Even on a rainy day

Even on a rainy day, there always seems to be a way to spread a little cheer.. even if its only faint...

A moment without rain

Hopefully you can tell the difference of the before & after photos~ the after photos are on top, and the ugly "before" photo is the last one :)

We finally had a moment without rain.. so I attacked my "garden" outside my villa. It was great that we had enough rain to make the pulling out of the ugly garden plants much easier, but there was still a bit of tugging to do.

Im pleased with the color against the villa, really brightens things up! So pleased in fact, that I went and did the neighbors across from me too (this way it matched and was all even). The neighbors dont care at all what I do to their bit, they usually wait for me to trim their section anyway, so hopefully when they return from their weekend, they are pleasantly surprised!

What do you think?

$20,000 virgin auction? What the?

According to http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/film/2009/05/11/1241893898042.html The Age Newspaper here in Australia:

Posters appearing around Sydney are offering $20,000 for virgins to appear in a feature-length documentary. But the fine print reveals the would-be stars - a man and a woman - must be prepared to be filmed as they auction their virginity online. In return, they get the cash, 90 per cent of the winning bid and, one presumes, a good night out.

Outraged family groups have labelled the project prostitution. The man behind it, Melbourne filmmaker Justin Sisely, says he is merely exploring the idea of virginity as a commodity.

"One of the main points I want to make is that right now, young people give away their virginity. Imagine if it was suddenly worth something - people wouldn't throw it away," he said.

But he does concede the prostitution argument: "You can't deny that selling sex is prostitution. It is. That's what makes it controversial."

Indeed, controversy has been the star before a scene has been shot. Police were called to Melbourne's Monash University after complaints about posters and postcards on campus.

In Sydney, posters featuring the Virgin Mary with male genitalia drawn on her forehead have brought complaints.

Moufid Sukkar, who attends a Catholic church in Marrickville, contacted the film company, Thomas William Productions. "They told me to go tell someone who cares," he said. "I found it really offensive. There are three churches on that street."

A Sydney student, Ben Smith, 22, has applied for a role but may not proceed to audition.

He was less interested in the money than the exploration of attitudes to sex. "[The auction] really shouldn't be as confronting as it is and it's a sad reflection on society that it is such a touchy subject," he said.

He said he is waiting for the right woman to yield his virginity. He has had several relationships of more than a year but sex never became an issue. "Maybe it's because women are less pushy about it."

Mr Sisely, who is funding the film, said he had been contacted by about 100 people, most in their early 20s. The oldest was 26.

The two stars would be filmed visiting psychologists and taking a lie-detector test to ensure their purity but the deed would not be screened. "It's not a porno," Mr Sisely said.

All I have to say is this: Im not a virgin... and Im not sure that holding out for $20,000 to have someone bid on it would be worth it to me anyway... regardless if I get 90% of the bid... at least I can say, that although, sometimes not very GREAT choices... AT LEAST I got to pick who I was sleeping with. Your virginity is something you always remember, you always remember the name, the location... etc. I cant imagine for the rest of my life knowing that its filmed and ANYONE can access it.

Im sorry, but my virginity was not available for sale back then, but I still shudder at the thought of being paid, and having it publicly aware of "losing my virginity".

Strange to me.

Happy Mothers Day

Mothers are fantastic~ they know when you need a hug or a bandaid. They know when your so happy the smile on your face is bigger than anything. Mothers know that somedays you just need a little Angel Food Cake to cheer you up. Somedays they know that all you require is a coffee & a chat.

And yet, Mothers get so much satisfaction out of little things. Mothers hold on to the moments watching their child wake up and wipe their eyes. Mothers love the smell of their own child. Mothers endulge in the joy of watching their "little one" become an adult.

My mother is amazing. I love her to bits, and I try everyday to let her know it. She is my best friend, and my mother.

On Mothers Day we are having lunch at the house and enjoying the day together. I hope each of you spend time with your Mother tomorrow, if you can. Cherish the moments together.. you dont need to spend all the money on an expensive gift, because in the end, your Mother just wants to be with you for the day. She loves you, just as much as you love her.

Or~ in my family....

I love you mom

I love you more

No, I love you more

I love you to eternity

I love you to eternity and then some....

But, in the end, its an endless love, cuz she's my mom. Happy Mothers Day Mom. I love you more

Its nice to know what you dont have sometimes

So I was bored last night while waiting for my IPOD to sync. So, whats a girl to do? They check out the local singles on the internet dating site.. this way you can remind yourself that its better to not have, than have.. some days.

Imagine my delight when I see my ex on the internet dating site...again. I just stumbled upon him...

just to let you know.. you totally read the ad differently when you know the person.

For instance.. he says (not the truth, but just as an example)... "I lift 600 pounds of weights everyday" and now that you know him, you can interpret that to really state: "I would love to lift 10 pounds of weights everyday, but I wont, I cant, and Im lazy"

OR~

when he says "I like to do (insert topic) and I like to do (insert topic) and I especially like to (insert topic)" You can translate that too: "I think I would like to do things, but I cant be bothered, unless YOU come all the way here and do it for me, then maybe I would like to do that"

HAHA

although, I did love the man who in his MAIN description wrote (only about 50 words written in his description so far) was that "this is to much effort and if you want to know more, send me an email"

Oh yeah.. its too much effort for you to describe YOURSELF briefly... so Im thinking he might not be all that great in a relationship??? Just a thought.

Ah... sometimes its good to remind yourself what YOU DONT HAVE :)

Sitting at home

Im sitting at home. The family has gone out to eat.. at one of my fav restaurants. Im home with a killer earache.. in both ears.. feels horrible and just didnt want to chance it by being outside.. its raining, windy, and cold....not exactly ideal weather for a girl who has a double ear issue. yuck

it was my choice to not go... but still, I somehow wish I could be there, eating fantastic prawns and a nice juicy steak. and the company of course.

Alas, I know that eating ANYTHING other than soup kills my eardrums, and everyone sounds to me like their screaming at me (i dont think they really are...never know tho) and so putting myself around 4 other people in a restaurant with other tables, well, lets just say its prob best I stayed home.

Probably. Except Im sick of soup and thats all i can eat, I want to socialize cuz I have been lying on the couch for the last few hours, Im bored, and goodness... I just want to dance...but I cant cuz my ears are pounding thru my head. ACK.

Pity me, just for today. But please, pity quietly... otherwise I may think your screaming at me too :)

Catchin Up on tidbits

Its been a few days.. sorry.

I have very much enjoyed my last few days...

Drinks with F&H to celebrate my 8 years in this country~ always a great time with the 2 of them... and to my amazement, H didnt fall asleep on the couch that evening.. although I did leave by 8:30 and usually thats the time he starts to nod off, and then say "I WASNT SLEEPING" even though I carried on a whole conversation staring at his cute little head nodding away... great times with them, Im so honored to have them in my life!

Little Miss has been very cuddly as of lately.. in fact, each morning, shes on my lap when Im on the computer trying to do things. But see, I dont just sit normally when on the computer... I cross my leg so that my kneecap is resting on the desk and my other leg ( which is tucked under my ass)is supporting my foot (make sense).. well Little Miss cuddles up in my leg supported by the desk, and grabs my thumb with her paw as I type... makes it difficult as anything to type, but its too precious of a moment to disturb her.

I made pecan pie to give to others.. just felt like baking

I sorted a few things at home.. yeah for me.

Laundry

I also cleaned the kitchen stainless steel with this amazing stuff, which makes it look spanking new again... loving the way my kitchen sparkles now


People are losing their jobs, we are all "doing it tough" they say... but today I received my statment from Rivers Clothing Store to tell me about this months winners~ heres what it states:

Prize winners for the month of April:
(names withheld to not incriminate identity of those 'stimulating the economy'

Person 1 - Spent $3,030.30 which gave her 29825 points. (SHES GETS A $500 Gift Card from this)

Person 2 - Spent $718.10 which gave him 7183 points. This is on top of the $100 Gift Voucher he can claim with his points. ( HE GETS $250 GIFT CARD )

Person 3 - Spent $819.75 which gave her 6690 points. This is on top of the $100 Gift Voucher she can claim with her points. ($100 GIFT CARD)

So... my name isnt there.. cuz I DIDNT SPEND A GAWD DAMN CENT THERE THIS MONTH... WHY??? I DONT HAVE THE EXTRA CASH... apparently I am the only one.. and who spends on clothes $3000 in one month AT THE SAME STORE????? especially a clearance store.. damn thats a shitload of clothes? So, if you see someone with the RIVERS tag running around beggin for money... you know where its come from.. she cant pay her credit card bill!

Just cant reach it....

So my friend Suzy Q is planning on having her family over for dinner last night. Shes has a ton of things to do, and so she decides (also being a vego) that she will make the infamous bean dinner that my family makes... minus the meat. She grabs the list of ingredients which my mom wrote down for her months before and head to the store.

This dish is a throw it all in the crockpot and away you go... beans so delish that you just cant help but lift the lid and do a taste test.

So... Suzy Q is at the store, shopping away. She drives home and sees a Tawny Frog Mouthed Owl (its not really an owl, but a bird in any case)hurt on the road. She stops to pick it up and place it in her oversize purse/bag/satchel so that she can take it to the vets and hopefully it can recover and be back on his normal way.

After all is said and done... she arrives home to start the prep of the bean dish.. only to remember that the recipe is in the bottom of the bag, currently with the Tawny Frog Mouth Owl.. who has a very sharp beak!

Whats a girl to do? She calls mom and explains the situation, saying "I have all the ingredients, I just dont know the measurements! Help~".

All seems to be well, the bird is at the vets, Suzy Q's dinner was a smashing success, and now, as a family, we have another memory to add to list of already fantastic stories surrounding the bean dish.

Thanks Ms Suzy Q for being a friend to the wildlife too~ top job~!

8 years ago

I moved here 8 years ago... with 6 suitcases to my name. Its strange how time goes...Somedays it seems like only a few years ago, and then other days it seems that the time is really draggin on and on.... (of course, I am trying to get residency so I pretty much know this timeline of 8 years thru each minute).

Strange tho... 8 years ago, I moved to another country to start a different life...

8 years ago, I moved from friends and family... thanks to all of those who have put in some effort... and to those who havent, well, you prob dont know much on the updates of my life now anyway.

Ive made some fantastic friends here.. and I have been able to know who is really my friends back home. Those that hang on with you, think of you, and put that extra bit of effort in (hopefully they think I do the same) those friendships are the ones worth keeping.

8 years ago... wow... mind numbing. Its weird to put your life in a time-frame of 8 years. I mean, 5 years, 10 years, all those segments seem to always get done.. but 8, I dont know, but I do know that for today, life is good.

And... Im thankful for all of you as you were not here with me 8 years ago... but you are today.

We are all in the same boat.. right? Then why do you think you need a bigger life-jacket?

No matter where you live or what type of work you do.. most people are feeling the economic crunch at the moment. Some are in danger of losing their homes (or already have), some have no job to go to everyday, some have no money to pay the lease on the car.. some have no food to feed the kids or themselves. People are doing it tough... at least thats what everyone is saying to each other.

So tell me this... if your doing it tough financially, exactly why would you go for lunch to the takeaway shop and spend $10 on junk food? OR this:

travel on the weekends to catch up with friends or family over 1 hrs drive
go out for lunch with the "girls" or your best mate
drive the kids everywhere on the weekends
drive to the local shop instead of walking or car-pooling
etc.. you get my point

Im not saying you have to stop living.. but dont sit and bitch to me that you have no money when you are running here and there and feeding your face quite comfortably.. and so forth.

The government here handed out some $ to help stimulate the economy.. do you know where the $ went????? To gambling and drinking... no one ever wants to give up those things. In fact, on a different rant.. my friend is a bartender at a local club here... she told me that the other weekend a certain someone who has recently ran a company into the ground and put thousands of people out of jobs, himself declaring bankruptcy... had a $500 tab at the bar, bet $400 on the horse racing, and he & his wife and kids were dressed to the nines.... oh I can see his suffering...

Just my point tho... IF you have NO money.. stop spending like you have it. It will not kill you to NOT go out for lunch with the friends all the time, it will NOT kill you to walk to the corner store for milk, it will NOT kill you to make a lunch at home and bring it to work and eat it for lunch... THINK PEOPLE.

It amazes me how people want to bitch all the time about no money, short on money,etc... what are you sacrificing to adjust your budget? Anything? Friends of mine just went and bought the kids new cell phones... what the ? Others went and paid for a car (as to which she cant afford the insurance much less the petrol cuz she doesnt work) oh yeah.. bright idea... lets buy her the car too! Genius.

No wonder we are in a slump of no money right now.... everyones been spending and spending and spending.. and all they think is someone somewhere is gonna come to the rescue.

Im just saying this: try to downsize your spending a bit.. a few little adjustments (minimal if you like) can add up and help your situation a bit. You just need to be smarter than what you have been....

Possible? Who knows, but I will bet you a dollar you know someone who is overspending....

Its just not right

I spoke to a friend today on the phone. She has a 6 year old daughter. Her daughter is in primary school at a PUBLIC school. They have choosen a PUBLIC school over a PRIVATE school as they do not want their daughter to be taught religion at school. They feel that religion is not something that should be taught by another person who is not raising their child. Also, they can not afford a private forum to send the child to attend. Regardless of their religious beliefs, of to which I will not disclose their personal beliefs on religion.. as it really doesnt have much to do with this blogbit.

Once a week, in the PUBLIC school, the child is to sit in on a religion class. She came home one day singing songs about JESUS. Of to which, the parents questioned where she heard that song, and her big, child eyes full of innocence, stating that the TEACHER at school had taught her in class today.

After much hassles with the school, the little girl and 3 other students are shuffled into a differnt classroom when this "religious class" occurs. This was only done because the parents became aware of the teachings, it wasnt UNTIL the kid came home singing about Jesus, that they were aware, AT ALL of this conduct within the PUBLIC school system. Apparently, in my backwards state, its now mandatory that a teacher teaches the child about religion at least once a week for a class hour. Christian religion at that. Im sure that there are more religions... Hindu, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Buddist...etc... why are these not taught then? Why the superior belief that only 1 should be taught.. why are ANY being taught at all in this forum? Whats with this?

The child sits in the class, nothing to do, and the RELIGIOUS TEACHER (who by the way is a teacher at the school, but puts on a pretend cap and becomes the religion teacher for that segment) comes in and checks on the 4 students in between her teachings of religion to the other students.

Exactly why is a 6 year child in SCHOOL unsupervised at all for any length of time????? Oh, because her parents dont want someone pushing their personal beliefs upong her.... goodness me... its insane. People analyze the bible differently , so even if the parents were fine with the teaching of religion, they may not be fine with the teachers version of the Bible. Still, its a public school - should NOT be there in the first place.

Im sorry, its a touchy subject, but I do not believe in my heart of hearts that ANY religion should be taught in a PUBLIC school.. there are venues for religious teachings.. they are called this: HOME, MOSQUES, PRIVATE RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, RELGIOUS GATHERINGS.. .you get my point.. .NOT IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL.

whats your thoughts?

Cleaning your life away

I spoke to my grandma the other day to let her know I was home from my vacation, and to see how she was doing and how her Easter was, etc. After catching up, she shared some local gossip. She told me that a particular person in town had died.. I didnt know this person (age 84) so grams filled me in on some details.

She told me how this lady ALWAYS use to sweep the driveway off when her company left, to remove any dirt from the tires of the car, and remove any visible tracks.

She told me that this lady ALWAYS cleaned... ever since she knew her, she cleaned ALL the time.

Then, she tells me the poor lady died of a brain aneurism WHILE sweeping the driveway after her company left

I guess, although its prob not proper to laugh at it, but at least she died doing what she loved.. sweeping and cleaning. I did however, for the last few days find some chuckles in the contentment that this lady cleaned and cleaned and died cleaning. Then, there was some sadness, as I could only imagine that her husband would have told her at some time in their marriage , "Margaret, that sweeping is gonna be the death of you...."

In fact, that particular thought still makes me laugh. I cant help it.. criticize all you want, but its sort of funny.

THEN I read the obits.. and heres a snippit from her obit in the paper:

"Margaret enjoyed playing cards, sewing, gardening and taking care of the house. She spent many hours volunteering in the community. She helped the priests with their garden at the rectory, always helped with funeral lunches and assisted in keeping the church clean."

HAHAHA I am so sure I would be sent to hell... I laughed so hard, my eyes cried... which just goes to prove that I really should NOT slave away at a clean house... I would hate to be the butt of those jokes~

Briefs for a bit...

• Im tired of being in my work enviornment today
• I think I might be have some sort of "post vacation" blues
• Im tired of hearing people babble incesantly about NOTHING and using mindless words to fill in time...
• I wish people would DO as they SAY and STAND up for whats right
• I would rather be at home with my cat... at least I know what to expect from her
• I heard a GIRL call a stranger a paedophile yesterday while he was playing in the park with his kids... it still baffles me that people, oh excuse me, a teenager, could be so damn ignorant to words and slander
• I colored my hair last night with moms help (of course) to help hide those pesky greys!
• Im not planning on much for tonight, maybe its best that I dont venture too far from home tonight

Oh.... somedays I just want to be anywhere else than here.... somedays ....

At the moment, my dad is sitting in the doctors office getting ANOTHER needle in his eye to hopefully stop a deteriorating eye problem. He was doing well, as in his eyes seemed to be alright and not getting worse, but a few days after our trip he had blurred vision and wanted to head back to the doctor to see whats up.

I will keep you posted, but if you could say a little prayer (or kind thought) for dad and his eyes.. that would be good.... hate this waiting game.

Photos Pt 2 (Fruit)

Some interesting fruits available from the grocer or the streets (warungs) in Indonesia... there was much too much fruit, but here was 1 days adventure in the fruit aisle.
(Watermelon.. yes yellow watermelon! And, thats grapefruit on the right hand side... Indonesians are always trying to make things so much prettier than us..)

(Someone told me that this is similiar to cocoa.... not what I would have expected)

I dont actually remember what this one was.. sorry

$4700 rupiah....eiks! the only place I can feel like a millionair on a pitence of a wage~

And of course, Durian.... not my thing, but highly sought after in the Asian regions. I did learn tho, that the Durians from Indo are smaller and more sweet.. the large Durians usually generate from Japan and have a more bitter taste... but thats if you can get past the smell.... not my thing!

Quick Recap..actually photos

So my computer has shit itself...or I would like to say that rather than shit itself, its now on holidays, waiting to be "rejuvenated". Stupid machinery. I just dont want to lose all the contents..... please oh please... keep it working!~

Im at work, and heaps to do, but I will update the photos, and add content throughout the days... at work. Hey, everyone else is in "slow mo" why shouldn't I be? right?

I have things to catch up on, so until I get the home computer up and running properly.... I will give some Snipets...enjoy the first batch of photos, if you have any questions or want a better explanation... just let me know. (above: Rice Fields outside our rented Villa in UBUD. Ubud is almost in the centre of Bali. Although it is only 25 km from where we always stay, the drive takes 2 and a bit hours to do because of the road and traffic conditions. Once you arrive in Ubud, its a whole different world to the other locations in Bali.)

(above: This is the villa we rented while in Ubud. Great deal! We had a 3bdrm, 3.5 bath, private pool, fans, screens, tv, cable, stereo, etc. It was an awesome villa, although the road getting to the villa was a bit interesting... certainly wouldnt walk it at night, too many holes in the road.)
(above: an example of a piece of wood carving in Bali. The town of MAS is known for its great mastery of wood carving, but you can find it anywhere and everywhere. Some pieces we saw took almost a year to complete with the help of a few people.. the detail was so particular. The different woods they used also really complimented the pieces. True artists.)

(above: The gang. A few nights of drinking, and sitting around chatting, and being able to help teach/ learn English and Indonesian. The best tailor around is in this photo... if anyone goes to Bali, let me know, I wouldnt trust anyone else to do the tailoring for me. I fell in love also on my trip... Im sitting next to him..amazing how sometimes destiny just takes you and finds you.... come whatever may. I had so much fun sitting around and seeing all sorts of walks of lifes -tourists, locals, loan managers, etc- all come into the shop and have a chat... it was fantastic!)

Feeling so at home

There is a huge part of me that always feels like I am returning home when I come to Bali. The happy faces of everyone, the contagious smiles of the Balinese, the excitement when I am around. It is such a feeling of contentment and peaceful being that surrounds me here in this environment.

My heart feels at home here, its a wonderful feeling to experience. I do not have that feeling at my home in the states... the serenity here fills your soul and encapsulates every cell of your body.

It is where I come to find myself again. Even in the busy noises of the children, motorbikes, store attendants, all the noises... you can so easily find the serenity you seek.

Good to be home. On the flip side, I return back to normal life soon... its always good to be back to normal, or as "normal" as normal can be. But, for now, I live in the moment and the environment that brings me such pleasure.

Cant wait to share the photos. I have been to Kintamani again, and since my first visit 10 years ago, there is some growth happening from the volcanic eruption that occured in 2000, which is good to see. I have seen Basakih Temple again, of course, as tradition would have it, a ceremony was taking place. Ceremonies everywhere actually, such a pride in everyone to have the ceremonies. Today, in UBUD (region) many homes have the holy man come to the house and bless the house and they place offerings in different spots in the home, and outside the home, on teh electricity box (in hopes of continued power) and have the water blessed... amazing to see.

Well, my internet time almost up so I must sign off for now... catch up soon. Hope your well and safe. I hear its STILL raining back home... but no fear, its sunny as where I am!

new travels

Im off to UBUD tomorrow, which is about a 2 hr drive north..many rice fields and much more of a "village" feeling there. Plus, a bonus is that I get my own room too... here I have had to share a room with our friend, but for a few days, I dont have to share...so I wont be serenading her to sleep with my snoring.

Plus side? I got a new husband... so we walking around calling each other husband and wife... his name is donny, and hes got money and because his brother is a tailor (he made me a fantastic pair of leather shoes) his brother is offering that he will make my wedding dress for me if I marry his brother... ah... what a good time we are having... good laughs and enjoying joking and chatting with locals.

It really feels like I have returned home. This place is pure Magic. I relax and enjoy life so much here, and really feel so special all the time. Its a fantastic spot for me to be, and so needed this fantastic holiday.

Catch up soon. Love & Hugs to all.

Peace.

Oh, and my snowbird friends.... Ouch on the snowstorm... I was in the pool twice today, and will enjoy it heaps and think of you in your gloves & long underwear..... hehe.

Holidays

Still on holidays...loving life! Swimming, shopping, massages, bargaining, chatting with the locals... all a great time.

Hope you are all well.

Back soon, my drink and my shoes (which I had made for me) are waiting.

Peace.

holiday mode

Im in holiday mode, and depending on internet service, I will try to update you on what Im doing while on holidays.... try is the key word.

In the meantime, check back and see if theres any updates, keep yourselves well, and stay safe~

French?

This classy restaurant is the last thing you would expect to be at the end of our street from our hotel. But soon..... I will be able to post ACTUAL photos from my own camera. Soon... I will treat myself to this fantastic luxury. Sitting my bum on the chair, looking at the ocean, truly eating "waterfront" style. Watching the sunset. Drink in my hand. Good company enjoying the moments. Soon.....

And... its a French Restaurant... not something most expect to run into in the streets of Bali. But, I have been here before.... just gasped at the scenery, not eating here before. Its amazing.

The walk to the restaurant is nothing strange. People attending the warungs (local eating stalls), bartering with the locals to drop the price of a fantastic batik piece of clothing, people sitting on the curb in front of their house which is home to 10+ people, dogs running in the street, the smell of a hard work day for the locals, the gates to each house.... you pass it all, its a regular street in the environment. Then, at the end of the street, as you have stumbled over uneven concrete and watched for "loose concrete" which could end you up in the sewer (its a local street, so not as important to the govt as the main tourist stretch to fix, this year anyway), you find these gates which open up to a world which seems so far away from where you have just been.

And, to top it off, its French Food. Covered in sauces, rich in taste, savory in the environment, and a bit spendy (it will def cost me more than $5 to eat here, much different from my usual eating spots in Bali), but, its a treat, and Im on holidays... I deserve it.

And, to be nice to all of you... I will enjoy it for you as well!

This was designed by Jonathon Adler for the Barbie Dream House...

Im not into Barbie (anymore), but there is something oddly creepy and cool about this mirror... it inspires me to maybe create something of my own.

And soon, this will be the "preferred" way to travel.... Im on holidays soon!~

Congrats to my cousin Julie & her husband Ben to their latest addition to the family!

The day after I arrive at my holiday destination is Nyepi. Nyepi is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. Ob­served from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflectionand as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires, no working, no entertainment or pleasure, no traveling, and for some, no talking or eating at all. Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens.

Our hotel windows will be covered in newspaper to help block out any lights and it is requested that IF you have your tv on, it is at a lower level so as to not be excessive.

The next day is called Kuningan Day. It is the time for commemoration as the ancestors return to the heaven after ten days of dwelling on Earth and the Balinese express their gratitude to gods for His mercy to the human races. Therefore, it is a time for holiday, visiting each other and fun.

Many people travel back to their villages during these few days. So, its a great time to unwind and really relax for us who are on holidays. I have a massage booked in on Nyepi day, and plan to lounge by the pool, observing the local traditions and beginning my holiday super relaxed~!

I do plan however, to take on my opponent in a fantastic game of chess... it seems to be a great tradition...it also seems that I am still learning, but its great fun to play with giant pieces.. it makes the game even more fun~

2 more hints

The countdown continues... not long to go now... any guesses where I am heading off to?

We were watching this stupid show last night, and a friend commented that lady above (i dont want to post her name as I think shes an evil woman... how dare you speak to people like that... biatch!) resembles a Meerkat...

HA~ love it~!

A Cyclone Gone By

So, not only did the winds and rain occur, and the cyclone passed us.. but a ship with containers containing toxic chemicals dumped some of the containers into the sea due to the rough seas brought on by the cyclonic conditions. Our dunes have been severely damaged, and now, the fish and marine life, and others which may be coming into contact with it, are affected by the oil slick which has hit our area due to the toxic chemicals from the ship. Have a look:

(photos courtesy of www.thedaily.com.au)

The countdown is on...

Soon, in not too long of a time, I will be on vacation.... in this magical spot. WHEWWWWW- HHHHEEEEWWW. ( insert image of my jumping up and down and waving my hands all around).

Ah.. the things we think of everyday.

Hope your well. Oh, to let you know, the cyclone fizzled... but it did do some damage to some ships in the ocean which spilled chemicals into the ocean... and every now and then, the rain and wind gets a bit crazy. They say more is too happen in terms of wind and rain for the next 2 days... but im hoping it dries up by sunday... i have plans on sunday. BIG PLANS~!

Rain. Boredom. Working.

Its so boring at work at the moment. The rain is bucketing down due to the cyclone at sea, which means NO ONE is really outside working in the elements. Which, since all of our customers work outside, means the phone has rang about twice today.

No one paid their bills today- so, I have no money to pay our company bills today.

No one is calling- so, I am not travelling all over the place trying to sort problems.

No one is working in our office. Everyone seems to be playing on the computer, sending emails, chatting on personal phone calls, and one has even gone out to do some shopping.

Why am I here? The boredom is killing me. I need to be busy doing something. ANYTHING.

Maybe part of it is that I would like to be home, watching a movie, securing my place for high winds, sitting around and watching the rain. That would be much more satisfying than sitting in my office, staring at nothing, watching everyone do nothing.

Ack. I hate being bored.

Cyclone Hamish

So theres Cyclone Hamish on its way. Its a very odd feeling at the moment. Sometimes the atmosphere is VERY VERY still, and then a gush of wind comes from nowhere. Its strange. The calm before the storm.

If you look on the map on the top, that big white blob on the right of the country is the cyclone. If you look on the map on the bottom, the town called Tewantin, well, I am about 1/2 hour south of that. As of now, it appears the cyclone is traveling parallel to the coast, but not hitting the coastline, just rain, heaps of rain. However, a cyclone can change in an instant, so we are all on alert.

IF it hits, it should be tomorrow sometime, or the next day. I work a bit inland, so its hard to sit at work and know whats happening at home on the coast region. Although, Im sure its just gusty and a bit wild, all things should stay relatively calm. BUT, big plans once I get home from work.... put ALL things in the garage: outside table, buddha ornaments in the garden... etc. all in the garage.. better safe than sorry.

Lets hope it just turns to some mild rain.

Shes linked to a tale of killing at least 8 men, some just for bickering over the price of sex. Shes one of Australia's high-profiled (is there such a thing here?) prostitutes from the "good ol' days".

Shes been charged with assault, drunk & disorderly, wandering & loiterring, and associations with criminals and gangsters.

Lets just look at the above statements. She had no place to live? Well, of course not honey, she was a hooker... I am sure she didnt need to head home to often. She hung out with "unsociables"? Back in the 40 & 50's, who else had money except for crims and gangsters? You go where the money took you... which in her case was straight into the arms of badly behaved men with power. Not much different from today really. Charged with assault? So, could that mean that MAYBE she was collecting debts owed, or stood up for herself in a not so nice world? I dont know.. just a thought.

Shes been known for being beautiful and very expensive in the sex trade industry. Blonde hair, blue eyes and apparantly a figure to die for. Ah, even back then, beauty was adored.

Who is she? Shes being featured in an exhibit called Femme Fatale: the Female Criminal. I would love to go see it. If it comes this way, I am def there, but for now, I think its only being shown in Sydney or Melbourne.

I dont know about you, but Dulcie Markham seems to have been one tough lady who stood her ground, made ends meet financially, and hob-knobbed with rich & powerful for her time.

All that AND good looks? Impressive

yummy!

Just wanted to share that I had the BEST honeydew yesterday... it was devine...if I would have been near the store, I probably would have gone back for more...

one just have to love fresh fruit!

My horoscope today tells me this:


Don't be surprised if someone from your past contacts you this week as Venus, the planet of love, turns retrograde on March 6. Then, you'll be daydreaming plenty when Mercury enters imaginative Pisces on March 8. That same day, the Sun opposes Saturn, which gives you a helpful reality check just when you need it the most!

For once, its true... I spoke to someone whom I havent spoken to in 10 years, actually more than that! It was great, was like time never passed us... Funny how you always hold on to special people in your life in your heart and soul, and then BAM one day, they pop back into it!~

I am a bit concerned on whats happening on the 8th when my reality check comes into play..thank goodness its a Sunday~ but it says its helpful, so cant be all that bad, right?

And more in Pleasantville...

If you havent already done so, please read the post below this one first...


And if you have already been introduced to Pleasantville in this blog, read on:

Heres a few more snapshots of what $600,000 can give you in the landscaping of your new home.. please note the half dried/dead edges around EACH plant... now that is classy. Ah, but take note, for those big bucks, you can have this mature and lush palm growing outside your apartment complex... lets hope thats not "full bloom"

Or, you can have these lovely rusted metal birds greet you as you drive into your spacious garage...please note your 1 square foot of grass allowed for your home...

Sadly, there was no sign marking this bookshelf as free...but Im hoping the owners are looking to get rid of it. I do wonder tho, how does one make your bookshelf go THAT wonky?

This house reminds me for some reason of an upgrade on the Amityville Horror House... Im not sure why, but there is something bizarre about it, or is it to familiar to Wisteria Lane? Ah, either way prob one in the same, right?

Pleasantville in real life?

There is an estate near my house, that years ago was considered one of the "prestigious" areas to live in. Now, its rental heaven. It reminds me of Pleasantville.. .always has. Everyone parks the car on the street (lack of garages), the square foot of lawn owned by you and your home is perfectly manicured, the mailboxes match the house (yes, its true!), most everyone has a token dog, the children are outside playing (in the driveways between the cramped house), the curtains look brand new, the doors are wide open so that everyone in this trusting neighborhood knows EXACTLY what you have inside, and to top it off.... there is this "air" about the place that you are an intruder and only the special are allowed into this done up world. Its just so strange.. and not my cup of tea AT ALL. Yuck!

Below is a photo of a newly constructed house almost complete... the steps shown here are the entrance to a unit that gets rented out per week...its above a garage, and no, majority of the time you dont have access to a garage, you just get the "joy" of living above it, in your studio apartment for approx $200 AUD per week.

Below, is the other side of the photo.. see how its not finished.. well, typically there will be a "walkway" and garden area which only the owner of the large house has access too. Just looks so funny to see it this way... I keep walking by to see if they have progressed yet...

There is a newer section to the estate (where the mailboxes dont match the house as they finally realized its just CREEPY when the entire street does this)... but even then... if your paying over $600,000 to live here, dont you think you could have landscaping that wasnt half dead?

Its just my opinion, Im sure they love living here.... but thankfully, I love my place to bits~