Ramblings of an ever changing mind...

Can I just have a taste?

2011-11-20T19:21:00.001+08:00

Seemingly innocuous words, but ones which I dread. Not that I have a problem with sharing food. It is the mode of sharing of those who tend to make such requests that I have a problem with. Rather than carefully removing some food with a clean utensil to their plate, or pouring some of the drink into another vessel, they are almost certainly going to dive into the middle of your dish (to 'get a taste of everything) with their already used saliva-covered (and frequently partially food-covered) fork or spoon, or to drink directly from the straw or cup.

Sometimes they don't even wait for an answer, or for that matter, even ask! Once a workmate saw my freshly purchased smoothie, said 'I wonder how that tastes', grabbed it and drank from it before I could react. I had not even had a single sip at the time, but my immediate reaction was 'well, you can have it now'. I was not at all impressed, as the drink had cost $6, plus a fair walk down the street, which had been quite an effort in 38 degree heat, pregnant and with joint problems which made walking painful.

I am very happy to share, and think that each buying a different dish and then transferring some to each others plate before eating is commenced is a great idea. But, for me, someone partaking directly from my cup or plate renders the drink or food inedible. I understand that some people have absolutely no problem drinking or eating directly from the same dish as others, but I am not one of those. I respect their right to share amongst themselves as they see fit, appreciate the generosity of their offers, and do not offer any negative comment on the practice.

Interestingly, though, I have found that those that 'just want a taste' so rarely display the same courtesy. They will request again - 'come on, just a taste', 'I don't have any bugs, you know'. Pull faces of disapproval and disappointment. Comment to others if around 'oh, I'm so easygoing, I have no problems sharing' (although, in my opinion, someone can hardly be considered easygoing if they cannot accept easily a 'no' in response to their request).

Recently I travelled with one of these people for a week. The first day of our trip I spotted a place selling green tea and sweet bean desserts. This is something that is very difficult to find in Perth, so I was really looking forward to dining there. I made my selection, and my travel companion (let's call him GG, or Grumpy Guts) made his. Shortly after the desserts arrived, GG indicated, waving his already used spoon at my dish, that he wished to share. I told him that I don't like to eat directly from the same dish, and suggested that I use my clean fork to place a portion on his plate. This would achieve his aim of variety/tasting another dish, so would surely be satisfactory...

Apparently not. GG sighed heavily and said 'don't worry then'. A minute later, starting up the topic again, with 'I just don't understand what your problem is'. My reply that I simply don't like to do this, consider it a little gross to mix my food with another's saliva, was just not adequate. Clearly I had a big problem, I should learn to share, and he was suffering greatly from my views. I gave in and let him eat from my dish. He ate happily, and the fact that I was no longer enjoying eating apparently did not diminish GG's enjoyment one little bit. He did note that I left a lot of my (very small, about 1/4 the size of his) dessert, as I avoided eating any of the food his spoon had made contact with. My stated aversion, together with the fact that I could not enjoy much of the dish, would surely be enough that in future he would leave my food alone, right?

But no. Starbucks the next day, food hall noodles, bubble tea, anything I chose, GG wanted a taste of. Each time he asked, each time I said I would rather not, each time he would sign, pull the face, shake his head and say he just didn't understand, he just wanted to try it. Would provide examples of his own sharing, or potential sharing ('if my mother didn't have a bottle of water but I did and she was thirsty, I would offer her some'). Very clearly affronted by my great selfishness in not wanting to share (and not even not wanting to share! but rather in not wanting to share by his method!)

On the last day of the holiday when confronted by the guilt trip yet again, I asked GG why he kept on asking when he knew that I didnt like to share, and told him that he was ruining the food/drink for me. He insisted that he just kept on forgetting, but his reaction, his arrogance in thinking that I should be like him in this (any other) respects, the tone when he said each time 'oh, that's right' (not, 'sorry, I forgot' which would've been more appropriate,although of course hardly convincing after so many times), frowned and shook his head indicated otherwise. That it was a deliberate effort to bring me around, if not to his way of thinking, at least to complying with his wishes.

I really am not sure what the problem is. We all have different ideas, preferences, aversions, and the important thing is that we respect those of others, surely. And I do believe that I have the right to decide what to do with my food/possessions/time, at least to a greater extent than a friend does. Or am I just an unreasonable, saliva-phobic fussy destroyer of fun?

Things I loooove about the US

2010-10-29T18:07:00.001+08:00

In the past I have enjoyed making fun of Americans (since we are their lapdog, and bitter about all they have that we don't, it is necessary - plus of course some of my closest friends are American, and mocking is the Australian way of showing friendship)...but now that I have enjoyed my first Florida-free (and therefore, best) US trip, I thought it timely to write about some of the (many) things I loved about the US. Plus, I can write it as a list and be lazy, which totally suits me :D

1) Reese's Peanut Butter cups - they are sensational. The large, the mini, the milk chocolate, the white chocolate, I love them all. And consumed an obscene amount when in the US. Now seriously thinking about ordering some from ebay for an obscene amount (I do hear there is a place about 45 minutes' drive away where they sell a pack of 2 for $3.50, but now that I am all converted to American (ie both wanting lots of food and used to cheap prices) that just won't do. And no, the photo is not of the Peanut Butter Cups, but of a breakfast I had at Kramerbooks in Dupont Circle.

2) Tide laundry powder - ok, I didn't get to actually use it this time. But did enjoy the delightful Tide scent in the supermarket and on random people. Next time I am definitely bringing a few packs back. Nicest smelling laundry product ever. Plus brings me happy memories of opening ebay parcels (I used to buy a lot of 'lots' of kids' clothes from ebay...which brings me to the next....)

3) The clothes - cheaper, better quality, much more interesting styles, and lots that matches (especially from The Children's Place - being a bit OCD about matching, the ability to purchase totally coodinated ensembles right down to the hat or stockings is a very good thing).

4) The scenery - sooo pretty - I loved the types of trees, the greenery, the water (whether natural or manmade, all pretty). The trees were just starting to change colour when I was there, which made it even better. Even the crops were more interesting and beautiful than our standard of wheat and lupins.

5) Drive through stuff - not just McDonalds etc, but they have drive through pharmacies and even banks (which of course I made my friend drive through and use so I could take photos :D). In one town there was even a drive through subway (which apparently is not a usual thing, but still, there was one).

6) Ease of buying alcohol - at least in Virginia. You could buy it from the supermarket. From the 7-11. Even from the pharmacy. So, alcohol is available 24-7. Living in a place where it can only be purchased in bottles from liquor stores, which close by about 10, and by 8 on Sundays, I found this amazing (and wonderful :D)

7) Bagels and cream cheese. We just don't have proper bagels readily available here. We have bread shaped to look like bagels, and of course in 'white' only. I had never really been a fan for this reason, but once I discovered the delights offered by the Ashburn Bagel shop, I was totally hooked. Huge variety of bagels, and even of cream cheese. I took photos, of course.

8) The houses. Ok, I am not keen on the flimsy construction which means that you can hear what your next door neighbour is watching on TV. But the style is so pretty in the region I visited, whether 'townhomes' or um 'normal' homes. And of course, basements are super cool. I loved going down to the basement to 'do laundry' like an American. And that there are three levels in a lot of houses. The windows. The decks. Very exciting.

9) The people. Now, of course, please keep in mind that I was only in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and DC for any amount of time. And of course that I did encounter some from other places (and ok, even from other parts of Pennsylvania) who were loud, demanding and abrasive (amusingly enough, most often about making sure there was enough meat and fat (ie half and half vs 'normal' 2% milk) in their food). But in general the people I encountered were friendly (to a cute degree) and really quite adorable.

10) Halloween. Ok, it was not yet Halloween when I was there (obviously). But, decorations were already up in many places, and of course there was so much at the shops. A lot of which I bought (Halloween pencils, cards, treat buckets and bags, window clings, stickers etc)...and a lot of which I really want (candy bowl with animated hand - super cool!, animated lifesize witch - a must have!). Plus, pumpkin patches where you can choose your own! I am definitely planning to be in the US for Halloween (with kids) one year. Have promised them even!

11) CVS. A place I never got sick of (and not just because I spent much of my holiday sick from American food/coffee and needing to buy products to make me feel better - I am not used to such rich food, but found it so exciting that I consumed it anyway). They have sooo much there - from 'candy' to Halloween products and organising products and ziplock bags of perfect airline size and all the usual pharmacy goodies but in a dizzying and delightful variety, and at half the price or less of the same products in Australia...and of course the alcohol. Plus they gave out coupons!

12) Chipotle. Fabulous Mexican food, that actually seemed healthy. In huge size servings. And best guacamole ever!

13) DC. The museums. The monuments. The beautiful buildings. The greenery. The peace to be found so easily even within the city. Dupont Circle and the embassies, bookstores, and overall charm. The Circulator. Union Station. The Metro. I have no idea how I managed to not like the city last time I visited (ok, maybe it was because of the area I stayed in), but I just loved it this time. Plus, you can buy space icecream and space pens that write underwater there - supercool!

14) Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestowne. Ok, I must admit...this is not something I was particularly looking forward to on my trip, and although my friend assured me it was great and that I would enjoy it, I was secretly a little skeptical and expecting something a little tacky theme park-ish. But loved it - both are beautiful places to be (and Jamestowne was so quiet and peaceful as well), the costumed historian telling us about Jamestowne's history was both amazingly entertaining and informative as was the lady leading us through the Governor's Palace, there was such a variety of experiences at Williamsburg, and well, again, they are just such beautiful places.

15) Ashburn. All the buildings are pretty. It is green. There are lakes. From my friend's house it is possible to walk to school without even crossing the road. There is a trail that goes all the way into Washington, and even has rest stops. The shopping centres are nicely set out, with ample parking. Plus of course, they have the all important CVS, target and Ashburn Bagels.

16) Dulles Airport. Nicely set out, and even the carparks seemed to lack the usual airport chaos. The trains were supercool. The airport was clean, and with decent and reasonably priced food options. And the luggage even came out onto the conveyor in a cute way.

17) The schoolbuses. Sooo cute. I love the colour, I love the shape, they are just delightful. And most definitely photoworthy. Plus, of course, like everything else in American, because we grow up watching American shows with American stuff, they seem famous and exciting.

18) Squirrels. They are cute and adorable. The look cute, they move cutely. They make practically every green place you come across even more delightful. They are totally photoworthy and videoworthy (although it seems that taking photos of them is also an excellent way to meet the locals as many of them seem to find it both hilarious and a clear indication that 'you are not from here, are you'...)

3 x 7 tag

2010-09-24T15:44:00.002+08:00

All happy now as I have an easy way to write a post - a tag, which is the one thing guaranteed to make easily distracted, rarely completing (at the moment I have sooo many unfinished posts in draft - on why I hate facebook, nice things about the US, lots more) me actually finish and publish a post.

The super fabulous, wonderful (more so because she is a lot me...) Chanz tagged me here...and in such a nice way, that writing this became my top priority (even above getting the honey I needed more than any other item and of course forgot when I was just at the shops...seee about the easily distracted).

So here they are...my 3x7:

3 places I would pack my travel bag for
Ok, well for me it is more difficult to think of 3 places that I wouldn't pack my travel bag for...I love travelling and discovering the world, and would love to see it all, and meet everyone as well! So, I will make this my top 3 places...soo:

India - I am not going to be specific as I loved all that I saw - from the noise and atmosphere of Mumbai, the peace of Delhi's Defence Colony at night, the greenery, narrow lanes and beautiful houses of Calangute, or the smoke over the fields of Rajastan - I would take them all. And of course, will be packing my bags for India again just three months from now.
Laos - a place that interests me a lot as it is more untouched by tourism than the rest of south east asia, and seems to offer a different pace and experience. Plus, of course, some pretty amazing sights.
United States - ok, at the beginning of this year I had the US ranked fairly low down the list, and did not expect to go there for another 2-3 years, when I take the kids to Disneyworld - but this time next week I will be there (and very much looking forward to it) so it has to make the list. And, I am really excited to see the Amish of Pennsylvania and get an insight into another way of life (that I suspect would be more satisfying that the standard).

3 on-screen characters I love to watch

Clive Owen - for both the visual splendour, and the characters he plays - I have really enjoyed all of his films that I have seen.
Sandra Bullock - likeable characters, and again, films that I always enjoy.
Chris Noth - well, he is definitely good looking, but he is on the list for the older, wiser and slightly amused character that he tends to play.

3 moods that describe me best
Um, this is tough - my moods can be everchanging I can go from super-happy to saddest or grumpiest with just one sentence - and back again with same. There are definitely extremes though...I do the fullll range of emotions, am not one of those nice, sensible, even-tempered people:

Manically happy - sometimes I will be so happy that I will hardly be able to focus or sleeep - could be a conversation or a lovely spring day that brings it on.
Melancholy - again, can be brought on quite easily, and can either go just as easily, or linger for a day or so.
Happy and focused - this is the mood of a new organising project at home, an efficient day at work, or while reading a good book.

3 things I always think of doing on a weekend - but never did

Taking the kids up to the hills to a national park - while I love the idea of this, we always end up closer to home (which is excusable considering the area we live in) - the drive and being alone in a place where bodies are occasionally dumped tends to put me off...
Visiting the local markets to buy fruit and vegetables - not once have I been there since moving so close 3.5 years ago - the produce there is cheaper and fresher, but the crowds, parking issues and 'unknown' factor keep me away for now.
Having the house perfect on the first night of the weekend so that the whole weekend can be devoted to leisure. Friday night comes though, and I am generally too tired. Soon, though...really...

3 things from my childhood that I can't forget

Riding bikes, playing in the mud of the 'lane', eating my grandmother's awesome afternoon tea, hanging around 'The Trees', visiting the park, and exploring the vacant land of South Perth with my cousins.
Visits to a farm in Wyalkatchem when I was 3 and 4. Visiting Yorkie Rock, driving around and seeing the sheep and pigs, kissing the dog because he was so nice and cuddly, walking out to the rocky area on the farm with Craig, Craig and Roslyn writing down their ages (15 and 11) on a blackboard in their games room, seeing a dead sheep with lamb nearby (and crying until finally believing my dad's story that it was just unconscious and would wake up soon), and the drive there which was always 'just five minutes more'.
Toooo much! I remember a lot more of my childhood than most people, and probably more than I want to. Right back to quite a few at about 18 months old. Nice to remember being at an age where being carried was the norm, and before I became scared of the dark, but sometimes I would prefer to forget things more easily.

3 things I would never say no to

A holiday. To anywhere not rated 'do not visit' on the smarttraveller website.
Pani Puri. Ok, there are a lot of foods I like equally - some chocolate, pav bhaji, masala dosa, blue cheese - but I would often say no to them because of diet - but pani puri is something I would always be able to justify at least one of.
The chance to organise something or change a system. Nerdy and strange, but this is something I just love.

3 things I can't live without

Hugs from the minibeasts
Hope
My phone (and the goodnight texts/morning phone calls from my favourite person)

Ok, all done! Now I am going to tag just 3 as seems appropriate:

Trip Preparations - man vs woman

2010-09-20T16:08:00.002+08:00

For the last two months or so, I have been preparing for a trip to the US. Which in theory might seem simple, but which is actually very time consuming. Considering the steps that I have been through made me consider the steps taken by a man (or even me usually, as I generally travel by budget airlines and with just cabin baggage) vs the steps I have been taken to prepare:

Steps for a man

When trip is decided:

Purchase ticket, arrange travel documentation and currency if needed.

Day before or day of trip:

Find a bag and throw in socks, underwear, clothes and toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant (and, judging by the number of men not providing the zip lock bag of liquids for security inspection, perhaps not even this).

Steps for a woman

When trip is decided:

Purchase ticket, arrange travel documentation and currency if needed.
Determine best schedule for haircuts, hair colouring, professional teeth cleaning, waxing and threading to ensure she is at the optimal point at the time of the trip.
Assess wardrobe and compile shopping list for clothes, shoes and, um, foundation garments.
Decide on the fragrance themes for the trip.
Compile a list of options for houseguest gifts, perform assessment, and investigate which will be allowed without trouble past customs.
Review makeup on hand to decide what will need to be replenished to ensure it lasts the whole trip.
Commence schedule of exfoliation and moisturising.
Investigate shower facilities at airports on the itinerary, as the first step of an 'arrive as clean and presentable as possible' plan.
Formulate a strategy for arriving presentable but not getting out too late, involving wet wipes, deodorant replenishing, clothes changing, conditioning spray, makeup and fragrance items to be carried in hand luggage and possibly dry shampoo.
Weigh herself and set a weight loss goal to reach by the trip, together with a date at which she may accept that is all she will lose and buy new clothes.
Commence first detox

6 weeks before

Initial shopping trip for fragrances (this of course includes everything from body lotion and shower gel to actual perfume). Dismiss option of coconut from the Body Shop and pharmacy, and commence search online.
Continue exercising twice a day and living on Optifast.
Book all appointments as above, including 'test runs' for threading and haircut.
Perform a wardrobe assessment to determine what can be taken.
Visit favourite clothes shop at 3 locations (as they all have slightly different stock) and make initial purchases.
Decide that new shoes are needed as only pristine virgin shoes can be worn on such an important trip.
Become super-vigilant about sunscreen - ageing must be halted now!

4 weeks before

Trial all planned outfits on friend most trusted to be honest and mother.
Complete purchases of fragrance options as follows:

Pink grapefruit from ebay (later rejected as not enough of the range available...will save for India)
Honey and almond from ebay (all rejected apart from body scrub due to dislike of almond/hone combination)
Coconut shower gel and body butter from pharmacy (rejected for being too strong)
Coconut powder, coconut soap and honey soap, dry perfume and lip balm from Lush (on two separate trips)
Coconut perfume oil from happyguru.
Coconut body scrub and body butter and (oops, forgot I already had some) soap from a Queensland ebay seller.
Coconut shampoo and conditioner from pharmacy.
Honey body butter from the local Amcal.
Coconut conditioning spray, styling product and smoothing serum from Priceline.
Honey powder from ebay.

Attend first threading appointment, to be sure that eyebrows will be in desired shape and have time to grow back if necessary.
Buy new shoes, then decide that they also need lavender scented inserts. And decide that all socks must be brand new and unworn as well, so buy new socks.
Realise that you need to drop back on exercise as you no longer have any time due to the shopping trips and appointments.
Perform inventory of travel sized containers and bags and purchase more in a range of sizes.
Prepare checklist of all that must be done before the trip.

Two weeks before

Commence second detox.
Attend dentist for teeth cleaning.
Spend $200 on Clarins products in impulsive shopping trip with workmate to Myer, and tell yourself that you really can look younger in just two weeks.
Make final purchases and alterations (taking in - yay!) to existing clothes.
Become really conscientious about being moisturised, exfoliated and anti-aged.
Commence packing. It doesn't matter if it is all just pyjamas, new socks and a ridiculously extensive range of coconut scented products, a full suitcase is reassuring.

Ten days before

Decide that all clothes to be worn on the trip must now be quarantined, and that only old, rejected, not-fit-for-the-trip clothes are to be worn from now.
Buy even more travel containers.
Decant or spoon into travel containers: body scrub, exfoliating cleanser,honey powder, coconut powder, shampoo, conditioner, conditioning spray, honey body butter, coconut body butter, coconut styling product, and coconut hair serum. Cut soap down into travel size. Yes, I know that all these items are available already in travel size but they are not the right ones! Coconut and honey only are acceptable.
Walk around the house quite pointlessly, as the trip is now too close to be able to think straight.
Check list of preparation, and instead of ticking things off, instead identify more urgent things that must be attended to.
Contemplate previously purchased Maybelline makeup, and wonder if an upgrade to Revlon is necessary.

The rest...well, this is as far as I have got so far. But I still have a few appointments ahead (hair colour and cut to be completed on the day of departure itself...I don't know why, I do think that the chance of my hairstyle surviving 36 hours of travel is very slim). And some ironing to do. Some altered clothes to try on. New battery to buy for my luggage scales. About 100 other things on my to do list. A lot of anti-ageing products still to apply. Hair to be ripped out by the root. Dead skin to be removed. Weight to lose (I once lost 5kg in one week...perhaps I can repeat this!). Ribbons to attach to the suitcases to differentiate them from the rest of the black suitcases. And of course, packing to do. And panicking. All fun though. But life really is simpler for men!

Americans! Making me feel thin, smart and well-dressed since 1982...

2010-09-19T18:16:00.004+08:00

This seems relevant, as in just 10 days I will be amongst them...

An old favourite, an article from satirewire (which of course we allll know is actually true...so many seem to see the rest of the world as irrelevant or unimportant) about Americans Annoyed by all the International 'Material' on the Net.

The google search suggestions for 'why are americans so':

Another old favourite (and of course, slightly inaccurate in that even this very simplistic map goes far beyond the geography knowledge of the average American):

Another video about dumb Americans, from the same Australian TV show...

Oh well, roll on being in a place where I feel intelligent, well-informed and thin! And where I can impress people with my toughness, crocodile wrestling and pet kangaroo (I have noticed that in recent years, probably due to high profile Australian actors, people are far less shocked that I can speak English than they were on my first visit, so I guess that one will no longer apply).

Circle of Friends Award and Untagged Tag

2010-09-18T00:38:00.003+08:00

It has been a long time since I last blogged. And, as I owe Shayon a thank you for his Circle of Friends tag (and because I am feeling lazy after a day in the sun) it seemed appropriate to complete his tagless tag :)

1. If you married the last person you texted, what would your last name be?
Probably what it is now, as I found all the change of name paperwork quite a drag last time I married.

2. Were you happy when you woke up today?
Reasonably.

3. What’s something that can always make you feel better? When did you need it last?
The sun, a walk, rain, greenery (ok, I guess, being outdoors), a good book, a 'feel good' video from youtube (one of the decent ones, of course...). Tonight.

4. What are you excited for?
Upcoming trip :)

5. What were you doing yesterday?
Working. Coffee with an old workmate. Lunch with a current workmate (kaiten sushi) and shopping for very important things like coconut soap and travel containers.

6. What’s the last thing you put in your mouth?
Water.

7. Have a best friend(s)?
I don't really use this term, but I do have some people that I can share a lot with and have a good comfort level with.

8. Are you scared to fall in love?
Maybe a little...

9. Do you think teenagers can be in love?
It is possible...but I do think people overuse 'in love'...

10. Last person you wanted to punch in the face?
No one that I actually could punch in the face...and I don't imagine I would in fact punch someone.

11. What do you want right now?
Peace and proximity.

12. Who was the last person you took a picture with?
My younger daughter, at school for a Mother's Day event.

13. Are you single/taken/heartbroken/or confused?
Hmm...single but not available :) Sometimes confused.

14. When was the last time you cried?
Tonight. I am suuuuch a crybaby.

15. Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
Yes, pretty good, and I think the relationship is improving over time.

16. Do you find it hard to trust others?
Yes. I would not say that I particularly distrust people, and in some ways I can be trusting...but to really 'trust' someone, yes, that is difficult. Most people simply are not trustworthy.

17. I bet you miss somebody right now..
Oddly enough I do...although given the circumstances, that may seem odd.

18. Can you honestly say you’re okay right now?
1 hour ago no, 10 minutes ago yes, right now no...ask me again in 5....

19. Tell me what’s on your mind.
Lots (I am Gemini, after all...). I will get in trouble for staying up late, I should be making an effort to write better, my cat is sooo cute, I wonder how Shayon is, I wonder if I really can stay off facebook.

20. What are you looking forward to in the next three months?
Trip to the US. Spring days. Planting some flowers. Seeing a movie tomorrow. Going to work on Monday. School holidays.

21. Have you ever worn the opposite sex’s clothing?
Tshirts, jackets etc, yes.

22. When did you last talk to your number 1 top friend?
I would never use that term...but, about 10 minutes ago.

23. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell anything to?
I think so.

24. How’s your heart?
It varies

25. Have you ever felt like you weren’t important?
Of course. I am not. There are billions of other humans, even just at this point in time.

26. Do you think somebody’s in love with you?
No

27. What are you planning on doing after this?
Go to bed. Read a little, send a text, cuddle a small person.

28. When will your next kiss take place?
Um, I don't know...

29. Have you told anybody you loved them today?
No.

30. Who do you not get along with?
Nobody that I can think of.

31. What are you wearing right now?
Pink tshirt and jacket, black sports pants, fuzzy socks.

32. Are you wasting your time on the person you like?
No. I spend a lot of time, but I don't consider it wasted, although it does often conflict with other things I should be doing.

33. How did you feel when you woke up?
Quite energetic, actually.

34. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
Yes, I wish for a call. Well, also wish for a text, but I know I will get that.

35. Do you crack your knuckles?
No.

36. What were you doing yesterday at midnight?
Sleeping.

37. Who’s the first B in your contacts?
Balan
.
38. When was the last time you laughed really hard?
Not sure, but definitely this week.

39. Last awkward moment?
Tonight.

40. Are you afraid of the dark?
No. I was not when very young, then was for many years, now not (for the first time that I can remember, in the last year or so, I sleep with no lights on in the house).

41. Do you have good vision?
Not really, but it has improved a lot with age.

42. Have you ever tripped someone?
I don't remember.

43. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes.

44. Do you laugh off embarrassing moments?
Generally.

45. Can you go out in public looking like you do?
If I put shoes on to cover the fuzzy socks.

46. Is it easy for someone to make you smile?
Sometimes it is very easy, sometimes it is close to impossible.

47. Has anyone put their arms around you in the past 5 days?
Yes. Little tiny people.

48. Do you miss the way things used to be?
Yes, but I am still happy to be going forward, not back.

49. How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
Reasonably often on facebook (one reason I deactivated...that irritates me)...in general, rarely, although I do hesitate.

50. Want someone back in your life?
Yes, one friend I have not found time for in recent years.

51. Does it bother you when someone lies to you?
Yes, although it is mere annoyance if they are not close.

52. Is there anyone who understands your relationship status?
A few.

53. Are you a naturally happy person? Or is your happiness forced?
I would say that I am very easily happy. Also very easily unhappy. And duh, no emotion can be forced...if it is forced, it is not an emotion...

54. Is there anyone you wish would fall in love with you?
I don't think you can wish for such a thing, and it is not good to. It happens or it does not, and wishing is just likely to make someone project and kid themselves.

And of course, giving the Circle of Friends to Shayon and Sakshi (even though they both have one) - two people I am very happy to have met through bloggerland :) Wishing you both all the very best :)

Ok, it is well past bedtime now, and yes, I did get in trouble a little for staying up late...so off to bed...

You don't know me

2010-06-02T07:49:00.005+08:00

Most of you who are reading this don't know me at all in real life. Some of you who are my facebook friends have seen photos of me, my children, my holidays and so have a feeling that you know me somewhat. But, there is so much about me that is not really known...is only 'known' based on what I say. I say I am single - but how do you know? Have you seen this acknowledged by people that you know for sure know me well, live in my city, know my family? I say I am an accountant? But how do you know? From photos that I have posted of my office? That does not say that I am an accountant...it just says that I work in an office. Or perhaps just that I visit an office sometimes.

The fact is, people just don't know who they are dealing with online. We can chat, we can talk on the phone. Even meet. But, unless we know someone in their 'regular' life, we can be sure of nothing. I know this for a fact. I have seen people with apparently full profiles, including photos of their house inside and out (large, three story with extensive grounds), of dogs, of the orchard they owned, with a job as an investment banker, and with extensive travel behind them. Now, I have a very good memory. And, perhaps due to my profession, am very awake to inconsistencies. I saw a few, I probed. Turns out none of this was true - the guy in question had not travelled as he said...did not live in the 3 story house but rather in a 1BK...and worked in a caryard. None of these bad points in themselves...but they became so due to his deception. And they impacted very negatively on some others. One girl, that went from the US to India to meet him, but was shocked to find the truth that emerged under her Uncle's questioning. Another,that had met him when visiting family from Canada, not only believed that she would be marrying him, but sent money to his 'sister' to buy him a gift after his terrible motorcycle accident (all lies, the email account of the sister was actually another identity of his). So, it shows just how far and for how long people can be deceived.

I am not saying that I am not who I say I am. But, I am asking you to consider just how much you know me. Photos of children and of me or, perhaps, of an unsuspecting friend or stranger, can easily be obtained from Picasa, flickr, photobucket or the huge number of websites that provide stock images. A character can be feigned. I tell people that I travel, that I work hard. Perhaps I am on welfare and actually bitterly jealous of those who do. Perhaps I see some of you as more fortunate...and want your money. Perhaps I see some of you as 'hot' and want your body. Or maybe I am just looking for acceptance and respect that I could never find in my real persona. But, you just don't know.

Maybe now you will start checking me out. On different websites. By google search. Searching by username, searching by email if you know it. Checking the posts on my blog to see if there appears to be any comments by people who know me 'in real life'. Checking my facebook to see if there are neighbours, friends from school, family. That it is not just a list of people I found through groups or friend suggestions, or other connections. Whether people on my friends list are tagged in my photos. Do it. Please. Do it before trusting me with your facebook friendship beyond limited. Do it especially if you plan to meet me.

I am not saying people on the net are generally bad. I am just saying, please be careful.

The trigger for this - I see this guy back on facebook...he has an open profile. Once more, he is adding NRI girls from North America. I can't warn them. But I can warn you. All is not necessarily as it seems.

How much is one life worth?

2010-02-26T12:37:00.002+08:00

In the last day there have been reports in the Australian media about Claire Murray, a 24 year old who has only a few months to live unless she receives a new liver. Opinion is divided on whether she should. The reason: Claire is a drug addict. Claiming to be reformed and prepared to embrace this new chance of life, but in reality 'clean' just 8 weeks. Anyone who has known addicts will know that this is no assurance...especially as it is likely that at the moment she is living in somewhat of a controlled environment. Claire has even less credibility than other addicts...for just last year she received her first liver transplant, but took drugs again after.

As an alternative to putting her back on the list of those waiting for a liver donor, the government is proposing to fund a live transplant (where part of the liver of a family member is transplanted) in New Zealand (as such procedures are not carried out in Australia). Cost is estimated at $230,000 or about 9.5million rs. An amount that if applied elsewhere, particularly in areas where water quality or lack of food is an issue, could save so many more lives. Should Claire be funded for another transplant? I feel very sorry for her family who face losing her...but at the same time find it difficult to justify spending so much money where it will likely fail again And where there are alternative uses that are assured of success.

This is not an isolated incident. Frequently there are cases where huge amounts are spent to save or even just to improve the life of a single person. In rescues from yachts at sea, cliffs or other dangerous situations of the individual's own choosing. In provision of aides at school for children with disabilities. In expensive medical treatment for a huge amount of people. It always interests me to think what this cost is balanced against, which is the saving of so many on our planet who have not even the basics. In any situation, people tend to become emotional about the one - for some, naturally as it is their own family member, for others, simply because they find it easier to feel compassion for an individual rather than the 'statistics'. There is no right answer, but I never see these questions raised in the media, and I wonder why...

You know you're Australian if...

2010-02-07T11:37:00.003+08:00

1. You know the meaning of the word "girt".

2. You believe that stubbies can be either drunk or worn.

3. You think it's normal to have a Prime Minister called Kevin.

4. You waddle when you walk due to the 53 expired petrol discount vouchers stuffed in your wallet or purse.

5. You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden.

6. You believe it is appropriate to put a rubber in your son's pencil case when he first attends school.

7. When you hear that an American "roots for his team" you wonder how often and with whom.

8. You understand that the phrase "a group of women wearing black thongs" refers to footwear and may be less alluring than it sounds.

9. You pronounce Melbourne as "Mel-bin".

10. You believe the "L" in the word "Australia" is optional.

11. You can translate: "Dazza and Shazza played Acca Dacca on the way to Maccas."

12. You believe it makes perfect sense for a nation to decorate its highways with large fibreglass bananas, prawns and sheep.

13. You call your best friend "a total ba$tard" but someone you really, truly despise is just "a bit of a ba$tard".

14. You think "Woolloomooloo" is a perfectly reasonable name for a place.

15. You're secretly proud of our killer wildlife.

16. You believe it makes sense for a country to have a $1 coin that's twice as big as its $2 coin.

17. You understand that "Wagga Wagga" can be abbreviated to "Wagga" but "Woy Woy" can't be called "Woy".

18. You've heard the Prime Minister dismiss anyone who disagrees with him simply as 'un-Australian', and that's enough to make us sit down and shut up.

19. You know, whatever the tourist books say, that no one says "cobber".

20. You know that certain words must, by law, be shouted out during any rendition of the Angels' song Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again.

21. You believe, as an article of faith, that the confectionary known as the Wagon Wheel has become smaller with every passing year.

22. You still don't get why the "Labor" in "Australian Labor Party" is not spelt with a "u".

23. You wear ug boots outside the house.

24. You believe that the more you shorten someone's name the more you like them.

25. You know what it's like to swallow a fly, on occasion via your nose.

26 You understand that "you" has a plural and that it's "youse". (I hate this!)

27. You know it's not summer until the steering wheel is too hot to handle.

28. You still think of Kylie as "that girl off Neighbours".

29. When returning home from overseas, you expect to be brutally strip-searched by Customs - just in case you're trying to sneak in fruit.

30. When working on a bar, you understand male customers will feel the need to offer an excuse whenever they order low-alcohol beer.

31. You find yourself ignorant of nearly all the facts deemed essential in the government's new test for migrants.

32. You know that snow is a memorable and freakish occurrence. Sometimes it’s even fake.

33. You know that there is a universal place called “woop woop” located in the middle of nowhere… no matter where you actually are.

34. You know that none of us actually drink Fosters beer, because it tastes so bad. But we let the world think we do anyway because the joke’s on them.

35. You know that Americans think we’re all Steve Irwin clones. And crikey, they couldn’t be more wrong.

36. You have the ability to compress several words into one - i.e. “g’day” and “d’reckn?” This allows more space for profanities.

37. You know how to abbreviate every word, all of which usually end in -o: arvo, combo, garbo, kero, lezzo, metho,milko, muso, rego, servo, smoko, speedo, righto etc.

38. You know that Burger King doesn't exist. It's Hungry Jacks.

39. You resent people who succeed over others- everyone should do the same thing, so we all get a "fair go"; a kind of 'American-dream' in reverse. This is why we actively like not liking Americans.

40. You know that the Metric system will always be better than anything inches,feet, pounds and farenheit will ever offer

41. You drive on the left-hand side of the road.

42. You say 'no worries' quite often, whether you realise it or not.

43. You know what fairy bread tastes like, and you can't imagine your childhood without it.

44. You know how to slip, slop, slap like it's nobody's business.

45. You consider vegemite not just edible, but something to be craved. And feeding it to foreigners (and of course taking a photo of their face after they taste it) as great entertainment.

46. You will immediately forward this list to other Australians, here and overseas, realising that only they will understand

(source: just about everywhere)

Small things I need everyone to know...spelling

2010-02-06T15:24:00.005+08:00

Ok, these are things that really annoy me when I see them. Not in those for whom English is not their primary language - but in my fellow Australians, Americans and English people. Especially as for some reason they are seen more commonly in those I know for whom English is not only a first language, but usually the only language than in those I know from other countries (who commonly speak at least two other languages)!:

your/you're - the 'your' is so often misused, as in 'your the best' or 'your so stupid'. It is not hard, people. If you would say 'you are' then you're should be used: 'You are the best' = 'You're the best' etc. Just think about it. Each time you are going to type your/you're, think 'could I be saying 'you are'. I learnt this in year 1. Apparently a lot who went through the same education system didn't manage to. Here is a wikihow article on how to use them correctly.

cat's/cats - if you are referring to more than one cat, as opposed to something the cat owns, there is no apostrophe needed. So correct is 'the cat's bowl'. Incorrect is 'look at all those cat's' - it should be 'look at all those cats'. And the shop by my train station should certainly be selling sofas, not sofa's.Just remember, if adding the s to indicate more than one, no apostrophe needed. Easy, right?! Wikihow explain this nicely...just in case you need reinforcement...

hay/hey - I have a friend who says 'hay' rather than 'hey' as a greeting. I have told him to use 'hey' over a year back but he continues to 'hay' not just me, but others I have seen him chat to/email.

awe/aww - Awe is a feeling, aww is what we say to something cute/sad etc.

come/came - People using 'come' when referring to past tense. Saying 'I come back home at 9' rather than 'I came back home at 9'.

would of/would have - I think a lot of people who are thinking of shortening 'would have' to 'would've' write it as 'would of'. 'I would of gone to the party if I was invited' instead of 'I would have gone...'

anyways - It is simply not a word. Don't use it.

there/their/they're - Use incorrectly so often (along with the to/too) that I will not even comment. Except to say, read something about it! Wikihow again on to/too and there/their/they're.

lose/loose - You lose a game, your clothes may become loose if you lose weight. Get it! (photo showing this is from the BBC website - there because this is such a problem in the UK).

Of course, it is who the perpetrator is that determines the annoyance factor. Not at all annoying in children, those for whom English is a second language or the dyslexic etc. Very annoying in those who should know better, and especially in those who are higher status at work. Not annoying on chat if clearly from haste rather than ignorance. Annoying in official signs and documents. See, I am not unreasonably grumpy. I am reasonably grumpy. I am.

Top 10 List of Things I look for/like in a man

2010-02-03T18:57:00.009+08:00

Because the Bald Guy talked about this on his blog. And because he told me to make a list. Things I look for in a man:

1) Independent of thought (as much as any of us can be). If they have not questioned the norms of the environment they grew up in, then they are not for me.
2) Open-minded (not as in sex...don't think that Baldy...I mean, interested in the world and willing to try new things)
3) Intelligent (but definitely not the self-consciously intellectual)
4) Unpretentious - more interested in living life according to their values rather than to impress others (nothing is less attractive to me than a guy who goes into debt for an expensive car and shows off about it - fine to spend a lot on a car if it is your passion, but to impress...don't be an idiot!).
5) Enjoys discovering the world, whether through travel locally or internationally, or by reading or other means.
6) Nice eyes and smile. Ok, this is subjective, but to me these are the best reflections of what someone is really like, and those physical attributes that retain appeal beyond the initial stage.
7) Sense of humour. Not necessarily witty as such, but able to see the humour in everyday life, and make fun of themself.
8) Themselves. They should know who they are and act it (work situations excused).
9) Kindness and consideration. Someone who genuinely cares about others and tries their best not to hurt others. Noone is perfect, but someone who thinks about others and tries.
10) Reasonable body. Doesn't have to be great (and would not want some gym-obsessed narcissist), but not huuuugely obese or heroin skinny.

I don't care about a great body. I am not interested in fine dining or 'the finer things in life' (and when I scanned a dating site, felt instant revulsion for the guys who mentioned this). I don't care about money as long as he can live (am more interested in how someone spends their money than how much they have as spending says more about their values). Charming...well, if natural it is ok...but if someone tries to be charming, then yuk, I want to vomit. Dressing - I most like a guy in jeans and tshirt. Full of thoughtful surprises - I just don't care about the traditional or (to me) cliched romance stuff - to me, it is most romantic to have someone know you and show that in what they do - don't need anything special to make me 'feel like a princess'.

Ok, that is it. Bald Guy's perfect guy I would not go near. If you know any fitting my list, please feel free to send them here :D

4 People that need to be pushed out of the plane.

2010-01-26T18:10:00.001+08:00

In the last year or so I've 'enjoyed' 18 flights on 8 different airlines. So I have had a fair amount of time to observe my fellow traveller. Most are of course nice, normal people just hoping for a peaceful flight and perhaps some sleep. But some really make you want to risk opening the door and just shoving them out of the plane:

1) The Space Invader. Like the charming Australian man I was seated next to on my most recent flight. Keeping arms not just firmly on armrest, but over into my space at least 5cm. And exerting pressure (a lot given his size) whenever I moved my arm. Fortunately most men stop at the armrest, finding merely possession of the armrests on both sides of them enough territory acquisition to feel 'manly'.

2) The negligent parent. The one who is concerned only that their little angel shall be amused, or that they can have some rest. Who lets the little angel stomp about the plane even while all others are trying to sleep. Or run. Or turn around and find amusement in the passengers behind. Sure it is not fun travelling with kids, and I have all sympathy for the one who is doing their best to stop their baby crying. But plane travel is not the time to let them do as they wish.

3) The foot up on seat person. Like the delightful woman on the flight to Singapore on Christmas night. Feet up and a little onto my seat, and of course, just to be truly revolting, using her fingers to clean between her toes. One step up is the European charmer who decided that she need to stretch out more, so put her foot up on my armrest (she was in the seat behind) so that she could be more comfortable. Discovered when I felt a foot on my arm. Which was removed when I concentrated all the body weight I could manage and pushed down with arm on the offending foot. I'm not mean. She totally deserved it.

4) The pillow/blanket stealer. Freaks. First I encountered was an older (but not elderly) woman who leant forward in her seat and actually dragged the pillow out from under my arm. Which was fully in my seat area, as I tend to lean against the side of the plane rather than recline...plus I prefer to avoid annoying the person behind by risking it falling back on them. So no question of ownership - especially as she already had one. But apparently needed more comfort. European charmer also offended in her quest to turn an economy seat into something approximating business class. During the meal she took my blanket and pillow which was down by my seat so I could eat. Of course, when confronted she returned them and made up some lame excuse. But of course the actual reason is that she is one of those who is so convinced of their own importance that they feel entitled to more than others.

Perhaps next time I will follow the advice that is circulating on email at the moment (yes, I know, it is in bad taste...and yes, I know it would be at the risk of being taken off the plane, but it would be so funny :D):

Quietly and calmly open up your laptop case.
Remove your laptop.
Start it up.
Make sure the fellow traveller who is annoying you can see the screen.
Close your eyes and tilt your head up to the sky and move your lips like you are praying.
Then click here

5 people I don't want to work with

2010-01-24T13:46:00.006+08:00

1) Dorothy. As in, the one that is always following the yellow brick road in search of Oz. Oz being whatever new trend is in at the time. The yellow brick road being paved with expensive books, training courses, information sessions, numerous meetings and of course project proposals. Balanced scorecard, full cost recovery, project management, mind mapping, workforce planning. And of course, Dorothy being one who enjoys the theory and the self-importance of bringing new catchphrases to a meeting (but not actually work) nothing ever gets completed to stage where there is any benefit to the organisation. Oh, the potential benefits are identified. A project plan is constructed. A team is put in place. But, inevitably, at some stage before implementation (and generally after several years, many sessions extolling the benefits of this new practise, and huge expenditure on both internal staff and external consultants), the project will be cancelled as it will be found either not feasible in practise, or 'out of date' (which of course means that Dorothy has read a new book and has a new plan in mind).

2) Princess. Almost always female, this workmate either falls apart or starts whining the moment anything at work is not optimal for them. Assignment on audits in 'boring' vs coastal country towns. Desk assignment. Manager assignment. Expectation of actual work being produced. Everything is all about them, and how difficult it is for them to work in such conditions. Especially given their traumatic personal life (which of course needs to be discussed for at least 1/3 of each work day). Identified by the crowd of minor princesses around them as they are led out of the office in tears, or by the 'wah wah wah waaaah' (the last sound being very high to indicate complaining) of their conversations.

3) The Slacker. Sometimes also of the princess variety, the slacker has special skills that enable them to complete a full day of work without actually producing any work. Instead, the day is filled with emailing friends, breaks to smoke, breaks to move their car (better to spend one hour of company time every day moving their car from one short term parking spot to another than actually fork out 4% of their pay for parking), reading the news on the internet (apparently surfing news sites shall be regarded as work, even where the focus is primarily sports), watching news videos on the internet, making personal phone calls, sending texts to friends, chatting to coworkers (if you spend 5 hours chatting to a fellow slacker, it still counts as work time because they are your co-worker. Apparently). One I worked with would spend substantial parts of his day with his feet up on his desk. Even reading novels. He was a long-time friend of the Director. He didn't even have to pretend to work.

4) Self-important guy. Frequently overlapped with Dorothy or Slacker, this workmate is found broadcasting the importance of their work, their great ideas, and generally talking in a self-important way that makes you want to kick them. And of course, constructing charts (preferably on whiteboards) to try and look important. As always, at work, it is generally the under-intelligent who are over-confident. Or at least on the surface. Another characteristic of self-important guy is that they avoid having their work subject to close scrutiny as they know deep down that if someone with any intelligence sees what they have been doing, they will be exposed as the idiot they are. Such people are also great at inventing excuses: 'oh, I had to discontinue the project because it was too controversial'...no, you had to discontinue the project following review because it was ill-conceived and with no chance of any constructive outcome.

5) Redneck. While these people can be found in social situations as well, they are most annoying in the workplace as you cannot escape them. Whether it be making comments at the news they are reading that are offensive to either race or religion, generalising about countries, telling jokes or anecdotes, or talking to themselves or other workmates, they are offensive and annoying to all non-rednecks. Doubly of course I am sure for those who actually fall into one of their non-KKK approved categories. As of course, for these people, having an Aboriginal, Indian or African sitting next to you is no reason to tone it down.

Whiteboard photo from regmedia.co.uk

5 Things that shocked me about India

2010-01-22T11:12:00.006+08:00

You would think this would be a long list. Especially if you are not Indian. Especially if you are like my redneck workmates (old job, not new thank goodness) who would say things like: 'why are you going to India', 'do they have proper buildings there' (this guy thought there were just huts...funny...funnier because he is half Indian but with parents born here...he is not a redneck at least...just a dumbo sometimes...and reasonably likely to read this because I am going to tell him to :D), 'nothing will prepare you...' (referring to poverty, crowds, beggars, food), 'you won't be able to eat the food...you think you know hot food but you don't if you haven't been to India'. (It should be noted, by the way, that none of the people giving these warnings had ever actually been to India). But...while I encountered all these things, none of them shocked me. The only food I found hot (but could still eat), my Indian dining companion also found hot enough to give him nightmares. A few things did shock me though:

1) Orange hair. On my very first day I noticed that a number of people I saw had bright orange hair. I thought this was an unusual colour to dye your hair, especially if your natural colour is black. Thought 'oh, maybe it has some religious meaning that I just don't know because I am a dumb tourist'. Then, looking at my friend's hair, I noticed that he no longer had any grey hairs. Instead, they were....orange! So I discovered the reason for the orange hair. Yes, henna. Duh. (photo from downwithtyranny.com)

2) People everywhere. Now, I had known that the cities would be crowded, so this didn't come as a shock. But I had not realised that even out 'in the country' there would be people everywhere - in fields working, talking by the side of the road, walking. In Australia once you leave the cities you very rarely see anyone walking or cycling on the side of the road. In fact, on many roads you will go 10 minutes to an hour without even seeing another car. I actually really liked this aspect, and idea that you were never too far from another person.

3) Actually seeing those 'only in India' sights. You know, the elephants, cows by cars, Rajasthani men in turbans talking by the side of the road, overloaded autos, people on top of buses, women in beautiful saris carrying water on their heads. This shocked and delighted me. In so many places you never see what you expect to (for example, women in kimono in Japan)...so India gave me a lot more than I had dared hope. And I loved it all.

4) Just how pretty and pristine much of Delhi was. How nice the painted kerbs were. How litter free the streets. How green and serene (well apart from peak hour traffic). I had not expected to like Delhi. Had not much wanted to go there (influenced of course by my Mumbai friends who were full of dire warnings and dismissal of the charms of Delhi). But I loved it. Wish my city was so pretty. (and yes, Harsh, if you read this, you did a fabulous job of showing me just the good side of Delhi...but of course next time I will not be deterred from Pahar Ganj) :D

5) Washing/laundry drying. A few things shocked me about this. Firstly, I saw no pegs in use - not even when outside on a line. How do the clothes stay there? Is there no wind in India? Are the clothes well-disciplined? I don't understand. Please explain. Secondly, they were everywhere - whether hanging on the posts on the middle of a median strip, over a fence in the middle of Mumbai, or on a line by the road in Goa, they were frequently in places that were accessible to a lot of people. Don't people steal clothes in India? From my own experiences of a communal line in a small complex of 8 units here, I can assure you that Australians do. And yet even is a busy city where most passersby will not know the owners of the clothes, they apparently remain safe. Amazing!

7 small things that shocked me in the US

2010-01-22T10:21:00.004+08:00

I had not expected to be shocked when I went to the US as Australia is not that far removed, and of course we watch 'them' a lot on TV. Don't get me wrong, I loved a lot about America. Would love to go back there and do a road trip. I just did not expect to be shocked there. But I was...mostly by small things, like:

1) They really don't know anything about Australia. Like what language we speak. Or exactly where we are on the map (one pointed at New Guinea). And um whether we have cars. This is kinda cool as you can pretty much tell them anything 'oh yes, all the men in Australia wrestle crocodiles', 'yes, we have lots of desert. We are made tough in Australia, you know'. Of course, in many cases, they won't actually understand you, no matter how slowly you speak.

2) Shiny white shoes and white socks. This I noticed on my first day in Disneyworld. Otherwise attractive men would be wearing shiny white running shoes, with perhaps just one or two stripes, and bright white socks, stretched neatly up past the ankle. I realised then that I was highly unlikely to find any American male attractive.

3) Denim shorts, beige shorts. Apparently this is the travel uniform of the American, and they are all briefed on it at birth. Whether in Disneyworld or a Las Vegas casino, you could divide the American tourists into two groups. Denim short wearers. And beige short wearers. In most cases, teamed with a 'fanny pack'. Gorgeous!

4) The food. On my first morning there I went to a place called 'Ponderosa Steakhouse' for breakfast. Apparently icecream, fruit in heavy syrup (as in pie type), and a lot of fried materials constitute a good breakfast. And parents actually let their kids have icecream for breakfast. In Florida there was a lot of difficulty in getting healthy food (including total failure to get low fat milk for coffee...everywhere had only half n half). In my journal for day 5 of the holiday my last lines were 'Feel like my body is polluted - food here is so disgusting'.

5) Gum chewing. Everywhere. In the supermarket line. On the monorail. While walking. While talking. Not just kids. Adults...people actually with kids. Frequently with mouth wide open. Snapping it loudly. Chewing it as if it was sport. I found this just gross.

6) Conspicuous patriotism. Rows of flags at car dealerships/shops/restaurants/schools/outside people's houses. Calling it 'the greatest country on earth' on TV. Here we just don't do that...Australian flags are on display at some government buildings. That is pretty much it. If someone has a flag outside their house it is rare enough that you can use it as a marker in giving directions (just down Canning Highway, and left just after the house with the flag...).

7) Brochures advertising 'female company'. Not everywhere, but in Vegas they are handed out to all men (at multiple points) as they walk along the Las Vegas strip. It doesn't matter if they are with their wife, children or grandmother, they will be handed a brochure with photos and contact details of the women at the particular establishment. With no doubt at all as to what is being offered!

(photo of American tourist from thedisneyblog.com...definitely worth a visit if you enjoy making fun of Americans or like Disney...naturally I fall into both categories :D)

Another misnomer...the 'cold'

2010-01-21T13:16:00.003+08:00

At the moment I have a cold...got it yesterday. I read a long time back...like 20 years ago...that colds are not actually caused by cold. A quick check of the internet confirmed this. In the past I have told people this, and provided them with information to support this. Yet they have fussed at me about everything from being outside at night to not being dressed warmly enough or (the biggest sin of all) having wet hair (look, I don't have the patience to use a hair dryer ok...and the heat annoys me). Their arguments (even in the face of evidence and studies) have been based on anecdotal evidence ('but I get more colds in winter' - yes, true and this can be explained) or simply long-held belief (and people being what they are, are rarely interested in actually evaluating their long-held beliefs). As they say, you have to fight fire with fire. So, here is my anecdotal evidence to prove that colds are not caused by cold. I first displayed symptoms on Wednesday. The temperatures of the preceding 3 days were all over 41. So let's call this 'proof'. Now leave me alone.

Oh, and while I am on the topic of colds. Stop whining about having 'the flu' people...pretty much every time you do, you actually just have a cold. Perhaps it is worse than usual. But still, it is not the flu. The symptoms you describe don't even sound like the flu. But you prefer to call it that rather than a 'cold' for extra sympathy and attention. Stop it. You make me want to punch you with your dramatics and self-importance. Ok?!

Tired and grumpy! Small things that annoy me.

2010-01-18T21:17:00.005+08:00

Because I am tired and grumpy...here are the small things that annoy me:

People who don't stay on the left when on an escalator (to allow people to pass them)...only takes one sticking stubbornly on the right to halt all 'walking up the escalator traffic'. Especially when they can see people walking up then come to a stop behind them. Especially in time critical situations like at the train station. Grr!
Licking fingers to turn pages...woman on train this morning completing a 4 page document licked finger and thumb about 15 times to turn pages...and really not necessary in most cases. At least try to change pages without it. Trust me, I have read many newspapers, books and documents and never once had to resort to this.
People with bad earphones for their ipod so that the whole train carriage hears their music (even if not very loud)...how can you be so oblivious...and doesn't it occur to you that since you can't hear anyone else's music, there must be better earphones out there? For about 5% of what you paid for your ipod. Go buy some. Or turn it down.
Noisy eating or chewing with mouth open/talking with food in the mouth. Doubly annoying if the person's mouth is so bulging with food that even they feel the need to hold a hand in front of their mouth while talking. Shut up for one minute to eat. Or go one minute without shoving food in your mouth. Please!
Unreasonably noisy typists - the ones that 'bang' at the keyboard and seem to place an amount of pressure that must take an effort. No, banging the keys does not help you type faster. It is especially annoying when that person is just typing yet another whiny email. Even more annoying if this is pretty much all their work day consists of (apart from of course having whiny conversations).
Some abbreviations. Veggies for vegetable. Chook for chicken. Brekkie for breakfast. Bikkie for Biscuit. I don't know why. It just annoys me. I can still remember the beginning of the end in a previously promising relationship being when he told me he was going to cook a chook and veggies for dinner.

I don't know where this photo originated. But it was the first result I found on google images when I typed in 'grumpy' (was found on the site of someone else who'd found it through google...and I am not going to google more just to find the original original owner. I am too grumpy for that.

I really like this pic. Today it is practically a portrait of me. So be afraid. Be very afraid.

Nature's Biggest Mistake...or...Maybe All We've Got Going for us is Opposable Thumbs

2010-01-08T22:41:00.002+08:00

Humans puzzle me a lot. We are animals, but we like to feel we are different. Maybe we are enormously different, maybe not. Who knows. We lump all the rest of the animals together and us apart. But who knows, maybe they are all equally different too. We just don't know. We have limited understanding. But some of us make some pretty big assumptions in the way we regard ourselves, and the way we treat animals too.

In some ways we are different. We are the only ones who have such devastating impact on the environment and other animals around us. Who scar it with roads and concrete structures, and use our technology to resist any drought or famine which would naturally return things to balance. And we are the only animal who is unable to biologically cope with our environments - even those with ancestors long in cold climates require clothes to avoid dying of hypothermia. Every other animal is adapted to its environment.

I am not drawing any conclusions. I don't know. I don't pretend to know. This, like most things about the world, is a mystery to me. And I am not interested in adopting what is effectively just a hypothesis as the truth. Just thinking. It is interesting. I would like to know more.

Reminds me of another of my favourite quotes, by Mark Twain. I like this one a lot:
"It is just like man's vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions."

What is with the arrogance people?!

2009-12-24T18:56:00.004+08:00

Grr...have just had an encounter on my facebook wall that made me grr...grumpy...it was in relation to a status I had posted mentioning the uncertainty of my Thailand trip. Basically went:
Me: the flight has been cancelled...so looking at other flights
Her:  ' remember: we are all in God's hands' (ok, nothing offensive about that, expressing their beliefs and trying to be comforting).
Me: Yay, it has just all be confirmed that will definitely go ahead (irrelevant as she didn't see this)
Her: 'Whatever, thank the Lord for his insight and help - whatever the outcome.' (ok...still trying to be helpful but really getting into the territory of ramming religion down my throat).
Me: 'It is all happening. I am not a Christan though...'
Her: 'LOL!! Do you really think, that makes a difference for HIM? Reminds me of a dialogue out of "The Shellseekers" by Pilcher between a woman whose father just died and the priest: W: "I'm not even sure if my father believed in God." P: "I wouldn't worry about that. I'm pretty sure, that God believed in him."
Big hug dear Cathy.'

Now THIS annoyed me enormously...so replied:  'That is making some big assumptions...I prefer not to assume...I am happy to accept that the world is a mystery largely...and certainly don't believe there is some 'Lord'...I am open to anything...and dislike only the proclamation of knowledge that no human could possibly have... And I find it very disrespectful to make the assumption that I am wrong...to basically make the assertion that your beliefs are the correct ones...there are a lot of religions in the world, and a lot of atheists...this in itself is evidence enough that there is no compelling truth known to man...I reserve my right to keep an open mind'.

Now, I really don't care what religion someone is, or if they have one...if they are basically a good person who shows care for other then that is all I need to know...but I do mind when people try to convert others, put other religions down or are arrogant about theirs. And I have seen a lot of this on facebook and in real life - some from randoms, some from old school friends...things like:
- someone trying to convert me to Christianity in the first online chat I had with them.
- a tourist in Bali asking some locals (Hindus) 'but have you considered Christianity'
- well, the world as a whole I guess...all those who have gone to various countries and either as missionaries or in the course of their invasion tried to convert the 'heathens'.
- some of the statements of religion in people's 'About Me'...examples:
   * 'There is one God, and only one prophet of God, and it is Jesus Christ'
   * 'Know Jesus, Know Life, No Jesus, No Life'
   * 'Life is not a wheel with many spokes, there is only one way and that is Jesus'.

I just don't understand this arrogance. And even more, I don't understand why people are so arrogant that they feel the need to express it to others who clearly don't feel the same way, or to those who it may offend. Grr at them. Believe what you will...share if you can be respectful...and let others do the same.

Ok, I feel better now :D

Sometimes I wear trackpants to work...

2009-12-07T18:32:00.000+08:00

No, I don't work at home...or in a gym...or a shop selling sporting goods...I am an accountant, working in the central business district of my city, in a large government department. But, sometimes I just can't face the thought of another day in 'work clothes'...and so (if not casual Friday when yay! I get to wear jeans and one of my favourite tops from India) I wear by black bootleg trackpants...they look like normal work clothes (even though they are rather old now )...but they feel so comfortable...and I would say I work better as feel more relaxed and less conscious of my clothes in them. Here is a photo taken last Thursday by my (appalled, always elegantly dressed and groomed) young workmate...and yes, I took it just for the blog...even though I have been a little busy, I still have good intentions...really...(and of course, when good intentions fail, there is always Ramit :D)

I have always wondered why this need to wear such different clothes to work - the suits, shoes, and (most ridiculous of all in my opinion), the tie. Clearly, given that very few of us dress like this in our free time, this is not our chosen mode of dress. And, given that very few of us choose to dress that way when the choice is there, then it seems a little silly that we are all dressing up to impress others who would rather be dressed down too. Yes, I know there are exceptions, as far as both people and also those times when you want to dress up. But in general, I really can't see any logic. And can see logic against wearing formal clothes to work - such as being more likely to walk to the train, or into town at lunchtime if more suitably attired for it. Which can only be a good thing in a society which over-eats, under-exercises and is overly reliant on cars.

I have seen a change over the 17 years since I started working...less formal 'formals' - less jackets apparent, which makes sense in our climate - and more trouser/shirt or skirt/blouse combos...and of course the rise of 'Casual Friday' which seems almost universal now. So, I have hope for the future...for a world where we can wear our Nikes to work and keep them on all day...I will be doing my bit to get there, for sure :D

If I can't teleport, I wish I could at least time travel...

2009-11-22T00:54:00.001+08:00

...and then I would take myself back 6 weeks ago to the beginning of my trip to India (or maybe 5 weeks 6 days and 19 hours ago, to have the pesky flight and baggage collection part out of the way...). Of course, even the time on the plane was somewhat exciting - already feeling like I was half there, with a full flight and only 10 Australians perhaps on it...all the rest Indian (even though at least some of them were actually just Indian origin, and making their first trip like me...). And then, when I had my first sighting of the lights of Mumbai...and then, when actually landed (can remember the feeling 'I am officially in India' lol)...and then waiting on the tarmac oh so impatiently (and remembering the impatience Russell Peters talked about in his act)...and then when at last moving off the plane and the excitement of being a little tiny bit 'out' in India as exiting the plane....well, was just amazing...and still remember the mixed feelings of excitement, trepidation, and impatience to be 'out in India' so well!

Other memories of my arrival:

- the flight attendants spraying the plane on arrival (bringing back memories of arriving in Perth back in the 80s)

- being asked by another flight attendant if I had 'done this before', and her wishing me luck when I said I hadn't (and feeling momentarily brave...)

- experiencing my usual 'yes, I know I am following 100 or so people from my plane, but am I going the right way' nervousness...I don't know why I have this, but it happens without fail in every airport I ever arrive at, including that of my own city...

- fixing upon a fairly tall pair of women from my plane and deciding to follow them (at a distance...but I felt 'as long as I can see them, I am in the right place')

- everything being so easy once in the H1N1 line...people telling us where to go, and then so quickly through customs, and talking to the customs officer about where I was going (and yes, next time I am going to Kerala as he suggested :D)

- arriving quite early at the baggage carousel and very quickly learning that you stand right up against the carousel and defend your territory (one of the big difference between travel in India and Australia - in Australia people tend to stand 1m back from the carousel, while in India standing 40cm back means there is space for someone to squeeze in front...)

- talking to a lady originally from India, now living in Sydney who was standing next to me - and so lovely, she even waited for me after her own baggage had come through just to make sure mine came out ok.

- suddenly emerging into India! in a much more dramatic way that I had imagined, with the feeling of entering onto a stage with a huge audience -feeling very conspicuous and torn between walking slowly to find a sign with my name, or getting out of that area asap to a less conspicuous place.

- trying to locate the driver from my hotel, and the happiness and relief when I did.

- waiting for the driver to bring the car (and ok, I was doing this even before boarding the Singapore-Mumbai flight) and checking out the other Australians from the flight (particularly solo women) and being immensely curious as to what their story was - did they live there? were they brave solo travellers? joining a tour? I really am just so nosy...

- driving the short distance to the hotel, and even at 3.30 in the morning everything seemed wildly exciting - the heat and humidity, the style of driving, the buildings, the different vehicles, the closed shops passed

- the very odd feeling of arriving at a silent hotel at 4am and checking in - 4 people in attendance, but oh so quiet

- being unable to sleep from the excitement of it all until I saw a hint of daylight through the curtains

- as I remembered, taking photos of literally everything - the view outside, the hotel room (I was determined to record everything to add to my tripadvisor reviews...), the room service menu, the breakfast, and even the key!

It seems a little odd to include a photo of the bathroom so that is out, the room was a bit messy by the time I photographed the bed etc so I won't add that, the key photo is really boring so not that either...so...here is a photo of my first meal (breakfast) and of the view from the room (I sooo loved the greenery)! Ok, now edited to include photos of the room (oops should've taken before it was trashed), hallway, bathroom, menu etc...