of cold drinks..?
For this reason have suffered a few nasty headaches and been slightly angrier than usual.
Yesterday we did go for a nice little drive to Mullumbimby, for a LSD. By the way the "Rock&Roll Cafe" in Mullum does not play rock music. Ensure you get a take-away cup.
Perhaps will order it.
This is definitely not a book designed to stimulate your intellect - but will definitely make you laugh!
It's one of those "it's funny because it's truuuuuue" books.
For instance, a couple of my favourite things that white people enjoy:
- Farmer's Markets (yep)
- Organic Food (yep)
- Yoga (yep)
- Vegetarianism (yep)
- Living / Doing things near Water (yep)
- Renovating a House (yeah, sort of)
- Hating people who wear Ed Hardy (mostly)
- Adopting Children from Abroad (considering)
In our circle of friends, we commonly reprimand each other by saying perhaps "That's so white." Or "You're the whitest person alive."
Hubby and I get that a lot.
In Byron Bay, they have invented what is possibly the most pretentious - white - drink in human history.
The LSD.
The Latte Soy Dandy.
It looks like a coffee, it costs the same as a coffe - but it is... ground up and brewed dandelion.
That's right. A weed. Something others may pour roundup on to get rid of. Fortunately there are plenty of white people here in Byron who will drink it.
Me included. Yes. Have confession to make. Have decided to stop all intake of caffeine. It was getting ridiculous.
For instance - could no longer get out of bed unless heard kettle on downstairs. Would actually do insane things like order a hot beverage (soy flat white) at cafe even though sunny and 30 degrees. I mean. Heard of cold drinks..?
For this reason have suffered a few nasty headaches and been slightly angrier than usual.
Yesterday we did go for a nice little drive to Mullumbimby, for a LSD. By the way the "Rock&Roll Cafe" in Mullum does not play rock music. Ensure you get a take-away cup.
Friday, 25 November 2011
Recipe Book
Been very busy, working alongside hubby to create the much anticipated... Wedding Photo Album!!!
Indeed.
As a devoted reader of this blog, you may know that this has been an ongoing project for sometime. We, in fact, got married on New Years Eve 2009.
Right now do not have much time for blogging, am in middle of making Chick Pea and Kale Curry - a recipe from this book...
... which arrived yesterday - was super super excited.
Indeed.
As a devoted reader of this blog, you may know that this has been an ongoing project for sometime. We, in fact, got married on New Years Eve 2009.
Right now do not have much time for blogging, am in middle of making Chick Pea and Kale Curry - a recipe from this book...
... which arrived yesterday - was super super excited.
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
The Makings of an Ideal Wife
Look what happens when you make your own carrots:
Funny looking
Colourful!
Yes - domestic goddess.
On the subject of domestic-goddess-ness, have finally mastered the art of roasting veggies (I have used pumpkin in the example below). Do not believe this is something commonly done in Sweden (roasting) - or is that just my family?
Yes, yes, yes - (am patting self on back, congratulating self on being such an ideal wife - not my fault hubby is a bit annoyed just because he just now had to come in here to sort laptop out as the ideal wife was shouting "BAAAAAAABY the effing compuuuuter is not working agaaaain, get in here nooooow!")
Yes - domestic goddess.
On the subject of domestic-goddess-ness, have finally mastered the art of roasting veggies (I have used pumpkin in the example below). Do not believe this is something commonly done in Sweden (roasting) - or is that just my family?
Yes, yes, yes - (am patting self on back, congratulating self on being such an ideal wife - not my fault hubby is a bit annoyed just because he just now had to come in here to sort laptop out as the ideal wife was shouting "BAAAAAAABY the effing compuuuuter is not working agaaaain, get in here nooooow!")
Monday, 21 November 2011
Sunday at the Beachy
Met Louise at the Beachy yesterday afternoon, in order to dance to very popular Byron Bay iconic-like coverband:
Lisa Hunt
Hubby would rather snorkel in fish-pond than go to Beachy on a Sunday.
But was not all that bad.
Upsides: Everyone dancing, all ages (from 18-75), good atmosphere.
Downsides: Drinks in plastic cups, smelly loos, imminent risk of somebody trotting on toes.
Should have included that one in my list of 7 things not previously discussed on blog: I cry when someone steps on my toes. Toes very sensitive.
Hubby would rather snorkel in fish-pond than go to Beachy on a Sunday.
But was not all that bad.
Upsides: Everyone dancing, all ages (from 18-75), good atmosphere.
Downsides: Drinks in plastic cups, smelly loos, imminent risk of somebody trotting on toes.
Should have included that one in my list of 7 things not previously discussed on blog: I cry when someone steps on my toes. Toes very sensitive.
Friday, 18 November 2011
Driving in the Bay
A few words regarding driving in Byron Bay.
If at all possible; this activity should be avoided at all cost.
Yet, being a country-town (sort of) and completely lacking things like public transport - I find myself behind the wheel on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, so do other people.
You see, this would be a total non-issue were it not for other drivers. And to the sceptic - YES it really is them, not me. So...
Dear Other Drivers of Byron Bay!
I have devised a couple of helpful instructions for you, so that we may all enjoy the driving experience around the Bay.
Firstly, refrain from entering a "main road" from other (side) roads (including carparks) if a car is approaching and it is clear that the driver of this car will have to slam their breaks and come to a complete stop in order to not crash into you. The correct course of action in this situation is TO WAIT YOUR BLOODY TURN.
Secondly, no U-Turns on Lawson Street. Seriously?!? Use one of the roundabouts on either end of the street - which are never more than 50 metres away from you.
If you are parked on the side of the street - well done to you for scoring a spot there! Still, you should respect the law and pull out only when there is an opening, instead of pulling out whenever YOU FEEL LIKE IT and nearly crashing into the sides of other traffic.
Perhaps most importantly: Use your indicators. On the side of your steering wheel, usually on the right side (but please do a test run before you head out into traffic) there is a little lever which you can move up or down depending on whether you are turning left or right.
But BEWARE! Many drivers are driving around with their indicators ON - but they are NOT actually planning to turn! This is misleading and also wrong. I know this is very, very, hard to get.
Let's stay on the topic of indicators for now. When entering a roundabout, if you are turning left: indicate left. If, on the other hand, you are turning right: indicate right. Yes! Even in a roundabout! Some people, who actually HAVE a drivers-license, will also indicate OUT of the roundabout. This we can consider an extra bonus and you do not need to worry about that one right now.
At no time is it strictly speaking necessary to drive within one metre of the vehicle in front of you. This is called tail-gating, and is OK in Queensland - but try to avoid it anywhere else.
Cyclists should... you know what, nevermind.
If at all possible; this activity should be avoided at all cost.
Yet, being a country-town (sort of) and completely lacking things like public transport - I find myself behind the wheel on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, so do other people.
You see, this would be a total non-issue were it not for other drivers. And to the sceptic - YES it really is them, not me. So...
Dear Other Drivers of Byron Bay!
I have devised a couple of helpful instructions for you, so that we may all enjoy the driving experience around the Bay.
Firstly, refrain from entering a "main road" from other (side) roads (including carparks) if a car is approaching and it is clear that the driver of this car will have to slam their breaks and come to a complete stop in order to not crash into you. The correct course of action in this situation is TO WAIT YOUR BLOODY TURN.
Secondly, no U-Turns on Lawson Street. Seriously?!? Use one of the roundabouts on either end of the street - which are never more than 50 metres away from you.
If you are parked on the side of the street - well done to you for scoring a spot there! Still, you should respect the law and pull out only when there is an opening, instead of pulling out whenever YOU FEEL LIKE IT and nearly crashing into the sides of other traffic.
Perhaps most importantly: Use your indicators. On the side of your steering wheel, usually on the right side (but please do a test run before you head out into traffic) there is a little lever which you can move up or down depending on whether you are turning left or right.
But BEWARE! Many drivers are driving around with their indicators ON - but they are NOT actually planning to turn! This is misleading and also wrong. I know this is very, very, hard to get.
Let's stay on the topic of indicators for now. When entering a roundabout, if you are turning left: indicate left. If, on the other hand, you are turning right: indicate right. Yes! Even in a roundabout! Some people, who actually HAVE a drivers-license, will also indicate OUT of the roundabout. This we can consider an extra bonus and you do not need to worry about that one right now.
At no time is it strictly speaking necessary to drive within one metre of the vehicle in front of you. This is called tail-gating, and is OK in Queensland - but try to avoid it anywhere else.
Cyclists should... you know what, nevermind.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Garden Update, Late Nights and some Handy Tips
Garden Update:
Out of control, mad tomato-vine, alas - no tomatoes...
The other side of the garden, post bush-turkey attack and subsequent recovery: looking good! Living in tropical rainforest has both disadvantages (such as bush-turkeys) and advantages (things grow back quickly after having been wiped out by bush-turkeys).
Had late night on Friday. Went to lovely cafe / restaurant called Harvest - out in middle of nowhere (like most places around here). Was treat from dogs we dog-sat. They are very thoughtful and want only the best for their carers.
Service was actually awesome (always something of a surprise) and they had prepared a couple of extra vegetarian options for us. Impressed!
Also had late night on Saturday. Enjoyed a champers (you guessed it, a bottle) with Louise on balcony before making way into town to catch Tijuana Cartel at the Northern. Imagine our surprise upon learning that band was not on until 11.30. PM!
Were dumbfounded. Overcome with bewilderment. Louise had to approach ticket-desk twice to confirm time. Had no idea how to last that long. But we did, it was fun apart from one guy that came dangerously close to being flogged.
Other than weekend of excess just gone - am pretty domesticated. Was thinking of interesting lists to add to blog, came up with one - then realised am going to have to redefine my idea of "interesting".
Handy Tips for a Successful Household:
1. Never permit bush-turkeys to nest in Garden (obviously)
2. Never forget to close screen-doors (you may encounter snakes inside house)
3. Never feed wild birds - they are very predatory (direct descendants of velociraptors)
4. Never plant vines, they are evil
5. Never cover cracks in walls with paint
6. Never hide cans of soft-drink around the house - your husband will find them
7. Never run out of coffee
8. Most importantly: NEVER clean wooden benches with Methylated Spirits
(fu&¤#"¤k!!!!!!)
Out of control, mad tomato-vine, alas - no tomatoes...
The other side of the garden, post bush-turkey attack and subsequent recovery: looking good! Living in tropical rainforest has both disadvantages (such as bush-turkeys) and advantages (things grow back quickly after having been wiped out by bush-turkeys).
Had late night on Friday. Went to lovely cafe / restaurant called Harvest - out in middle of nowhere (like most places around here). Was treat from dogs we dog-sat. They are very thoughtful and want only the best for their carers.
Service was actually awesome (always something of a surprise) and they had prepared a couple of extra vegetarian options for us. Impressed!
Also had late night on Saturday. Enjoyed a champers (you guessed it, a bottle) with Louise on balcony before making way into town to catch Tijuana Cartel at the Northern. Imagine our surprise upon learning that band was not on until 11.30. PM!
Were dumbfounded. Overcome with bewilderment. Louise had to approach ticket-desk twice to confirm time. Had no idea how to last that long. But we did, it was fun apart from one guy that came dangerously close to being flogged.
Other than weekend of excess just gone - am pretty domesticated. Was thinking of interesting lists to add to blog, came up with one - then realised am going to have to redefine my idea of "interesting".
Handy Tips for a Successful Household:
1. Never permit bush-turkeys to nest in Garden (obviously)
2. Never forget to close screen-doors (you may encounter snakes inside house)
3. Never feed wild birds - they are very predatory (direct descendants of velociraptors)
4. Never plant vines, they are evil
5. Never cover cracks in walls with paint
6. Never hide cans of soft-drink around the house - your husband will find them
7. Never run out of coffee
8. Most importantly: NEVER clean wooden benches with Methylated Spirits
Friday, 11 November 2011
Versatile Blogger (in Swedish)
Fick ett omnämnande på Sannas fina blogg, Sanna DownUnder! Hon skriver om livet sedan hon flyttat till Sydney för att plugga och leva drömmen. Jag känner igen mig i väldigt mycket! Mina student-dagar inkluderade förvisso inte joggingturer på beachen i Bondi, snarare helkvällar på krogen i Newtown, men men - times are a-changing!
Jag skulle också vilja passa på att nämna kloka Emmy - bortabrabloggen som jag följer! Hon skickade vidare denna Awards till den som kände sig manad här för ett tag sedan.
OK...
Så man ska länka till den som nominerat en (done), och nu ska jag dela med mig av sju saker som jag inte har berättat om på min blogg.
1. Jag är en morgon-människa av episka proportioner. Jag är ganska nöjd om jag får lägga mig klockan nio. Och "läsa." Ofta när maken kommer för att lägga sig någon timme senare så sover jag djupt sedan cirka 45 minuter. Men sen vaknar jag någon gång vid 4-tiden. Jag vaknar då ÄVEN om jag vart ute sent. Av denna anledning (och några andra) brukade det bli ganska många all-nighters, back in the day...
2. Jag har många kontroversiella åsikter. Dock låtsas jag nästan alltid (i vardagen) ha en neutral ståndpunkt - annars misstänker jag att folk kommer att skälla på mig.
3. Jag hatar när folk skäller på mig.
4. Jag gråter när jag blir arg. Jag ser alltså ledsen ut; istället för att se förbannad ut. Detta får aldrig avsedd effekt.
5. Jag är mörkrädd. Trodde alltid det var sådant som gick över när man blev "vuxen." Men icke.
6. Jag fattar inte grejen med oliver. Det är väl för fasen inte gott?!?
Obs, detta betraktar jag ej som en kontroversiell åsikt. Bara en universiell sanning.
7. Jag är jättedålig på att komma ihåg namn. Jätte-jätte-jättedålig. Kass. Tydligen är jag även dålig på att skilja folk åt. Senast igår påpekade maken att "killen" jag trodde var samma person (sett honom på yoga, och han jobbar på cafeet brevid yoga-studion, trodde jag) är i själva verket inte samma person; utan TVÅ helt OLIKA killar - som enligt maken inte ens är speciellt lika. Det var ju själva faaan.
Nu är tanken att jag ska jag nominera 15 (!!!) andra ”versitile bloggers” - alltså, för det första betvivlar jag att 15 pers läser min blogg och en del har ju redan gjort den här listan. Jag länkar till några nya favoriter här i alla fall:
The Weird One
Out of my point of view
Swedish Army Wife
Anna i USA
Och så klart roliga:
Smugglosmurf
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Handling Annoyance in Zen-like Way
How annoying - can not read comments / leave comments or edit my blog's design. Why?
Why oh why?
Is it blogger.com OR has the domain in fact identified me as somebody around who technical things must never work smoothly for any extended period of time?
It could even be the laptop. The laptop has previously proven itself capable of identifying me as opposed to other users (hubby) and choosing to malfunction only when I am using it.
Best to simply accept situation and move on. In zen-like fashion.
First time we got labelled "zen-like" was in Amsterdam. Hubby (then boyfriend) and I had recently started to transform into calmer, more serene individuals - but had not realised to what extent we had done so, until a friend came to stay with us. We bought some food at markets, our friend stated we could heat food up in microwave - hubby and I adamant we did not HAVE microwave - our friend insisted we DID.
We DID.
Hubby and I had not noticed it.
Is the sort of thing that can pass one by when one is in the middle of meditating or similar.
Garden Statue - relating to new lifestyle involving meditation
A zen-joke:
Don't just do something. Sit there!
Why oh why?
Is it blogger.com OR has the domain in fact identified me as somebody around who technical things must never work smoothly for any extended period of time?
It could even be the laptop. The laptop has previously proven itself capable of identifying me as opposed to other users (hubby) and choosing to malfunction only when I am using it.
Best to simply accept situation and move on. In zen-like fashion.
First time we got labelled "zen-like" was in Amsterdam. Hubby (then boyfriend) and I had recently started to transform into calmer, more serene individuals - but had not realised to what extent we had done so, until a friend came to stay with us. We bought some food at markets, our friend stated we could heat food up in microwave - hubby and I adamant we did not HAVE microwave - our friend insisted we DID.
We DID.
Hubby and I had not noticed it.
Is the sort of thing that can pass one by when one is in the middle of meditating or similar.
A zen-joke:
Don't just do something. Sit there!
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Demanding Fish
Once upon a time, a previous resident of this dwelling thought to themselves - "I know - let's dig a hole at a randomly chosen spot in the backyard, dress it with black plastic, pour in water - and add loads of fish!"
Said and done. As you can see here...
The time came for this previous resident, who we shall not name, to move on.
They proceeded to discover the great difficulty involved in relocating fish - let alone entire hole in ground, which they referred to (rather generously) as "pond."
Solution: Leave fish in pond; leave little tub of fish-food and list of care instructions - and make a run for it.
Thus hubby and I ended up with, what we think is in the neighbourhood of 40, fish.
And a sign on fridge saying "Feed the Fish!!" - as gentle reminder for self. Fish need to eat even if raining outside and do not feel like going out.
By the way, it is not true that fish only remember anything for 30 seconds. Is myth.
They always remember that seeing me with fish-food tub means they will soon eat. I can tell, as they open their mouths and start swimming around in circles like mad.
Like mad fish?
Monday, 7 November 2011
Bizarre Phonecall and Lesson Thereby Learned
Back in August, in blog entitled "Hinterland, More People at Door & a Walk" (can be found under Blog Archives) I told the saga of a so called Roy Morgan Research Poll that was asked to participate in. Asked, that is to say - someone walked all the way up to front door; caught me out, informed me they needed a few minutes of my time and proceeded to ask meaningless questions about things like TV-watching for over 45 minutes.
Extract:
"This time, was asked by mystery-guest to take part in Morgan Poll (Roy Morgan Research). The Morgan Poll is, apparently, the most widely accepted Australian opinion poll there is. And was only going to take a few moments. Fabulous!
Of course, wish to do my part and ensure I make a "significant contribution to social and political decision-making and project development in Australia"! 45 minutes later was starting to feel slightly less enthusiastic, and when I was finally done politely declining to discuss my income and / or bank balance as well as admitting to having drunk eight out of ten types of booze in the past week - immediately rung up Swedish Neighbour to warn her of impending doom. She has two kids under the age of three, and certainly no time to contribute to statistics in a meaningful way..."...
End of extract.
Following the Incident - people from Roy Morgan (who have my mobile number given to them by YOURS TRULY in very weak moment of audacious trust) have been calling incessantly to... well, not quite sure, as they without fail ring whilst am cooking dinner - so have never picked up. Assumed they would eventually get the message and lose my number, as it were.
Wrong.
... It was Friday night... after a long day... was halfway through bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc... was in middle of preparing vegan Spinach & Pea Lasagna, when...
The telephone rings!!! Am distracted... pick it up - HUGE mistake... The following conversation ensues, practically verbatim
- this really happened!!!
RMRR (Roy Morgan Research Rep): - "Hello, I'm calling from Roy Morgan Research, about six weeks ago you participated in a face to face interview with one of our researchers who had a computer screen? (...) Unfortunately the screen was broken so I just need to confirm a few details from you if that's possible?"
Me: - "Ok, what?" (stirring spinach mix, hoping against reason that it will be quick so can hang up)
RMRR: - "(...) Well, uhm, do you smoke?"
Me: - "No..." (slightly taken aback by surprising question, do not recall this even being in original interview)
RMRR: (sounding very surprised) - "So you don't smoke cigars?!"
*Note: CIGARS. Not cigarettes, like normal people - cigars. As if were businessman-from-the-Fifties.*
Me: (a little offended, very annoyed - admittedly always get much more annoyed with stupid people after having consumed sav blanc) - "NO!" (attempting to send strong message with tone of voice)
RMRR: (having collected himself after shock of finding out that I do not smoke cigars after all) - "Oh good. Can I just confirm your last name?"
Me: - "NO. Goodbye!"
I eagerly anticipate the continuation of this tale. Will there be another phonecall? Or perhaps, oh mercy, will they blacklist me? One can only hope.
Hubby has duly lectured me for giving out name and phone number in first place. Very careless behaviour.
Increases levels of assertiveness..?
Extract:
"This time, was asked by mystery-guest to take part in Morgan Poll (Roy Morgan Research). The Morgan Poll is, apparently, the most widely accepted Australian opinion poll there is. And was only going to take a few moments. Fabulous!
Of course, wish to do my part and ensure I make a "significant contribution to social and political decision-making and project development in Australia"! 45 minutes later was starting to feel slightly less enthusiastic, and when I was finally done politely declining to discuss my income and / or bank balance as well as admitting to having drunk eight out of ten types of booze in the past week - immediately rung up Swedish Neighbour to warn her of impending doom. She has two kids under the age of three, and certainly no time to contribute to statistics in a meaningful way..."...
End of extract.
Following the Incident - people from Roy Morgan (who have my mobile number given to them by YOURS TRULY in very weak moment of audacious trust) have been calling incessantly to... well, not quite sure, as they without fail ring whilst am cooking dinner - so have never picked up. Assumed they would eventually get the message and lose my number, as it were.
Wrong.
... It was Friday night... after a long day... was halfway through bottle of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc... was in middle of preparing vegan Spinach & Pea Lasagna, when...
The telephone rings!!! Am distracted... pick it up - HUGE mistake... The following conversation ensues, practically verbatim
- this really happened!!!
RMRR (Roy Morgan Research Rep): - "Hello, I'm calling from Roy Morgan Research, about six weeks ago you participated in a face to face interview with one of our researchers who had a computer screen? (...) Unfortunately the screen was broken so I just need to confirm a few details from you if that's possible?"
Me: - "Ok, what?" (stirring spinach mix, hoping against reason that it will be quick so can hang up)
RMRR: - "(...) Well, uhm, do you smoke?"
Me: - "No..." (slightly taken aback by surprising question, do not recall this even being in original interview)
RMRR: (sounding very surprised) - "So you don't smoke cigars?!"
*Note: CIGARS. Not cigarettes, like normal people - cigars. As if were businessman-from-the-Fifties.*
Me: (a little offended, very annoyed - admittedly always get much more annoyed with stupid people after having consumed sav blanc) - "NO!" (attempting to send strong message with tone of voice)
RMRR: (having collected himself after shock of finding out that I do not smoke cigars after all) - "Oh good. Can I just confirm your last name?"
Me: - "NO. Goodbye!"
I eagerly anticipate the continuation of this tale. Will there be another phonecall? Or perhaps, oh mercy, will they blacklist me? One can only hope.
Hubby has duly lectured me for giving out name and phone number in first place. Very careless behaviour.
Increases levels of assertiveness..?
Friday, 4 November 2011
Dent in Plans...
Disappointment!
Today was supposed to start course in Creative Writing at local community college, alas, received phone call the other day informing me that course cancelled. Not enough people signed up!
(lazy hippies)
Bugger.
Had spent weeks and weeks gearing up for this course. Look - bought notebook:
Expectations had on course:
1. Meet array of amazingly interesting and like-minded people
2. Get loads of constructive how-to ideas regarding how to be successful writer
3. Immediately arrive at several brilliant and inspired ideas for writing projects which to undertake
4. Evolve into full-fledged author
5. Finish book within three months
So this new development has put serious dent in plans... Realise, looking at list of expectations, that perhaps had set sights a little high.
Possible alternative outcome of course:
1. Meet array of bored housewives and assorted hippies
2. Get told writing will flow naturally as long as you let it (hmm, no)
3. Immediately think of 0 ideas (same number as now)
4. Not evolve into author
5. Not finish book
No problem. Will get back to drawing board on this one.
Will start by making list of things that potentially makes one a flourishing author... (Liking list today.)
1. Unrequited love
2. Terrible childhood
3. Drug abuse
4. Life-changing near death experience
5. Fantastic imagination
Ok...
1 - No. 2 - No. 3 - No. 4 - No...
Great. Have to rely on imagination.
Today was supposed to start course in Creative Writing at local community college, alas, received phone call the other day informing me that course cancelled. Not enough people signed up!
(lazy hippies)
Bugger.
Had spent weeks and weeks gearing up for this course. Look - bought notebook:
Expectations had on course:
1. Meet array of amazingly interesting and like-minded people
2. Get loads of constructive how-to ideas regarding how to be successful writer
3. Immediately arrive at several brilliant and inspired ideas for writing projects which to undertake
4. Evolve into full-fledged author
5. Finish book within three months
So this new development has put serious dent in plans... Realise, looking at list of expectations, that perhaps had set sights a little high.
Possible alternative outcome of course:
1. Meet array of bored housewives and assorted hippies
2. Get told writing will flow naturally as long as you let it (hmm, no)
3. Immediately think of 0 ideas (same number as now)
4. Not evolve into author
5. Not finish book
No problem. Will get back to drawing board on this one.
Will start by making list of things that potentially makes one a flourishing author... (Liking list today.)
1. Unrequited love
2. Terrible childhood
3. Drug abuse
4. Life-changing near death experience
5. Fantastic imagination
Ok...
1 - No. 2 - No. 3 - No. 4 - No...
Great. Have to rely on imagination.
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Heron Chick and Countryside Lunch
Was up very early today.
Hubby had to be at work at unholy hour so figured would be a good wife and roll out of bed an hour ahead of this time and prepare some coffee.
Like auntie Mia always says; One must look after one's husband, and not be useless all the time!
Of course, hubby himself is the official coffee-maker out of the two of us - but is thought that counts. Also provided valuable moral support.
Immediately upon rising got very excited at prospect of viewing sunrise from balcony whilst sipping coffee. Sat on balcony for around 10 minutes until finally had to face reality - had already missed actual sunrise by a good half hour. Sun was simply residing behind a cloud. But sky was pretty pink colour so was totally worth it.
Yesterday found ourselves having to go on unplanned tour around country-side again - something to do with rescuing distressed lice-covered-parasite-plagued native bird, which indeed is a very important task.
Out of caution (did not wish to be infected with lice) did not get a good photo of bird. Or any photo at all to be honest. But here is one I borrowed:
Heron Chick
On way back stumbled on lovely little cafe out in middle of nowhere (near Eltham - outside Lismore):
Food snaps:
Mushroom Tart
Dahl
Not quite vegan!?
Yes. Do not want to be someone unable to leave own house for fear of ingesting something non-vegan; believe that small amounts - on occasion, will not harm me. If had it everyday, it most likely would.
Sort of like smoking?
As hubby says "am not doing it for the title." Following a mostly vegan diet, that is. Will be quite happy to hit a 95% and above target.
Now have spent far too much time adding blogs to reading list... must run or will miss Farmers Market. Need to purchase some ginger. And eggplant.
Hubby had to be at work at unholy hour so figured would be a good wife and roll out of bed an hour ahead of this time and prepare some coffee.
Like auntie Mia always says; One must look after one's husband, and not be useless all the time!
Of course, hubby himself is the official coffee-maker out of the two of us - but is thought that counts. Also provided valuable moral support.
Immediately upon rising got very excited at prospect of viewing sunrise from balcony whilst sipping coffee. Sat on balcony for around 10 minutes until finally had to face reality - had already missed actual sunrise by a good half hour. Sun was simply residing behind a cloud. But sky was pretty pink colour so was totally worth it.
Yesterday found ourselves having to go on unplanned tour around country-side again - something to do with rescuing distressed lice-covered-parasite-plagued native bird, which indeed is a very important task.
Out of caution (did not wish to be infected with lice) did not get a good photo of bird. Or any photo at all to be honest. But here is one I borrowed:
Heron Chick
On way back stumbled on lovely little cafe out in middle of nowhere (near Eltham - outside Lismore):
Food snaps:
Not quite vegan!?
Yes. Do not want to be someone unable to leave own house for fear of ingesting something non-vegan; believe that small amounts - on occasion, will not harm me. If had it everyday, it most likely would.
Sort of like smoking?
As hubby says "am not doing it for the title." Following a mostly vegan diet, that is. Will be quite happy to hit a 95% and above target.
Now have spent far too much time adding blogs to reading list... must run or will miss Farmers Market. Need to purchase some ginger. And eggplant.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
World Vegan Day
Not sure which is more tragic: fact that totally forgot last night was Halloween and not one single lollie in house - or fact that no kids came knocking..?
Possibly Swedish Neighbour's offspring has spread the word amongst neighbourhood kids regarding our garden being dubbed "The Spider Jungle" and as one has to make ones way through garden to get to house, nobody was game.
This really was the best outcome, as I said - had no lollies. Also hubby and I slightly afraid of children, so spent entire afternoon and evening telling the other one "if someone comes YOU answer, ok?"
Anyway. Halloween is meaningless commercial holiday.
Today is World Vegan Day.
Allow me to recommend* the following literature (first two responsible for my Vegetarian Ways - third one on list sending me tumbling towards Veganism... Frightening word, realise, but is really not that hard - and is definitely right thing to do):
Eating Animals - Jonathan Safran Foer
www.eatinganimals.com
Fast Food Nation - Eric Schlosser
The China Study - Colin Campbell
*When I say "recommend" - we NEED to know this stuff... happy reading!
Possibly Swedish Neighbour's offspring has spread the word amongst neighbourhood kids regarding our garden being dubbed "The Spider Jungle" and as one has to make ones way through garden to get to house, nobody was game.
This really was the best outcome, as I said - had no lollies. Also hubby and I slightly afraid of children, so spent entire afternoon and evening telling the other one "if someone comes YOU answer, ok?"
Anyway. Halloween is meaningless commercial holiday.
Today is World Vegan Day.
Allow me to recommend* the following literature (first two responsible for my Vegetarian Ways - third one on list sending me tumbling towards Veganism... Frightening word, realise, but is really not that hard - and is definitely right thing to do):
Eating Animals - Jonathan Safran Foer
www.eatinganimals.com
Fast Food Nation - Eric Schlosser
The China Study - Colin Campbell
*When I say "recommend" - we NEED to know this stuff... happy reading!
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