15+ years ago, if I'd known what I know now, I would rather have spent my hard-saved cash and bought CDs instead of cassettes! Having to buy replacement CDs is expensive, even if they are so old and 'dated' that they're in the 'budget/sale' section of the online shop! I suppose in future, we'll feel the same way about having 'wasted' money on CDs, except even though everything is now mp3/digital/electronic/virtual, CDs can still be ripped... a DVD drive reads CDs... nothing reads cassettes anymore!
I have a double tapedeck, 3CD hifi (wow, ancient even to call it that), and the tapedecks had been all that I'd had left apart from the radio (this was before G and I met, before we hooked up the 'media computer' etc) as the CD player on that thing was a bitch from pretty much the word go and I stopped using it a long time ago. I don't miss twisted, shredded cassettes though, and misaligned tape heads were the bane of my music enjoyment, but at least the tapedecks still worked. Now, however, I don't think they do anymore.
Part of the reason I wanted to record the voiceclip (and another tape from my childhood*) was because wherever we go in life, I doubt we'd buy a tapedecked soundsystem again, and it'd be a pity to lose these memories. So we've been 'ripping' sound from the tapes (only the music/things we can't buy replacements for), and the sound output has been getting worse and worse, as if the music was being submerged into a bowl of water! I suspect the elastic bands inside the decks are... aged LOL. We're going to try hook up G's mini-hifi to see if his tapedeck does a better job, and I sincerely hope it does! We don't have that many tapes we want to preserve, pleeaase, Tapedeck God, smile on us a short while longer...
* My sis, my 2 younger cousins and I at one stage spent a good time recording a Goon-show style tape. It's terribly embarrassing listening to it now, but it's such a precious timetunnel to back then as the memories it conjures up are so vivid. It's also nice to hear the adult family members who are caught on tape in the background of the 'show'.
I might just try to blackmail my cousin/s at a later date though - watch this space *rubs hands together evilly* - as there's some "usable" material of my cousin (probably 2 at the time) singing her version of Achy Breaky Heart!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
On a happier note
... or rather, a less contemplative/introspective note!
Just had home-made sushi for supper, sitting chilling before heading to bed, and I just remembered (scrolling down to previous posts) that I need to put up the pics from the Halloween party. I'm pretty tired now, so maybe tomorrow.
In other news - I only just discovered the 'followers' widgetmabobbie on here, so I added it to mah bloggeh. I now can see that I have two followers *waves* I'll try not to go overboard with melodrama and stuff (I hope I'm not whiny - forgive me if I have been in the past), and my language rating has come down (from probably at least PG18 LOL) of late which I'm relieved about - work stress just doesn't do a person any favours, does it - so I'll try and keep it like that too. I must say this more cheerful colour scheme is more than just a visual improvement ^.^
To be honest, I have actually stitched a bit since posting the 'Q&A' post a few days ago. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! I'll probably stitch a bit on and off - watch this space for photo updates!
Just had home-made sushi for supper, sitting chilling before heading to bed, and I just remembered (scrolling down to previous posts) that I need to put up the pics from the Halloween party. I'm pretty tired now, so maybe tomorrow.
In other news - I only just discovered the 'followers' widgetmabobbie on here, so I added it to mah bloggeh. I now can see that I have two followers *waves* I'll try not to go overboard with melodrama and stuff (I hope I'm not whiny - forgive me if I have been in the past), and my language rating has come down (from probably at least PG18 LOL) of late which I'm relieved about - work stress just doesn't do a person any favours, does it - so I'll try and keep it like that too. I must say this more cheerful colour scheme is more than just a visual improvement ^.^
To be honest, I have actually stitched a bit since posting the 'Q&A' post a few days ago. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT! I'll probably stitch a bit on and off - watch this space for photo updates!
*blank*
I have no concise words to try and describe how I'm feeling, but I will try.
I just, finally, 6 years after he passed away, listened to a tape recording of my dad's voice.
He was 81 when he passed away, I had just turned 22. Yes, there was a significant generation gap.
It was a few days after my birthday. He was 'fine' at my 21st party. A few weeks after the party, he and my mom finally got a diagnosis of what had been causing him trouble for a while: he had throat cancer.
I won't go into detail of what happened, but he had had a scratchy, husky voice for a while, had to clear his throat all the time, at times looking up made him cough so much he felt he was choking (I think he actually did, sometimes), but it was put down to being postnasal drip, or age, I think, or something unimportant/insignificant.
I remember Mom breaking the news to us, sitting with us in the lounge, trying to keep a brave face while speaking, saying that it's 'just cancer' and he'll go through radiation treatment and throat surgery, but we'll stay strong and see him through it.
He had a tracheotomy. He went through a horrific operation, and it was horrible to see him afterwards, in the ICU ward, all puffy and stitched all around his neck. He never had a voice again, after that. As he improved in hospital, he got given a bib to wear, to cover his throat hole so that it wouldn't get dry. He was supposed to block the hole with his thumb, so that he could expel air through his throat so that he could speak. He couldn't smell anymore, and he struggled so much to try speak again, but he never managed properly and would get so frustrated that he just ended up wheezing angrily at us, while mouthing the words he was trying to say.
He had to go through radiation therapy for a good while after that, as there were other tumours around his neck/upper chest/shoulders area, and it made him quite weak. He really struggled, and if I remember correctly, after the new year he started to decline. He ended up sleeping more and more, and having moments where he blacked out and fell over while he was awake and up and about, which forced Mom to take him to hospital as she could no longer look after him properly in that state (sleeping all the time).
He was in hospital for a short while (I don't recall how long, I think maybe a week or two), and the medical aid was causing hassles, saying that they were no longer going to cover him in hospital, that Mom would need to look after him at home. In the meantime, during his hospital 'stay', he deteriorated more and more, until he was asleep/not aware of anything most of the time. Basically, his brain was shutting down bit by bit, at that time. He just faded continuously, and I believe he passed away in the depths of one of his long, 'peaceful' 'sleeps'.
I had just started a new job that week, and had to take time off from work. I don't know (don't care) how bothered they were, as a person only really has one father.
I've gone on, all this time, with distanced memories of him. I've been trying to 'capture' as much of him as I can, by way of scanning all the family photos, scanning his folder of war-era correspondence (he was a reluctant member of the compulsory parades!) and other papers, without really letting myself *remember* him, if that makes any sense.
Recording this voice clip has been put aside for a months; I wanted to wait until I felt strong enough to listen to it. Mom reassured me that it was humorous, that it wasn't all emotional and depressing, like him saying a 'final farewell' or anything, but said that it upset her to listen to it because of how bad his voice sounded and that it angered her that the doctors at the time couldn't really be bothered to investigate his problem properly, which led to a significant delay in diagnosis (and subsequent treatment). Basically, their disinterest led to his getting past a 'recovery' point, cancer-wise.
I just listened to this clip, and it's true. His voice is unmistakably his, but it sounds so terribly damaged. His 'voice' when he tried to speak after the operation was croaky, burpy almost, but his voice in the clip is so bad, so damaged, that I understand. I feel Mom's pain. He sounds so oldly youthful, like a lively elderly gentleman, think David Attenborough (on his Trials of Life documentary series), but with a faulty voice. It sounds, now, so wrong, compared to the memory of how his real voice sounded. This isn't his real voice, but it's the only voiceclip we have. And since it's him, I've saved a copy on the computer. At least it won't be lost, it can be backed up.
I hope this post isn't as dismally depressing as I suspect it might be. I just wanted to try express my feelings about this - I haven't really, before.
I just, finally, 6 years after he passed away, listened to a tape recording of my dad's voice.
He was 81 when he passed away, I had just turned 22. Yes, there was a significant generation gap.
It was a few days after my birthday. He was 'fine' at my 21st party. A few weeks after the party, he and my mom finally got a diagnosis of what had been causing him trouble for a while: he had throat cancer.
I won't go into detail of what happened, but he had had a scratchy, husky voice for a while, had to clear his throat all the time, at times looking up made him cough so much he felt he was choking (I think he actually did, sometimes), but it was put down to being postnasal drip, or age, I think, or something unimportant/insignificant.
I remember Mom breaking the news to us, sitting with us in the lounge, trying to keep a brave face while speaking, saying that it's 'just cancer' and he'll go through radiation treatment and throat surgery, but we'll stay strong and see him through it.
He had a tracheotomy. He went through a horrific operation, and it was horrible to see him afterwards, in the ICU ward, all puffy and stitched all around his neck. He never had a voice again, after that. As he improved in hospital, he got given a bib to wear, to cover his throat hole so that it wouldn't get dry. He was supposed to block the hole with his thumb, so that he could expel air through his throat so that he could speak. He couldn't smell anymore, and he struggled so much to try speak again, but he never managed properly and would get so frustrated that he just ended up wheezing angrily at us, while mouthing the words he was trying to say.
He had to go through radiation therapy for a good while after that, as there were other tumours around his neck/upper chest/shoulders area, and it made him quite weak. He really struggled, and if I remember correctly, after the new year he started to decline. He ended up sleeping more and more, and having moments where he blacked out and fell over while he was awake and up and about, which forced Mom to take him to hospital as she could no longer look after him properly in that state (sleeping all the time).
He was in hospital for a short while (I don't recall how long, I think maybe a week or two), and the medical aid was causing hassles, saying that they were no longer going to cover him in hospital, that Mom would need to look after him at home. In the meantime, during his hospital 'stay', he deteriorated more and more, until he was asleep/not aware of anything most of the time. Basically, his brain was shutting down bit by bit, at that time. He just faded continuously, and I believe he passed away in the depths of one of his long, 'peaceful' 'sleeps'.
I had just started a new job that week, and had to take time off from work. I don't know (don't care) how bothered they were, as a person only really has one father.
I've gone on, all this time, with distanced memories of him. I've been trying to 'capture' as much of him as I can, by way of scanning all the family photos, scanning his folder of war-era correspondence (he was a reluctant member of the compulsory parades!) and other papers, without really letting myself *remember* him, if that makes any sense.
Recording this voice clip has been put aside for a months; I wanted to wait until I felt strong enough to listen to it. Mom reassured me that it was humorous, that it wasn't all emotional and depressing, like him saying a 'final farewell' or anything, but said that it upset her to listen to it because of how bad his voice sounded and that it angered her that the doctors at the time couldn't really be bothered to investigate his problem properly, which led to a significant delay in diagnosis (and subsequent treatment). Basically, their disinterest led to his getting past a 'recovery' point, cancer-wise.
I just listened to this clip, and it's true. His voice is unmistakably his, but it sounds so terribly damaged. His 'voice' when he tried to speak after the operation was croaky, burpy almost, but his voice in the clip is so bad, so damaged, that I understand. I feel Mom's pain. He sounds so oldly youthful, like a lively elderly gentleman, think David Attenborough (on his Trials of Life documentary series), but with a faulty voice. It sounds, now, so wrong, compared to the memory of how his real voice sounded. This isn't his real voice, but it's the only voiceclip we have. And since it's him, I've saved a copy on the computer. At least it won't be lost, it can be backed up.
I hope this post isn't as dismally depressing as I suspect it might be. I just wanted to try express my feelings about this - I haven't really, before.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Stitching Q&A
Ganked from Joyce's page, a Q&A about cross-stitch.
Here's my go:
10. Do you have a stitching chair?
Not really - will have to see how things are in Aus.
11. Do your children/pets get into your stitching things?
To quote J, "No kids, no pets. LOL!!" except no pets "...that can get into my stitching things" as he lives in his cage. I think he'd shred the fabric in a matter of moments!
12. Do you participate in any stitching forums?
Nope. Too busy haunting the SA/Australia forums ;-)
Here's my go:
1. What are you stitching at the moment?
Janlynn's Apache Wedding Blessing - but it's on hold in preparation for the move.
2. How many finishes have you had this year? Small? Medium? Large? Extra Large?
1 - large (I think it's huge!!) - Kustom Krafts - Golden Ice
3. Do you think you will finish any more in the next month and a half before the end of the year?
No way. 5 weeks til we move out of our home, plus Xmas shopping and other goings-on to do with year-end :P
4. If you could buy 1 thing for yourself what would it be? (Doesn't have to be stitching)
Just one thing - that's limited LOL. Like J, a house in Aus... or a car. Or a business that makes mucho moola and then I can live off the dividends/etc and can then buy anything *else* I want! Ok but seriously-ish... sheesh, I can't think of anything!
5. What is the best thing you have ever stitched?
I've only stitched 3 'biggies', and I can't choose between them!
6. Do you like making lists?
Definitely! I'm crazy with lists and kept myself alive at work when it was uber-dull by going through my lists repeatedly. Am I OCD yet?
7. Do you stitch in rotation (how does it work?) or OAAT?
I do one at a time, except when I've hit a lull with one and JUST CAN'T HELP myself and just HAVE TO touch the next one's virgin threads + fabric... but then I get back to the other and finish it.
8. What is the next thing you plan to stitch?
Can't yet decide between Dimensions - Gentle Strength and Character Creations' - Motion (Arabian & Swallow). I have to buy threads for Motion so I might just be 'lazy' and do the kitted Gentle Strength first.
9. What is your fave ONS? And why?
123Stitch too - efficient and their range is unsurpassable! I won't look on there for a good long time as I have um... at least 7 charts lined up already waiting...
Janlynn's Apache Wedding Blessing - but it's on hold in preparation for the move.
2. How many finishes have you had this year? Small? Medium? Large? Extra Large?
1 - large (I think it's huge!!) - Kustom Krafts - Golden Ice
3. Do you think you will finish any more in the next month and a half before the end of the year?
No way. 5 weeks til we move out of our home, plus Xmas shopping and other goings-on to do with year-end :P
4. If you could buy 1 thing for yourself what would it be? (Doesn't have to be stitching)
Just one thing - that's limited LOL. Like J, a house in Aus... or a car. Or a business that makes mucho moola and then I can live off the dividends/etc and can then buy anything *else* I want! Ok but seriously-ish... sheesh, I can't think of anything!
5. What is the best thing you have ever stitched?
I've only stitched 3 'biggies', and I can't choose between them!
6. Do you like making lists?
Definitely! I'm crazy with lists and kept myself alive at work when it was uber-dull by going through my lists repeatedly. Am I OCD yet?
7. Do you stitch in rotation (how does it work?) or OAAT?
I do one at a time, except when I've hit a lull with one and JUST CAN'T HELP myself and just HAVE TO touch the next one's virgin threads + fabric... but then I get back to the other and finish it.
8. What is the next thing you plan to stitch?
Can't yet decide between Dimensions - Gentle Strength and Character Creations' - Motion (Arabian & Swallow). I have to buy threads for Motion so I might just be 'lazy' and do the kitted Gentle Strength first.
9. What is your fave ONS? And why?
123Stitch too - efficient and their range is unsurpassable! I won't look on there for a good long time as I have um... at least 7 charts lined up already waiting...
10. Do you have a stitching chair?
Not really - will have to see how things are in Aus.
11. Do your children/pets get into your stitching things?
To quote J, "No kids, no pets. LOL!!" except no pets "...that can get into my stitching things" as he lives in his cage. I think he'd shred the fabric in a matter of moments!
12. Do you participate in any stitching forums?
Nope. Too busy haunting the SA/Australia forums ;-)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Reunited!
I'd been resigned to the fact that Frodge (as he has since been nicknamed) would not be able to accompany us on our journey across the seas.
Until I uncovered the heart...
The problem was that Frodge was filled with seasand, and the heart was filled with dried lavender - both UBERno-nos when it comes to customs/quarantine (correctly referred to here as AQIS from now on).
I asked G's mom very nicely if she wouldn't mind unpicking the stitches of the two of them, and emptying them for me. She did more than just that, she filled them both, lovingly restored them to 'full health' (with synthetic stuffing) and even gave Frodge heavy, beadfilled limbs!
As you can see, he's thrilled with the change, and can't wait to set off on the journey.
G's mom said in an sms, "An incredible flow of rough beach sand poured out of him.. Thousands of tiny shell fragments." It was poetic, and symbolic too - a hidden, secret beauty. We've decided that we're going to return the sand to the sea sometime, in honour of everything that must be left behind, and everything that cannot be 'taken' due to their intangibility.
The heart was a gift to us from G's parents, on the one side of the heart it has "girl" stitched in pink, and on the flipside it has "boy" stitched in blue. The i in girl is dotted with a bead, and the o in boy is a button.
Frodge, on the other hand, goes back a long way - I spotted a relative of his, at my aunt and uncle's place, being used as a doorstop (being filled with a load of sand, that was the point!). It was probably 'love at first sight' - I just couldn't be without one of my own. I was probably a tot of 2 years old, but I was decided: I had to have one! So, Aunt asked her colleague (who had made their one), strings were pulled etc etc, and he's been with me ever since. An odd sort of 'stuffed toy' if ever there was one, but he had a special place in my heart all these years, and voila, he will still, for a long time on!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Yes, I'm still alive!
I haven't died of allergies or empathies and sympathies... sorting out my stuff has been satisfactory. Accomplishments yay!
I've started typing up a list of everything we own, and so far have done our CDs, DVDs, PSP games, etc etc, and I've listed all my books. I'm not sure whether or not I'll do another cull - I suppose it can't hurt, but I don't want to get rid of (too much) stuff just for the sake of getting rid of stuff. But I'll see... I think actually diving in and tackling this huge job has made it easier to be stronger and 'mean' and decisive about getting rid of stuff.
This past week has been extremely tiring, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, the works. It feels so long ago that we went to N+N's place for potjiekos (it was Friday evening!!), and then Saturday we... tidied up (had flat-viewers in the afternoon, with a visit from the owners of our unit), and went shopping. Sunday we went through to HBay to join Pop in celebrating his birthday. We borrowed his Woodstock and Isle of Wight festival DVDs. So far we've watched Woodstock and WOW... I can't believe it happened. 3+ days of it... I don't think I'd have survived... but I spose you wouldn't know for sure unless you were in that situation. But still. Hectic!
There are 75 days left til we jet off! G has 11 more working days. Crazy. What's weird is that we're already having people come and look at the place - we aren't out yet...! I know we aren't like, SPESHIL or anything, but still, it feels now, for REAL, that we're going. We're being replaced, as tenants... that feels weird. I guess I should start looking at places to rent in Brisbane, what'll feel weird there is looking at the listings and thinking that we will be (soon) using the 'contact the agent button!
Ok, I really could do with a new laptop. One that can handle firefox RSS thingie updating WITHOUT affecting something like blog-post composition. The typing 'lags'. Gughhh... so irritating.
I think that's all I can think of for now. Dude's my cute Dudelpudel. Love him to bits. G is my G. Love him to bits too.
That's all for now!
I've started typing up a list of everything we own, and so far have done our CDs, DVDs, PSP games, etc etc, and I've listed all my books. I'm not sure whether or not I'll do another cull - I suppose it can't hurt, but I don't want to get rid of (too much) stuff just for the sake of getting rid of stuff. But I'll see... I think actually diving in and tackling this huge job has made it easier to be stronger and 'mean' and decisive about getting rid of stuff.
This past week has been extremely tiring, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, the works. It feels so long ago that we went to N+N's place for potjiekos (it was Friday evening!!), and then Saturday we... tidied up (had flat-viewers in the afternoon, with a visit from the owners of our unit), and went shopping. Sunday we went through to HBay to join Pop in celebrating his birthday. We borrowed his Woodstock and Isle of Wight festival DVDs. So far we've watched Woodstock and WOW... I can't believe it happened. 3+ days of it... I don't think I'd have survived... but I spose you wouldn't know for sure unless you were in that situation. But still. Hectic!
There are 75 days left til we jet off! G has 11 more working days. Crazy. What's weird is that we're already having people come and look at the place - we aren't out yet...! I know we aren't like, SPESHIL or anything, but still, it feels now, for REAL, that we're going. We're being replaced, as tenants... that feels weird. I guess I should start looking at places to rent in Brisbane, what'll feel weird there is looking at the listings and thinking that we will be (soon) using the 'contact the agent button!
Ok, I really could do with a new laptop. One that can handle firefox RSS thingie updating WITHOUT affecting something like blog-post composition. The typing 'lags'. Gughhh... so irritating.
I think that's all I can think of for now. Dude's my cute Dudelpudel. Love him to bits. G is my G. Love him to bits too.
That's all for now!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Where?
If this is not a place where tears are understood,
where can I go to cry?
If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing,
where can I go to fly?
If this is not a place where my questions can be asked,
where can I go to seek?
If this is not a place where my heart cries can be heard,
where can I go to speak?
If this is not a place where my spirit can take wing,
where can I go to fly?
-- Unknown
Monday, November 01, 2010
Significance
Today, we have 90 days 'til we fly. And tomorrow we will have been married for 2 years.
Time flies!
Yesterday morning we met up for coffee with some people from the forum, and it was nice to chat to people in a similar kind of boat to us. I think the majority of us (+-15) are 'on our way' (got visas) but it was still interesting to hear other people's stories. It's also unusual to actually go into a bit of detail about our Aus plans, explaining what we intend doing there, because most of the people we usually talk to (friends/family) don't really know the ins and outs of the migration 'process' so we kinda simplify our 'updates' to save their sanity.
Yesterday afternoon we spent a bit of time shopping at the mall we met up at for coffee, getting goodies for tomorrow. We chilled the rest of the afternoon and then headed out (after much preparation) to the Halloween party at N & N's place. I wasn't able to be as thorough with my costume as I'd intended, but I managed well enough and 'lurched' in the doorway to much gasps and laughter when we arrived. Once the obligatory pictures are up and tagged on FB I will gank them and put them up here.
We got to bed pretty late but still had to be up a 'normal' time this morning as we needed to tidy up: the landlady popped in to check out a few things to be fixed. Despite the continuing improvements to the house (which make it nicer and more like a home) on the part of the 'landlords', the fact that we have only 2 months left in this place (aw, boo!) makes me feel very unrooted now. I've been slack with the whole sorting thing, but one can only manage so much in one go, so this coming week I should be able to fully throw myself into it again. Gotta get stuck into it!
This time period is also the beginning of the closing... giving notice to medical aid and ISP etc etc etc. It all starts now!
G's work finishes end of November. It'll be his turn to cull his stuff soon. Hopefully by then I'd be finished. Ok that makes it sound like I have LOADS of stuff, but it's just that I'd probably re-assess what I've got once or twice more.
Tomorrow the 'alarm-wires' guy is coming to see what all he needs to do. We got the new windows etc done in May, and yes, it's been that long without a working alarm system! It hit me last week that I'm sitting at home these days, all by myself, and there are no working panic buttons. Not great. So he's coming tomorrow and might also actually rewire the whole thing straight away.
Just in case there's any curiosity about how uninspired my blogposts are these days, it's because I usually open up the 'compose blogpost' page when I get an idea, and by the time I actually get to typing (hours later), I've lost my inspiration. So these days my blogposts don't seem to have much direction LOL. This time my distraction was looking at old school photos on Facebook. I don't feel very much as if I've grown up or changed as much as everyone else. I still kinda feel the same... but in other ways I feel completely removed from those times. I guess it's a good thing.
I don't want to start a cycle of contemplation *now*, on top of this whole emigration thing, but I think once things are settled again, I want to study a bit further. I don't know what, but I'd like to broaden my horizons. If nothing else, I'd like to take classes and learn something non-work-related.
On that note, I'll say au revoir, ciao for niao, etc.
Time flies!
Yesterday morning we met up for coffee with some people from the forum, and it was nice to chat to people in a similar kind of boat to us. I think the majority of us (+-15) are 'on our way' (got visas) but it was still interesting to hear other people's stories. It's also unusual to actually go into a bit of detail about our Aus plans, explaining what we intend doing there, because most of the people we usually talk to (friends/family) don't really know the ins and outs of the migration 'process' so we kinda simplify our 'updates' to save their sanity.
Yesterday afternoon we spent a bit of time shopping at the mall we met up at for coffee, getting goodies for tomorrow. We chilled the rest of the afternoon and then headed out (after much preparation) to the Halloween party at N & N's place. I wasn't able to be as thorough with my costume as I'd intended, but I managed well enough and 'lurched' in the doorway to much gasps and laughter when we arrived. Once the obligatory pictures are up and tagged on FB I will gank them and put them up here.
We got to bed pretty late but still had to be up a 'normal' time this morning as we needed to tidy up: the landlady popped in to check out a few things to be fixed. Despite the continuing improvements to the house (which make it nicer and more like a home) on the part of the 'landlords', the fact that we have only 2 months left in this place (aw, boo!) makes me feel very unrooted now. I've been slack with the whole sorting thing, but one can only manage so much in one go, so this coming week I should be able to fully throw myself into it again. Gotta get stuck into it!
This time period is also the beginning of the closing... giving notice to medical aid and ISP etc etc etc. It all starts now!
G's work finishes end of November. It'll be his turn to cull his stuff soon. Hopefully by then I'd be finished. Ok that makes it sound like I have LOADS of stuff, but it's just that I'd probably re-assess what I've got once or twice more.
Tomorrow the 'alarm-wires' guy is coming to see what all he needs to do. We got the new windows etc done in May, and yes, it's been that long without a working alarm system! It hit me last week that I'm sitting at home these days, all by myself, and there are no working panic buttons. Not great. So he's coming tomorrow and might also actually rewire the whole thing straight away.
Just in case there's any curiosity about how uninspired my blogposts are these days, it's because I usually open up the 'compose blogpost' page when I get an idea, and by the time I actually get to typing (hours later), I've lost my inspiration. So these days my blogposts don't seem to have much direction LOL. This time my distraction was looking at old school photos on Facebook. I don't feel very much as if I've grown up or changed as much as everyone else. I still kinda feel the same... but in other ways I feel completely removed from those times. I guess it's a good thing.
I don't want to start a cycle of contemplation *now*, on top of this whole emigration thing, but I think once things are settled again, I want to study a bit further. I don't know what, but I'd like to broaden my horizons. If nothing else, I'd like to take classes and learn something non-work-related.
On that note, I'll say au revoir, ciao for niao, etc.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Summer is definitely at the door!
I'm wearing slipslops (flipflops/thongs), and a short-sleeve tshirt. Now you KNOW summer's just about here.
Taking it easy, taking my time, enjoying the sorting process for now. Dug out the stash of stuff from the wedding/honeymoon - all the slips and receipts and pamphlets and business cards. I've still got the scrapbook to do, so I'm keeping that stuff. Got a few Bride magazines for extra bits'n'pieces to use in the scrapbook. Funny, though, how people who were at the wedding have disappeared into thin air. That includes both bridesmaids. Puts a bit of a damper on the enjoyment of looking at the wedding pics etc, and makes me wonder what happened. Do we smell bad? Did I not express my gratitude in a 'socially required' manner to them for being my bridesmaids? Is wanting to actually spend time with them a bad thing? No clue... all I know is that 1 isn't even a friend on Facebook anymore, and the other isn't very close either. What happened to cross-stitch-a-thons, etc? I understand life goes on (for the friends who were at the wedding who have fallen off the radar), and I suppose more isn't expected from friends who happen to be bridesmaids, but still. If I'd known how inconsequential it would be, I would have walked alone down the aisle and our guest-list would have been halved. I think it's taken a long time for me to 'get round' to thinking these thoughts. But there it is. If I have some major personality flaw, it'd be nice to actually be made aware of it. If people give no feedback, there's nothing to go on.
Ok, now that the navel-gazing is done, on to happy things: the weather is perfect today, after lovely-but-for-the-galeforce-wind weather we've been having lately. The wind gives me terrible hayfever, which is an added annoyance on top of the psychological irritation of constant noise/movement/disturbance the wind causes.
I think, for my part, sorting is nearly done. I will probably go through all of my stuff once or twice more, but apart from that I think I'm nearly done - just have to go through the paper portion of my stuff, which I've been dreading due to allergies. Paper is my downfall!!
This post is very rambly, but at least it's an update.
Saturday we're going for a meet-up with forumites from the SA/Aus forum, then Saturday evening it's HALLOWEEN PARTY time!! I'm going to go as a mummy - I need to get an old sheet or 2 from somewhere, to rip up and make my rags, but I have the under-clothes ready. Watch this space!
Taking it easy, taking my time, enjoying the sorting process for now. Dug out the stash of stuff from the wedding/honeymoon - all the slips and receipts and pamphlets and business cards. I've still got the scrapbook to do, so I'm keeping that stuff. Got a few Bride magazines for extra bits'n'pieces to use in the scrapbook. Funny, though, how people who were at the wedding have disappeared into thin air. That includes both bridesmaids. Puts a bit of a damper on the enjoyment of looking at the wedding pics etc, and makes me wonder what happened. Do we smell bad? Did I not express my gratitude in a 'socially required' manner to them for being my bridesmaids? Is wanting to actually spend time with them a bad thing? No clue... all I know is that 1 isn't even a friend on Facebook anymore, and the other isn't very close either. What happened to cross-stitch-a-thons, etc? I understand life goes on (for the friends who were at the wedding who have fallen off the radar), and I suppose more isn't expected from friends who happen to be bridesmaids, but still. If I'd known how inconsequential it would be, I would have walked alone down the aisle and our guest-list would have been halved. I think it's taken a long time for me to 'get round' to thinking these thoughts. But there it is. If I have some major personality flaw, it'd be nice to actually be made aware of it. If people give no feedback, there's nothing to go on.
Ok, now that the navel-gazing is done, on to happy things: the weather is perfect today, after lovely-but-for-the-galeforce-wind weather we've been having lately. The wind gives me terrible hayfever, which is an added annoyance on top of the psychological irritation of constant noise/movement/disturbance the wind causes.
I think, for my part, sorting is nearly done. I will probably go through all of my stuff once or twice more, but apart from that I think I'm nearly done - just have to go through the paper portion of my stuff, which I've been dreading due to allergies. Paper is my downfall!!
This post is very rambly, but at least it's an update.
Saturday we're going for a meet-up with forumites from the SA/Aus forum, then Saturday evening it's HALLOWEEN PARTY time!! I'm going to go as a mummy - I need to get an old sheet or 2 from somewhere, to rip up and make my rags, but I have the under-clothes ready. Watch this space!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Workweek
This week is nearly over. I've racked up 41 hours.
There are 99 days left until we fly.
That's just over 3 months...
That's crazy.
Our stuff's probably going to be shipped out (or at least removed) at the end of December... which leaves us with a month+ 'camping out'. On the one hand it'll be nice to live lightly, as we're hopefully going to slot in as extra members of the household at G's parents' place... but on the other hand, it's going to be weird living out of suitcases for that long.
We're going to have to think very carefully about what all we'll need in that month+, with extra consideration given to the fact that whatever we keep with us will also need to travel with us as luggage. Our limit is 25kg of checked-in luggage, and most of that will probably be things like chargers/cords, etc for stuff like phones/camera/etc and clothes - don't know what else will be staying with us. I just hope our stuff will be alright, both in the container (it'll be a shared container) and in the hold... and of course in our hand-luggage too...
I'm starting to feel anxious already!!
Thankfully this week is just about done and I'll be able to launch into sorting and culling again.
Sadly, a few things have had to be 'damaged' in order to quarantine-proof them: we have a beaded parrot-on-swing ornament which had a twig as the perch. I had to dispose of that, as well as a y-twig which was the 'frame' of a suncatcher. It had a bughole in the bark which I picked at and uncovered the fact that a large portion of the twig's mass was simply powder. Quarantine would not like that, so I'll have to find a y-shaped twig in Aus and use it in the original's place.
I think I'll wrap up this blogpost and leave it as is: just a short pop-in to say WHAZuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup!!
There are 99 days left until we fly.
That's just over 3 months...
That's crazy.
Our stuff's probably going to be shipped out (or at least removed) at the end of December... which leaves us with a month+ 'camping out'. On the one hand it'll be nice to live lightly, as we're hopefully going to slot in as extra members of the household at G's parents' place... but on the other hand, it's going to be weird living out of suitcases for that long.
We're going to have to think very carefully about what all we'll need in that month+, with extra consideration given to the fact that whatever we keep with us will also need to travel with us as luggage. Our limit is 25kg of checked-in luggage, and most of that will probably be things like chargers/cords, etc for stuff like phones/camera/etc and clothes - don't know what else will be staying with us. I just hope our stuff will be alright, both in the container (it'll be a shared container) and in the hold... and of course in our hand-luggage too...
I'm starting to feel anxious already!!
Thankfully this week is just about done and I'll be able to launch into sorting and culling again.
Sadly, a few things have had to be 'damaged' in order to quarantine-proof them: we have a beaded parrot-on-swing ornament which had a twig as the perch. I had to dispose of that, as well as a y-twig which was the 'frame' of a suncatcher. It had a bughole in the bark which I picked at and uncovered the fact that a large portion of the twig's mass was simply powder. Quarantine would not like that, so I'll have to find a y-shaped twig in Aus and use it in the original's place.
I think I'll wrap up this blogpost and leave it as is: just a short pop-in to say WHAZuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Work tomorrow
Friday afternoon, Hbbm phoned me to ask whether I could work on Monday + Tuesday as well, except as receptionist.
So I have work tomorrow, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and possibly Friday. And, despite the fact that I'll be getting very much needed 'pocketmoney', I feel so turned off about it.
I think, generally, I am experiencing a difficult time. I don't care if I seem emo in writing that, but I feel pretty down at times, and for a mishmash multitude of reasons. This whole move thing is WELLWHADDYAKNOW... a first. Uncovering all of my stuff has been enjoyable, but at the same time I feel emotional about it. Irritated. Maybe I have PMS... I don't know. I don't think I care.
I'm just so tired. Things tick me off, despite being trivial. For example, the bloody supermarket we buy groceries from OFTEN bloodywell has a lack of bagpackers, so *I* have to pack the damn shopping bags...
Ok, maybe in other countries, they don't employ bagpackers, or the cashier has to pack the bags, or whatever, but here, in SA, there are (usually/supposed to be) bag packers.
Now, taking it IMpersonally (not getting butt-hurt about it, like WOE-IS-ME, I'm better than to pack my OWN bags), it is negative from a CUSTOMER-EXPERIENCE point of view: if some days you have your bags packed for you, and then you arrive at the shop with the (positive/happy) expectation of this service on other days, the fact that not only is there no bagpacker but YOU have to pack the bag, causes unfulfilled expectation which leads to frustration and a negative conclusion to the otherwise positive or neutral impression of the shop.
BAHFUCKIT... pointless blogpost, whatever.
I'm just completely tired and lethargic now. I think I need happy pills.
I still hate the bitch neighbour next door.
So I have work tomorrow, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and possibly Friday. And, despite the fact that I'll be getting very much needed 'pocketmoney', I feel so turned off about it.
I think, generally, I am experiencing a difficult time. I don't care if I seem emo in writing that, but I feel pretty down at times, and for a mishmash multitude of reasons. This whole move thing is WELLWHADDYAKNOW... a first. Uncovering all of my stuff has been enjoyable, but at the same time I feel emotional about it. Irritated. Maybe I have PMS... I don't know. I don't think I care.
I'm just so tired. Things tick me off, despite being trivial. For example, the bloody supermarket we buy groceries from OFTEN bloodywell has a lack of bagpackers, so *I* have to pack the damn shopping bags...
Ok, maybe in other countries, they don't employ bagpackers, or the cashier has to pack the bags, or whatever, but here, in SA, there are (usually/supposed to be) bag packers.
Now, taking it IMpersonally (not getting butt-hurt about it, like WOE-IS-ME, I'm better than to pack my OWN bags), it is negative from a CUSTOMER-EXPERIENCE point of view: if some days you have your bags packed for you, and then you arrive at the shop with the (positive/happy) expectation of this service on other days, the fact that not only is there no bagpacker but YOU have to pack the bag, causes unfulfilled expectation which leads to frustration and a negative conclusion to the otherwise positive or neutral impression of the shop.
BAHFUCKIT... pointless blogpost, whatever.
I'm just completely tired and lethargic now. I think I need happy pills.
I still hate the bitch neighbour next door.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
My car collection
This is my collection of dinky and other metal cars. Quite a few, I reckon. And no, none are for sale!!
I just hope the moving company packs them all carefully - some have bits and bobs which are supposed to be attached but have either broken off or come loose from use.
This pre-move packing and sorting is rather therapeutic!!
Blahpdate
Supposed to be 'blah-update'... but.. blah... nvm!
I've been progressing with the sorting/culling/consolidation of my stuff, but it's very slow. It's surprising how intertwined this stuff is - how mixed up together it is, so part of the process involves categorising stuff. Only once that's done is it possible to decide what to keep.
I only wish that we had a spare room (the study is full of books, etc), to stash these 'prepared' boxes in the interim. At present they're parked around the lounge. I have a feeling that all my goodies (except for books and clothes, etc) are going to be brought down to the lounge to be sorted/consolidated/culled. Boy are we going to have a full lounge! Maybe once I'm done (and my boxes are parked in the lounge), G will do his lot, and we can then repack the stuff into the study, ready for the movers. It's weird how empty and sterile the place becomes when ornaments and decorations (dreamcatcher, for example) are removed.
Our washmachine was fetched on 1 Oct, and (praise the lawdylawd!) it's being delivered tomorrow, 14 Oct. That's a long time to go without a washmachine. We did do *some* laundry - G took a batch to his parents to wash and bring home damp so that it could be hung on our clothes-horses - but there's quite a backlog. We're (or at least *I* am) reaching the bottom of the proverbial barrel, so I'm really looking forward to having a pick of clothing again. The downside is that it's going to take a number of days to do all the backlogged washing as it's all gotta be clothes-horsed, which takes a day/2 days to dry. Ah well at least I'm home so I can do it in the mornings and forget about it for the rest of the day!
I got a missed-call from HBBM earlier, so I called him back. I remembered that the co. uses a cell-phone routing company to save them $ on cellphone calls, which includes a service where employees' cellphone numbers are recorded and when they call in to the office from their cellphones, the router calls them back, saving them the cost of the call (the co. pays for the call). So I 'phoned him back' LOL. Anyway, long story short, he just wanted to 'warn me in advance' that he's going to need me to come in on Wednesday & Thursday next week. The pay rate isn't MUCH better than what I was getting, but I really think that if I were to try and barter, they'd say 'forget it' and hand the work on to the typist. I WOULD actually like the extra pocket money... maybe if he needs me again at a later stage I can say 'actually, I'm wanting a better rate, plskthx'.
Friday evening, Sis & M and I are going out for a girls night. Going to eat out and then might hit the town and have a coupla drinks. I'm going to be staying over with Sis at the house she's housesitting, G will fetch me the next morning from Sis's work... then on to the next event:
Saturday is G's cousin's 'amazing race' style birthday party. G & I are going to be the roving camera car, to record bits and pieces of the day. Sounds like it's going to be fun!
Sunday will probably be a day of relaxation. If the weather's nice, we might braai...
But for now, it's time to sleeeeeeeeeeeep!
I've been progressing with the sorting/culling/consolidation of my stuff, but it's very slow. It's surprising how intertwined this stuff is - how mixed up together it is, so part of the process involves categorising stuff. Only once that's done is it possible to decide what to keep.
I only wish that we had a spare room (the study is full of books, etc), to stash these 'prepared' boxes in the interim. At present they're parked around the lounge. I have a feeling that all my goodies (except for books and clothes, etc) are going to be brought down to the lounge to be sorted/consolidated/culled. Boy are we going to have a full lounge! Maybe once I'm done (and my boxes are parked in the lounge), G will do his lot, and we can then repack the stuff into the study, ready for the movers. It's weird how empty and sterile the place becomes when ornaments and decorations (dreamcatcher, for example) are removed.
Our washmachine was fetched on 1 Oct, and (praise the lawdylawd!) it's being delivered tomorrow, 14 Oct. That's a long time to go without a washmachine. We did do *some* laundry - G took a batch to his parents to wash and bring home damp so that it could be hung on our clothes-horses - but there's quite a backlog. We're (or at least *I* am) reaching the bottom of the proverbial barrel, so I'm really looking forward to having a pick of clothing again. The downside is that it's going to take a number of days to do all the backlogged washing as it's all gotta be clothes-horsed, which takes a day/2 days to dry. Ah well at least I'm home so I can do it in the mornings and forget about it for the rest of the day!
I got a missed-call from HBBM earlier, so I called him back. I remembered that the co. uses a cell-phone routing company to save them $ on cellphone calls, which includes a service where employees' cellphone numbers are recorded and when they call in to the office from their cellphones, the router calls them back, saving them the cost of the call (the co. pays for the call). So I 'phoned him back' LOL. Anyway, long story short, he just wanted to 'warn me in advance' that he's going to need me to come in on Wednesday & Thursday next week. The pay rate isn't MUCH better than what I was getting, but I really think that if I were to try and barter, they'd say 'forget it' and hand the work on to the typist. I WOULD actually like the extra pocket money... maybe if he needs me again at a later stage I can say 'actually, I'm wanting a better rate, plskthx'.
Friday evening, Sis & M and I are going out for a girls night. Going to eat out and then might hit the town and have a coupla drinks. I'm going to be staying over with Sis at the house she's housesitting, G will fetch me the next morning from Sis's work... then on to the next event:
Saturday is G's cousin's 'amazing race' style birthday party. G & I are going to be the roving camera car, to record bits and pieces of the day. Sounds like it's going to be fun!
Sunday will probably be a day of relaxation. If the weather's nice, we might braai...
But for now, it's time to sleeeeeeeeeeeep!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Junk sorting/cleaning/culling...
The only ornament-y things left are my Breyer and Julip horses, 3 suncatchers and 3 wooden handcrafted things (a mini chest of drawers, the compartment house and a picture frame)... so I'm on a roll here!
Apart from this whole batch of 'trinkets' there are also: box of toy cars, box of toy animals (farm animals/horses/etc - never been sorted, so...), teddies, cross-stitch stuff, stationery, cards & letters, coins/notes/stamps collection... oh and of course, clothes/makeup/hair accessories, not forgetting books and CDs etc.
Sheesh!!
That's pretty much all my stuff though. I'm certain that once I've selected stuff, I'll go through it all again and refine the selection a few times. We have time, but I'm glad I've made a start. Plus it's been nice to 'rediscover' things. Not forgotten things, just things put into the background of my life.
To be continued...
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Smog Log
The weather's been exceptionally warm and hazy lately, here's a pic of the smog log visible from our upstairs windows...
Monday, October 04, 2010
First up:
I'm not completely "happy" with my blog as yet - the layout, colours, etc. It looks a bit unsophisticated. Well, how about that! Someone who uses the f-word a lot in her blog, wanting a sophisticated blog-look? ROFLMAO etc X-D
I suspect (hope?) that my R-rating will drop now that work is over, and my irritation-button will be less frequently utilised... it still currently feels as if I am on leave though. I think what is helping is the fact that summer is definitely on its way, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the extra light in the day. Not simply day-light hours-wise but also the brightness of the light. It's FULL-ON! Yippee!!
Eish, this blog composer thing is buggy. Not too impressed with it (still), but *shrug*, will deal.
We bought a Weber yesterday. Spur of the moment thing, in a sense. We've been aware of serious lack of braai (barbecue) in our lives, and on Saturday when we went grocery shopping, I saw the shop's ad-pamphlet with a Weber for R900. Thought it might be good to check out price comparisons between SA and Aus, and so yesterday morning I Googled. The R900 one (as super-cheaply priced versions often are) is a 'lesser' model, so I searched for pricing for a mid-range one. Cheaper, at the currently on-special price than in Aus, by quite a bit. So we raced out to the shops and picked up a braai! Bought some briquets and fire-lighters, need to assemble the braai and then voila! We shall have a braai.
Apparently we will have to clean this thing insanely thoroughly, and make it look as if it's older than 1 year, but I'm sure we'll manage. Our stuff generally is clean (we aren't rough with our stuff by any means), so if customs wants to judge our stuff and bill us for everything, eish we won't be pleased!
On that front, I have yet to start with everything I've been meaning to do. OK OK OK! Give me a break here, it's my 1st day off from work! Friday doesn't count because it was Freedom Day (Kit's Day). I need to clean the fishtank first, then I can sit down and take stock of what to do. First up, I think, is scanning the odds and ends Mom has lent me - papers from Dad's keepsakes: letters and notes and notices and circulars regarding his parade duty during WW2. I've asked her to keep looking, as there are (somewhere!) school reports and things, including a parking fine of R1 apparently! I'm keen to scan them. I couldn't take them with us to Aus, but at least I'd have a record of them.
There are under 120 days until we fly. We went to Singapore Airlines to 'show' them G's credit card (it expires before we fly), and managed to get an extra 5kg each, due to our flights being one way because of our emigration. Yippee!!
I think I'm going to wash my hair now (long hair takes long to dry and it's SUNNY! Yay!), then I'm going to dig out the scanner and start! Or should I clean the fishtank first...
Watch this space!
I suspect (hope?) that my R-rating will drop now that work is over, and my irritation-button will be less frequently utilised... it still currently feels as if I am on leave though. I think what is helping is the fact that summer is definitely on its way, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the extra light in the day. Not simply day-light hours-wise but also the brightness of the light. It's FULL-ON! Yippee!!
Eish, this blog composer thing is buggy. Not too impressed with it (still), but *shrug*, will deal.
We bought a Weber yesterday. Spur of the moment thing, in a sense. We've been aware of serious lack of braai (barbecue) in our lives, and on Saturday when we went grocery shopping, I saw the shop's ad-pamphlet with a Weber for R900. Thought it might be good to check out price comparisons between SA and Aus, and so yesterday morning I Googled. The R900 one (as super-cheaply priced versions often are) is a 'lesser' model, so I searched for pricing for a mid-range one. Cheaper, at the currently on-special price than in Aus, by quite a bit. So we raced out to the shops and picked up a braai! Bought some briquets and fire-lighters, need to assemble the braai and then voila! We shall have a braai.
Apparently we will have to clean this thing insanely thoroughly, and make it look as if it's older than 1 year, but I'm sure we'll manage. Our stuff generally is clean (we aren't rough with our stuff by any means), so if customs wants to judge our stuff and bill us for everything, eish we won't be pleased!
On that front, I have yet to start with everything I've been meaning to do. OK OK OK! Give me a break here, it's my 1st day off from work! Friday doesn't count because it was Freedom Day (Kit's Day). I need to clean the fishtank first, then I can sit down and take stock of what to do. First up, I think, is scanning the odds and ends Mom has lent me - papers from Dad's keepsakes: letters and notes and notices and circulars regarding his parade duty during WW2. I've asked her to keep looking, as there are (somewhere!) school reports and things, including a parking fine of R1 apparently! I'm keen to scan them. I couldn't take them with us to Aus, but at least I'd have a record of them.
There are under 120 days until we fly. We went to Singapore Airlines to 'show' them G's credit card (it expires before we fly), and managed to get an extra 5kg each, due to our flights being one way because of our emigration. Yippee!!
I think I'm going to wash my hair now (long hair takes long to dry and it's SUNNY! Yay!), then I'm going to dig out the scanner and start! Or should I clean the fishtank first...
Watch this space!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Today is The Day!!
This morning first thing G and I went to the shops to buy cake...
People at the co generally, lately, haven't been bringing cake/eats on their last day, but on the other hand, there haven't been any 'collections' going around to give the person leaving a gift (this is according to the typist). I thought I may as well leave on a good note so brought cake.
I am wearing 'civvies' too... to make a change from the USUAL boring dull work clothes I wear (or WORE).
Today feels festive, in a 'long weekend' or 'school holidays' way... not in a THIS IS MY LAST DAY HERE (OFFICIALLY) EVARRRRRRRRRR way. 'Officially' is the important word here, because one of the directors came to say 'good morning for the last time', and said I must please leave my details because they might call on me if there's a crisis (read: receptionist goes awol), they'd offer an hourly rate etc... so I may well be here a coupla days outside of the time HBBM needs me (it's looking like it'll be a week or 2). I think it'll feel different, and I won't feel as captive and confined as I have always felt here. And, it's extra POCKET MONEY woot!!!!!!
We've been attempting to get quotes from moving companies for our stuff, and it's like pulling hen's teeth... no one seems that interested in getting our custom (read: take our $).
It's a beautiful day outside today. I hope tomorrow will be as beautiful. Really.
There are 121 days left for us! Let the adventure begin... after 17:00 today, at least!
People at the co generally, lately, haven't been bringing cake/eats on their last day, but on the other hand, there haven't been any 'collections' going around to give the person leaving a gift (this is according to the typist). I thought I may as well leave on a good note so brought cake.
I am wearing 'civvies' too... to make a change from the USUAL boring dull work clothes I wear (or WORE).
Today feels festive, in a 'long weekend' or 'school holidays' way... not in a THIS IS MY LAST DAY HERE (OFFICIALLY) EVARRRRRRRRRR way. 'Officially' is the important word here, because one of the directors came to say 'good morning for the last time', and said I must please leave my details because they might call on me if there's a crisis (read: receptionist goes awol), they'd offer an hourly rate etc... so I may well be here a coupla days outside of the time HBBM needs me (it's looking like it'll be a week or 2). I think it'll feel different, and I won't feel as captive and confined as I have always felt here. And, it's extra POCKET MONEY woot!!!!!!
We've been attempting to get quotes from moving companies for our stuff, and it's like pulling hen's teeth... no one seems that interested in getting our custom (read: take our $).
It's a beautiful day outside today. I hope tomorrow will be as beautiful. Really.
There are 121 days left for us! Let the adventure begin... after 17:00 today, at least!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Alright
Ok, weird one, blogger, for offering me the use of the 'new editor' and giving a link to find out more about what's different between the new one and the old one and for having a "the information you requested cannot be found" page for me. Thanks, guys, but YOU OFFERED me the link, so... yah, thanks.
Not sure I'm crazy about this new editor. Anyway, that's not important I guess.
We have 128 days left. Tomorrow we're going to visit Mom+Sis, and then go with Sis to a play in the evening. Saturday Sis, G and I are going to an airshow - too exciting, never been to one before!!
Right now I'm very tired. It's *only* 23:00, which is HARDLY late considering it's a Thursday/Friday night (tomorrow - Friday - is a public holiday), but I'm so moeg you'd swear I'd been studying for exams or something. I think I should get (and TAKE!) a batch of multivitamins.
I officially have 4 working days left. The past few days at work I've been busier than I have been probably the entire month so far. And, because of that, there is a possibility they might ask me to come in for a few days extra to help out with something.
The typist came to me first thing this morning and asked what I'd say if the bosses asked me to work a bit longer, and I basically just scoffed at the idea... she then said that she'd "overheard" HBBM talking to one of the directors about it but she emphasised that hadn't HEARD heard anything, she was just repeating what she 'didn't hear'. Then later on, she mentioned it again, saying she thinks they're seriously considering it... fast forward an hour or two and HBBM mentions it vaguely to me when I ask him when some work I've got (his stuff) is due.
I've been typing up a storm the past few days helping the typist with her pile of 8 contract documents. They're pretty urgent, as these things always (stupidly) are: they were due last week or something... so HBBM says his stuff isn't urgent - it's only for the end of October. It's basically inputting information and printing out valuation reports for 26 buildings, which he said is only 'rushed' because of the fact that I've only got 4 days left. Plus, a new job has come along, with 15 buildings to do valuations for... so that makes 40 buildings needing reports.
This report is done on Lotus (yes, goddamned Lotus 95!), and if I am not there to do them, the accountant (who is busy), who is a Lotus 95 guru (and who I learnt the stuff from), would have to show the typist (who is also busy) how to do them, which is basically too much effort/a big waste and the bosses probably feel it's more worthwhile paying me to come in and do the reports. All I'm thinking of doing at this moment is waiting to be asked OFFICIALLY (HBBM mentioned it in passing - I suppose it depends on how soon the contract documents are finished in my last 4 days), and also it would depend on what they offer.
On the one hand, it's extra moolah, which is OBVIOUSLY most useful right now, what with our whole move and new life coming up. On the other hand, my freedom would be delayed for however long they need me, and also our pre-pack preparation time would be eaten into. Ok, granted, it's probably not going to be a WHOLE MONTH that they'd need me... but still.
I shall wait and see, will keep a watch on how this unfolds.
For now though, it is sleep time.
Not sure I'm crazy about this new editor. Anyway, that's not important I guess.
We have 128 days left. Tomorrow we're going to visit Mom+Sis, and then go with Sis to a play in the evening. Saturday Sis, G and I are going to an airshow - too exciting, never been to one before!!
Right now I'm very tired. It's *only* 23:00, which is HARDLY late considering it's a Thursday/Friday night (tomorrow - Friday - is a public holiday), but I'm so moeg you'd swear I'd been studying for exams or something. I think I should get (and TAKE!) a batch of multivitamins.
I officially have 4 working days left. The past few days at work I've been busier than I have been probably the entire month so far. And, because of that, there is a possibility they might ask me to come in for a few days extra to help out with something.
The typist came to me first thing this morning and asked what I'd say if the bosses asked me to work a bit longer, and I basically just scoffed at the idea... she then said that she'd "overheard" HBBM talking to one of the directors about it but she emphasised that hadn't HEARD heard anything, she was just repeating what she 'didn't hear'. Then later on, she mentioned it again, saying she thinks they're seriously considering it... fast forward an hour or two and HBBM mentions it vaguely to me when I ask him when some work I've got (his stuff) is due.
I've been typing up a storm the past few days helping the typist with her pile of 8 contract documents. They're pretty urgent, as these things always (stupidly) are: they were due last week or something... so HBBM says his stuff isn't urgent - it's only for the end of October. It's basically inputting information and printing out valuation reports for 26 buildings, which he said is only 'rushed' because of the fact that I've only got 4 days left. Plus, a new job has come along, with 15 buildings to do valuations for... so that makes 40 buildings needing reports.
This report is done on Lotus (yes, goddamned Lotus 95!), and if I am not there to do them, the accountant (who is busy), who is a Lotus 95 guru (and who I learnt the stuff from), would have to show the typist (who is also busy) how to do them, which is basically too much effort/a big waste and the bosses probably feel it's more worthwhile paying me to come in and do the reports. All I'm thinking of doing at this moment is waiting to be asked OFFICIALLY (HBBM mentioned it in passing - I suppose it depends on how soon the contract documents are finished in my last 4 days), and also it would depend on what they offer.
On the one hand, it's extra moolah, which is OBVIOUSLY most useful right now, what with our whole move and new life coming up. On the other hand, my freedom would be delayed for however long they need me, and also our pre-pack preparation time would be eaten into. Ok, granted, it's probably not going to be a WHOLE MONTH that they'd need me... but still.
I shall wait and see, will keep a watch on how this unfolds.
For now though, it is sleep time.
Emus...
known to be curious animals, and are known to approach humans if they see movement of a limb or a piece of clothing. They are also known to follow and observe humans in the wild. Sometimes they also poke other animals and then run away after drawing a reaction, as though they are playing a game.
* quoted directly from Wikipedia's page on the Emu.
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