Morning Swim

The cool thing about having holidays is that you can do things out of the ordinary... I would never go for a swim during the weekday in the mornings (I am at work before the pool openings)...

and I certainly would not have had the desire to make French Toast on the BBQ for breakfast and THEN swim..

But, today we did! It was fantastic! I even had Kool-Aid with my breakfast! Nothing goes better with food than Kool-Aid on a hot day! And its hot here... big thanks to Dad who brought me Kool-Aid from his last visit to the states! I shared with everyone, and it went down well!

French Toast, Swim, Kool-Aid

Life is good!

A night of farewells

Last night there was a farewell party that I attended. It was an "S" themed party... not everyone wanted to be nice and play along in the theme, but here are a few of those who did:

Sailor (and a passing neighbor)

My farewell cake I made for the party.. hard to see in the photo but in the ocean is a big fish.. the sand has a thong (or flip flop) and of course the car as she is driving back to Blue Mountains

The Sailor (again) and the Soccer Player

The Smurf, The Surfer, and The Sexy Santa

And then this showed up.. thank goodness we had a few drinks by this point.. The Skateboarding Spartan! Oh my!


Good times and good laughs! Although I am sure theres going to be at least 1 more farewell party before Smurf actually leaves us!

Ah.. almost into 2009... are you ready?

Each year brings (hopefully) new lessons, adventures, and memories.




The video is about 6 minutes long, but I think you will enjoy... its a bit of 2008 and what you may have shared with me, or missed but thought of... either way, however you may play a part in my life, I THANK YOU and look forward to seeing you in 2009!

A big thanks to blogger for a crappy view of the movie clip.. looks better on my computer. sorry for a bit of blurred!

New Beginnings

Its a new year approching..

• things will be changing



• people will be making/breaking resolutions



• people get new ideas on structuring thier lives



• you contemplate where the "past year" has gone



• you gain excitement for the possibilities ahead



• its all new and yet old in the same sense

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. May your hearts be filled with warmth, love, joy, and happiness today.

busy busy busy

busy baking.. back soon! hope your all well!

The Christmas baskets are on the way...

Food for the Xmas dinner.. everything had to be non-perishable

Some goodies for their day...
Wrapped and ready to go...

I am hoping you remember that we had done Xmas baskets again this year for those in need. We had selected a 60 yr old single female and an 80 yr old couple to give some food and a few presents to this year. Well, its been wrapped, presents have been wrapped, and the baskets are now on the way to the people so that they may have some extra Xmas Cheer this year. F&G donated some Gift Vouchers to their store for our task, which is great... there is always stuff to find at GONE BONKERS... if you happen to be in the area, stop by at GONE BONKERS and say hello to the staff and the wonderful caring owners who do so much for the community!

We wrapped all the goodies in a Xmas table cloth (we really should have picked up more of the santa bags we used last year) but the table cloth was still very festive looking! Either way, its nice to know that someone can have a bit of extra cheer on Xmas day.

Thanks to all the little elves that helped out!

Christmas Cheer

Such a classic movie and so true about so many things. I love this time of year, but I hate how some people become so obsessed with finding the gift for someone. I dislike how its turned into a monetary holiday. I have fond memories of spending christmas with no money sipping hot chocolate, singing christmas songs, playing in the snow, watching the storm from inside, playing cards, watching a movie (A Christmas Story was always a favorite for everyone), and just being with family and friends.

Please remember the holidays season isnt about making sure you get the perfect gift, or any gift. Its about more than just a bottle of perfume or that really nice top from Macy's.

And the holidays are much more enjoyable knowing that you didnt have to spend time with that gumpy sales lady who really didnt want to wrap your present for you which you bought at the 20% off table! Just enjoy the holidays and enjoy the magic that you make from it.

It can be a great time of year, filled with holiday cheer.

Tonights Moon

Its hot here...

Just wanted to remind you that I am sweating over here! Its hot! I am trying to imagine little snowflakes dropping on my nose and cooling me down, but I cant: the sweat from my ELBOWS is distracting me.

As if I needed another reason to not really care for her...

Okay, so maybe the car is not actually running or in gear.. but are you kidding me? Where is the bloody car seat for your kid?

Seriously, in some states, if you have keys in the ignition of a car, but the car is not moving, you can still be charged with DWI... so how is this not a crime to have the kid on your lap as you sit in your car? You can not tell me that once and only ONCE the car stopped and was in parked did this mother take her child out of the car seat (fastened up) and then put the kid on her lap????

Find it hard to believe.

Maybe a license for people to reproduce? I said it years ago as a joke, but now I think its really the truth... you should have a license in order to sprout others... just a thought.

(Photo from Hollywood Heartbreaker)

Randomness

Heres a few tidbits for you today... just until I get this video posted of my weekend.. its hilarious, so make sure you come back and watch it! However, until then, heres some tastiness for your taste buds.....

I have a secret: My co-workers wife called me up today for a work related issue. She is the most adorable thing and her and I could chat for hours! Today, we will give her a name: we will call her Wanda~ So, Wanda is telling me about her weekend, and we havent spoken in ages, so as we catch up on the goss, the xmas happenings, etc she also tells me that she got in trouble today from her hubby whom we will call Kirby... Kirby wakes up this morning to get showered and ready for work only to discover that Wanda hasn't done the full washing over the weekend. Kirby has no undies to wear to work. And yes, hes actually one of the civilized people I work with (few and far between really!) and he wakes up Wanda to see if maybe he just cant find his clean jocks... Wanda tells him, regretfully, that No, there musnt be any clean undies as she didnt get to that basket of clothes... he gonna have to deal with. Do you know what he has on today instead?

Yep, you guessed it... HER PINK UNDIES. Bonus is this: at least they are clean and I know hes wearing undies. The upside is that its funny to walk by him and giggle knowing his got his wifes undies on... but Im kinda dying to know if they have a little frilly bit on them or not... Heres another one for you: last week I went for dinner with Tilda. We went to a restaurant that was putting a Christmas Dinner Appreciation thing on. I was Tilda's guest! It was really nice to not have to cook during the week... but I had to laugh at the carpet at the venue (granted the carpet "change" is where the false wall is during some events.. but you would still think they would have made it all the same for when the false wall isnt there?).

I certainly dont want that Interior Decorator! And, I dont think I can wear my pink undies anymore...

Hope your well!

Blah

I am absol exhausted. From all these numbers running thru my head, trying to figure out just how I am going to pay employees for work AND holiday pay, plus the regular bills, plus the taxes, plus have enough money left for all the shit that comes out during the month..... all because no one will listen to me when I advise and scream my head off TO STOP SPENDING MONEY WE HAVE NONE TO SPARE. I think they think I can do magic. I honestly do not know how I am going to juggle this money situation for work. Add to that that I THINK we are done with work next week, sometime, no one knows a day for sure, due to the Xmas break, so ALL my shit needs to be done by then. Ya know, plan ahead for the next month because you wont be doing anything work related, but bills and all still needs to be done... work never stops, and I need to make sure this place can still operate when I get back... I finished inventory today, and hopefully monday I can sort more out. I still need to be organized for the purchase of pizzas and grog for the breakup Xmas party that I couldn't tell you when it is, its just soon... no one can make a decision, so I have no clue. F**k!

Thats just work.

Not too mention that I havent stopped in a week, always running here there and everywhere. Too much socializing, responsibilities, tasks, fun, etc. Last night I had NO obligations after 5:30 and I passed out on the couch at 7... woke up at 9 and straight up to bed. Ugh.

I am exhausted. Orville is excited to see me tonight. I just want to cry. I dont want to see him, well, its not that I dont want to see him, I am just so bloody exhausted that I am not sure why I should even venture to his place. I just want to sleep and DO NOTHING. NOTHING. Then, its his moms bday on Saturday, which means dinner out tomorrow night, and I still have to find things for the Adopt-A-Family baskets, and spend time with Orville, clean the house, laundry, and do normal tasks... oh and try to find time to recoup so that im not so damn E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D.

Ack!

Some of the "best" presents for her?

I was looking in the paper today... a reputable newspaper which gave a photo gallery of some of the "best gifts to give her" and thought it would be a great addition to a wish list! I picked some of my favorites on teh "DO NOT PURCHASE FOR ME" I personally think these few "select" items are butt-ugly, but thought it necessary to share.... beware the eyes! Prada may make these shoes but for $1290.00 I think I would rather buy about 400 pairs of other shoes that will: A) not make me want to vomit; B) not look like I have shit hanging from the back of my shoe; and C) not allow me to hold my pencil in the heel pocket... really, what is that thing protruding from the shoe?

These candle holders are just laughable... I mean really, how could you stop from saying..."its been a real fruit of a time at dinner tonight."

This dress makes me want to vomit..or wait, is that already vomit on the dress... I cant be sure.. but for $850.00 fo a "designer" dress, I am thinking YELLOW is not the color to choose for this print. Yuck!

I knew the post office was moving location, but I didnt know what date exactly. There was a sign posted on the door for the last month, but after a few date changes, I just ignored the damn sign. It was wrong anyway.

I needed to go to the Post Office last week and drove up to the office only to notice that it was black and empty. Oh, guess they moved!

Today, I venture to the Post Office to conduct serious postal business... no I didnt go postal on anyones ass... in fact, I think that the Post Office staff at this particular branch are the nicest people: friendly, always willing to help, no task too big, excellent service, and minimal mistakes. Generally speaking, the postal service in this country is crap, I always end up with my neighbors mail, and although Im sure they sometimes end up with mine, they never give it to me...

Anyway, I wander down the street (towards the old post office) and I must have looked like some sort of helpful assistant because 2 people asked me where the post office was. Im just glad to have been there to help! Had to laugh... it would have been much to easy to actually put a sign on the window telling people the new location!

Ah the beauty of small towns. Imagine the look in their eyes when the American accent kicks out directions to the post office.... much too funny.

and they smiled upon us last night

This was the sky last night in Australia. Did you see it as well?

Magical!

It wont be this way for another 5 years!

Venus, Jupiter, and the crescent Moon gave us a big smile last night!

I guess its true, I do really live in a lucky country...how many other smiles were there shining down last night?

PGA this weekend

All sorts of things are happening in my area this weekend... actually, the PGA is happening! So, tents are going up, staging vans are blocking views, cranes erected.... its all happening!

Adam Scott, a local, ranked 17 in the world was supp to play the event but has had to withdraw from the event. He injured himself while surfing this weekend at the beach near our house. Ouch!

I have players in the competition living in the holiday unit across from me... its all very cool!

I will be out and about and will get some snaps for you!

The course is described (according to the the PGA website) as this:

Australian PGA Championship is played at the Hyatt Regency Coolum, which boasts a superbly challenging and very beautiful 18 hole course. Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr , the golf course covers over one third of the resort.The scenery of this course is stunning. Each hole has its own uniqueness - rolling linksland type holes run beside the Pacific Ocean, and the woodland holes are set in groves of native melaleuca and eucalyptus trees, parkland and rainforest.

The 72par, 6263 metre championship course has been officially rated by the Australian Golf Union 73 from the championship tees, and is rated as one of Australia's top resort course by Golf Digest Magazine (February 2002).

Fore more info (get it... fore... for) go look at this website~ and keep looking back here, theres more to come! But, if you can watch the PGA on tv, do it, because you will see my backyard!


http://championship.pga.org.au/

Im running around crazy and all.. today we are having 11 people over for Thanksgiving Day. I think after cooking all day yesterday and tonight, I have discovered why there is leftovers... so the cooks dont have to cook for the rest of the week. And yes, I have already packed up my takehome containers... ya know, the Tupperware 1 Litre sizes.... I plan to take home bitsa everything!

I will be busy taking photos for you. And, I will be taking a piece of turkey home specifically for the neighbor who is pregnant and salivates anytime I mention Thanksgiving. Its quite funny.

And of course, Little Miss already got Fancy Feast Turkey slices (it is Thanksgiving afterall)! Actually she doesnt care what day it is, if your walking NEAR the fridge, she thinks she should be fed!

Must go! Need to shower and iron the shirt and then do the last minute dash of "oh shit, did I remember...."

Love to all.

Happy Turkey Day

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

I am off to the store to pickup my goodies to make my things for our Saturday Thanksgiving.

I have taken friday off so that I can help as much as possible with all the prep work!

Saturday should see about 14 of us on the verandah enjoying an American Thanksgiving. However, only 3 of us are American, but everyone reserves a spot for the next years Thanksgiving Feast!

I am thankful for so many things in life and appreciate so much. I have also taken a few things for granted, and for that, I have tried to correct those wrongs. I am thankful for my friends and family and for being the person I am. Mostly, I am thankful for each moment.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with love and laughter and a full belly!

frustration

I was craving Jello the other day. So, off I head to the grocery store. I have been craving odd things since quitting smoking.. Jello is a favorite, but I usually dont have a CRAVING for it!

While I am in the grocery store looking for my Jello, I can't remember which aisle they put it in. See, when you grow up with the JELLO in a particular section of the grocery store and then you move to a different country and they call it something else and put it in a different section... well, sometimes it can make you crazy.

I could not believe I could not find my JELLO.

Finally, after strolling down EVERY possibility on where the hell the Australians classify the JELLO.. as in, is it considered a baking good or would it be near the other miscellanous items with no real home? Anyway, you will be glad to know I finally found it.

Guess where?

Smack in between the cookies/crackers/biscuits sections and the chocolate toppings for ice cream.... thats right.. I forgot thats where they put it! AGH!

Oh, and if you click on the photo, do you notice that they call it Jelly here?

I am sure Jelly is what goes on my Peanut Butter sandwhich, hence a P & J Sandwhich? But then again, they think thats a weird combination anyway here... so I am guaranteed that NO ONE will steal that from the fridge at work!

Christmas is just around the corner. We started a tradition years back where each of us "ADOPT A FAMILY" from our local community. You dont get to know who these people are, your just given the basics. Age & Gender. It really makes Christmas full of spirit for me. It seems that there are only so many presents and trinkets you can give to your family that after awhile, its just more stuff.

But, with an ADOPT A FAMILY, you actually can make a difference for someone on that day. The family, or individual, would otherwise have nothing for the Christmas Day, and really, no one wants to even FEEL alone on the holidays.

There are some requirements: you must provide non-perishable food so that the ADOPT A FAMILY can have a meal to consume on Christmas Day. If you want to include presents or any other items, you can, but it is not required.

Its great fun to be able to buy things that you think people need or would like. We have gotten all sorts of things for them before: Xmas Tie, laundry soap, decks of cards, etc. In the past FG & HG have also given things to be added to the baskets for the ADOPT A FAMILY. Its really great to see our friends get involved with such a special task.

If your able to ADOPT A FAMILY in your community, please do, it really is very gratifying to know that you have made someones day by just thinking about someone else and doing for others. The feeling you have on Christmas Day, knowing that you have made a smile on someones face, just enlightens your heart. Its such a great feeling, I just cant describe it.

This year we have chosen:

Female, in her 60's
&
Couple, in their 80's

Any ideas on what we should put in their baskets....? I cant wait to hear what suggestions you come up with!

Its been wet & stormy around here

Just when it seems the rain stops and we get a breath of relief from the mini-cyclone that hit (causing millions & millions of dollars of damage) in the capital city about 1 hrs drive south... it rains again. This time, filling a tunnel with 11 million litres of water and causing massive chaos (the pumps couldnt work fast enough to pump the water out). Then, we get hit again with the rain last night.



Luckily, where I live, it hasnt been that bad yet, but the weather is horrid. Its humidity is so heavy and thick and we are all waiting for the next batch of bad weather to hit. Supp thats tomorrow.



Here is a few photos from last nights sky... the atmosphere was so bizarre. I will def have the camera out this weekend to catch any good snaps if possible! If only I was taller, there always seems to be buildings or trees in my way! I havent touched up any of the photos, the sky just changed so rapidly!



Wish us luck for the weekend... and here's a cheers to everyone for a fantastic weekend your way. Oh, theres a block party in my complex on sunday... hopefully theres some good blog opportunities which present themselves on that occasion!

It happens to you too, doesnt it?

Do you ever listen to music, a song, a melody, and it just oozes emotions from you?

Do you ever feel an overwhelming feeling of wanting to jump up, cry, hug yourself, deep in thought, or the feeling of heaviness or freedom?

All from a song.

Its amazing what music can do when you listen and fall into the music.

Chucking a sickie

Sorry for no blog post yesterday, and apologies for a really boring one today.

I am taking a sickie. My guts hurt and have been crampy all week. Therefore, I just want to lay in the fetal position and make it go away.

Hopefully I will be back tomorrow, and hopefully in better shape.

Bitsa Bites

So. I sit here at work, bored as anything. I still cant believe that I have dragged these few tasks which I have accomplished, to last almost the whole day. Normally, these tasks would have taken me about 1 hour to complete.
There is nothing to do at work. Nothing. Nadda. Zip. Zilch. For all of us. This sucks. One can only venture through the internet world for so damn long.

I went to a concert last night. Why is that men just cant get rhythm? Why is it that EVERY man "dancing" or tapping his foot seemed to be listening to a different song? It totally made me wonder why so many men pick up at a club, especially when dancing. Oh, I was drinking water all night long, so I had clear vision. My only reasoning for why dancing men pick up is that the woman is extremly wasted. There were men bopping up and down, slapping the knee, swishing the head, snapping the fingers, clapping hands in the air, swaying the hips, disco moves, shuffle moves.... I am serious folks.. these men could not get a grip on music. Even mine.

I also attended a birthday party for SUPER NAN (as shes called by her grandkids). She is my neighbors grandma, and she turned 80 over the weekend. She looks 65. I will post photos later. It was my job to make sure that Super Nan had a glass of red wine at all times. I somehow dont think that I was the only one with this job, but I did take my job very seriously. In fact, so serious, that Super Nan let it slip on her secret to looking so young~

I couldn't believe I stayed at the pary from 1pm and didnt wander across the driveway to my place until midnight! It was an absolute blast! I am so pleased I was invited. It was great to spend a whole day filled with laughter, love, and a bunch of people who loved to chit-chat!

Oh but great news... Firestick J returns home today, shes been on holidays and the complex just isnt the same without her! I cant wait for a coffee and catching up tonight. I thought she was coming home LAST week, so you can imagine my excitement about her coming home TODAY cant you?

Hope your well!

Nov 13 blogging block. Today when I put my pants on I .....

I think I have a severe case of Blogger's block.. I just cant think of anything witty or worthy to put into this little column. Sure, theres the typical ideas of whats happening in my life. Well... I dont really think anything all that interesting is happening at the moment.

So, what does one do who cant think of ANYTHING to blog about. Im addicted to blogging, so I feel I must blog. Regardless if I have anything to blog about, I must fulfill that need. Oh, speaking of needs, I quit smoking over a week ago. Its going well. Let me know if you want the name of the homeopathic tablets I am taking.. no nicotine at all! I dont even crave a ciggy! Yippee for me. Its only the 14 millionth gazillinth time I have quit, but hey, so far its working.

Anyway, enough about me .. haha. so I google 'blogging block' and it comes up with all sorts of shit. useless shit. out of date shit. no longer updated blogs shit. AND then... i find this cool thing which gives you little "imagination prompts"... so here it goes.

The prompt for today was: Today when I put my pants on I....

well, lets see, for starters, I am wearing shorts. Rip Curl. Mens shorts (there longer and I like longer shorts). I grabbed them from the basket because of course I have way too many clothes and there is no room in my closet to put any away.. so they sat on the basket NEXT to the closet. I had to pick a batch of Cat Hair off of them, apparently Little Miss Monroe enjoyed a comfy night of sleep on my shorts. It really doesnt bother me all that much, its just part of my everyday routine. I accept the fact that I have cat hair everywhere. I guess its better than having bird shit everywhere (?). I dont know where that came from.. just a random thought.

So, I am dressed and ready to face another day at work. The excitement isnt there. I would rather be home cleaning my blinds or scrubbing the floor. I would rather be productive today. Work is really slow, and some days I JUST WANT TO FEEL LIKE I ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING IN 8 hours... anything. Not today, today I will just be in robot mode and try to not let others reactions or actions get to me. Today I will try to not let others grubby attitudes affect me.

Today When I Put My Pants On I.... I couldnt wait to take them off when I get home and slip on my comfy "at home" clothes and enjoy a relaxing evening filled with cat hair.

Funny.. those little imagination prompts worked. Was it interesting..? I dont know.. but I think I like that site...

Sometimes a comment just comes out from nowhere

Im watching this tv show at the moment and a classic line came along. One that I need to remember.. and if its written down, its easier to remember it right?

So, here it goes...

"Its not my job to show them the reality."

I so need to remember that for so many people, for so many reasons. Sometimes I take on too much, take too much too heart, and sometimes, no matter how much I try to help, nothing changes. Except I get frustrated and let down.

Its not my job to show them the reality.

Shame on Slidell Louisiana!

I am having a hard time with this one... did you all hear about the woman who was invited to a KKK initiation ritual in Louisiana and then shot when she tried to leave? Its horrible. The woman was from Oklahoma, but attended this ritual and then decided to leave. Heres the story: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,450345,00.html (sorry, blogger isnt being friendly, I cant create a link, you will have to copy & paste).

To be fair here, maybe she was journalists looking for a story and then tried to leave, and then was shot? Maybe she got a bit morals before the rituals took place and figured NO GOOD DECENT HUMAN would partake in such acts and tried to leave.

Either way, shes dead. So, now the KKK doesnt discriminate anymore either? Now they kill their own too?


To sum up the city of Slidell, I found these stats (courtesy of http://www.city-data.com/city/Slidell-Louisiana.html)

Races in Slidell:

White Non-Hispanic (81.2%)
Black (13.6%)
Hispanic (2.7%)
Two or more races (1.4%)
American Indian (1.0%)
Other race (0.6%)

Get this stat: "According to our research there were 22 registered sex offenders living in Slidell, Louisiana in early 2007."

Um.. .hello... ?


Population in July 2007: 27,185. Population change since 2000: +6.0%

Males: 13,028 (47.9%)
Females: 14,157 (52.1%)

Median resident age: 37.0 years
Louisiana median age: 34.0 years


I hope the 8 people whom were arrested get their photos slathered across the media and I hope they get the Apache treatment. I just find it hard to have sympathy for any member of the KKK... I somehow dont think they partake in good decent community service. I see them as being very one-sided in their thoughts.

It still baffles me how these "cults" or groups can still exist. It baffles me that in today's world, we still have so many stupid and ignorant thinking minded people.

For my disclosure statement, I am NOT saying everyone in Slidell is in the KKK or behaves in such a way that one would associate them into such group. I am merely sprouting off some statistics in order to enlighten us on the region which was highlighted, if you will, in the media due to a dumbass person!

So now what?

Okay, its November 12, as per yesterdays "insightful" horoscope, its even circled on my calendar. Somehow I am not feeling anything towards it, except confusion. Confusion is exactly what I had when reading my horoscope as well. So as far as knowing what kind of day I was going to have, I am still baffled by what sort of day its shaping up to be.

More to come....

Tomorrows horoscope

This is my horoscope for tomorrow... i honestly dont know what it means but its circled! Any ideas or translations?



"Circle November 12 on your calendar! When love planet Venus enters pragmatic Capricorn, and expansive Jupiter sextiles eccentric Uranus, you'll discover innovative approaches to old issues. Plus, the Moon is full in values-based Taurus. November 16 highlights Mars' entrance into philosophical Sagittarius when the dialogue heats up around people's beliefs."

A star struck moment

All my life, I have loved Mustangs. It goes WAY back to when I was just a little tyke running in the yard naked and free. There was nothing that could make my head turn or my heart beat faster than a Ford Mustang. Simple as that. When a Ford Mustang went driving by, my whole world blanked out and I was one with the vehicle. Seriously, I can hear nothing else but the engine, and I see nothing else but the car.

And its still like that today. The only thing, they are rare as anything over in Australia... and so are Corvettes, so imagine my shock when we stopped to get petrol this weekend and saw Corvettes lined up in the parking lot.

But, imagine my amazement when I saw this Shelby in the parking lot....oh such a beautiful day!

Mr Ethan's 1st Bday Party

Gosh.. its already been a year?

Its amazing how quickly time goes. I cant believe a year has already passed since Mr Ethan was born. Tomorrow is his 1st birthday! Yikes.. seems like only yesterday I was feeling his moms belly waiting for him to kick.


Well, time to wrap some presents!

202 dead.. and now its his turn

Some justice will prevail for the man aka "smiling bomber" when he is executed for his horrible acts of killing innocent people in 2002 in Bali, Indonesia.

Enough publicity as already been giving to this man and his associates (2 others have been convicted for the crime), so I dont want to give him anymore satisfaction by adding to the mass media.

There is no confirmed date yet (as things always go in Indonesia, its always "rubber time" or "maybe tomorrow?") but it is said that anytime from November 01 until November 20th that the executions would occur. BUT, according to Indonesian Law, the convict MUST be given the exact date of execution no later than 3 days prior to the execution.

BUT: TA- DA... I hope the man who is SHOOTING you at YOUR EXECUTION is smiling when he pulls the trigger. And thankfully, you will not be around anymore to cause people harm.

Good Riddens!

It is strange

Whatever your political preferences are or whom you voted for, I hope you dont stop reading this bit of my blog.

I am not going to tell you my personal feelings on the election. I am just glad you voted, if you did. If you didnt vote, you dont deserve to bitch about ANYTHING which occurs in the USA if you couldnt find the time or understand the importance of what it means to vote.

I never thought that we, as Americans, would have a President Nominee be a black man. I didnt think a woman woman would run for VP. It is strange, but they are two factors I really didnt expect to see before I turned 35.

As elated as I am that a new President has been voted for, and the hope and promise of new things to come, which usually follow an election, it still saddens me.

It crutches me that there are people out there who will still make threats on a life because of a color.

It saddens me that at work YESTERDAY, no more than 1 hour after the election was finalized, that a co-worker invited me into a "sweep" or betting game on what month the first attempt on my new Presidents life would be. I dont find such things funny.

I wonder if those who tried to push us down and not want to associate with us because we lived with a "black man" when I was growing up... I wonder how they will feel working for the hard earned dollar and having to look at a "black man" with respect?

I wonder if the cruelty of racism will get better or worse?

I wonder what impact this will have on society as a whole.

I wonder if people, somewhere down the line, will see people as people, and not as a color on the color wheel.

I wonder if more people feel like they have a voice, and can associate with anothers identity now?

I wonder if those who subjected me to racism and hatred as a child due to anothers color,....I wonder how you feel today? Do you feel remorse? Have you learned from your mistakes?

I wonder if at some point we can live more at peace with our neighbors and within ourselves.
I hope for a better future, filled with equality, and filled with patience and understanding of ONE.

It is strange. To be alive for such a monumental event. I hope Miss Rosa Parks is doing the jig and smiling....

I dont care who you vote for, just please get out and vote and lets get our country in a shape in which we are proud of in terms of culture, economics, welfare, international relations, pride, and so forth.

Please do your bit and vote.

House Design of the Year: Australia

This house, near Melbourne, was given the award of "The top honour for residential architecture, the Robin Boyd Award, went to the Klein Bottle House, a bold structure on the Mornington Peninsula." (as per The Age, 2008).

I dont know, but there is something very strange in this house. Maybe it looks like an elephant sat on one side of it? Who knows, but I would love to see the inside of this house and hope that something else would grab me. Maybe part of the "lack-luster appeal" that I seem to have with it, is the house is in an area capable of wide spread views of ocean and landscape. This picture certainly doesnt show any use of windows to grab the outside elements for the beauty that attracts people to that area.

Who knows, all I can say is that beauty truly lies within the beholder.

A 23 minute wait

I grew up in rush hour traffic. I dont mind rush hour traffic. At least you M-O-V-E s o me wh a t at a s-l-o-w s p ee d.

Not yesterday. I sat forever, or what felt like forever NOT MOVING at all. It sucked. No accident ahead.. just "construction".

What amazes me is this: this roundabout and section of the street has taken just up to a year and COUNTING. This is all occuring when there is nice weather 90% of the time.

How in the world does Minnesota, complete with snow, freezing rain, and nice sunny weather only 3.5 months (if your lucky).... how did they rebuild the bridge on 35W in such a short time....

Queensland cant even get a damn roundabout done... and seriously, this has been going on for just coming up on over a year.

This sucked. Thank goodness I had my Ipod with to keep me amused.

The best bit... its the only way for me to get TO and FROM work.... thats twice a day folks. Twice a day of not moving for a very long time.

Maybe tomorrow I will bring my dusting gloves and buffing cloth and work on the interior of the car while I wait for forever to happen.