Q: Where do we now live??? A: It is Manta Walk, Yulara!!!
Kristy and I have moved from our “share-share” accommodation to “Manta Walk” accommodation. “Share-share” means that we have to share half of our accommodation with another person (the kitchen and bathroom), but Manta Walk means we have a whole one-bedroom unit to ourselves! And, it is the same rent as “share-share”!! We were up-graded with our accommodation because of my new job at the Resort Spa, and while our new unit is small, we like it because it is all ours. Moving to this new unit wasn’t hard - our new place is literally 10 seconds walk from our old place. The distance for the move was easy, but the rain on the day was a bit of a bummer, why does it always rain on moving day??????? We just did the ‘grab and throw’ move, we had to... the rain!! I have set up our new home as well as I can, given what I had to work with. And I have drawn some new pictures and blue tac-ed them up, draped blankets where I could (towels in some cases) and put desert flowers in empty wine bottles (plenty of those empty bottles, let me tell ya!!!) and spread the “vases” throughout the unit.
I miss Lizzie though, Lizzie is the blue tongue lizard that would sunbake out the front of our previous unit. We still see the family of rabbits, they hop everywhere at sunset! Bunnies!!!! Cute!!!
So, I have now officially started working at the Resort Spa. The first massage I gave, I was given a $25 tip! (Kristy was so proud – it was very cute!!) $25.00 is quite a big tip in this business – it is more than a Spa masseur makes in an hour! Masseurs who work for organisations/businesses (anyone who doesn’t work for themselves basically) get paid pretty low money, and this is incongruous considering that, for example, a one hour massage at the resort Spa that I work at costs a client $125.00!!! Yes, the mark up is huge. Once the Trip-Around-Australia (or as I like to say, the T.A.R), is over, I am thinking of starting up my own Spa, but of course I will be paying the masseurs and beauticians a very decent amount (like DOUBLE the current market rate!). I think well paid workers are more likely to be loyal and committed. Plus, they deserve to be paid for the work that they do!!!!!!
Anyhoo, despite the hourly wage, I am enjoying working at the Spa. Aside from providing Deep Tissue Massage, which I am already experienced and qualified in, I have now also learnt to do:
• 30 minute facials (called the “taster facial” - gives people a chance to experience the products)
• Aroma Stone Therapy (hot rock massage)
• Body Scrubs (great all-over- the- body exfoliation)
• Foot treatments (which include foot exfoliation and foot massage/reflexology) .
I have learnt new skills and I am glad for this (my list of quals and experience is growing evermore diverse and eclectic!) Although in the massage/beauty business, I am finding that my brain is HANGING OUT to be challenged. There is not a lot of brain work required for what I do, well... in comparison to my previous jobs in Melbourne, writing up units of competency for the DHS Diploma of Management. However, this is a short-term job, and while I am doing it, it can teach me to “get into the zone” and to meditate while I am massaging, exfoliating, scrubbing, ect (maybe the Universe is telling me to rest my brain?) . All of my clients say that I have great “energy” (or things along those lines), which is a good thing, because it would be pretty hard to give a client a relaxing experience if I had crap energy!
I have to say though, that while I am not being mentally challenged, I do like making people feel good, and I make sure that every client that steps into my treatment room is given the best experience I can possibly give them. I figure, they are paying so much money that they deserve to feel good. It is sometimes a bit harder with the arrogant clients, the ones that think they are “too cool for school” and treat me like a plebe, but I remind myself that they are paying a lot of money for the service, and it is not their fault if they don’t realise that I am being paid lowly wages, and it is not their fault if they haven’t learnt to be respectful and gracious to everyone, despite job or position. I work on being very kind and gentle to these people as I figure they deserve it (lots of people must really dislike them for their attitude!). But, on the other side of the coin, OMG – I had the most cutest of clients the other day – she was 84 years old! How awesome is that! She is 84 and she flew from the USA to see Uluru! I so admired her, and I made sure I gave her an extra good treatment! I love old people!
Oh, a slightly funny thing happened at the Spa the other day. I had just shown a lovely German couple into the change rooms (they were booked in for a double massage) and after a little while, the man comes out and calls to me, and says that he is not sure how to put on the disposable underwear (his girlfriend/wife is giggling behind him and he is beetroot red with embarrassment). Well... I wasn’t going to show him or help him, (aside from, ahhhhh...no! I couldn’t even if I wanted to because even I am not sure with the boy’s disposable underwear – it is some weird, paper g-string for the boys). I just handed him a new lot of the women’s disposable underwear, which is a very simple pair of black, high-waisted, crepe, strange leg-shaped panties (veeeeerrrry attractive! Must get a number of pairs to wear every day... oh yeah... right), and told him that these were “uni-sex”. While they are not appealing in a catwalk type of way (any type of way really), it is very easy to work out how to wear the women’s disposable underwear. Footnote: we mostly use the men’s g-string underwear as hair scrunchie’s for women who have come for a treatment but haven’t tied their hair back (they never know this, we tie their hair back when they are on the table!). And yes... of course they are clean ones! It is DISPOSABLE underwear people! Once we use it, we throw it away!!!!!
Oh, and the uniform that I wear – it is dark blue scrubs. Picture an operating theatre – I wear something similar to that (without the hat and foot covers). I love the Spa uniform so much that I am considering adopting it as my usual attire. Yes, it is very flattering... not.
I have now also started with my Certificate IV in Fitness (this is helping my brain to not atrophy completely). Have my first exam tomorrow, not sure if I am prepared, but will give it a go. Undergoing my fitness qualification means that I am virtually forced to go to the gym (one of the reasons I enrolled), so while I don’t go as much as I would like (working two jobs, and studying, cuts down on my time at the gym a little), I am still motivated to work out at least 3 times a week. I should have lost stacks of weight, yet, no, I have not. I blame Kristy. She keeps buying chocolate and leaving it in the fridge. What can I do but eat it??
With my two jobs, and Kristy working 5 nights out of 7 (note: she starts at 5.30pm and finishes anywhere between 1.00am and 3.00am), we can go days without really seeing each other (aside from a few hours from when she crawls into bed, and then I crawl out of bed when my alarm goes off for me to get up for work). Kristy leaves for work before I get home, and then I leave for work before she gets up in the morning! But we do manage to get a few days to spend together, not many, but some. Anyway, we are only stopping here at Yulara for a while, to re-energise, experience carpet (was surprised at how much I missed carpet!!), sleep in a bed without wheels, and to save some money before travelling the next leg of the journey.
I have to change my Victorian drivers licence! If residing in the NT for over 3 months, it is law to change your licence (and car rego) over to NT. I suppose it is about time I got myself another licence, considering how Kristy snapped my current licence in half (how embarrassing, and yet fun(!) it has been to hand over my licence in 2 pieces whenever I am asked for ID!). K broke it because she was trying to fix it (God I love irony!) To explain - my licence had a bend in it and so she decided to straighten it, and instead she broke it into 2 pieces.
I have now made a few additional new friends - my circle is extending! There is Darren (assistant manager of Sails in the Desert) and Mike (the star talker for the Sounds of Silence dinners). The Sounds of Silence is an activity where guests pay an extraordinary amount of money to eat a buffet, at night, in the desert, and while they eat, be told about the star constellations above their heads. Kristy and I are definitely going to do this (because we are here, and because we love a buffet, and because it would be fun, and because we might get a discount, and because we now know a star talker, and because there isn’t a lot of choice about what to do here, and because... well... why not!?) I just have to talk to Kristy about our schedules to see if we can synchronize our watches enough to make the dinner booking. Of course, I have also made friends with my co-workers at the Spa (Julie, Karen and Kerrie) who are just lovely and working with lovely people makes the day go by so pleasantly.
Kristy has been HANGING OUT for a bath (we have only been showering for over 4 months now), and today (on my day off from the spa) I made an appointment for Kristy and I to go and have a VERY flasho bath at the spa. We sat in the huge (big enough for 6 people easily), black (once you’ve had black....), roman-type, square bath, filled with luxurious, skin-softening products, looking up at the sky and gum trees, and soaking up the serenity. Ahhhh, this is the life. This bath normally costs $80 for couples, but because I work there, we got a bit of a discount. It was so bloody lovely to have a decent soak, and we are planning to do it more often!
If anyone is ever planning to come and see Uluru, then seriously guys, NOW is the time to do it. I can get you major discount on rooms at any of the hotels here. And I mean MAJOR discounts (100’s and 100’s and 100’s of dollars off the usual price). Kristy and I are planning to be here until at least the end of January 2011. Of course anyone who comes is welcome to stay with us if you want to pay nothing for accommodation, but if you want privacy or more room, I can get heavily discounted rates on the hotels here. Tomorrow I am finding out exactly the discounts I can get, so stay tuned to this bat channel and I will advise. If you are even vaguely planning, considering, contemplating, hoping for, imaging or reflecting on a trip to the centre of Australia, then email/text/call me and we can start working out the details of when and where. Come on... I know there is a number of you out there that are wanting to come to Uluru... don’t be shy... don’t be hesitate... just do it! (you know who I am talking about!!!). Is one life (that we remember anyway) so at least make sure that you see, in this lifetime, the iconic Australian rock!
BTW – how funny is The Big Bang Theory? We have just finished watching the first and second seasons on DVD! Hysterical!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Yulara... Week Two... What Did We Do???
Kristy is still working away like a crazy gal - washing zillions of buses - as she waits for her Police Check to be finalised so she can gain her H endorsement, which will enable her to drive buses (though she will probably keep washing the buses, as well as do some bus driving, because the money is very good as a bus washer!) Opps, I made a big, big, big, HUGE faux pas in the world of AAT Kings (who Kristy works for)... they get very annoyed if we call them “buses” – they are “coaches”! Apparently anything that has wheels AND a toilet is called a “coach”.
Yulara (our new home) is broken into 3 primary factions:
1. Tourists: Other than interacting on a working/professional level, the workers/residents of Yulara don’t have much to do with the tourists (note: the tourists appear to be broken into 3 sub categories – the campers, the backpackers and the ones that stay in the hotels).
2. Short-term residents: This is Kristy and I. Short-termers are anyone that resides and works here for no longer than 6 months (note: short-term residents can often unintentionally extend into the following 3rd faction).
3. Long-term residents: The long-termers are those that have been here at Yulara for more than 12 months. I have spoken to long-termers that have been here for 5 years, and even one guy who has been here for 10 years!!!!! I didn’t even know that the Ayers Rock resort had been opened for that long! You can always tell a long-termer – they have pretty fancy gardens (short-termers don’t bother with a garden).
Both the short-termers and long-termers (actually all the residents!) are so friendly. Everyone seems to know everyone, and the residents wave to each other, smile, call out, beep horns, whistle, invite you for drinks, etc. If anyone is likely to be rude, it will be a tourist. Of course, most of the tourists, are great, just some of them are obviously a bit stressed, and well... it shows sometimes. But us residents (or ressies as we are called) cannot afford to be rude to each other – we have to live and work with each other, and a lot of the time it is in very close quarters! For eg, Kristy and I live in “share-share” accommodation, which means we share a kitchen and bathroom with someone else (they haven’t moved in yet, so K and I have had the whole place to ourselves, and I must say, I have really spread out my stuff! Will have to pull it all back in again when the new guy arrives.
The majority of “ressies” have 2 or 3 jobs. Kristy is seen as strange as she only has one job! The guy I worked with last night, he has 5 part-time jobs! I don’t think he sleeps much.
I started my casual catering job on Friday. Was meant to start next week, but they rang me on Friday at 11.30am and asked if I could come in at 2.30pm (they were desperate). I said yes, because, hey, why not? So I had my first shift catering for 7 groups of tourists (this equates to over 100 guests) who had champagne and canapés as they watched Ayers Rock at sunset (this is called the “sunny” shift). The first night I had a really bad time – just felt like so much to remember and it was so busy and people and things everywhere and how would I ever know what to do? But then I worked again last night (Saturday) and it was fine! And I did remember everything, and I had fun! And now I know how to properly pour a glass of champagne (I did not know there was a proper way until 2 days ago!)
The BEST tourists are the Japanese and the Americans! While these are very different tourist groups, total opposites actually, they are both groups so friendly and appreciative. The Japanese groups always give the catering crew a round of applause when they are leaving. The Americans always say thank you.
The first night I worked the “sunny” shift, the Rock looked glorious as the sun set. Last night, it was total clouds and spitting rain. The Rock just looked rock-like. Oh, but the first night – excitement! Someone had hidden up the top of the Rock during the day and as the sun was setting, he parachuted off the Rock ! So there I am, pouring drinks and being socialiable and friendly to the tourists (“Of course I am happy to take your photo” and “Oh it’s your honeymoon, how lovely” and “would you rather red wine, or white wine?” and “no you cannot take the rest of the champagne on the bus with you!”) when suddenly, everyone is going ohhhh, and ahhh, and we are watching parachute man flying over and off the Rock. Apparently he will get a mega fine if the rangers catch him. I kinda hope he runs (or flys) free.
I have met new people now that I have started working (not just meeting Kristy’s work mates, which I have been doing until now). There is Erin who I worked with on the first night, who earlier this year was airlifted out of Yulara because a blood vessel in her brain exploded and she nearly died, and after being put in an induced coma, she had her head shaved and the blood vessel removed and the fluid on the brain was drained. She showed me pics of her head with the massive scars (she has hair now, so you can’t see the scars). It is strange, because Garry (Kristy’s boss) also had brain surgery (to remove a tumour) and he has a massive scar on his head (he has a shaved head, so it is easy to see his scars!) The next woman I met (Tara, I worked with her the next night) told me how she had been airlifted out of Yulara (sound familiar!?) with a woman named Erin (who she has actually never met, yet has shared a medical helicopter with – isn’t that strange!)! Tara was airlifted out because she had severe concussion, because when she was cleaning under a sink, the sink was loose and it fell onto her head and she was knocked out. Ummm, as I write this, I am sensing a theme... head injuries. I think I should invest in a helmet while I am here at Yulara, or at least take out some sort of medical insurance!
Kristy and I went out last Wednesday night and we partied (remember that Wednesday is the new Saturday). I drank a teensy, tiny, weeny bit too much and ended up with a teensy, tiny, weeny hangover the next day (translated, this mean I didn’t stop consuming wine when I should have, and I ended up with severe nausea and a massive headache the next day).
Many people drink hard here, and I should not try to keep up with them. I know I need to be stronger and sterner when I tell people, “NO... Do NOT buy me another drink!” Is hard, because we are trying to fit in here, and drinking is the way to do that, (and I don’t want to look soft either), but equally, I don’t want to feel sick the next day either. I will find the balance, I WILL!
Although a lot of people like a decent drink in Yulara, there are hardly any problems or fights. That is because if anyone messes up, or carries on, or causes trouble, they will be “48-ed“ by the resort. If you are “48-ed” it means that you must leave the resort within 48 hours. As no-one wants to leave (they have jobs, homes, partners, friends, etc) most people are pretty darn careful about their behaviour.
I went to the gym again today. I have now officially joined, I have had a program written up for me, and I go religiously every 2nd day. Today Kristy came with me, and we set up the table-tennis table and played table-tennis after we had finished the workout. It was fun. I lost, but that’s because I let Kristy win. We all know how she gets if she loses (omg, she is not going to like that I wrote that!).
I have officially enrolled in the Certificate IV in Fitness now, and I start the work on the course tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting stuck into it, and am hoping it will inspire me even more to be fit. I am already getting muscles, and like to look at my own guns in the mirror (yes, I have become THAT sort of gym person).
Thank you Anita, for putting together some DVD’s for us and sending them over. We haven’t got them yet, but we know they are on their way. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
If anyone else feels the urge to send us something (we accept all DVDs, books, cards, money, lotto tickets, jewellery, gold bullion, etc) the address is:
Linda & Kristy
C/- Yulara Post Office
Yulara, NT, 0872
Talking about DVD’s, they are selling them at the Yulara IGA for $2.00 each. Kristy couldn’t believe her eyes! But the DVD’s were all “who-the-hell-is-this-actor” movies. Still... we purchased 2 of them... well, they were only $2.00!! I think I was lucky to get out of the supermarket without Kristy buying the whole box (she likes a bargain).
The AFL grand final is coming up!!! Kristy has swapped one of her days so she can sit and watch it (and perhaps drink copious amounts of beer). I predict a Bulldogs/Pies grand Finale. Kristy tells me I am dreaming, but let’s just see!
Yulara (our new home) is broken into 3 primary factions:
1. Tourists: Other than interacting on a working/professional level, the workers/residents of Yulara don’t have much to do with the tourists (note: the tourists appear to be broken into 3 sub categories – the campers, the backpackers and the ones that stay in the hotels).
2. Short-term residents: This is Kristy and I. Short-termers are anyone that resides and works here for no longer than 6 months (note: short-term residents can often unintentionally extend into the following 3rd faction).
3. Long-term residents: The long-termers are those that have been here at Yulara for more than 12 months. I have spoken to long-termers that have been here for 5 years, and even one guy who has been here for 10 years!!!!! I didn’t even know that the Ayers Rock resort had been opened for that long! You can always tell a long-termer – they have pretty fancy gardens (short-termers don’t bother with a garden).
Both the short-termers and long-termers (actually all the residents!) are so friendly. Everyone seems to know everyone, and the residents wave to each other, smile, call out, beep horns, whistle, invite you for drinks, etc. If anyone is likely to be rude, it will be a tourist. Of course, most of the tourists, are great, just some of them are obviously a bit stressed, and well... it shows sometimes. But us residents (or ressies as we are called) cannot afford to be rude to each other – we have to live and work with each other, and a lot of the time it is in very close quarters! For eg, Kristy and I live in “share-share” accommodation, which means we share a kitchen and bathroom with someone else (they haven’t moved in yet, so K and I have had the whole place to ourselves, and I must say, I have really spread out my stuff! Will have to pull it all back in again when the new guy arrives.
The majority of “ressies” have 2 or 3 jobs. Kristy is seen as strange as she only has one job! The guy I worked with last night, he has 5 part-time jobs! I don’t think he sleeps much.
I started my casual catering job on Friday. Was meant to start next week, but they rang me on Friday at 11.30am and asked if I could come in at 2.30pm (they were desperate). I said yes, because, hey, why not? So I had my first shift catering for 7 groups of tourists (this equates to over 100 guests) who had champagne and canapés as they watched Ayers Rock at sunset (this is called the “sunny” shift). The first night I had a really bad time – just felt like so much to remember and it was so busy and people and things everywhere and how would I ever know what to do? But then I worked again last night (Saturday) and it was fine! And I did remember everything, and I had fun! And now I know how to properly pour a glass of champagne (I did not know there was a proper way until 2 days ago!)
The BEST tourists are the Japanese and the Americans! While these are very different tourist groups, total opposites actually, they are both groups so friendly and appreciative. The Japanese groups always give the catering crew a round of applause when they are leaving. The Americans always say thank you.
The first night I worked the “sunny” shift, the Rock looked glorious as the sun set. Last night, it was total clouds and spitting rain. The Rock just looked rock-like. Oh, but the first night – excitement! Someone had hidden up the top of the Rock during the day and as the sun was setting, he parachuted off the Rock ! So there I am, pouring drinks and being socialiable and friendly to the tourists (“Of course I am happy to take your photo” and “Oh it’s your honeymoon, how lovely” and “would you rather red wine, or white wine?” and “no you cannot take the rest of the champagne on the bus with you!”) when suddenly, everyone is going ohhhh, and ahhh, and we are watching parachute man flying over and off the Rock. Apparently he will get a mega fine if the rangers catch him. I kinda hope he runs (or flys) free.
I have met new people now that I have started working (not just meeting Kristy’s work mates, which I have been doing until now). There is Erin who I worked with on the first night, who earlier this year was airlifted out of Yulara because a blood vessel in her brain exploded and she nearly died, and after being put in an induced coma, she had her head shaved and the blood vessel removed and the fluid on the brain was drained. She showed me pics of her head with the massive scars (she has hair now, so you can’t see the scars). It is strange, because Garry (Kristy’s boss) also had brain surgery (to remove a tumour) and he has a massive scar on his head (he has a shaved head, so it is easy to see his scars!) The next woman I met (Tara, I worked with her the next night) told me how she had been airlifted out of Yulara (sound familiar!?) with a woman named Erin (who she has actually never met, yet has shared a medical helicopter with – isn’t that strange!)! Tara was airlifted out because she had severe concussion, because when she was cleaning under a sink, the sink was loose and it fell onto her head and she was knocked out. Ummm, as I write this, I am sensing a theme... head injuries. I think I should invest in a helmet while I am here at Yulara, or at least take out some sort of medical insurance!
Kristy and I went out last Wednesday night and we partied (remember that Wednesday is the new Saturday). I drank a teensy, tiny, weeny bit too much and ended up with a teensy, tiny, weeny hangover the next day (translated, this mean I didn’t stop consuming wine when I should have, and I ended up with severe nausea and a massive headache the next day).
Many people drink hard here, and I should not try to keep up with them. I know I need to be stronger and sterner when I tell people, “NO... Do NOT buy me another drink!” Is hard, because we are trying to fit in here, and drinking is the way to do that, (and I don’t want to look soft either), but equally, I don’t want to feel sick the next day either. I will find the balance, I WILL!
Although a lot of people like a decent drink in Yulara, there are hardly any problems or fights. That is because if anyone messes up, or carries on, or causes trouble, they will be “48-ed“ by the resort. If you are “48-ed” it means that you must leave the resort within 48 hours. As no-one wants to leave (they have jobs, homes, partners, friends, etc) most people are pretty darn careful about their behaviour.
I went to the gym again today. I have now officially joined, I have had a program written up for me, and I go religiously every 2nd day. Today Kristy came with me, and we set up the table-tennis table and played table-tennis after we had finished the workout. It was fun. I lost, but that’s because I let Kristy win. We all know how she gets if she loses (omg, she is not going to like that I wrote that!).
I have officially enrolled in the Certificate IV in Fitness now, and I start the work on the course tomorrow. I am looking forward to getting stuck into it, and am hoping it will inspire me even more to be fit. I am already getting muscles, and like to look at my own guns in the mirror (yes, I have become THAT sort of gym person).
Thank you Anita, for putting together some DVD’s for us and sending them over. We haven’t got them yet, but we know they are on their way. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
If anyone else feels the urge to send us something (we accept all DVDs, books, cards, money, lotto tickets, jewellery, gold bullion, etc) the address is:
Linda & Kristy
C/- Yulara Post Office
Yulara, NT, 0872
Talking about DVD’s, they are selling them at the Yulara IGA for $2.00 each. Kristy couldn’t believe her eyes! But the DVD’s were all “who-the-hell-is-this-actor” movies. Still... we purchased 2 of them... well, they were only $2.00!! I think I was lucky to get out of the supermarket without Kristy buying the whole box (she likes a bargain).
The AFL grand final is coming up!!! Kristy has swapped one of her days so she can sit and watch it (and perhaps drink copious amounts of beer). I predict a Bulldogs/Pies grand Finale. Kristy tells me I am dreaming, but let’s just see!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Week One ... living at Yulara
We are settling into life as a resident of Yulara. Funny place Yulara.
It is strange the things that become sort after and important, depending where you are living. For example, milk crates are like gold here. Even I was excited when I found one! If you are asking why milk crates are so important, here is the answer... Milk crates can be used as book shelves, clothes holders, pot plant holders, seats, coffee tables, etc. Living in an area where the nearest furniture store is over four hours away, means that a milk crates are almost a currency. Of course we are not supposed to use them, which of course makes them all the more valuable!
Alcohol is another interesting thing here at Yulara. Despite alcohol being outrageously overpriced here, even with a resident discount card, (for eg, a 2 litre cask of wine costing over $24.00), people seem to be continually drinking. To combat the cost of alcohol, there appears to be ‘Alcohol Runs’ into Alice Springs, which are semi-regular drives to Alice (remember it is over 4 hours away, and that is one way!) which are for the sole purpose of stocking up on a number of peoples’ beer, wine and spirits - people put in their orders, pay their money, and then collect it a day or so later!
Weekends in Yulara are not on the usual Saturday and Sunday. It appears that Wednesday is the new Saturday, with a disco occurring every Wednesday night at the residents club (yes... a disco – please note that I have not attended this disco yet, although I am looking forward to remembering the 80’s). Most of the residents up here are busy working for the tourists on Saturday and Sunday, so I suppose that is why Wednesday has become the big night to go out!
It is very social here in Yulara. Kristy and I have been welcomed and embraced by the community here. They all want to help and they all want to chat. Everyone is very open and friendly. We have been out visiting quite a lot. Everyone is chat chat chat, so you can imagine how Kristy totally fits into this place! She is soooo not shy, just converses with everyone immediately and is talking with everyone about everything. I find I am not talking about myself as much as everyone else. Perhaps people think I am being dark and mysterious, but the truth is that I find it hard to get a word in edgeways! I think I am just going to have to take the plunge and just start yakking on!
Ohhh, and I had an adventure! I was at Garry’s and Sue’s. They live about 10 minutes walk from where Kristy and I live. Kristy had gone to work and I had dropped into Garry’s for a little bit, which turned into a long bit, where I was given food and wine. It was late when I left. They gave me a loaf of homemade bread for the road (as you do!). I was actually quite grateful for that loaf of warm, just-out-of-the-bread-maker bread because the desert at night is very f%#@ing cold and I was only in a singlet and shorts. I hugged that damn loaf of bread to me all the walk home. However, I got a teeny, tiny, little bit lost going home! I am not good with directions at the best of times, let alone in the desert, in a strange new place, at night, in the dark! I thought, “At least I won’t be hungry,” and then I realised that the loaf of bread (which was keeping me warm and assuring me of a meal) was also a beacon for any dingos in the area! I rang my mother, who spoke to me as I worked out how to get back home. I was not attacked by any wild dogs, and the loaf of bread was there for Kristy when she got home from work (and I am not kidding, she cut a slice that equated to a quarter of the loaf, covered that with jam and ate in within 3 seconds!)
Because I saw how much Kristy liked that home-made bread I decided to go all earth-mother on myself last night and I made my own bread (and I didn’t even use a bread maker!). It was good bread!
Kristy is liking most aspects of her job. She is still getting used to working nights. Although she has adjusted to sleeping-in in the mornings quite well! She just had 2 nights off work (her weekend is Wed and Thurs) and we kinda partied one of her nights off and then the other night, we stayed home and watched DVDs (mostly because Kristy was hung over and recovering from the first night off she had!).
I am doing the cooking at the moment. Last night I made Pad Thai, and it was an extremely chilli Pad Thai! Kristy is loving the chilli in the cooking at the moment, which is lucky because this one was a burn-your-face-off Pad Thai. We are now waiting for the burning ring of fire at the other end. To add to it, I made a curry tonight. Yep, we will sure be feeling that warm glow soon as those meals depart from our bodies.
It looks like I have two jobs up here – one a casual position and one a part-time position. The part-time position is working at the Resort Spa – yes, it is Linda Wilson, beautician (as Mel pointed out to me – it rhymes). I will initially be doing massage there, and the manager, Julie, is going to teach me how to do facials – HOW EXCITING!!! I have paid out many dollars over the years to get facials, and now I will be able to do them myself! Oh YAY!! I am also going to learn how to do body wraps, and maybe some other things. I am very, very much looking forward to this job (cross fingers it is as good as it sounds). Looks like I will have 3 days a week working at the Spa.
The other job that I will be doing is catering. I will be doing the catering for the sunset tours at the Rock, when tourist pay a lot of money to see the sunset and get drunk on champagne that I serve to them. I am quite looking forward to doing this job, even though the money is crappolla. It will be social, and I can chat to people I will never see again, and I can smoozz up to the Americans who may give me big tips!!!
I have struggles with iTunes tonight – it is driving me a bit demented. Not the iTunes itself, but the syncing it onto to my iPhone. Why won’t it play the game???!!! Grrrrrrr. I am, however, determined to have music on the damn thing. So I will post this blog and keep working on the iPhone/music situation.
It is strange the things that become sort after and important, depending where you are living. For example, milk crates are like gold here. Even I was excited when I found one! If you are asking why milk crates are so important, here is the answer... Milk crates can be used as book shelves, clothes holders, pot plant holders, seats, coffee tables, etc. Living in an area where the nearest furniture store is over four hours away, means that a milk crates are almost a currency. Of course we are not supposed to use them, which of course makes them all the more valuable!
Alcohol is another interesting thing here at Yulara. Despite alcohol being outrageously overpriced here, even with a resident discount card, (for eg, a 2 litre cask of wine costing over $24.00), people seem to be continually drinking. To combat the cost of alcohol, there appears to be ‘Alcohol Runs’ into Alice Springs, which are semi-regular drives to Alice (remember it is over 4 hours away, and that is one way!) which are for the sole purpose of stocking up on a number of peoples’ beer, wine and spirits - people put in their orders, pay their money, and then collect it a day or so later!
Weekends in Yulara are not on the usual Saturday and Sunday. It appears that Wednesday is the new Saturday, with a disco occurring every Wednesday night at the residents club (yes... a disco – please note that I have not attended this disco yet, although I am looking forward to remembering the 80’s). Most of the residents up here are busy working for the tourists on Saturday and Sunday, so I suppose that is why Wednesday has become the big night to go out!
It is very social here in Yulara. Kristy and I have been welcomed and embraced by the community here. They all want to help and they all want to chat. Everyone is very open and friendly. We have been out visiting quite a lot. Everyone is chat chat chat, so you can imagine how Kristy totally fits into this place! She is soooo not shy, just converses with everyone immediately and is talking with everyone about everything. I find I am not talking about myself as much as everyone else. Perhaps people think I am being dark and mysterious, but the truth is that I find it hard to get a word in edgeways! I think I am just going to have to take the plunge and just start yakking on!
Ohhh, and I had an adventure! I was at Garry’s and Sue’s. They live about 10 minutes walk from where Kristy and I live. Kristy had gone to work and I had dropped into Garry’s for a little bit, which turned into a long bit, where I was given food and wine. It was late when I left. They gave me a loaf of homemade bread for the road (as you do!). I was actually quite grateful for that loaf of warm, just-out-of-the-bread-maker bread because the desert at night is very f%#@ing cold and I was only in a singlet and shorts. I hugged that damn loaf of bread to me all the walk home. However, I got a teeny, tiny, little bit lost going home! I am not good with directions at the best of times, let alone in the desert, in a strange new place, at night, in the dark! I thought, “At least I won’t be hungry,” and then I realised that the loaf of bread (which was keeping me warm and assuring me of a meal) was also a beacon for any dingos in the area! I rang my mother, who spoke to me as I worked out how to get back home. I was not attacked by any wild dogs, and the loaf of bread was there for Kristy when she got home from work (and I am not kidding, she cut a slice that equated to a quarter of the loaf, covered that with jam and ate in within 3 seconds!)
Because I saw how much Kristy liked that home-made bread I decided to go all earth-mother on myself last night and I made my own bread (and I didn’t even use a bread maker!). It was good bread!
Kristy is liking most aspects of her job. She is still getting used to working nights. Although she has adjusted to sleeping-in in the mornings quite well! She just had 2 nights off work (her weekend is Wed and Thurs) and we kinda partied one of her nights off and then the other night, we stayed home and watched DVDs (mostly because Kristy was hung over and recovering from the first night off she had!).
I am doing the cooking at the moment. Last night I made Pad Thai, and it was an extremely chilli Pad Thai! Kristy is loving the chilli in the cooking at the moment, which is lucky because this one was a burn-your-face-off Pad Thai. We are now waiting for the burning ring of fire at the other end. To add to it, I made a curry tonight. Yep, we will sure be feeling that warm glow soon as those meals depart from our bodies.
It looks like I have two jobs up here – one a casual position and one a part-time position. The part-time position is working at the Resort Spa – yes, it is Linda Wilson, beautician (as Mel pointed out to me – it rhymes). I will initially be doing massage there, and the manager, Julie, is going to teach me how to do facials – HOW EXCITING!!! I have paid out many dollars over the years to get facials, and now I will be able to do them myself! Oh YAY!! I am also going to learn how to do body wraps, and maybe some other things. I am very, very much looking forward to this job (cross fingers it is as good as it sounds). Looks like I will have 3 days a week working at the Spa.
The other job that I will be doing is catering. I will be doing the catering for the sunset tours at the Rock, when tourist pay a lot of money to see the sunset and get drunk on champagne that I serve to them. I am quite looking forward to doing this job, even though the money is crappolla. It will be social, and I can chat to people I will never see again, and I can smoozz up to the Americans who may give me big tips!!!
I have struggles with iTunes tonight – it is driving me a bit demented. Not the iTunes itself, but the syncing it onto to my iPhone. Why won’t it play the game???!!! Grrrrrrr. I am, however, determined to have music on the damn thing. So I will post this blog and keep working on the iPhone/music situation.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Living next door to Alice... if you can call over 400km’s next door (and up here... you can!)
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)