and so today...

I delt with the biggest f-off spiders I have dealt with for ages! Man these things were big. Serves me right for going first on a path that obviously was not well defined ... or even a path. But, by going off the track the view was pretty spectacular. I ended up on the central coast today clambering across stuff that was probably not meant for people to cross. I went on some bush tracks and I even gave my climbing skills a bit of a work out. The image to the left is of the boulders that I went a "bouldering" on. It was amazing. It seemed like we had stumbled across a section of the hill where it had tumbled down upon itself in big chunks. The way the rocks had landed on each other had created some small caves. I tried to squeeze through some of these. I actually had some very cool adrenalin pumping at one point when I discovered the boulder I had just climbed on to revealed another large solid boulder that went straight up like a wall and to climb further over it I would have had to have had some mighty good climbing equipment or if I tried really hard I may be able to squeeze under it. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I had a nagging thought of being squashed under 350 tons of solid rock so I had nowhere to go other than re-trace my steps back down and follow a path up the other side of the rockfall. "BIG GIRLS SKIRT" I hear you say.. but I was wearing my "good" t-shirt and didn't want to dirty it. :) It was hot, sweaty and I was not too happy with the humidity (the second last pic). After trying to climb some more of this rock fall, I now understand how it may be easy for climbers to be trapped beneath boulders. You can see from the third pic to the left how big some of these boulders were (Judo is in the left of the pic. This incline of boulders was greater than 65 degrees). Now, I know this is a stretch but, do you know of Aron Ralston? He's the dude who cut his own arm off when he was trapped by a boulder that moved and pinned him with no escape. It was playing on my mind, knowing that these rocks were here because they "fell" here and I was putting my weight on them as I pulled myself up higher and higher. I could never understand how he did what he did, but I can understand how you would assume these boulders were not going to move. It was just a very freaky accident.

I was having fun. We never found what we were looking for, but, we both had a good time exploring a place that we had never been before.

Speaking of weird...

My weekend so far has involved large crowds. Last night I headed to the rugby at Aussie Stadium. The season wasn't off to the best start for the Waratahs. The game was nothing more than sloppy. The final score was 16 all. The Western Force should not have got close, but we fumbled, lost possession, kicked too much, collapsed scrums and had too many bad reffing decisions go against us. Grrrr. But I love going to the rugby so it was a fun night. Today I bought myself a new bike helmet. It's actually one of the really good ones. I decided I needed something a bit more robust now that I'm becoming a fully licensed rider this coming week. There's another reason too, but more on that later in the week. While I was in the bike shop I got a call from a mate of mine who asked me what I was up to and if I was free if I could help him out. "Sure. How?" Well, I didn't see this coming, but within the hour I was heading to volunteer and help support an entry in the Mardi Gras parade. We had a huge hire van we were to drive behind the boys on bikes in case one of them broke down and needed to be carted away. What an eye opener. I felt a little uncomfortable but I was there in the thick of this amazing uniquely Sydney event. I got to see how well things were run behind the scene and got to see a parade from the "inside" of the fences.

There were thousands upon thousands of people. All cheering and laughing (mostly laughing I think) at the guys and girls in the parade. As the lads pulled into the centre of Taylor Square, in front of the very large screen, I sprung into action. We had one down. So while thousands cheers us on, we pulled the plank out of the van and pushed the bike up into the back and were off to catch up with the rest of the bikers.

The whole parade was over for me within less than half an hour from starting and I was probably home before the last float had even crossed the finish line. I'm starting to enjoy this volunteering caper. I'm now realising how import a good support crew is to the success of events.

This is just too weird, even for me...

How often has a bird fallen from the sky and missed hitting you by 2-3 feet? I'd say not many. Well, in the last 6 weeks it has happened to me 3 times. And every time it has been a pigeon that has landed with the most horrible of sound. It's freaky. Not in living memory can I ever think of birds just falling dead, or almost dead, from the sky.
The first time it happened to me I was walking down the Brisbane mall. It landed with a sort of muffled crunch/plop. Scared the crap out of me. I'd say it missed me by less than a foot. It flapped it wings twice and I quickly jumped away from it. Then, as it struggled to lift itself up, a crow swooped in and attacked it... rather brutally.
The second time I was with a mate sitting outside a cafe in Glebe and that same crunch/plop sound happened in between my seat and the people sitting behind me. It flapped once then moved no more. Dead as.
The third time was this arvo on my walk home from work. Plop. Within a few steps of me stepping on it. It didn't move at all after it hit the footpath.
Why are birds falling from the sky near me every couple of weeks? Huh?! WHY?...
I'm currently working on a weird nuclear energy emanating from my body theory.
Any other suggestions?

It's not easy being green...

Having to spend each day the colour of the leaves
When I think it could be nicer being red, or yellow or gold
Or something much more colourful like that

It's not easy being green
It seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things
And people tend to pass you over 'cause you're
Not standing out like flashy sparkles in the water
Or stars in the sky

But green's the colour of Spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like an ocean, or important
Like a mountain, or tall like a tree

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why, but why wonder why
Wonder, I am green and it'll do fine, it's beautiful
And I think it's what I want to be

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

March heralds the onset of Autumn. Although, you won't feel Autumn this month here. It'll still be hot and humid. With the amount of rain we've been having recently I've noticed that there actually is a lot of green around at the moment.

It's a colour that I don't often get the opportunity to use, but it's a colour I love.

There's just way too much wrong...

with this post. Example: 1: It's after 2 am 2: I'm awake 3: I've wanted to try one of "those" burgers for years (I've been a vego for aprox 25 of my 37 years on earth). So tonight I gave one a go. Needless to say, I didn't eat the whole thing. But now I'm, at least, aware of what I'm not missing out on. 4: <-- This is the hottest car E-V-E-R! 5: I'm thinking thoughts I shouldn't be thinking about the owner. Shall I go on? ok...

6: "River Deep Mountain High" by Tina Turner is a brilliant song
7: I discovered the Jim Henson Co is touring with an adult only show - A must see in my book. I loved The Muppet Show when I was growing up.
8: After a small hospital stint, I've been feeling so much pain in my throat for the last 4 weeks but tonight i'm not. I actually feel good!
9: I don't feel like sleeping because, I actually feel like wandering the streets and enjoying this weird feeling. (so I did)
10: Did I mention that on my walk I saw what I think is the hottest car ever?!

They are at it again...

and I really don't understand why. Last week it was my yoghurt now this week it's my milk - a whole unopened carton! Who steals other people's food from the fridge at work? Get your own dairy products people!

It was hot, humid, cold and wet...

and that was the weekend that was. Judo and I rode down to Canberra on Friday night because we had an early start on Sat morning helping out on an AROC (Adventure Race Outdoor Challenge). I've wanted to do one of these races for about two years now, but have kind of lacked the confidence to actually just put myself out there to compete in an actual race. Well, this weekend I agreed to help out and be a race official and was set up at some of the Transition Areas. It gave me a first hand look at some of the competitors and what an actual course comprised of. There were people from all sorts of fitness levels. Some didn't complete the race, some just had fun and others competed very seriously. Picture #1 is of the teams registering. Picture #2 is my first transition area. The teams of three picked up their bikes here for the first mountain bike leg in the race. I was on my motorbike, as was Judo, so we managed to have fun riding in our shorts and official T-shirt between the start, transition areas, Australian Institute of Sport, and the finish. Storms were brewing late in the arvo, so we decided to pack up and head home. On our way out of Canberra we seemed to be heading straight towards some intense lightning breaking through the black clouds. We pulled in to Golburn and had a snack at the Paragon (Picture #3). While we were inside the heavens opened up and bucketed down. We decided not to go any further and spent the night there.

We wandered the streets of Goulburn and went to the Hibernian pub (The Hybo) for a few beers. Steve, if I had some contact details on me I would have called you to say hi.
We woke this morning to more dark grey (Picture #4), but Judo had to be back in Sydney by lunchtime so we pressed on... and got wet and it was very cold as we passed through the Southern Highlands. The ride down through Macquarie Pass was a bit hairy as the roads were wet, slippery and the visibility was not ideal as we rode on through the mist. But I loved being out on the bike.
So, I had a great weekend.

-----
*I've just noticed that this post looks crap on a pc. It looks much better on my mac.

Unconscious Mutterings

I haven't played this for a couple of weeks, so here goes:

1. Threshold :: of pain
2. Jason :: and the Argonauts
3. Suspicion :: jealousy
4. Tender :: hearts
5. Tempted :: by the devil
6. Crimson :: roses
7. Repulsive :: troll
8. Bulldog :: Rugby League
9. Garage :: band
10. Racket :: noise

You can play too.

For all those who didn't get to see it...

I have posted my photo of the two great ocean liners, The QEII and the QMII in Sydney Harbour together here.

I'm at it again...

I just can't help it. I really like Yoshinoya. Today for lunch I had the "Combo Bowl" meal. Surely I can't be eating un-healthy food here. There's meat, there's veges and there's rice... not one fried thing in sight. Oh, other than the side dish of Karage.

I'm lovin' this right now...

Catherine Tate. I have only recently discovered this chick thanks to Steve who shared it with me. I don't watch TV, so thank you YouTube.

Damn paparazzi...

Why, oh why don't they just leave me alone and let me live my life!

I cooked...

this last night. Tasty. However, I made a few changes (thanks to a very poorly stocked local IGA) and I substituted the stock for consommé and halved the recipe... I wasn't planning on feeding a family. As I'm not a huge fan of salty food, I went easy on the soy at the end. In fact I think next time I'll leave that off mine. I'm sure the consommé added enough flavour and salt for the dish.
This is a really boring post... Although, you may be able to read between the lines on this one, with last night being Valentines Day and all... Mwaha hahahaa...

Notice anything different?

I've made it obvious by adding two big arrows. This is the left and right hand side of the swingarm on the rear wheel on my bike. For a few weeks now, I've been hearing a clicking noise occasionally when I ride. I was never sure what it was and looked and looked for what may have been causing it. Well, I finally found it. My chain was very loose and my WHEEL COULD HAVE FALLEN OFF!
Ok, that may be a little dramatic, but I have heard that it has happened before to riders. Luckily, I noticed the missing swing arm nuts and plate on the weekend and put young Ude in for a service and repair. I have him back in my garage tonight with all his bits and pieces checked, repaired and back in place. Sometimes I feel like I have more than my fair share of luck on my side.

How crap is this!!!!

England won... I just don't get it. I spend good money at the pub to see Australia flog the poms and THIS is the result!?!
I feel ripped off.

It's a first attempt ok...

There's something really good about...

an $8.50 steak for dinner. And it's even more special when it has a big dollop of sour cream on the side.

After Kookyknut and I had our dinner at the pub, we moved on to another pub to catch up with Jackie and watch the end of the cricket. Now, Kookyknut and I like to have a good laugh, but, when there's some drunks playing pool in line of sight of the cricket on the big screen, our laughs may have been miss read. One dude, who I would term "rough as guts", thought I was laughing at his pool playing ability. I was threatened by him. His "10 boys" would drag me off to a dumpster somewhere. Nice. He was so smashed I think I would have been too quick for him, but the cricket ended and we took to the streets to find a cab to take us to the final night of Club Kooky.

Club Kooky is/was a Sydney institution. It plays nothing but the coolest underground tunes and the crowd goes there for the music and not to look pretty. I liked it so much. It was one of the few clubs where I felt I was home amongst freaks and friends. I rarely go to clubs because, well, I'm not into that scene, but Kooky was unlike any other club. Kooky will be sadly missed, but I'm hoping it will resurface in a new venue. I got home at 4:30am this morning and thought I put in a mighty good effort. I love Friday nights.

The Coast Walk...

What a great way to spend 3 days. My mate Kookyknut and I caught the ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena then hiked from one end of the Royal National Park to the other. The walk takes in some magnificent views, beaches, marsh flats and climbs up some very tall escarpments.

We packed enough food and water for three days, however, after the first day it seems that we may have only packed enough water for 2 days. We didn't count on some of the walk being difficult and hard work with two fully laden packs. It was hot and we were drinking the water very quickly. So, after breaking camp on the first night we were conservative on the water. Unfortunately, the water in the park is not suitable for drinking. Luckily the walk to camp 2 was shorter, only about 6kms. The second night saw a line of storms blow in. Usually when camping, you don't really look forward to storms. There was one point during this second night where I began to imagine all the nice food and drink I could be having back at home and I was nearly temped to call Judo to come in and drop off a big bottle of Gatorade and a pizza... We had numerous pots, pans and plates out to capture as much water as possible. The rain water was sweet and we had more than enough to continue our walk in the morning well rested and hydrated. I really enjoyed this walk. It was challenging in parts and absolutely stunning in others. I have put some pics up on Flickr. Here's a brief explanation of the pics on the left from top to bottom: 1. Us at the start of the walk. We'd actually already walked about 2-3km's from the ferry at Bundeena to get to this "official" start of the walk. I was so very hot and sweaty already. 2. A view near the start of the walk. Looking south towards Marley Head. Marley Head was the halfway point on day one. 3. Storm brewing... 4. Looking out of the tent at Nth Era camp ground (camp 2). Just after the first storm had passed through. I love the colours of evening storms. 5. Sunrise this morning. There are some very nice beaches and rock platforms that are only accessible by doing this walk. This was right out the front of our camp ground on day two. 6. The view back north at the end of the walk. In the far distance you can see Marley Head from photo #2. What a great way to end an enjoyable holiday from work.

Unconscious Mutterings

1. Plaster :: of paris
2. Cabbage :: roll
3. Jazz :: blues
4. Darts :: from left to right
5. Poke :: in the eye
6. Bribe :: 'y Island.
7. Whale :: of a time
8. Receipt :: exchange
9. Answer :: me please
10. Dentist :: rip off merchants

You can play too.

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.