Sometimes a day turns out to be so very unexpected.

On Wednesday I discovered a new Japanese restaurant that I hadn't been to before for lunch on Oxford St. So, Thursday I decided to go back there for lunch again to try something new from their menu. While I was sitting there waiting for my order to arrive a mate of mine walked in to try this same restaurant for his first time. I called him over to join me and we talked about what we had planned for the next few days. Me, I had nothing much to do other than relax because I'm on holidays. He was heading to Melbourne in 2 hours for work. He asked if I wanted to go with him. My brain went "No way, I couldn't do that". A few bites of a new Japanese curry dish later and my brain was saying "Go on... I dare you to go!" I finished off my lunch and called Qantas to see if there were any seats left on his flight (now scheduled to leave in an hour and a half). There was. I quickly threw a few t-shirts into a bag, called a few mates to let them know I was off and before I knew it I was on my way to my favorite city in Australia yet again. Melbourne continues to be a city that just seems to have its shit together. And each time I go there she reveals to me a side of her that, even though I knew was there, I had yet to experience. This trip Melbourne was even more creative than usual and she showed me a playful sexy side to her. Ahhh Melbourne. So much to offer a lad like me. I love the way she delights the ears and eyes. She teases the taste buds. She introduces you to new sensations and above all, she does it in a friendly atmosphere. Every time I go there I discover something new. For me, discovering and experiencing is living.

Welcome Feburary...

and this month's theme is history... I'll try and keep the self reflectiveness to a minimum. But let's start with a look back at the month of January:

There were ups and there were downs but all in all it was good. I made new friends. I found inspiration to be creative again. I spent time with all the people who I really care about this month. They showed me a huge amount of support. So, really, that was a good month. Oh, and my trip to Italy and Spain was booked for May-June. Look out MotoGP! I just have to work out a way to pay for it now...

Is a decent cup of coffee too much to ask for...

in Brisbane? Can someone tell me where I can get a decent cup of coffee from in the city. I even resorted to the evil that is Starbucks... and even their coffee was so hot that it took over 15 minutes for it to cool down to a drinkable temperature. I hate waiting for boiling hot coffee to cool down.

I have just spent a couple of days in Sunny Brisneyland. The city has become a very nice place in the past 7 years. I also re-visited the Gold Coast and had lunch at the Palm Beach Surf Lifesavers Club. Tasty food, but way over priced. The view was nice... both inside and outside.

It was great to spend time with my family again and catch up with the nephews and nieces.

Yumbo...

This is tonight's dinner. For $7.90 it's a great value Japanese dinner box. The food can't be described as "the best ever" but it is good and there are no complaints from me. I love the variety on the menu at Asakusa in Newtown.

Well, this is going to be my last post for a few days. I'll be back in Sydney next week, and I may even have a few stories to tell.

Hoo-ray...

Happy birthday to me... This is probably this first time I've seem my birthday in on midnight.

So tonight I'd like to offer the following:

"Take the water fall, the water tastes good
I took the water and the water was hot
Once in a while, once in a while
You got to burn your lips, keep your feelings alive"
- the Kills - "Good Ones"

Birthdays, beers and break-ups.

Sums up the weekend for me really. It's not easy to see two people you care about go through a break-up.

But, the weekend got off to a fun start. I enjoyed dinner at the local with my two closest buddies to celebrate the end of my 37th year on this earth. One day to go until I turn 37. Wow, doesn't that make me stop and think. 37. Thirty Seven. It's just that small step closer to…

Illustration Friday : 80's

Inspiration: Mark Rogalski

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Episode :: epileptic
2. Source :: code
3. Jerk :: Steve Martin
4. Introduce :: me to that one over there!
5. Ralph :: Wiggum
6. Stare :: into space
7. Cast :: a fishing line
8. Scenario :: possibilities
9. Flu :: vaccine
10. Mad :: cow disease

You can play too.

This is close to my heart...

something said here on H&B has made me want to comment, in depth.

Sometimes one incident or bad advice from a teacher can do more harm than good.

My Year 8 Art teacher crushed my desire to be an artist. He threw one of my assignments in the bin, in front of the class, and said "That's what I think of it!" From that point on I believed I was a crap artist and I chose not to follow through with art as a subject or possible career. But deep down, I've always had the desire to be creative. Growing up I seemed to be so happy when I was tracing, or potato stamping, or sculpting with mum's home made play-doh. My mum was a very talented painter and I loved watching her create things. But, my belief in my talent didn't exist thanks to that one incident at school. It wasn't until only about 10 years ago that I felt I should give it a go again.

Sometimes advice from our teachers can be so wise. However, the effect of one piece of un-wise advice can destroy someones potential. The best statement my parents ever said to me wasn't until later after school and after I had fumbled around trying to find a uni course that satisfied me. Mum said, "Of course we won't be disappointed... If it's right for you and if you believe in it then we will back you up all the way." That statement has stuck with me actually gave me the encouragement to eventually quit my job and become a full time designer.

I would love to find that art teacher today and say to him "Well, have YOU ever been exhibited in France or had your work tour some Modern Art Galleries in the USA in the past 12 months? No??? I have."

So hopefully, I've got the long post out of my system and we'll be back to pictures tomorrow. :)

I love summer sports karnivals...

and Miss Ping Pong... no maybe it's tennis, was my fave. Although, she was creating a bit of a racket... (lame) What better way to top off a week of unexpected outings. It has finished with good music, good people, and good fun. And, this weekend, I have finally decided on what is most likely to be my next bike. A very hot Ducati Monster S2R 800.

no seriously...

it does... make you happy that is. The menu says so.

How much fun is Hooters? A lot. Although, next time I go there (will there be a next time?) I'll be ready for the 'on cue' dancing that the waitresses must do and the party games at lunchtime on a Saturday. I love being pleasantly surprised... It actually is a lot of fun.

Illustration Friday : Buzz

See more here.

And so tonight consistsed of...

I love school nights.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Incomplete :: life
2. Bobby :: Brown
3. Chopstick :: takeaway
4. Trauma :: tize
5. Hesitate :: and you lose
6. Leap :: of faith
7. Magnify :: enlarge
8. Yards :: of material
9. Alexander :: the great
10. Fracture :: ouch

You can play too.

2006 meme

Ok, this is totally about my year...

Celebrity of 2006: Damn, I'm stuck already.
At a stretch, for me, it's got to be Bridget Duclos. My daily dose of The Cage podcast has managed to make me laugh nearly every day. But I think she falls into "personality" not "celebrity". I'm very celebrity un-aware.

Clothing item of 2006: My new bike leathers.
They are just the sexiest piece of clothing evah.
Oh, and my 3 T-shirts that were on constant high rotation. Isn’t that right Kookyknut?!

Drink of 2006: Beer (Coopers Red)
As with every other year, this one is champion again.

Event of 2006: Growth
Ending a 10 year relationship and learning a little more about myself.

Flavour of 2006: Karage Chicken Udon Soup.
Yum Yum Yum! This was the year of tasty Japanese food. I was sooooo over Thai.

Fragrance of 2006: Issey Miyake.
More Japanese goodness this year.
Also forests. I love breathing in the air from our forests.

Movie of 2006: Touching The Void. DVD
An inspirational movie for me.

Performance of 2006: Hmmm... can I say my ex's outburst at the pub one night? No?
Ok, then for me, it has to be my mate Gary’s effort in the Oxfam Trailwalker. Brilliant stuff.

Regret of 2006: Not catching up with my friends as often as I would have liked to. Sorry Gleno.

Song of 2006: The Egg "Walking Away" (Album version)
Feel right
And so do you.
We walk along
Then we get it wrong.

So, who do I tag?
Anyone who has a blog I've commented on in '06... You're all intriguing people. Go on.

Weddings don't make me cry, but...

they do make me think.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a wedding yesterday and, as with all weddings, it was beautiful. There were a few things said at this wedding that really struck me and made me think how lucky these two people are to have each other. The word "encouragement" was a stand-out. I think anyone who has found a partner who encourages and understands are on a good thing. Well done Grant and Katie. These two people also know what it means to embrace life and make the most of it.

I had a cool day today...

I went out for a ride on the bike. "Someone" seemed to think that I was going to be bored on this ride. However, I knew of no such thoughts. I was so happy to be out enjoying the fresh air and beautiful bush that the fact that the ride was not going to be too difficult was just the bonus! It was damn hot. I also enjoyed finding a fairly out of the way Geocache. This one was actually not on any paths... Which, I think the theme of this one was all about. It was in Belangalo State Forest. This forest has a history. I can understand why the rangers questioned us as to the purpose for being in this place. It's creepy and I don't think I'll be going to this place ever again. But, I really enjoyed the ride. I got to spend some time wandering around the peaceful gardens of the largest Buddhist Temple in the Southern Hemisphere late in the afternoon. I'd definitely re-visit this place. It was a very peaceful beautiful place. So very different to this morning's location. Today was almost the quintessential version of good and evil. AND...

I also got to have a bloody good home cooked dinner and chill at my two good mates place and watch dvds. Which tonight were: "Howl's Moving Castle" and "The Guru". I would have loved to see the whole of The Guru, but I was so bloody tired I had to come home or fall asleep on the lounge there and snore while they try to watch a movie.

So the whole day ended with a general feeling of ... ok, wait for it, love in the air.

Photo's from the day are here.

I'm loving this right now...

Album: "Veneer"
by
Jose Gonzalez

Bee cause...

I thought I'd share a pic with you from earlier this week of what happens when you don't close your bike visor and an unsuspecting bee flies into your nose at speed... yes it hurt and the little bugger stung me to top it off!

Ude and the red box...

Simple Pleasures... a haiku

Walking home from work
The heavens open up to cry
I have no umbrella

and so, here's '07...

and I saw it in in the "best way" for me... I was in bed by 10. But, within the few days prior to the ticking of the clock to '07, I had enjoyed the following: 1) Been on a great roadtrip, 2) Been so very tired that I really didn't care about new year ("Stuff 'em all" went through my mind at one point.) 3) Seen the most interesting scenery, 4) Spent two nights with new people, 5) Felt sexy. 6) Experienced a cool new mountain bike ride... including: 7) a very new "never been there" single track miles away from Sydney, 8) Shared the experience of finding new Geocaches that took me to the most interesting places, and climbing to see some AMAZING views. 9) Knowing that I can share these with friends 10) and just for something weird: ..'07: I'm a beardy. :) Happy new year all. Let's make '07 something adventurous for all of us. Even if our adventure is as simple as taking a different route than we've ever thought of taking before.

More pics from the trip here.

I'm loving this right now...

Firefox.

Nice day for it...

This evening after work I had the opportunity to share a dive with my two best buddies. Our three paths only crossed for the first time a few months ago. There's a great photo of these two underwater posted here. What's great about this photo is that it shows one of my mates teaching the other a NEW cool thing... How to experience the underwater world. This photo demonstrates to me that great experiences can be had by just letting yourself be part of something. Also, it was great to see someone experience their first dive. I think these two lads are the greatest, and finally, all three of us together did something so very cool tonight. Gota love that. The water was a little murky where we entered, but after finning our way along the rocky reef for 60m the visability improved a lot. We were visited by friendly Blue Groupers (The labradores of the sea) and we saw more stingrays than I had seen on any other dive here previously. Visually, it wasn't the most excitiing dive, but it was still a great dive to share.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Terrify :: adrenaline rush


2. Month :: There's only 12 of them


3. Throat :: noise


4. Invasion :: The alarm clock EVERY morning


5. Nail :: biting


6. 12 :: months - Damn I feel ripped off on this one!


7. Bicker :: relationships


8. Thomas :: has a mullet


9. Sibling :: freinds forever


10. Delude :: that's trickery!

You can play too.

Yes, that's Sex and The City: Season 2 on the big screen...

and I was there to see it. By pure coincidence.

And the funny thing was, I had been here once before on a wendesday night when this show was on at the pub, and it was probably one of the crapiest nights I had had this year. And it happened here only a few weeks ago, so it is still fresh in my mind. Only once or twice before in my life had I had crappier nights. The First being when my 10 year relationship ended... I felt like I didn't want to visit this place again on a wednesday night for a long time.

But, when my mate Tim txted me earlier today, I was thinking, "Cool, a few games of pool to round off a few days of fun! I'm crap at pool, I just don't get it, but I always love chatting with someone over a game of pool..."... skip forward an hour or two and:

- I'm watching on the big screen "Sex and the City: Season 2", and Ok, sure it's only on the projector screen at the local, but yes, in full colour, the series that, made it "ok" to laugh about relationships.

- But, I was torn between this on the big screen, and "When Good Citizens Go Bad and get Caught on Tape!" on the smaller screen. Hey, I saw a truck tailor get absolutely SMASHED by a train!!! Storm chasers capture a tornado up close on video! It was, wait for it Kookyknut, "Awesome"!

- I was stuck there.

- And, having a good time.

- A few beers later, Kookyknut wins "BEST DRESSED"! Yes, that's "Best Dressed at a Sex And The City Night!" Damn it! Why wasn't it me?! Damn, I need some new T shirts!

- Could this night be any different to the previous night I was there on a Wednesday?

Yes it could. Tonight, I enjoyed myself. This topped off a bloody enjoyable day all 'round. Actually, it topped off a good xmas break, which in turn, is a great way to end the Year.

Now, that's a beard...

and it's itchy as all hell! But I shall persist with my goal to have it for a month. Don't ask why I'm doing that, I just am. However, if I had to publish a reason, I think it's because it makes kissing more enjoyable... The irony is that I'd just like to find someone who enjoys kissing a beardy :)

I went for a quick ride down to the Royal National Park this morning for breaky at Bundeena. On the way back did a slight detour via Como. This is a very beautiful part of Sydney that I never knew existed. Also found a Geocache today in another part of Sydney that was reasonably new to me as well, Hunters Hill. The cache was hidden in a nature reserve that was created thanks to Jack Mundy and the Green Bans. - Hey, not only is Geocaching getting me out into the country side and fresh air, it's educational as well. Judo bought a new GPS today that had a "Geocache Mode" as standard. We used it today and it took us to exactly the right location... Geez, with my gps you'd be lucky to get within 4m of the cache location.

And if it wasn't Xmas Day, I'd be cranky...

because after riding around Sydney trying to find somewhere to have a nice Christmas morning breakfast, I found 1 cafe open. I get the feeling that the rest of Sydney who were looking for coffee this morning also found this place. It was aptly named too. "The Grumpy Baker". I don't think he was coping with the amount of people ordering coffees... well all variations of coffee, "I'll have a lite soy latte with three shots of coffee and a skinny cap with two shots and ummmm, sugar, yes, I'd like sugar too, but can you put raw sugar in the soy and do you have coffee sugar? I'd like that in the cap thanks" said one ultra slim woman. It seems that everyone there had a "special" way to have their coffee. I think he was relieved when I said, "Just a flat white thanks." I didn't get the flat white, I got a strong cap instead, but I wasn't about to upset him by returning it. I returned to my parked bike about 45 minutes later to find someone had snapped the front right indicator off. GRRRrrrrrr.

But I've been for a quick ride through the streets of Sydney because it's one of the few days in the year that all the streets are empty and I can do zig zags through all my favorite parts of the city. I was smiling, got home, did some repairs on my bike and had a great chat to my family - who are currently in Nth Qld having a champagne breakfast on a beach near the Whitsundays. Nice. Am looking forward to catching up with Kookyknut later for our Boxing Day Eve celebrations.

Merry Christmas to all of you who have taken the time to share my blog with me. Hope you are all enjoying your day.

Wow - my house is just so festive now...

that I have 50cm of tinselly goodness erected next to the TV. AND There's even presents for me under it. Woohoo!

So today for lunch I had...

Salmon Sashimi.
Yum. The flavor was so delicate and the texture was melt in the mouth. Also with this delicious dish I had some small cucumber and sesame rolls and a couple of pieces of karage chicken with a sweet chili sauce.

+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+

I was contemplating blogging about my night last night with Kookyknut, but I'll just leave it at: We had a fun night to celebrate the end of his working year and I really didn't care that I was not going to have even close to a full nights sleep before turning up on work's doorstep this morning.

Thanks buddy, you're the best.

Something is not quite right...

with this picture.
Sometimes I just get puzzled. WHY is there a urinal where this one is? Think about that for a moment.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Hardball :: The corporate line


2. Sleepless :: in pain


3. Graduation :: ceremony


4. Presents :: are so hard to buy if you want the right gift


5. Toe :: tapping tunes


6. Lotion :: motion


7. Snicker :: grow up!


8. Eve :: beautiful


9. Investment :: in the future


10. Pain :: and pleasure

You can play too.

I'm loving this right now...

My mates and their company.

My friend Chris's enthusiasm.
My friend Gleno's "How ya doin'?" txts
My friend Killer's eyes.
My friend JJ's laugh.
My friend Farmer's attitude towards everything.

The way my friend Kookyknut's beautiful smile lights up any room.
The way my friend Judo's understanding and tenderness really does hit the spot.

and so much more in life, but these things are just the best. Sometimes you realise that you are one lucky person. Tomorrow will come and these people will be part of it for me. So I'm lucky.

For one night I'd love to get all these friends, and for those that are lucky to have them, their partners, around the kitchen and dining room for a get together so they all could meet.

The group ride...

is something that I've only ever taken part in on a small scale. i.e: two other riders, max. Well not today.

This is The Road Warriors Cafe at Mt White. This could be any given Sunday. Today, I joined a group (bike gang *hahahahahahhaaa*) for a ride from Newtown to Mt White and back to Balmain for a pub lunch. I met some nice lads and, surprisingly, enjoyed myself. Go figure?!

Look what santa brought me for xmas...

It's in my blood...

These two crazy cool cats are my Mum and Dad.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Research :: can be twisted into whatever you want it to be


2. Chuck :: up


3. Insert :: here


4. Bang :: on time Mr.


5. Lousy :: hangover


6. Rehearsal :: is for losers, just get out there and do it!


7. Critics :: sometimes are worth listening to


8. Memory :: short


9. Squid :: excellent way to ride a bike


10. Remove :: me from your spam list

You can play too.

One more for the road...

Sweeeeeeet Berry.
The ride down to Berry was very cool. There was a storm brewing on the horizon that I was keen to beat. The best part of this ride was between Kiama and Berry. The roads were smooth, curvaceous and free from traffic. It was so enjoyable to twist from one corner to the next at speed.

A dangerous game.
I love doing this, and I know I shouldn't... On the freeway between Marulan and Goulburn the big rigs were out in force. Being legally limited to 90km/h (yeah right!) the trucks speed down the hills and overtake me and then as they speed past I like to let them in front and ride so close to their tailgate that you get sucked along in their slipstream. It's dangerous, it's thrilling, it's a very cool feeling, and I know it's wrong.

Thank you and goodnight.
After lunch in Goulburn at the "stunning" Paragon Cafe we decided to leave the freeway and head the "back way" to Canberra. The weather was warm, I was tired and was kind of losing concentration. The ride was not the most interesting. It's amazing how dry the landscape is down that part of the country. The grassy hills were all looking the same golden brown... Next thing I know, my bike is shaking, I'm desperately trying to keep control of the bike. Microsleep. That's not a great thing to do at any time, but on a bike, yipes! I ran into some tree branches, flew back across the oncoming traffic lane to the other side still trying to control my bike, I smashed my foot onto another tree and then somehow re-gained control of the bike... all this within seconds and my speed not dropping below 80km/h and now I was wide awake. Luckily the roads were empty, because if they weren't, I was a goner. I'm still AMAZED that I have no injury other than a bruised foot and that UDE (my bike) was in one piece apart from tree sap splashed across the tank and the odd branch still wrapped around the instruments.

Bugs
I love Canberra. I have a feeling I may end up moving there one day. "That's madness!" I hear you all shouting! But, no, I really love this city. Every time I visit it just keeps getting better. On the road trip I experienced some of the roads and rides around the city. The scenery, while dry, is absolutely spectacular. The Brindabella's are stunning. On one of the rides I must have ridden through about 5kms of grasshoppers on the road. They were splatting against my boot as I road along at speed. It was actually very amusing. But it's the roads that impressed me this time. I could live here quite happily. All I need would be a small unit with a lock up garage and a big fish tank.





As Jamiroquai says
"This corner of the earth is like me in many ways..."
Dry, barren, desolate, empty, emotionless... ;) Judo, shall I go on?



Snap Crackle and Pop
I visited Jervis Bay for the first time on Saturday. This place is like a small corner of the Garden of Eden. Naturally we rode to the little pristine beach called "Murray's Beach". There was a strong wind blowing across the bay and with it it brought in thousands of Blue Bottles. The water was so clear and tempting that I had to swim. Luckily the blue bottles were easy to spot on the surface and were easy to dodge. Judo and I rode squid in our boardies back to the Hotel in Huskisson. There's nothing like the feeling of zooming along on your bike without bulky protection. A word of advice for novice bike riders: This is a bad habit so don't do it. But I love it. Slap my wrist. Later that evening the tide had retreated and as we walked along the beach the thousands of bluey's that were washed up on the beach sounded amazing as they popped under foot. I love fossicking around rock pools when the tide is out.

More pics here.

ROADTRIP!

Follow the purple line... that's where me and my bike are riding starting tonight. Sydney to Berry. A night there. Berry to Canberra. Having a night in Canberra. Then doing some rides around the ACT. Then riding to Batemans Bay. Staying there for a night. Then up the coast to Huskisson. Stopping there for a night, then zooming back up the coast to Sydney on Sunday.

Who said I was predictable?

Today's tasty treat was Yoshinoya's "New" Curry Chicken Bowl. MMmm MM. I love this curry. It's kind of like the curry my Mum used to make with good ol' "Keen's Curry Powder".

I'm lovin' this right now...

It's tasty. It's probably good for me. It's Japanese fast food.

I've been running away from work to the other side of the city for an early lunch at Yoshinoya trying to beat the crowd. Today's tasty choice from the menu was the Grilled Beef Bowl Meal. This comprised of miso, karage chicken, the above mentioned Beef Bowl and a Coke. I seriously could have eaten just 4 or 5 servings of the karage. Deep fried goodness! I'm yet to be convinced that this is actually "grilled" beef. It tastes just like the regular beef bowl, "Gyudon". Gyudon is very thin slices of beef simmered in a special broth made up of stock, wine and over 40 spices (so the story goes).
This entry in Wikipedia is interesting.

Anyone want to join me for an early lunch sometime?

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Hello :: there


2. Flinstone :: 's meet the


3. Corn :: salad sushi boat


4. Interview :: process


5. Deviant :: Ummmm... me


6. Concept :: create one, get it approved, then the client changes their mind


7. Bridge :: ing the gap


8. Karen :: KILLER!


9. Encounter :: surprise


10. Biological :: break (It's a song)

You can play too.

Actually...

I have to set the record straight... Geocachers are a friendly and welcoming mob.

And this weekends event was...

The Great Auzzie Xmas BBQ Geocache Event.

The morning was cool and overcast so deciding to ride was one of those decisions that could have been very wrong. It wasn't. In fact, it was a perfect bike riding temperature.. By the looks of the pic, we could have been in some cool part of the world for breaky, but no, it was just Glebe. The picnic was at a place called Mortlake. Had never been there before, so navigating on the bikes from a memorised map was a mighty good task by Judo.

Met a few fellow Geocachers. Met up with Farmer and family there too. They had come in from Bathurst for the weekend. The Geocachers are an, ummmm, "interesting" bunch of people. There was a time trial cache hunt which I just tagged along with Farmer and crew. I think 15 minutes was the final time. The fastest was around 12minutes to find the 4 caches and solve the puzzle.

Well, that was a cheery album... not.

The whole new Faithless album has a new-born baby theme. It's title is "To All New Arrivals". I would think that over the past 18 months Faithless have had some new children enter their lives. One of the band members may have had a close call with their child during birth. Every Faithless album has at least one Dido vocal, this one song is hauntingly sung by her.

"Last This Day"
-Faithless

Lines to the skin
That have seen neither sun nor sin
Tubes to the mouth
Can not laugh or sigh or even cry

Drop in the ocean
A second in our time
One Star in the endless sky
But you mean
The whole world to me
Your an island of life

So please
Last this day
Stay one more day
Please last this day
Stay one more day
And stay one more day
And just one more
Just one more day

All this madness around us
You, all knowing and so still

You were made in love
and grew in hope
and born in pain,
you had them running around
trying to make you breath again
one tiny link
in an endless chain

But you mean
The whole world to me
Your an island of love

So please
Last this day
Stay one more day
Please last this day
Stay one more day
Please last this day
Stay one more day