Right now I am living in the shadow of the Rock – Uluru. And I mean literally, not figuratively! I step outside and see Ayers Rock! How many people actually do this?? Excitement plus!
Mel and Elle came to visit us in Alice Springs for 5 days... and it rained... for 4 days out of the 5 that they were here. DAMN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wanted to show Mel and Elle such a good time, and it rained and rained and rained. At least (and this is a very minimal ‘at least’) Mel got to see the Rock as only 9% of people get to see it – with waterfalls on it! Little Elle, so cute, she so totally looks like Shiloh (Brad and Angelina’s daughter!)
The day after Mel left, we were staying at Amanda’s place as I was feeding her cat and Amanda said we could stay at her place (she was in Melb for a week) and that her housemate would not be home until the 28th. Kristy and I had settled in for a good, comfortable night. Picture this... I had done a few loads of washing, wet clothes spread all over the place to dry, some clothes still in the washing machine, a roast chicken (and vegies) were cooking nicely in the oven, a DVD was ready to go in the DVD player, the little heater was on, we had a soggy, soaking wet tent under the carport, our cold food was in the fridge, our breakfast shakes were ready on the counter for tomorrow, Kristy and I in our flannelette PJ’s (mine have blue owls on them!), my hair very fluffy (from a recent shower and I hadn’t bothered to use hair product), our stuff was spread out throughout the unit (as we thought we had a few days to sort through it), I am sipping a wine (of course), listening to the rain pouring down outside, when... all of a sudden... the housemate comes home. Aside from renting a room to Amanda, he used to be (I think) her boss. He also seemed quite arrogant, but he could have been just very tired from being on the road for ages.
To cut a long story short – he did not make us feel very comfortable for being in the unit. He had arrived home early from a tour, with friends, who were going to stay in Amanda’s room (where we were staying!!), and there was really nothing else to do but for us to leave. I was most unimpressed and put out that we had to pack up everything within 30 minutes, tote it all out to the car (in the rain) and drive off into the night, with no fixed idea of where to go! I was very tired, so I did what any self-respecting, tired, cold, hungry (the roast chicken had been thrown in a bowl and put in the back of the van) Leo woman would do – yes, that’s right, I burst into tears. Kristy was really nice to me (as always). She pulled the van over, patted my hand, and we searched on the internet for a cheap place to stay, but there was nothing available.
In the end, i telephoned the caravan park (G’Day Mate Caravan park) where we had previously stayed and they were soooooo nice, and even though they were packed out, they squeezed us in (when we arrived at the caravan park, David – the owner – came out to meet us, and he took one look at me and said, “So, you’ve had a hard night sweetie”). David set us up on a really good site, but still, we spent another hour sorting out the stuff we had thrown in the van (we had to sort it out so we could sleep on the bed in the van!) and then we ate the chicken and vegies, and they cold and not very nice. But at least we were not sleeping on the side of the road (thank you David and Allen at G’Day Mate)!
Did I make that whole story sound fun??? I hope so, because in reality, it wasn’t very fun at all! However it is fun to think about days later!
Finally, the next day, it stopped raining, and so we were able to dry off the tent and really get ourselves organised to head to Yulara, because KRISTY GOT A JOB! Yes, Kristy is working for AAT Kings, with the tour buses. We arrived here yesterday and she started work tonight. It appears that she will be home about 3am this morning! She has texted me, and she sounds like she likes the job, but oh my, she will be tired when she gets back here.
So... what is ‘home’ now? Well, when you work at Yulara, you are given accommodation. We are paying rent, which works out to be $80 per week each, and that includes water and electricity. We are renting in what is called ‘share-share’, as we share a kitchen and bathroom with one other person. We have a small lounge room and bedroom to ourselves – which gives us a good amount of privacy. We have a heater in here, and an airconditioner – essential in the desert! We purchased for ourselves a little TV which has a built in DVD player. Kristy has watched a lot of football since we got here.
Being a resident here (and I am classed as a resident because my partner works here) means we have other entitlements, for eg, the gym is $6.00 a week to join, we get free medical AND free medication, and because it is classed as a remote area, we get free university (I am looking into this tomorrow!). We also get 5% off the cost of groceries at the supermarket (this is not really a big deal, but it is something). There is also the ‘Residents Club’ which offers cheap alcohol and meals (eg, $10 roast on a Sunday).
Last night, we went over to Garry’s apartment. Garry is Kristy’s boss. He invited a number of other people over to meet Kristy and myself, and it became a bit of a party. Garry made home-made bread, and kept dishing out the wine and beer, it was fun to meet people! Everyone was so nice (especially the woman that had stabbed someone 10 years ago, I just looooove stories like that!!). Garry has been living in Yulara for about 9 months, he moved here because he had a brain tumour removed and because of that he realised that he wanted more from his life rather than work work work. He is still working (obviously) up here, but he is no longer running a huge business. It was a big wake up call for him, and though I didn’t know him before the brain tumour, I can honestly say that he looks pretty happy and relaxed now.
Kristy and I went for a walk this morning, I am trying to lose weight before Mel’s wedding in October, so I am gonna walk my ass off. We had the Rock in our view for 90% of the walk. We walked past a couple of guys who were walking their dogs – two dingo’s which were hand-raised from puppies. We came back and Bugs Bunny was sitting on the red earth out the front of our apartment. I have put on two lots of sunscreen today. Is fun being in the desert! I think I will like Yulara, for a while at least, until the next segment of the travels.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
It’s my birthday and I’ll cry if I want to, cry if I want to... yet... I don’t want to... so I won’t! (That song is now stuck in my mind – damn it!)
Is my birthday - has been fab!!!!
Some of you know that it has been a bit stressful this last week, and I thank my dear friends that replied to my ‘venting’ email, or telephoned me to make sure I was okay (just all got on top of me for a bit there). I felt so down, and your kind words and understanding really cheered me up. Sometimes it just all gets too much hey.
This birthday morning started with PRESENTS from Kristy. She is so lovely. I now have a brand new pair of Ray Bans (sunnies), a new bracelet and many pairs of new Bonds underwear (Kristy is obsessed with Bonds undies – at last count she had over 70 pairs. She is banned from buying anymore for herself for at least a month, so she bought me some instead!). Kristy also organised me to have a facial – my first for a really long time! It was sooooooo good! Kristy has gone to a lot of trouble to make sure my birthday has been a good one. What would I do without her??!! She even purchased an additional bracelet, in case I didn’t like the original one she had got for me – how nice is that!!??
Thank you Anita and Mark for the excellent singing card (“Cant touch this) and the money (Yay – the money is going towards a new (and flash and comfortable and back supporting) camp chair (anything will be better than the $7.00 chair I am currently using). Donna, what was that camping chair that you recommend?
Thank you Mumma for the funny card, kind words and Powerball ticket (everyone cross your fingers, and if you really do cross your fingers, and I win, I may just share with you!). Mumma’s card read, “Looking great! Just goes to show that years of clean living...” (and now on the inside of the card) “aren’t really necessary!” Karen, Jake, Peter – you will relate to this!
Thank you Mel for the Snake Venom for my birthday (just to clarify – it is a new type of face moisturizer.. well.. a pre-moisturizer... supposedly very good on wrinkles – I will keep you all updated on if it really does work). For those that know me, yes, any face cream is an excellent present. The snake venom cream may kill me, but at least I will be looking good!
In addition, thank you to the following people for the happy birthday phone calls, text messages and Facebook messages:
• Sharon A – who also sent a card to me via Alice Springs post office – OMG you are a LEGEND!! Thank you thank you thank you!
• Karen – yes, I am the birthday princess!
• Jake –thanks for singing Happy Birthday on my voice mail. I luv you to bits too. Soon it is your day, you big Virgo you!!
• Amanda – and you rang with a job opportunity (perhaps) too! You are def my Alice Springs angel! I hope I get the job!
• Fiona & Karen – you 2 love birds were the first with birthday wishes!
• Ursula – loved the exhibition. Hope your flu gets better. I will remember to breathe deep.
• Josie – you sang Happy Birthday via text – so cute! Can’t believe you remembered!
• Vik – ahh girl, what can I say? You are such an inspiration.
• Wayne & Richard – you guys are the best! Yes, I got very spoilt today.
• Liv & Kim – hope you are enjoying living together, ta for the birthday wishes.
• Jodi – we have a powerful friendship. Talk soon. xx
• Virginia (Ginny) – definitely going to have you cook for me next time we are in town!
Lisa – I am not feeling old, so all ok. Lol.
• Gayle – yes, I feel warm and happy today. TY darl. Would be good to chat soon!
• Sue – loved your birthday wishes, all the way from Hawaii!
• Mandy – I did have a good day. TY again for the chat the other night.
• Margaret & Mark – thanks so much for remembering!! Was lovely to hear from you. See you in October for the wedding!
• Kellie – ta for FB message. Hope the kids are well!
• Suzie & Theo – thanks for singing Happy Birthday via email! When are we seeing you guys up here??? Come on Theo – let’s get organising!
• Craig – I promise I won’t do anything that you wouldn’t (don’t think it leaves me much!!)
• Carole (Dizzy) – it’s been ages, thanks for the birthday message on FB!
• Ra – you are a doll!
• Pete and Trisse – two of my most fav straight people! Well, two of my most fav people in fact! Love that you two are about to get married - can't think of a better, more in-love couple!
• Jodie – Thanks for FB message, and yes, it is a fantastic day.
• Elana – awwww, you lovely woman!
• Morag – so great to hear from you, hope you are well.
• Tony & Holly – all the way over in the UK – lots of hugs.
Also, Laura A (Was LOVELY to meet you - wish you were going to the wedding!!), Deb (such a nice message you left for me on FB!!!! I have touched your life in good way - so much thank you's for that!!), Simon and Michelle - you guys.... OMG - thanks for thinking of me today!
I also have to acknowledge Tania (spinnychick)- you and I have some memories and I am so glad to have you reading the blog. Thank you for your continued comments and good wishes. Big big hugs to you. Am so glad that your life is so full. xxxx
If I have forgotten to acknowledge anyone, I beg your forgiveness. xxxx
It was so bloody lovely to hear from so many people! I love travelling, but sometimes I can feel a bit separated from everyone so thank you all for remembering my birthday. It was like having an electronic birthday party, without presents, food or alcohol. Well... without alcohol for you (I am currently having a glass of vino).
Mel arrives in Alice Springs tomorrow, with Elle, and so have hired a campervan and we are all driving to the rock once they fly in. I want to show them both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon (if there is time) and a little bit of Alice. Unfortunately, the weather predicts rain and thunderstorms for the next few days – ahhhh, what do the weather forecasters know??!! Anyway, whatever, coz we will make the most of it, rain hail or shine (just like the postmen).
News Flash: Kristy passed her H Endorsement Test!! She is almost ready to drive a tourist bus. Just waiting on the Police Check – is taking a while, as these things do.
We will now probably be in Alice Springs, or Uluru (depending where we get work) until December. It will be good to settle here for a while. We will be back in October though, so for those that really, desperately, are-hanging, to catch up with us, now is the time to seriously book it in. I am so sorry to everyone that I didn’t catch up with last time we were in Melbourne, things just got hectic! Kristy and I are very open to comfortable overnight beds, beer/wine and good meals being cooked for us. In return, we will provide scintillating company, and will bore you with photos (did I say ‘bored’, I meant ‘enthral’). Also, we will be minding Elle for about 5 days, so if you don’t mind us arriving with a gorgeous and cute one-year-old, we will be doubly open and happy to seeing you ( Loving kids is a MUST if you want to see us in Oct!).
Can't think of anything else to write, although as soon as I log off I know I will remember something else I should have written!!!
Some of you know that it has been a bit stressful this last week, and I thank my dear friends that replied to my ‘venting’ email, or telephoned me to make sure I was okay (just all got on top of me for a bit there). I felt so down, and your kind words and understanding really cheered me up. Sometimes it just all gets too much hey.
This birthday morning started with PRESENTS from Kristy. She is so lovely. I now have a brand new pair of Ray Bans (sunnies), a new bracelet and many pairs of new Bonds underwear (Kristy is obsessed with Bonds undies – at last count she had over 70 pairs. She is banned from buying anymore for herself for at least a month, so she bought me some instead!). Kristy also organised me to have a facial – my first for a really long time! It was sooooooo good! Kristy has gone to a lot of trouble to make sure my birthday has been a good one. What would I do without her??!! She even purchased an additional bracelet, in case I didn’t like the original one she had got for me – how nice is that!!??
Thank you Anita and Mark for the excellent singing card (“Cant touch this) and the money (Yay – the money is going towards a new (and flash and comfortable and back supporting) camp chair (anything will be better than the $7.00 chair I am currently using). Donna, what was that camping chair that you recommend?
Thank you Mumma for the funny card, kind words and Powerball ticket (everyone cross your fingers, and if you really do cross your fingers, and I win, I may just share with you!). Mumma’s card read, “Looking great! Just goes to show that years of clean living...” (and now on the inside of the card) “aren’t really necessary!” Karen, Jake, Peter – you will relate to this!
Thank you Mel for the Snake Venom for my birthday (just to clarify – it is a new type of face moisturizer.. well.. a pre-moisturizer... supposedly very good on wrinkles – I will keep you all updated on if it really does work). For those that know me, yes, any face cream is an excellent present. The snake venom cream may kill me, but at least I will be looking good!
In addition, thank you to the following people for the happy birthday phone calls, text messages and Facebook messages:
• Sharon A – who also sent a card to me via Alice Springs post office – OMG you are a LEGEND!! Thank you thank you thank you!
• Karen – yes, I am the birthday princess!
• Jake –thanks for singing Happy Birthday on my voice mail. I luv you to bits too. Soon it is your day, you big Virgo you!!
• Amanda – and you rang with a job opportunity (perhaps) too! You are def my Alice Springs angel! I hope I get the job!
• Fiona & Karen – you 2 love birds were the first with birthday wishes!
• Ursula – loved the exhibition. Hope your flu gets better. I will remember to breathe deep.
• Josie – you sang Happy Birthday via text – so cute! Can’t believe you remembered!
• Vik – ahh girl, what can I say? You are such an inspiration.
• Wayne & Richard – you guys are the best! Yes, I got very spoilt today.
• Liv & Kim – hope you are enjoying living together, ta for the birthday wishes.
• Jodi – we have a powerful friendship. Talk soon. xx
• Virginia (Ginny) – definitely going to have you cook for me next time we are in town!
Lisa – I am not feeling old, so all ok. Lol.
• Gayle – yes, I feel warm and happy today. TY darl. Would be good to chat soon!
• Sue – loved your birthday wishes, all the way from Hawaii!
• Mandy – I did have a good day. TY again for the chat the other night.
• Margaret & Mark – thanks so much for remembering!! Was lovely to hear from you. See you in October for the wedding!
• Kellie – ta for FB message. Hope the kids are well!
• Suzie & Theo – thanks for singing Happy Birthday via email! When are we seeing you guys up here??? Come on Theo – let’s get organising!
• Craig – I promise I won’t do anything that you wouldn’t (don’t think it leaves me much!!)
• Carole (Dizzy) – it’s been ages, thanks for the birthday message on FB!
• Ra – you are a doll!
• Pete and Trisse – two of my most fav straight people! Well, two of my most fav people in fact! Love that you two are about to get married - can't think of a better, more in-love couple!
• Jodie – Thanks for FB message, and yes, it is a fantastic day.
• Elana – awwww, you lovely woman!
• Morag – so great to hear from you, hope you are well.
• Tony & Holly – all the way over in the UK – lots of hugs.
Also, Laura A (Was LOVELY to meet you - wish you were going to the wedding!!), Deb (such a nice message you left for me on FB!!!! I have touched your life in good way - so much thank you's for that!!), Simon and Michelle - you guys.... OMG - thanks for thinking of me today!
I also have to acknowledge Tania (spinnychick)- you and I have some memories and I am so glad to have you reading the blog. Thank you for your continued comments and good wishes. Big big hugs to you. Am so glad that your life is so full. xxxx
If I have forgotten to acknowledge anyone, I beg your forgiveness. xxxx
It was so bloody lovely to hear from so many people! I love travelling, but sometimes I can feel a bit separated from everyone so thank you all for remembering my birthday. It was like having an electronic birthday party, without presents, food or alcohol. Well... without alcohol for you (I am currently having a glass of vino).
Mel arrives in Alice Springs tomorrow, with Elle, and so have hired a campervan and we are all driving to the rock once they fly in. I want to show them both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon (if there is time) and a little bit of Alice. Unfortunately, the weather predicts rain and thunderstorms for the next few days – ahhhh, what do the weather forecasters know??!! Anyway, whatever, coz we will make the most of it, rain hail or shine (just like the postmen).
News Flash: Kristy passed her H Endorsement Test!! She is almost ready to drive a tourist bus. Just waiting on the Police Check – is taking a while, as these things do.
We will now probably be in Alice Springs, or Uluru (depending where we get work) until December. It will be good to settle here for a while. We will be back in October though, so for those that really, desperately, are-hanging, to catch up with us, now is the time to seriously book it in. I am so sorry to everyone that I didn’t catch up with last time we were in Melbourne, things just got hectic! Kristy and I are very open to comfortable overnight beds, beer/wine and good meals being cooked for us. In return, we will provide scintillating company, and will bore you with photos (did I say ‘bored’, I meant ‘enthral’). Also, we will be minding Elle for about 5 days, so if you don’t mind us arriving with a gorgeous and cute one-year-old, we will be doubly open and happy to seeing you ( Loving kids is a MUST if you want to see us in Oct!).
Can't think of anything else to write, although as soon as I log off I know I will remember something else I should have written!!!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Elllllllllle – we are coming... see you tomorrow!!!!
Wednesday 11th August. We leave for Adelaide tomorrow. I am so excited about seeing Mel and Elle, but sad to leave my Mumma. Kristy, Mumma and I played cards tonight. Kristy lost (she was NOT happy). The game went until after 11.30pm – neither my mumma or Kristy would give in!!
Monday and Tuesday nights we stayed at Kristy’s parents’ house, and this is where I witnessed the source of Kristy’s competitiveness. Yes...Mark... it is YOU! Kristy and her Dad (Mark) are like two peas in a pod, both on the Nintendo Wii, both aggressively wanting to beat each other!!! It was very interesting for Anita and I to watch. I didn’t really compete, didn’t see the point when I had no chance of beating either of them. I figure... it is not real bowling anyway (I know, I know, I am only saying that because I am hopeless at the game!!).
The wedding (Dave and Sarah) was lovely. No one noticed that I had an intensely bandaged thumb (if they did notice, then they didn’t say anything). Sarah had the most beautiful dress, and Dave almost cried – ahh weddings. Kristy took a truckload of photos (check them out on Facebook). It was so nice to see everyone. Kristy looked gorgeous. Due to a major mistake with trying to book a hotel room (my mistake, and an expensive one!!) Kristy and I had to catch public transport to and from the wedding – it added nearly an hour and half each side of the wedding. Luckily I am used to PT and lucky there wasn’t any naughty people on the late train coming back from the wedding. Also, lucky for me (is it luck, or was it just forward planning??!!) that in my handbag I had squished a pair of ballet slipper type shoes, so I could take off the high heels and slip my feet into something more comfortable when I was walking and using the PT!! Yes, Linda CAN be organised sometimes!
Kristy and I have also been to see Ursula’s solo exhibition – it was AMAZING!! I feel honoured to know such a talented artist! Go Urs, Ms Shebear!
I have spoken to my darling Jake a couple of times, she is now out of hospital and doing quite well and the surgery was a success. My Jake, I think of her every single day.
On Sunday night I saw a few people for dinner and it was soooooo nice. I didn’t realise I would miss my friends so much when I started travelling, I mean, I knew I would miss them, but didn’t realise it would be so much. I crave for news from home, the goings-ons, the ups and downs, the boring bits, the new bits, the sad bits, crazy bits, right bits and wrong bits – everything!! And just seeing familiar faces. Each time someone else arrived on Sunday night, I just wanted to cry. So... to the following people who came on Sunday night... I thank you... I know it was an effort to come out on a school night, and I don’t think that any of you know how much it meant to me to see your faces. And I THANK YOU big time:
• Jodi
• Fiona and Karen
• Suzie and Theo
• Peter and Trisse
• Leonie
• Helen L
• Karen Minns
• Normie
• Shelley
• Gayle
You guys rock!!!!! I know I really didn’t get ‘quality’ time with any of you, however, just seeing your faces was so great for me.
For those of you that I wasn’t able to catch up with on Sunday night, then maybe next time – it would be lovely to see everyone next time I am here, and I will try to plan it better, making time for more people (especially you Virginia!!).
My birthday is coming up, on the 19th August. Another year finishing, another year beginning. I will be back in Alice Springs for my birthday. K is planning to make it a lovely day for me – she is such a good girl! I feel a bit sad that I won’t be with family and friends to celebrate, but I feel glad that I will be somewhere warm (hope I haven’t just mozzed myself and it turns out to be the coldest day in Alice Springs since forever!). Mel and Elle are coming to Alice on the 20th, and that will be something to look forward to, whether my birthday is hot or cold!
Thoughts, thoughts, a word on thoughts... I was speaking to a good friend the other night and we both acknowledged that we ‘think too much’. I am certainly ‘thinking too much’ tonight. Does anyone else have that problem? And can anyone tell me why the ‘thinking too much’ often involves negative thoughts?? I mean, why don’t we ‘think too much’ about good stuff????? Maybe I need to stop thinking, but it feels like ‘thinking’ is a necessary part of living, damn it!! I am very tired, so maybe I just need to go to bed and get a cuddle from K.
Let me know how you are all going – if it is too hard to comment on the blog (and I have heard it is hard!!), then send me an email. As I wrote earlier, I am hanging to hear your news (Mandy and Sue, I never realised how important it was to hear news from home when you’re away for long lengths of time – I get it now girls!!). You gals from DHS (e.g. Suzie, Robyn, Marie, Quynh, Donna, Sally) are fab for writing to me, I luv hearing how things are going at work – so TY to you girls. Jim, I am waiting to see your name in my inbox once again – come on - you can’t just leave it to the women Jimbo!
Monday and Tuesday nights we stayed at Kristy’s parents’ house, and this is where I witnessed the source of Kristy’s competitiveness. Yes...Mark... it is YOU! Kristy and her Dad (Mark) are like two peas in a pod, both on the Nintendo Wii, both aggressively wanting to beat each other!!! It was very interesting for Anita and I to watch. I didn’t really compete, didn’t see the point when I had no chance of beating either of them. I figure... it is not real bowling anyway (I know, I know, I am only saying that because I am hopeless at the game!!).
The wedding (Dave and Sarah) was lovely. No one noticed that I had an intensely bandaged thumb (if they did notice, then they didn’t say anything). Sarah had the most beautiful dress, and Dave almost cried – ahh weddings. Kristy took a truckload of photos (check them out on Facebook). It was so nice to see everyone. Kristy looked gorgeous. Due to a major mistake with trying to book a hotel room (my mistake, and an expensive one!!) Kristy and I had to catch public transport to and from the wedding – it added nearly an hour and half each side of the wedding. Luckily I am used to PT and lucky there wasn’t any naughty people on the late train coming back from the wedding. Also, lucky for me (is it luck, or was it just forward planning??!!) that in my handbag I had squished a pair of ballet slipper type shoes, so I could take off the high heels and slip my feet into something more comfortable when I was walking and using the PT!! Yes, Linda CAN be organised sometimes!
Kristy and I have also been to see Ursula’s solo exhibition – it was AMAZING!! I feel honoured to know such a talented artist! Go Urs, Ms Shebear!
I have spoken to my darling Jake a couple of times, she is now out of hospital and doing quite well and the surgery was a success. My Jake, I think of her every single day.
On Sunday night I saw a few people for dinner and it was soooooo nice. I didn’t realise I would miss my friends so much when I started travelling, I mean, I knew I would miss them, but didn’t realise it would be so much. I crave for news from home, the goings-ons, the ups and downs, the boring bits, the new bits, the sad bits, crazy bits, right bits and wrong bits – everything!! And just seeing familiar faces. Each time someone else arrived on Sunday night, I just wanted to cry. So... to the following people who came on Sunday night... I thank you... I know it was an effort to come out on a school night, and I don’t think that any of you know how much it meant to me to see your faces. And I THANK YOU big time:
• Jodi
• Fiona and Karen
• Suzie and Theo
• Peter and Trisse
• Leonie
• Helen L
• Karen Minns
• Normie
• Shelley
• Gayle
You guys rock!!!!! I know I really didn’t get ‘quality’ time with any of you, however, just seeing your faces was so great for me.
For those of you that I wasn’t able to catch up with on Sunday night, then maybe next time – it would be lovely to see everyone next time I am here, and I will try to plan it better, making time for more people (especially you Virginia!!).
My birthday is coming up, on the 19th August. Another year finishing, another year beginning. I will be back in Alice Springs for my birthday. K is planning to make it a lovely day for me – she is such a good girl! I feel a bit sad that I won’t be with family and friends to celebrate, but I feel glad that I will be somewhere warm (hope I haven’t just mozzed myself and it turns out to be the coldest day in Alice Springs since forever!). Mel and Elle are coming to Alice on the 20th, and that will be something to look forward to, whether my birthday is hot or cold!
Thoughts, thoughts, a word on thoughts... I was speaking to a good friend the other night and we both acknowledged that we ‘think too much’. I am certainly ‘thinking too much’ tonight. Does anyone else have that problem? And can anyone tell me why the ‘thinking too much’ often involves negative thoughts?? I mean, why don’t we ‘think too much’ about good stuff????? Maybe I need to stop thinking, but it feels like ‘thinking’ is a necessary part of living, damn it!! I am very tired, so maybe I just need to go to bed and get a cuddle from K.
Let me know how you are all going – if it is too hard to comment on the blog (and I have heard it is hard!!), then send me an email. As I wrote earlier, I am hanging to hear your news (Mandy and Sue, I never realised how important it was to hear news from home when you’re away for long lengths of time – I get it now girls!!). You gals from DHS (e.g. Suzie, Robyn, Marie, Quynh, Donna, Sally) are fab for writing to me, I luv hearing how things are going at work – so TY to you girls. Jim, I am waiting to see your name in my inbox once again – come on - you can’t just leave it to the women Jimbo!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Melbourne, Melbourne – why are you so cold??!! I only have two hoodies!!!!!
Today is Friday, 6th August. We arrived back in Melbourne on Tuesday. I was so excited about coming back ‘home’, but now I am not so sure where ‘home’ is – have I been travelling for too long???
Last time I wrote in the blog, I was unsure how I felt about Alice Springs, however since I wrote that blog, a number of things have happened that have made me feel slightly differently. One of the primary issues that I have had about Alice Springs is the racism that I encountered with the other tourists.
I didn’t expect so many white tourist Australians to be so awful about the local Alice Springs Aboriginal people – it has really upset me. And staying in caravan parks, and hearing people who are camping next to me saying negative things about the local aboriginals has bothered me hugely. I mean, I don’t understand – these people that are canning the blacks – they are just passing through, while the aboriginals – they live here! The aboriginal people are doing nothing to them, yet they won’t eat in the same place as an aboriginal??!! The aboriginal people – where we live, Australia, it is their land, and we (the whites) invaded them! And now so many white people judge the aboriginals, and put them down, and want them to live by ‘white-man’ rules. I don’t understand. And I don’t like it. However, as I said, some things have happened that make me feel differently about Alice Springs.
I have met Morris, who is this amazing man who is doing fab things working with the local community, working within the church and with choirs. Morris also works to raise a lot of money to combat poverty. Morris has inspired me. Morris restored my faith in the men in Alice Springs.
I have met Amanda, who Fiona (friend from Melb) put me in touch with. Amanda has lived in Alice Springs for a while, she manages a backpackers resort in Alice, she used to be a tour guide. Amanda took Kristy and I to the pub and got me drunk and chatted to me all night. Amanda told me that it is mostly the white tourists that are racist, and that the local whites are not racist. Amanda has been our ‘Alice Springs Angel’. She has stored our van in Alice (while we are in Melbourne), she arranged for us to get to the airport to catch our plane to Melb and she is helping Kristy find work. Amanda restored my faith in the resident women of Alice Springs.
I have met Helen up in Alice, who is my friend from DHS in Vic. Helen, Kristy and I went to Bojangles, a great pub, in Alice (thank you so much Helen, we seriously would have had trouble affording that other restaurant). Helen is a tourist (like us), but she thinks the same as I do regarding the aboriginal people. We had a great night, few drinks, good meal and lots of photos (Helen has the BEST camera). Helen restored my faith in Alice Springs tourists.
So these three people have helped me feel better about Alice Springs, and about people in general! Luv ewes!
K and I arrived back in Melbourne on Tuesday. I was so looking forward to coming back to a familiar place. I knew it would be cold, but I am used to Melbourne winters. My mum came and picked us up from the airport – this is a huge thing for my mumma to do, she is not good with driving. Our plane got in at 3pm, and by the time we picked up our baggage it was 3.30pm. My mum had been at the airport since 2.15pm – she wanted to make sure that she wasn’t late!! Ahhhh, mumma.
My mum has spoilt us a lot. She has given K and I her bedroom, and she decorated it in total pink – because it is Kristy’s favourite colour (not mine fav colour, because I am not 12 years old, but I know mumma wanted Kristy to feel happy about the room). She had also put many cans of diet coke in the fridge for us and set us up to watch the big screen TV, as she knows we haven’t really seen TV for a long time. I have cooked dinner for my mum since I have got here, as she likes the soup I make, and the salads. Kristy has clipped Lucy (mumma’s little dog) and has helped mumma move things around.
We are staying with Kristy’s parents on Monday and Tuesday night. Kristy’s mum, Anita, has organised HEAPS of movies and TV shows for us, and put them on disc for us so we can take them away and watch them on the computer – YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! We will be seeing Kristy’s family at the wedding tomorrow night – Dave and Sarah get married!!
I love weddings. I know... it is strange, but I do! No one expects me to love weddings, but I think I just love the love that is present at weddings, that whole ‘make a commitment in front of family and friends’ situation. Maybe I am a romantic at heart (shhhh, don’t tell anyone). Dave and Sarah are two awesome people, who have made me feel welcome from the day I met them, so I am rapt to be at their wedding! It is going to be lovely to see everyone too, it has been ages. I know Kristy is looking forward to seeing her family at the wedding. Kristy has got the best outfit, she looks stunning!
I was cutting up carrots today. I don’t like carrots, I was only cutting them up for Kristy, cos she really really likes them (can’t understand that... but each to their own). Then, I wasn’t concentrating (prob K was yak yak blah blah about something), and I cut my thumb. Deeply. I bled for about an hour, despite severe and intense bandaging (my mother is a nurse and she knows how to bandage). While the bleeding has stopped, I don’t think my thumb will ever be the same. Hope I don’t go to the wedding with a big, fat, white bandaged thumb – not the look I was going for!
On Sunday we have arranged to catch up with some friends, and it will be lovely to see them. I miss my friends so much. I love travelling, but I do miss my friends.
My friend Jake had surgery today. I spoke to her tonight, she is doing fine, though she is in a bit of pain. Jake, you have been in my life since I was 13 years old – I luv u. Always there darling. Will text you tomorrow and every day after. Remember to keep your eyebrows separated.
Day 58 of the Fittness Challenge. I did 58 pushups today. I did 40 pushups without stopping. I hope everyone is impressed.
Last time I wrote in the blog, I was unsure how I felt about Alice Springs, however since I wrote that blog, a number of things have happened that have made me feel slightly differently. One of the primary issues that I have had about Alice Springs is the racism that I encountered with the other tourists.
I didn’t expect so many white tourist Australians to be so awful about the local Alice Springs Aboriginal people – it has really upset me. And staying in caravan parks, and hearing people who are camping next to me saying negative things about the local aboriginals has bothered me hugely. I mean, I don’t understand – these people that are canning the blacks – they are just passing through, while the aboriginals – they live here! The aboriginal people are doing nothing to them, yet they won’t eat in the same place as an aboriginal??!! The aboriginal people – where we live, Australia, it is their land, and we (the whites) invaded them! And now so many white people judge the aboriginals, and put them down, and want them to live by ‘white-man’ rules. I don’t understand. And I don’t like it. However, as I said, some things have happened that make me feel differently about Alice Springs.
I have met Morris, who is this amazing man who is doing fab things working with the local community, working within the church and with choirs. Morris also works to raise a lot of money to combat poverty. Morris has inspired me. Morris restored my faith in the men in Alice Springs.
I have met Amanda, who Fiona (friend from Melb) put me in touch with. Amanda has lived in Alice Springs for a while, she manages a backpackers resort in Alice, she used to be a tour guide. Amanda took Kristy and I to the pub and got me drunk and chatted to me all night. Amanda told me that it is mostly the white tourists that are racist, and that the local whites are not racist. Amanda has been our ‘Alice Springs Angel’. She has stored our van in Alice (while we are in Melbourne), she arranged for us to get to the airport to catch our plane to Melb and she is helping Kristy find work. Amanda restored my faith in the resident women of Alice Springs.
I have met Helen up in Alice, who is my friend from DHS in Vic. Helen, Kristy and I went to Bojangles, a great pub, in Alice (thank you so much Helen, we seriously would have had trouble affording that other restaurant). Helen is a tourist (like us), but she thinks the same as I do regarding the aboriginal people. We had a great night, few drinks, good meal and lots of photos (Helen has the BEST camera). Helen restored my faith in Alice Springs tourists.
So these three people have helped me feel better about Alice Springs, and about people in general! Luv ewes!
K and I arrived back in Melbourne on Tuesday. I was so looking forward to coming back to a familiar place. I knew it would be cold, but I am used to Melbourne winters. My mum came and picked us up from the airport – this is a huge thing for my mumma to do, she is not good with driving. Our plane got in at 3pm, and by the time we picked up our baggage it was 3.30pm. My mum had been at the airport since 2.15pm – she wanted to make sure that she wasn’t late!! Ahhhh, mumma.
My mum has spoilt us a lot. She has given K and I her bedroom, and she decorated it in total pink – because it is Kristy’s favourite colour (not mine fav colour, because I am not 12 years old, but I know mumma wanted Kristy to feel happy about the room). She had also put many cans of diet coke in the fridge for us and set us up to watch the big screen TV, as she knows we haven’t really seen TV for a long time. I have cooked dinner for my mum since I have got here, as she likes the soup I make, and the salads. Kristy has clipped Lucy (mumma’s little dog) and has helped mumma move things around.
We are staying with Kristy’s parents on Monday and Tuesday night. Kristy’s mum, Anita, has organised HEAPS of movies and TV shows for us, and put them on disc for us so we can take them away and watch them on the computer – YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!! We will be seeing Kristy’s family at the wedding tomorrow night – Dave and Sarah get married!!
I love weddings. I know... it is strange, but I do! No one expects me to love weddings, but I think I just love the love that is present at weddings, that whole ‘make a commitment in front of family and friends’ situation. Maybe I am a romantic at heart (shhhh, don’t tell anyone). Dave and Sarah are two awesome people, who have made me feel welcome from the day I met them, so I am rapt to be at their wedding! It is going to be lovely to see everyone too, it has been ages. I know Kristy is looking forward to seeing her family at the wedding. Kristy has got the best outfit, she looks stunning!
I was cutting up carrots today. I don’t like carrots, I was only cutting them up for Kristy, cos she really really likes them (can’t understand that... but each to their own). Then, I wasn’t concentrating (prob K was yak yak blah blah about something), and I cut my thumb. Deeply. I bled for about an hour, despite severe and intense bandaging (my mother is a nurse and she knows how to bandage). While the bleeding has stopped, I don’t think my thumb will ever be the same. Hope I don’t go to the wedding with a big, fat, white bandaged thumb – not the look I was going for!
On Sunday we have arranged to catch up with some friends, and it will be lovely to see them. I miss my friends so much. I love travelling, but I do miss my friends.
My friend Jake had surgery today. I spoke to her tonight, she is doing fine, though she is in a bit of pain. Jake, you have been in my life since I was 13 years old – I luv u. Always there darling. Will text you tomorrow and every day after. Remember to keep your eyebrows separated.
Day 58 of the Fittness Challenge. I did 58 pushups today. I did 40 pushups without stopping. I hope everyone is impressed.
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