ANZAC morning at the Shrine

Debated back and forth all day Wednesday, whether to go to the ANZAC Day Dawn service at the Shrine yesterday morning. I knew it wasn't going to rain but I had a date Wednesday night, I needed to sleep but had a PT session later in the morning anyway, ...long story short, after my date ended at 1am, I decided to head in. I stopped by home to change clothes and waste a bit of time, ended up on POF for a while which was entertaining.

Years past, I'd headed to the service but not stayed because it either started raining on the way in, I couldn't get a carpark or the mass of people was just too much. This time I changed strategy, I'd get in early, get some photos and get myself a good spot to watch from. Well in theory it worked. I got in there at 3am, no-one else was there! I got the best park, as close to the Shrine as I could legally get (they'd closed off so many parking areas) and after a disagreement with an over eager parking marshal thinking he knew best, started the walk up to the Shrine. From my car it took 10 minutes to walk up, that was with a few stops for photos (mentioning now as it will come up later). It was so dark on the forecourt, the only light was the one highlighting the Shrine itself and a slight glow from the Eternal Flame between bodies huddled together. 

So after a bit of wandering around and more photos, I found a good spot to watch from, right up the front. So this was the hard bit, I didn't bring a chair, it became too crowded to consider sitting on the ground, so I stood there, in the same damn spot from 3:30amish till 6:30amish. My feet were so so sore, there was a couple of times I thought about leaving but I'd already stuck it out this long. And I couldn't really try and work my way out through the massive crowd with the service was on. So the host I guess you'd call him, delved a little into the history of the ANZAC's, a schoolgirl spoke, as did a returning Afghanistan soldier. Tears of course welled in my eyes at the sound of The Last Post, it's the soulfulness of the bugle I think. Guns were fired and 30 minutes later the service was over. I was expecting more, not sure what, just more.

So now I can cross that one off my bucket list. I've done it, doubt I'll do it again.

Back to the 10 minute walk from my car thing for a sec, I mentioned it because, believe this! With the amount of people attending the service, all leaving at once, it took me well over 30minutes to get back to my car. How nuts is that!?!

Sunday night, I should have stayed home but so glad I didn't

Just heading out the door on another date Sunday night I lost my cuddle buddy Deep, he rang and apparently his ex was didn't like that he was cuddling (no sexual contact at all) with another woman. Although I am fine with it, I really don't want to get between them, I had put time into this 'partnership' and am disappointed as I know what a gem I had found. I don't know, maybe it was me, ...well it was me but you know what I mean.
I had to put that out of my mind though, for the date I was heading to when Deep rang. It was a quickie date, was speaking to the guy in the afternoon and agreed on a date that night. Quick and easy, it's a great break from the messaging back and forth and forgetting details. So I met Tool at the Bayswater Hotel for a drink, good looking guy, tradie with a great smile. Shame I didn't get to speak to him much, he was all 'let's go have sex, I don't live too far', 'how about a bit of fun in the back of my car', 'wanna **** in the bushes outside' and my favourite from the night was when the unzipped his pants and made jerking motions with his hands, standing at the bar mind you. What a tool! 10 minutes that lasted before I gave him a suggestion about Mrs Palmer and left.
So, safety wise I wasn't going straight home in case he followed me, which he did for a bit but then he dropped off just before the Manhattan in Ringwood. This guy made me feel so insecure and knowing there was security as the Manhattan, I headed in there.
With the night I had, old habits crept in and I reached for the hidden ciggie stash in my glovebox. With $50 in my bag, I went into the Manhattan and played the pokies for a bit. I had a win and opted to leave, it had been about an hour, I doubt Tool would have waited outside that long. Being cautious though I lit a smoke and got talking with the Security officer there. He talked about his ex and the issues he's having seeing his 10 month old Daughter, I told him about losing my cuddle buddy and Tool and we chatted for over an hour. He even offered me a few cuddles, asking each time which was sweet. He showed me a photo on his phone which I got him to send to me -->
Anyway to finish the story, I was talking with this guy for hours and it was never awkward,  he made me feel very comfortable, just what I needed. I sent him a text when I got home wishing him the best with his Daughter (got his number off the photo message) and we texted back and forth for another hour, I had to call it quits for the night, it was 4am. Will have to stop by the Manhattan again sometime...

What I've learnt... One door shuts another opens!

My guy crush at training!!

Training was rough this week. I was 30mins early on Tuesday, so I walked until my session started and by the end I was wrecked. Today's session was worse. My alarm didn't work so I was asleep when Caz texted about training, I saw 4am and woke up on the couch, so not sure how much I slept. Dashed around (I hate being rushed) and out the door, not until stepping on the wet grass did I realise I wasn't wearing shoes, it really wasn't my morning.

So I get to training late, half asleep and only feeling 50%, this is so not a good look but I'm ready (I hope I'm not getting sick again). Training goes ok and Caz records my weight and measurements, I told her I didn't want to know the numbers, so will be interesting to see what changes in 6 weeks.

Anyway, we get to talking about something and she shows me a great photo of her family and there's a familiar face in the photo. Not Caz's, her Brother Chris! I met Chris at Tafe, it would be over 10 years ago now and had a huge crush on him, one of only 2 guys I've ever had crushes on. I used to think of Chris occassionaly and wonder how things turned out for him, now I know. Still single but interested in someone, living in Templestowe and almost a qualified personal trainer. I don't know if Caz was joking or not when she said he could use some experience with clients and was I up for it, Hell no Sista!. Writing this I still can't believe it. I was so freaked out and knowing he was upstairs (we trained at Caz's family home) I just wanted to hide, yet I also wanted to see him, weird hey! Anyway, as we were chatting, small world it being, it's come to be I also knew Caz's ex and she is still in contact with one of the Staff members I was really close too back then. Will be interesting what we chat about at the next session.

I've also got to start eating breakfast regularly as per Caz's advice and she wants proof. So ignore the upcoming food photos.

Sleepover

So after my date with Honeyman, I was meeting with Deep at his place. Deep and I are both missing the cuddling and comfort of being with someone, so we've decided to be cuddle buddies. It was nice to lay in bed wrapped in someone's arms again and spooning, looking forward to doing it again. Although, I didn't sleep very well, I never do the first night away from my own bed and I don't think Deep slept much either which I am really sorry for. Next time will be better.

Sunday Evening with Honeyman

It's been a busy few days so I thought it time to check in before too much happens.


I had another date Sunday night, not successful at all. The guy kept calling me 'Honey', even after I asked him to stop twice. We were at a local footy club, so I was dressed down and I still think I was the smartest dressed there (I knew I should have worn trackies). We agreed to met at 6, after he'd played his footy match, showered and had a drink to relax. So he came over and introduced himself, giving me a kiss on the cheek (he smelt amazing!), mentioned he was in the middle of a game of darts and would be with me shortly. Fair enough I thought, having Brothers I know not to interrupt a game. I should have got up and left after 10minutes waiting but this guy was towards the top of my list, so I stayed and it's almost 7 by the time he finally comes over and sits with me, using the 'I was on a winning streak' excuse. The amazing scent he adorned before had now been replaced my beer breath, I knew this was not going to be good but will make allowances, he did lose his footy match. So we get to chatting, ignoring Honeyman's beer breath as much as I can, and he mentions how everyone he's met from online has been too materialistic and fake. Not being either of those things myself, my attention is peaked. So I quiz him a bit about other women he's chatted to and met, they all sound the same. So it's getting close to 9 and I tell him I should head off, he offers to walk me out. It's a bit drizzly so he wraps his jacket around me, reaching my car he pulls me in for a kiss and I allow it (soft lips but that breath!) but quickly I pull away from him, mentioning it was nice to meet him and I'll text him sometime.
A few hours later, Honeyman sends me a text telling me he's lonely in bed and wants me to join him at his place. I'm sure he'll make some woman very happy one day, just not this one.

What I've learnt... If you want to gather honey, don't kick over the beehive.

Lazy weekend

Missed my walking group yesterday morning, as it couldn't decided whether to rain or not, and just my luck it didn't. Melbourne weather is not easy to plan with, especially for outdoor events.

Didn't go to the markets this morning either which is a pain, but only because a morning with my Niece is so much more fun. Abbey is such a little character for a 2 year old.

May see Deep again sometime over the next few days, will have to wait and see what's happening.

Mum's home!!

So..... Mum's home! Already.

It turns out she had a blocked artery in her heart, which was the cause of her chest pain and her diminishing energy levels over the past few years.

So they've cleared the blockage and put a stent into her heart to treat the condition.
Amazingly, she was home 15 hours after the operation, so now it's rest and recovery. Is there any need for all the details?

They may say laughing is the best medicine but too much and it aches!

Couldn't sleep last night, too much on my mind, sometimes I think I should keep some Chloroform handy to knock myself out. Ended up folding and hanging laundry, and watching re-runs of The Walking Dead.
Mum's still in Hospital, more tests and possibly an angiogram (know nothing about them so Google is my next stop). Playing it by ear as to how much longer she'll be in.

I considered cancelling my PT session with Caz from Pick Yourself Up Personal Training but there's nothing I can do at the Hospital, so working on my health was the next best option. I'm really glad I kept the booking, it was good to get my mind onto something I didn't have to think about (ok I know that last line is a bit of an oxymoron :P). I didn't have to wait long for Caz, she was really bubbly and it certainly brightened my mood. Being a portable service she keeps all her equipment in her car, so after a bit of unpacking it was time to get the body in gear. Now I can't remember the order exercises came in (I still haven't slept) but there was boxing, walking, weights, stepping, leg lifts, more boxing, more walking, kicking, horizontal cycling, boxing again and a bit of twisting thrown in. Oh and it was a modelling day also which she didn't give me warning for, front, side and booty views of the way I look now (I best be careful, she now has blackmail material) and that vain bird was there at my car mirrors again, but I have a plan! Oven Mitts to cover my side mirrors, if that doesn't work, I might give the council a call as it's quite annoying. Looks like she may have picked up a new client during our session also (I had a peek at her planner, she is one mega busy chick!)
No wonder Caz is so popular, she's so much fun, I swear I'm not calling what we do workouts anymore, they're laughouts now and she has good taste in music too. All in all a great session and I'm now confirmed for every Tuesday and Thursday for a while. She's also recommended a Doc for me in the area, so will have to get onto a health check before long.


So that's it, it's now 7pm and I'm starting to get hungry, the smell of chicken and vegies in the slowcooker are wafting through the room.

Mum hospitalised

I get a phonecall in the middle of today and it's Mum. She's been to the Docs and they've called for an ambulance to take her to Hospital. Of course I panic a bit, especially when she mentions chest pains.

I'm not going to delve into it but she's been admitted to hospital, pain has subsided, ECG is ok but they're running more tests and well find out results tomorrow.

Fingers crossed!

Good people come to those who suffer through the idiots

Met a great guy last night, let's call him Deep (the best way I can think to describe him). 

We'd been conversing online for a while and when he suggested a meet, I was apprehensive. With the messages between us and getting to know about each other going really well, I didn't want meeting in person to feel strained. But I agreed and choose Barkly's Hotel in Heidelberg as it's in the middle of where we both are, it had a great little area at the front, perfect for people watching (although it was 8:30pm then, not many people walking by). I really shouldn't have been concerned though, I'm pleased to say that I have no regrets. Deep is a great guy, very much a deep thinker which I like and an interesting view on things, I can see some good chats happening even if we disagree. He was also the one that told me about MeetUp. Our conversations flowed well and no awkward moments except for when Deep called our meet a 'date', awkward on my part as I didn't see it as a date. I certainly wasn't prepared or dressed for a date anyway.
With the staff at Barkly's beginning to pack for the night, it was time to say goodnight after talking for 2 hours. Slight distraction, one staff member was letting down a shade umbrella outside as we left the venue and I was sure it was going to hit him in the head, he looked so awkward. Back to Deep, after walking me to my car, he asked for a cuddle and I was happy to oblige. I didn't realise how tall he was until he hugged me but it felt good, he's a great hugger, nice and firm, and he smelt really nice too.
About an hour later, I texted Deep to thank him for meeting me and the cuddle, he replied back really positively. So I will see him again, he recommended a movie to me, would be a good second meet/date but will play it by ear.


What I've learnt... Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.

It's Wrestlemania XXIX time!!!

Getting so excited now, Wrestlemania XXIX is less than 12 hours away!!! Just over 6 hours in fact, think I'm going to bother going to bed? Would I even sleep anyway?

As a recent convert to Wrestling (it's my 2nd year being addicted to this sport), this will be my second Wrestlemania. Strangely, I found out last year my Nan was a huge wrestling fan, her fave was Andre the Giant. Mine is Sheamus and I think Nan would have liked him. Mum is an avid watcher too, smitten by Randy Orton's legs and my Sis-in-law Wendy also likes to watch it occasionally. Guess some things really do run in families and oddly, the males in our bunch don't think much of it.
Still haven't been to a live show though, but all good things come to those who wait right? When it happens it will be done right, in front row seats, camera side of the ring, right in the middle!

So Wrestlemania XXIX and Who I think will win.

WWE Championship Match

The Rock (c) vs. John Cena  = John Cena 

No Holds Barred Match (If Triple H loses, he must retire)

Triple H vs. Brock Lesnar  = Triple H

The Undertaker vs. CM Punk = Undertaker

World Heavyweight Championship Match

Alberto Del Rio (c) vs. Jack Swagger = Alberto Del Rio

Ryback vs. Mark Henry = Ryback

Randy Orton, Sheamus & Big Show vs. The Shield = The Shield

Chris Jericho vs. Fandango = Fandango Jericho won't be around for a while, no point him winning

WWE Tag Team Championship Match

Team Hell No (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Big E. Langston = Team Hell No

Tons of Funk & The Funkadactyls vs. Team Rhodes Scholars & The Bella Twins 

= Tons of Funk & The Funkadactyls

Intercontinental Championship Match (Pre-Show)

Wade Barrett (c) vs. The Miz = The Miz

Barbies aren't real!

Just come across this image from The Body Shop, love it!

These things come in 3's, computer, now car, what's next?

Having more car trouble, 

I'm thinking it's time to trade in the 'ute'.

She's been a great little car, fitted so much stuff it's comical (which is why her name is Ute) and was even sleepinable?!?

She's been my 2nd Corolla, the first one Bluey was tragically taken from a PIT manoeuvre (yep, the one that cops do but it wasn't by a cop) and then this one, where do I go from here? I don't like the centre console on the 2013 Toyota Corollas, I'm not interested in a Toorak tractor or 4WD, a van at this stage is pointless and I've been told to stay away from Utes from an overly protective Brother.

I don't want a big car but it still has to have a bit of power and has to be economical to run.

Argh.... What to do, what do do?

First 'Night Out' since the ditch

Headed off to my second MeetUp night on Thursday and all in all, it was a good night.

This MeetUp was for the group All My Friends Are In Couple & I'm Single. Held at The Emerald Peacock, the hosts did well to get a lounge area just for the group and it filled up quiet fast. Although most people tend to stay right at the opening, why does that happen? Is it as people want a quick escape from the venue? Or can ambush people as they come in?
Of the venue, I found it beautifully decorated with plush velvet ottomans, regal wallpapers and elegant wood panels, but it just doesn't have any heart (surprisingly as it used to be a Buddhist training centre). I did wander upstairs to the rooftop area and imagine this would be a good spot for after work drinks during Summer. Also the drinks seemed exy to me, but maybe I'm more used to pub prices now.

The hosts, Cam and Harriett were very welcoming. From what I could tell and heard from others, they did a great job of introductions, keeping the atmosphere relaxed and light. There were a few people standing around, looking quite nervous but coming in on their own, not knowing anyone, it's fully understandable and kudos to them for staying.

I spoke to a few people, some more than others and that was good for me, as still recovering from the flu. Four in particular I will remember and speak to again, as if it was many more they'd be a jumble (wonder if Yu has text'd those ladies yet).
In retrospect, I probably should have introduced myself to more people, but there is always next time and chatting with one guy (dang it! can't remember your name), he commented how the group went through different batches of people coming in and leaving, which I hope will be similar next time.

So to wind-up quickly as I'm heading out on a date, it appears to be a great group of very friendly people, some looking to settle down and find 'the One', others just looking to meet some new people. For me, it will be great to just meet some new people.

Looking forward to the next one!

New 'n Flashy VS Old 'n Trusty - Breaking up with my Mac

This may sound nuts, but I don't want to touch my new MacBook, it's almost... well, scary.

I've got this MacBook (working on my old one here) set up the way I like it, I know where everything is, I know the feel of the keys under my fingers, the weight of it on my lap, the perfect screen tilt, the sound of the keys as I tap away, I know exactly where the cursor will land when I swipe the touchpad and knowing it will have loaded by the time I'm back with toast in the morning.
It's all so familiar and sounding weird here but, my MacBook and I are one. Sure it's a bit slower now and it has some battlescars but it's like an old friend that's never done me wrong.

So how do I move forward? Do I have the occasional fling with the new one, in hopes I fall for it, in the meantime always coming back to the familiar and trusted old one.

Do I break it off with this one permanently by getting rid of it? I don't know if I can, it holds so much of 'me'. So many late night very early morning sessions together, researching ways to get me to sleep at 3am, entering competitions, watching and laughing at so many +YouTube videos.

Or do I wait, continuing our unity until it finally succumbs to it's Click of Death and folder blink for the final time, unable to be resuscitated by the trusty bash on my knee it's used too.

I'm so torn.

I'm a Mac girl, I always will be.

Mac's 'Click of Death'

After a 3rd rescue from 'the click of death' yesterday, I don't think I'll be able to resuscitate this Mac many more times, if any. It's holding on but we're both suffering. She's been a great machine and best part was she cost me $0, having won it in an competition. So now how do I go about choosing this Macs replacement? I'm not a techie, but I know where to find it specs so I'm using that as a baseline. But looking at info online doesn't help as it's not real, I need to get in there and play with a machine, speak to people and then get online to find the best deals.

Setting up the new machine won't be fun as I'll be assuming this one will go, so what do I move over? Photos of course, some applications but is anything else really that important? Not that I can think of.

***************************************
I've been to the Apple store today and settled on a 13' Apple Macbook Pro.
Cheaper than I thought it would be but being the haggler I am, I won't pay the asking price of $1349. HarvNorms beat it by $100, so will be going back to Apple tomorrow to get a better deal.