Well, well, it's now less than 7 weeks to go. I had a garage sale on the weekend and got rid of a whole lotta things, the rest I took to the op shop, and to Cash converters, or some shops that do a similar type of thing. Wasn't bad, made a bit of extra cash. And have made it easier to pack up the rest of the things that will be going into storage at my brothers.
It's been a bit hard deciding what to keep and what to sell. Like I'm prioritising my memories - near impossible! But now it's done and there's just the putting everything else into boxes. Ah, they joys of packing!

Still a few things that need doing - injections still to go, insurance, paying off tickets and credit card, closing accounts. But it's getting there and I am slowly getting through all these 'before I go away tasks'. I tell you I can't wait til I am on that plane and don't have to worry about it anymore.
I should probably make a list of what else I need to do, but it makes it a little daunting when the list looks longer than what it is in your head.

Went and saw the 'passion of Christ' a few nights ago. One of the worst, most upsetting and downright horrible movies I have seen in a long long time. Shame on you Mr Gibson! What is he trying to do with that?? I was recommended NOT to see it, so I can't really blame anyone but myself - I should've listened to that friend. Still I can't help my nature can I? Told not to do something and that's exactly the thing I will be doing when I get the chance.

I'll be moving out of my house shortly, and becoming a bum on my friends couches and the like. Still it will get me used to living out of a bag! No doubt I'll be more than over that aspect of travel by the time I hit the UK. But it won't harm me I am sure. It will be nice to be living with only the bare minimums.

Ahh Haha ha ha! Everything is starting to sort itself out! Yay! I'm going to visit a project or two in Cambodia, and see their field office. Laos is a maybe, maybe not, have to see how things are closer to the time that I leave. But it's all coming together! Today I have to update my C.V and send that with my letter to Oxfam G.B and Oxfam International.
It's so real now and more than a little exciting too.

I'm gonna have a chat with my big boss - the one who was above Sylvia - today and let her know what I have planned and organised so far. Brendan (the guy organizing my Cambodia programs visit) said that he'd like me to do a short presentation for them as well about the side of Oxfam that I work in. So I should probably sort some things for that, a disk or something that I can plug in when I get there. I'm sure I will be able to do that with either Kim or someone else - have to be towing the OCAA line with what I say, so they'd want to proof it at the very least.

I can't believe it's so close - 8 weeks and I'll be in Thailand. Already there... A little scary really. But so exciting, so close, so much to sort out between then and now.

But I'm going to move out of mine a little early - two weeks before I fly out, and that should fre up some $'s, plus get me out of Jahe the terribles way! No doubt I'll be out and about saying good bye here and there, and then I'll be gone! Can't wait!

NEPAL :-







I got my veeesa! I got my veeesa! I gooot it! I’m goh-ing soon! I’m goh-ing soon! In 8 weeks I’ll be winging my way to the lush green warmth of the Northern Hemisphere! I can’t wait. The work visa for the UK starts in July, so I may need to cut back on the time I plan to spend in Asia, otherwise I automatically lose 5 months just from travelling there, so I may do some more of it on my way back… Something to think about; not to sure of what I will do yet.
So much to do still and every now and then I have a minor panic about it all. But it’ll be so much fun! I’ll definitely be spending time relaxing on the beaches, and shopping in the markets. So many cheap clothes, unrecognisable foods, fun, interesting and strange things await me! Well not just me, being a little self-absorbed there aren’t I?… And anyway it is all about me – I’m a Leo!!
Work has been pretty ok, but as usual around the aware run time it’s a matter of being locked out of the system and watching my work pile up on my desk, yet again. The circle of Oxfam life it would seem. I wonder how they will take me leaving?
Still I am trying to sort out work for when I arrive in the UK. I’ve written a letter to Oxfam Great Britain to introduce myself, and have met a lady from Oxfam International who may be of help. So it’s a matter of getting my letter proofread (is being done now) and then sending it off to the appropriate person there. Hopefully it will get me a job, either that or at the very least a foot in the door. The projects visits (this has taken so long to get rolling, but should be fine now) should be confirmed next week. So that ads another dimension to my travels, will get me off the beaten track and into some interesting areas. I’ll most likely be visiting the field offices, and hopefully a few of the actual projects in Laos and Cambodia.
Mark leaves in another 8 days. Not looking forward to that, it’s been so nice having him around. Still there will be so much I need to sort out when he goes that hopefully I won’t notice the hole he leaves behind. I am going to have to get used to him not being here though all over again… *-Sigh-*
Still like I said much to get done in the next few weeks. Nothing I can’t handle though! Not enjoying these holiday injections, but only a few more to go.
Anyway enough about that, lets see what my stars are saying….

Leo July 24 - Aug 23
Wed April 14, 2004
Don't go wild if you're shopping, because sometimes you can be too extravagant under these aspects. Lions do like to spend to impress, which is not very helpful because it's a bit of a waste of money. This is an emotionally light-hearted patch when should have a gang of buddies around. Spread your social favours in all directions, don't tie yourself down. Safety in numbers is your motto.

Well, well. It doesn’t take a genius to work out I shouldn’t be spending! And the safety in numbers? What is this? A war zone? Mine you I will be travelling by myself… well at least to begin with I will be.

So some photos of the wedding antics have finally appeared on friends pages. See below for the progression into the depths of debauchery....

The evening dinner and drinks before the day of the wedding - the Friday night we arrived....



The wedding while we're all still respectable. Didn't they look gorgeous??


Two of my favourite boys....


We've started going down hill haven't we now?

I'm gonna do this


and lie on this...

Ok so the panic about the aware run has abated and although I was sick, on holidays and no-one was doing my work which continued to pile high on my desk until I returned, I have now finally gotten through it. Now with all this nervous energy and nothing left on my desk that needs urgent attention - or even non-urgent attention, I'm bored.
Why can't things be consistently at the same pace? Sick of this rush, rush, rush and then nothing. It's no way to organize your work week - or any other kind of week I wouldn't think. A leisurely pace is always the better one....
I suppose the only other option is to go back to dreaming of my imminent depature from Aussie shores... Although that too is starting to become more of a nightmare. Still need to pay so much of my card, pay for my flight, and save. Injections, insurance - ye gods it just goes on and all I can think is that I will be gone in less than 3 months - not nearly enough time to sell up and ship out surely?
Still it could be worse - I could be staying, or someone could be trying to sack me for no other reason than they don't like me... Oh should stop that rant, it'll get me nowhere - or the dole queue - fast.
Anyway, that's it for today, although the sound of me typing does make it look as though I am working hard all it takes is for someone to walk out of that meeting room behind me... A little paranoid now maybe??

What a wicked weekend! Finally I am starting to feel like myself again! So much fun, alcohol and emotion all in the one weekend can't be too good for anyone. Still I had an excellent, relaxing time, and am glad I made the effort to go up there. I have turned into one of those people who cry at weddings! Oh dear.

So I flew up to Maroochydore on Friday arrived early afternoon and headed straight to our 'rainforest retreat' in our little hire car. It was a gorgeous setting, and the cabins weren't too bad either. Friday I just chilled, Zorb, Liz and Nancy went straight back to the coast to check out the beach, but I'd had enough of being couped up travelling so stayed behind and chilled in the forest. Hung out with Mark and Ian, met Ricci's parents and finally ended up at the pub later in the afternoon to enjoy a schooner or 2 with Mark whilst loving the view from the pub balcony & the company I had the fortune of sharing.

Then as night approached and the build up to the Saturday wedding upped a notch, it was back to the hotel for the first 'dinner' of the weekend. We ended up awake until 2am talking & drinking with the other guests about the impending nuptials, how we knew the bride & groom and of course the other obligatory pissed up conversations that you tend to have after a few too many beers.

Saturday I planned a walk through the forest, but being a rainforest it did just that, and although the rain was gorgeous to look at, plus it was still warm, I didn't fancy walking around in it as leaches and other bugs dropped from the canopy to infest me. Instead I sat on the porch with some classical music having a chat with Ian and Mark, and then to the hotel pool for a quick dip - in my bathers - although the 'boys' did invite me to join them in their nakedness. Then a nap before the biggest moment of my friends lives.

Liz and I ducked into Nambour to collect a few necessities for the night ahead - the makings of martinis, vodka drinks, beer and a few personal bits 'n' pieces. I have never been in such a more boring or annoying town. Layed out in a most unhelpful way, what should have been no more than an hour?s trip took us two! So it was rush, rush, rush when we got back so that we wouldn't miss the ceremony.

And this is the bit where I had to cry. Oh they were so beautiful, the sentiments so sincere, and the love of everyone there palpable! It's so heartening to see that kind of love and hope. Ahhh... So the ceremony lasted about 1/2 an hour and then it was off up the hill to the marque where the reception was.

The beginning of the night was the usual wedding stuff - buffet meal, speeches (Mark had stressed all week about his but it went quite well, and all was enjoyed) and chocolate wedding cake. All the while I was trotting back and forth from my cabin (just across from the marque) to refill my glass with vodka and grapefruit juice, or some other deliciousness. By the time that the speeches and all the other obligatory wedding stuff were done and the oldies had begun to retire, I was pretty tanked. Half an hour or so after that I was completely wankered and Mark had gone missing. I went to find him and where was he but in the bridal suite - sleeping in the wedding bed!! So I cantilevered him off the mattress, got to the toppling point and fell off the bed backwards, hit my head on the corner of the counter and began yowling that I had hurt myself quite badly. Finally Mark decided to wake up and gave a quick check of my noggin and declared 'I can't see anything - stop being a drama queen'. Incensed at this I stood up - quite wobbly on my feet at this point - told him to get fucked and stormed out of the room back to the marque where I promptly lay down on the floor.... Messy girl.

Someone kindly helped me off the floor and back to my cabin, but no one was there, not wanting to miss out on the whole night, or leave my bag, camera and other belongings in the marque I made my way back. Only to forget why I had gone back when I arrived and to lie down on the floor again. So this time Mark helped me back to our cabin, and by this stage I was starting to feel quite sick, and look a little green. This is where it turns into hearsay as I don't remember quite all of what happened after that point. Somehow I ended up naked and hucking in the garden out the front of the cabin, with Mark behind me, also naked, holding me up by my hips and chest while I hucked. The people in the cabin walked past at quite the opportune time to see me in all my naked glory, and Mark in his....

Whilst being sick my hand had gotten in the way so I insisted on having a shower. I do remember Mark saying that he didn't want me to, he didn't mind a spewy hand, but would mind a girlfriend with her eye poked out, or hole bashed in her head from falling over drunk. However being quite obstinate when drunk I got my own way and sat on the bottom of the shower with the warm water washing over me for some time.

Whilst stumbling from the shower back to our room we again gave the ideal opportunity to others to catch a little more than a glimpse of us naked yet again.... Ah the joys of too much drink!

The next morning I found that I'd had a leach pulled off my back, given almost everyone there a good look at me in a most compromising position, and apparently been quite good entertainment for the rest of the stragglers that night. Still as I woke still drunk the next morning I didn't have it in me to hang my head in shame and laughed along with the rest of them about my drunken antics. I haven't been that drunk in at least 6 years! Not that that's a good thing.

Still it was a good weekend, a beautiful wedding and a joyous celebration of two of my favourite people declaring their undying love for one another.

Mm, mm! Off to Queensland this Friday - can't wait. And to make you all jealous, I have included some pictures of where we are all staying, just below. Take a look and turn GREEN WITH ENVY!!

I have been a bad blogger of late. But today's entry should make it all up - it's been a busy past few weeks.
Week before last I went to see Summah at her new home in the country side. She seems really happy - she was happy to see me, but was wandering around Julianne's house like she owned the place. So it's good that it has worked out that way. Hopefully I will be going up there this Wednesday to visit again, she got spayed last week and although I'm told she's doing well it still would be good to see her for myself. She's getting along really well with the kids - more people to play with is always good, and the other dog - Rory is getting along ok with her as well. I think it will get better between the dogs over time.
Mark arrived in Melbourne a little over a week ago. I had some time off when he got here. Another reason for the lack of blog. That's been pretty good - it's nice to have him around again, but will make it harder when he leaves again in about 3 1/2 weeks. But we've had some good times hanging out. Went to dinner a few times and on Wednesday went to the zoo, which was fun. But simply having him here has been a bonus - missed him so much when he's in the UK.
The same day that Mark got here was my housewarming party. Was a really good night - hopefully I will be able to have my going away at my house. We were supposed to have my friends, Jahe's mates and Verys. But only mine turned up - which ended up ok as we all know how to have a good time regardless of who is or isn't there! So the party along with picking Mark up from the airport at 5.30am left me pretty buggered for a few days after. We had some wicked pills which gave me shakey eyes for the whole evening. So much so that at one point I could hardly walk as I couldn't see straight. Had an extra one for a friend who didn't show - so now there is one for later - YAY!
On the Sunday after the party we went go-carting for Ian's bucks do thingy. Was a good day, although I proved to all what a nana I can be when it comes to go carts. If the guys who gave us the saftey advice hadn't've mentioned the fact that the carts could flip I may have gone a little faster. Still out of the two races I was consistent - last both times!! Funny thing about that day was the man who organised us when we got there was my old grade 6 teacher! Couldn't believe he recognised me!!
I was back at work again all too soon on the Thursday afternoon. Still no time to blog as I had to catch up on work that went wanting while I was on holidays.
Then last weekend was again hectic. I volunteered for trailwalker this year instead of doing support crew. I trained up to the hills on the friday night, and then did a 6am - 2pm shift on Saturday. Helping out with all sorts of things from directing traffic to making cups of tea.
After that we raced home to get ready for Ricci's hens night. We had to dress 'glam' - not something that is contained in my cupboard so I'd bought a dress for the occassion. Felt a little strange looking so girly in that with the enormously high stilletto heels, but managed to fit in with all the other girly girls. Hugely sore legs and feet the next day, and ankles hurt today. I'm buggered if I know how those women who wear heels all the time do it! Still it is nice to get dressed up every now and then isn't it?
Sunday I went to visit Kolivas with Mark. Was good to catch up with him again, and I think Mark enjoyed himself too. We stayed for a BBQ lunch/dinner - a few prawns on the barbie that Mark enjoyed immensly - I'm not a big seafood fan, but the one I had was yummy. Soo much work to peel them and pull their legs off etc, just for a small morsel of white flesh.
And today back at work again - almost time to go home. Not looking forward to home though as I have to speak with Jahe about his desire to get me to pay more rent to cover the spare room. As far as I'm aware I only pay for mine, that was the deal when I moved in and if he wants to change it I'm gonna have to move out. Still it may not come to that, I've sent a few emails and there are some people coming around this week to have a look at the place. Hopefully they'll like it and there won't be a problem with paying rent. Still I need to talk to Jahe before it gets to that point. I hate confrontations....
I got my decree absolute granted the same day as my housewarming party - so a celebration has already been partially had. I got the actual papers on the Tuesday after the party. Haven't had the girls absolute vodka night yet, but plan to do that the week after the wedding. Probably not the best timing to do it before... Have to be polite with friends and their needs too.
On the Tuesday that my divorce papers came through I booked my ticket to Bangkok and Kathmandu! I leave Australia on the 19th of June - midnight, and spend 3 1/2 months in S.E Asia, onto Nepal around the 1st of October, and then through India to Deli, although that part, as yet, hasn't been booked. But I plan to fly from Deli to Amsterdam and after a week in the cafes there it's onto London to earn some cash and travel some more. Over the next few weeks it's travel injections, travel insurance, save, save save, and try to organise the visits to Laos and Cambodia projects and if possible some work with OGB for when I arrive in December. It'll come around so quickly, I really need to get my arse into gear.
This Friday I am off to Qld for the wedding. Should be fun, and will be great to get away even for just a short while. Then I think the Friday night after the wedding (a week later) I'll hassel everyone to come around to mine for some celebratory divorce drinkin'! Better than having it on a school night I think, other wise we'll all be calling in sick with hang overs the next day.
So that's what I've been up to and why I haven't blogged. But it's been fun, life is good! Hopefully will be abetter blogger this week and in future, but don't go holding your breath!!

Just a little somethin' to keep you interested.....




Soon my pretties I will be on my way!

But tomorrow I get to go and visit Summah, the beautiful, lovable hound!

Ah Tuesday. Lots to do this week, every day there is some appointment that needs to be kept, or someone that I need to go and see. I tell you next week is like gold - nearly a whole week of annual leave! Yay! Still if I hadn't 've forgotten various appointments last week, then this week wouldn't be so full. So really it's my own fault.

Summah has a new home! She's staying with my friend Julianne out in the country side, and I am told she's enjoying herself enormously and doesn't seem to miss me at all. Which is good - I guess, but I miss her. It'll take a bit of getting used to not having her around. And really she's not my dog anymore... A strange thought, but I am allowed to visit whenever I want until I go, and I am sure when I get back too.

Went to the backpacker expo on Sunday which was well worth the trip - I have found myself some cheap but good travel insurance. Plus I collected various information on Thailand and a S.E Asia phrase book - I can now say that I have been vacinated in 5 different languages. Bound to come in handy that one... But seriously I'm glad I went to have a look, plus there was free beer and other stuff (pies, liquor etc) at almost every second stall.

Anyway, there is more to write, went out a bit this weekend - Phils' birthday drinks and Elissas' house warming party. It was all good, lots of fun, but I can't be bothered going into it any further than that at the moment. May write again later if I get the chance.

What a morning! Up early to do an Oxfam presentaion to our face to face recruiters on top of a late one last night for the same thing for our Oxfam shops. Went well, but it was strange being in a door to door slaes office again from the client perspective, especially seeing that I used to do the same sort of work that they are doing now.
Anyway was a goodun, and enjoyed it. Feels like a pretty hectic day because of this morning, but it's just going quick, which is nice.

Tonight I am going out to King Lake! Summah is coming with me and I will be leaving her there with my friend Julianne to see how Summah gets along with the family and their Irish Wolf Hound cross Mastiff. He's a beautiful dog - Rory, sooo big though - and you thought Summah was a big dog. But if all goes well with them then she'll have a lovely home. Julianne lives next door to state forest, has two older kids and has her Mum living with her as well so there would always be someone around to look after the dogs and play etc. Fingers crossed that all goes well.



Next weekend is my house warming party - Yay! Should be a good night and it will be fun to have all my mates & family around to see the new house. Pool table is in the process of being cleared and prepared for the night amongst other necessary preparations. So see you there!

Wicked thoughts... Ha! How can thoughts be wicked? Wouldn't it only be actions? Actions definitely could be wicked, but I think that in order to be wicked you'd have to be harming someone else, and by just thinking something, surely you wouldn't be hurting anyone other than yourself? If you were hurting anyone at all that is... I'm talking in circles aren't I?
Wicked thoughts, has that kind of naughty but nice feel to it doesn't it?
Hmm, I wonder though about the whole 'thinking of committing a sin is just as bad as doing the sin'. That never made any sense at all to me. I always thought when I was told this that, if thinking about doing something is just as bad as actually doing it, then what is stopping you from doing it? You're already in trouble so why not go the whole way?
Wicked thoughts, I plan on still having them, possibly not acting on each and every one of them, but still surely there isn't anything wrong in a little 'wicked' day dreaming?

Well what a long and pleasurably drawn out weekend that was! I must apologise to Zorb for accosting him in the hallway and subjecting him to a nipple tweaking for my own titillation. Promise it won't happen again - at least not when I am sober....
Aside from Saturday my weekend was pretty quiet. Tried to book my flight on Saturday but was unable to, as the prices for June haven't been publicised yet. What is that about? Hell, it's only about 3 months away. Still it gives me more time to put extra cash on the credit card, and I guess Mark wanted to come in with me when I booked, so this means that now he can, coz I can't book before he gets here!! Arrgh! Wanted to have it done by then... Not to worry.
So I traipsed around town for most of Sat paying bills and other exciting had-to-be-done things. And then it was out to Alison and Sarge’s for Jenny's going away gig.
I was pissed already from meeting Ian and Liz at the North Melb tavern, when I got there, and continued in the same vein, until about 11 when I realised that I really should get home to feed the hound.
I tried making a drunken call to Mark on the way home, but was unable to work the damn complicated public phone box and gave up after my 4th attempt. Messy girl then wandered home in a kind of aimless manner.
Poor Bella was so hungry when I got there. Not a very good owner on Saturday night was I? Still she'd been walked and everything else that she would need/want, aside from the food, but she did get it, just very late.
So I slumped into bed and awoke the next day to major stomach cramps and a head that felt like the temple was going to implode. The headache subsided after a few glasses of water and another hour in bed, but the cramps continued through out the day and into Monday. Damn it all - I don't even have my period!! Thankfully though the cramps weren't that bad this morning and I was able to make it into work, and to my blood test appointment. So all is back to normal again - well almost. Shall see how it all goes.
Summah should be going for a trial stay at Julianne’s this week... Fingers crossed that she gets along with their dog Rory and the rest of the family. If not, it's back to square 1 and I'm not too sure what to do from there onwards; other than not go O.S as planned. I can't just leave her with no home, and I can't have her put down just because I want to go away either. So touch wood, make a wish on the first evening star and anything else that may help - do a spell to find my dog a home?? Something has to come up, it's inconceivable that I won’t go after all this work.

Am sick of these minimal email days. What happened to the times when you came to work to chat via computer to all your mates? What the hell is going on with the world when people use their WHOLE WORK DAY just to WORK?? I tell you it's society breaking down. Social plans are becoming a thing of the past. Automatons is what we are turning into. Happy, compliant, do as we're told robots....

Anyway enough of the rant. You can tell I have been doing something monotonous this morning and afternoon can't you? Can't you??!
I'm thinking of getting into town sometime around lunch time to buy my golden ticket. Hopefully my 'off week pay' will have definitely gone in coz at the mo it's a neg bal and Vic ain't goin' anywhere tonight, or on the weekend if it doesn't go in. Unless some kind of miracle happens. In any case it's not important, buying that ticket is, and having some $ left over to pay onto the old plastic.. Gawd why did I ever break my own rule about spending more than you have?? Why?

So the quitting smoking thing is going pretty well. I had a smoke free day yesterday which wasn't too hard and am attempting to have no ciggies today either. Not feeling narky yet, shall see how the day pans out though before I start to sing my own praises, or get Vania to sing them - Ha ha ha, just kiddin'. Wouldn't be able to understand if it was done in tounges... Ha ha ha no seriously I should stop that, she can't help it if she believes in mythical beings such as God. Well she can, but you get the drift, and sorry shouldn't be picking on God believers, I will sing my praises, when appropriate, on my own.
Haven't been much of a blogger this week, but then again I haven't been up to much aside from sewing patches to my backpack and sorting some things out with the doctor. Went yesterday, but nothing hugely serious so don't panic.
Was going to take Summah up to Juliannes this weekend, but have had to postpone it until late next week which is actually better for me, but anyway, she is still in line for a good home - if she gets along with the dog that is there already. Fingers crossed along with toes and eyes. Touching wood and any other superstisious substances that may help it all to run smoothly... Hmm, hopefully this will be the home for her & I can stop worrying that she won't have anywhere and I will have to stay.
But seeing that I have the weekend free now I can again go with plan 'a' and book my ticket, my 'golden ticket' at least that's what it feels like! Ohhh so exciting!
So all is good in the realms of the great Vickus.

This was supposed to be a Tuesday blog, but seeing that Tuesday turned out to be quite busy, it is now a Wednesday blog.
Anyway, do ya like my little backpacker? This will be me in a few months, weighted down by my pack. I packed it for the first time on Monday night and fortunately can get everything I really want to take in it, with some room to spare. Am a little uncertain if I am going to be able to carry it all around, but figure it shouldn't be too hard, and I'll probably develop muscles where I didn't know I should have them. Ha ha, I'll return looking like a wrestler. Heh heh heh that's funny.
This week has been pretty quiet aside from some hassle with finalising the old house. According to the real estate agent it wasn't cleaned properly and not everything has been removed from the property... Al assures me it was and refuses to pay for a cleaner, so at present we are at odds as to what happens next. I guess I wait for the real estate agent to get back to me as Al has asked him to go back around to inspect again saying that the first inspection was done before he'd finished moving. I suppose we'll find out today as he (the agent) is supposed to be calling me back with a quote on the cleaning, if it does actually need to be done again. If not and it's just a matter of getting rid of the stuff Al left behind and I should be able to get over there early Saturday morning to throw whatever it is out. Plus I book my ticket on Saturday - if the travel agent is open - then it's off to Juliannes with Summah to see how she gets along at their house and if they can take her for me when I go away. Saturday is looking so busy already... Arrgh! At least this weekend is a long one.
Trying to quit smoking this week. I have set Friday as the day that I stop completely, this week has been a matter of cutting down. I was supposed to have my first smoke free day today, but didn't quite make it. Ahh well, I'll keep at it. Should quit before I go - will save more if I'm not paying for tobacco and other smoking paraphernalia all the time.
Am off to the doctor at lunchtime, still getting hideous pain in my belly and I should check if he can do my travel inoculations. Would be so much easier than going all the way to Heidelberg.
Anyway that's me, not a lot going on really, but lots to do. Weird.

Soon, my pretties, I will have my 'Decree Absolute'. This means I will be well and truely, completely and wholely, totally and absolutely DIVORCED! YAY!! So be prepared for a quick call - on a school night - asking you to arrive at mine for an absolute vodka night. A night of drinks and laughs and no men... Well possibly my housemates Jahe and Very, but I can't exactly kick them out as they also pay rent and live there.
So Stay tuned!

Ahh Monday AGAIN! There are definitely more Mondays in my weeks than Saturdays and Sundays... At least it feels like it today.
Weekend was a good one, nice and relaxing.
On Friday night I stayed in and had the house to myself! So I had a couple of beers, a spliff or two and did some cleaning. Such an exciting life! But it was nice having the house to myself. Quite peaceful energy with no-one else around. Got the chance to do some writing and chill in my own space. Was love-er-ly!
Jahe got up the next morning in a foul mood that he felt the need to share with Very and I. Not wholey appreciated, so I went out for a long dog walk along Merri Creek to the beginning of St Georges Rd. A nice walk through parkland, with Very & Summah who enjoyed herself plus it was good for me to get out of the house for an extended period to somewhere calm like that.
So the rest of Saturday was spent doing washing and the like until late afternoon when I left to go to my cousins place in Bacchus Marsh for a BBQ. Was a nice evening, but for some reason I was put on the kids table along with my brother and his wife who - like me - also aren't that fond of little children. So we were left to supervise and look after them while the parents and couples that DID want or do already have kids had a lovely child free meal! What's that about I ask? A plot to keep the kid lovers loving kids by not having to deal with them... Hmm. Crafty!
Sunday was a treat day. I stayed in bed til late and then went and saw a movie with Michelle - Brother Bear was the movie of the day. Not bad, I do have a soft spot for the od cartoon, but it wasn't anywhere as good as what I had anticipated. Not to worry it wasn't a complete dead loss of a day, and again nice to get out and about doing something that didn't involve lots of cash at the pub!
Today was my final appraisal - well not final, but appraisal for the past 6 months. Had a good old chat and have passed probabtion, although I was told that earlier on this month with my pre-appraisal. So no huge surprises there. But was good to sit and have a chat, talk about me going away and (as I think I wrote last week), I have already been able to make a start on organising some programes to look at while I am away. So all is good in my world.

Just wondering what the hell these have to do with the end of the work week.....




Friday at last! Bring on the days that I don't have to be awake before 7! So looking forward to staying in bed tomorrow... So tired. Too many nights out this week. What an old person I am becoming!

Reception relief - the perfect time to blog seeing that there's nowt all else to be doing.. Not that I am complaining, got all my work finished pretty quick today, it's only those damn outbound calls that I have to have a crack at this afternoon. So much for the 'just a bit of outbound calling, not much' that I was told in the interview.... What a sucker I am, almost every day I have to call some geezer about joining us, or debit details. Arrgh!
Anyways, what have I been up to? Not a hell of a lot really. Last night was a quiet one, got on the bike and rode to the supermarket with Jahe, first time since I fell off. So I'm even less confident than when I first tried. But I need to get over this stupid childhood fear, and mybe rid myself of my accident prone-ness at the same time... Possibly I am expecting too much from this bike.
I have started to organize myself a little better for this going away business. Today I get to meet with some of the people from programes to sort out a visit to them when I get to S.E Asia, which is brilliant. I have organized a dentist and accountants appointment for a few weeks time. So I can find out about making my trip tax deductable, and setting up a company that I can get paid by when I go to work in the UK. Or at least find out if it is worth my while to do that. Dentist is not the favorite of the appointments - it means fillings and needles... Not looking forward to it but I expect having dental problems whilst in Nepal or Laos would be much worse. Then it will be injections and inoculations for things like rabies... Fun to be had!
So things are chugging along well, will probably book my ticket weekend after this one, and start to pay that off. Need to start saving a little more, but after setteling in from the move I am finally able to do that. All is going well!
Oh and power of attorney - have to remember to get that done before I go too.. Still plenty of time yet... sorta.
We have organised to have out housewarming party on the 20th of March, now that Very has moved in! It's a pretty good household. The guys are clean if strange, and it's a comfortable atmosphere. Very is slowly sorting out his stuff and the front porch is re-emerging from the depths of old newpapers, coathangers, and other miscellaneous rubbish.
Anyway that's about it, you can't expect too much to happen in just one night!!

I should be doing other things, but lets take a look at some art from around Cambodia, Vietnam and Loas...

Firstly Cambodian artwork:



Now for something a little different (ha ha)- Vietnam:

Wednesday - hump day - I wish! But no, seriously, at least we are at the 'top of the hill' and now it's just a short roll to Friday.
This week has been good though so far, and I expect it'll continue in the same vein. Sunday I stayed in and did some gardening and housey things with my new house mate Jahe. Am getting along well with him, only thing is he says he 'hates' English people and England. Don't know where this animosity comes from, but in any case it's not a good start for lots of my friends... Ach well, he'll have to get over it, or else just keep to himself when the English come to stay. Ha ha, that sounds so weird.
Monday was plum picking. The tree in the back yard is so laden with fruit that the branches are practically laying on the ground. So we picked all we could that were ripe or near too, and then Jahe made Jam. I bought the stuff and he did the work - not a bad arrangement I don't think. It's yummy jam, but I think there is something wrong with me today because my toast tasted like I had parmesan cheese on it this morning, not plum jam... Hmm. Still ate it though. Mmmm cheesy plums.
Yesterday Very finally moved in. He has so much SHIT, you can hardly get around the house at the moment, hopefully it will be sorted when I get home tonight and I will once again be able to use the front porch for sitting and smoking again...
I went to the 'Wheel of Beer' last night. Was a good evening. Caught up with Liam & Ethne, Sarge & Alison, Zorb and someone else - sorry don't know who you are. Chatted with Liam and Ethne for a while though, grilling them about their trip to S.E asia especially Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. From the sounds of it 3 months should be long enough to have a good look and have loads of fun too. So Ankor Wat will be on the list of things to see, along with those rice bank initiatives, and of course some beach time... Gotta relax at some stage don't you? Can't wait! Think I will book my ticket this weekend and start paying it off - a bit more motivation for the savings factor... Which although going well, could be going much better.

Everything has fallen on top of me today. I don't know why, but I feel like throwing the whole of today into the 'too hard basket'. Maybe it's just because it is Monday, although I was fine when I woke up...
Mind you it wasn't until I got to work and found out that I still don't have a safe home for Summah, and I feel like I am fast running out of time. Maybe I am putting too much pressure on myself over this? But she needs a home when I go, otherwise I'll have to stay... I don't want to stay. I want to go, the sooner the better.
Hopefully something will come up soon... Before I book my ticket preferably.

Pining.....Yearning... desiring...wanting.... needing....waiting....


I've been thinking (no my head didn't explode, nor do I have a headache) about this pining conundrum. I was speaking with Mark last night, and as you are probably all aware there is a bit of an attachment going on between us although I wouldn't be calling him my partner, boyfriend or anything in that realm, we'll just stick with the celebrity favorite - we're just GOOD friends.
Anyway, was talking to him last night and he was saying that he is sick of pining after something he can't have because it's either too far away, or for whatever other reason. I can relate to that, pining after something you 'can't have' doesn't make you feel good. But as much as I care for him, miss him and wish that he wasn't on the other side of the world, I wouldn't say that I've been pining. Thinking about him yes, letting that stop me from doing the things I want and need to do - no. You just get on with your own life don't you? Whatever happens happens. Maybe things will work out at some point in the future where we do want to consider some sort of loose partnership, but then maybe it wont so what is the point in worrying about things that really you have no control over? You just take what comes and put in place plans for what you want to achieve so the rest of it should work itself out.
I mean who's to say that when I do eventually get to England that he wont be in a loving supportive relationship already? Or that I will meet someone and fall for them before I get to the UK? So many possibilites that there's no point bothering with all the ifs and buts. I guess you should just focus on what you want in life. So for me that's travel, then a house somewhere in the courty side that I can have a veggie patch big enough to feed myself from, maybe a goat or cow or two (maybe not cows as I am scared of them). Put that plan into action and whatever else happens along the way, both good and bad, simply be happy to have had the experiance, and with a little luck and bit of work learn from it all. It doesn't mean that I care for him any less, whichever way the 'chips' fall I hope they turn out the way he wants, and for me too, but that doesn't mean to say that I should pine, or put my life on hold, or rearrange things for the possibility that may or may not be there for the two of us. And neither should he. So the pining should stop, it's something that can't be changed at this point so it needs to be let go of. Wouldn't you agree?

What a gorgeous week it has been! Weather wise as well as everything else wise. And Friday has come around so quickly!
On Wednesday Ian and Ricci came over for dinner. Ricci is dieting for her wedding in April so I didn't have to cook for her, just Ian and myself! Yummy food, good company, what more could you want?
Yesterday was my divorce hearing. I was done pretty quickly which was good, was expecting to be there until at least after lunch, but it was all over by 11am, so I had the time to start sorting out flights and visas for my O.S stint. Looks like I will be able to sort it all out myself, without needing to borrow any cash off friends or family. I can get a one way ticket - no need for a return flight where the return bit is written off! So that means a saving of about $1500 - NOICE! I have to renew my passport today as it is due to expire in May 2006. But I can just go to the post office for that and then they post it to me in around 2 weeks time. As soon as that comes back I will be applying for my UK work visa, and should be paying off my flight by then too. It's all coming together and is so much easier than I first thought! So yesterday afternoon after getting my divorce, seeing the different travel agents and stopping in at the passport office I spent the afternoon looking through travel brochures, filling in forms and writing down things I need to do between now and then to make sure everything is taken care of before I go.
Summah won't be going to Sylvias' brothers place anymore - they have decided to buy a puppy. But no need to dispair yet! Sylvia is still on the case - bless her heart! She said that she knows a few people through her horsey connections that may well be interested in taking her and these people don't have kids, so it may well work out a lot better than first expected. I guess it's just a case of wait and see. But I have confidence that it will work out one way or another. Steve reckons he is still looking into getting her across to England, but monkeys may also fly out of my butt! (Just stealing expressions from Waynes World, don't mind me...) But if he does get his act together, then I am still more than happy for her to go there. I just doubt that it will occur.
Tonight is dinner with Alison, Sarge and the rest of that crew. It should be a nice one catching up with those guys - it's been a whole week since we've seen each other - Ha ha! But I am also going to see Josh on Saturday whom I haven't seen in an age. Both of us have just been busy with life, so there will be lots to talk about. Dinner and a movie or something relaxed like that sounds best to me.
I suppose I should do something about catching up with Jess and those guys at some stage soon too. Have to keep it all together, keep people together for ever and ever - ah huh... (bit of Madonna for you as well!)
Very moves in this weekend - which means we can start organising a house warming party shortly. We'll have to sort out the shed and possibly have a garage sale before we do that. But I am so excited about having a party at this new place - it's just such a good place for having everyone around for a good time in!
And then only about 3 months after that and it will be time for my going away party! Remember you are all expected to dress up as your favorite thing. Shouldn't be too hard and you have plenty of time to decide what to wear.
Well work beckons, and I should probably make a good dint in it today... Have the energy and possitivity. Everything is sailing along.

Take a bus from Ho Chi Minh, or a train.... I think the bus.
Or what about a rickshaw??

Or the original plan which was bus and bike? After last nights episode?? Ah can't be scared of one little stack can I?


Should definitely have a look at some of the art.




Somewhere to stay? In the temple??

Came a gutsa on my bike last night - Ouch. Am limping around the office today grazed and sore. I feel like I am about 6 with skun knees, hands & face. But at least it wasn't on the road, and I didn't get run over as well. Still, I will have to get the bike fixed and try again... Also earlier in the evening I got stuck in the tram tracks! Scared the crap out of me, but I didn't lose it.... Kept that one for later in the evening.



The Swing dancing classes haven't gone ahead.. They were too far away, we were already late and so we piked and went to the pub - probably half the reason that I fell off. But it wasn't a hugely pissy evening, just 1 bottle of wine between the 2 of us, a bit of pub tellie - Sex in the city - and then home again home again, jiggity jig.
Steve called this morning. Wasn't really feeling up to talking to him, but he said that he still wasn't sure about the dog - every time he calls about this there is another obstacle, this morning it was that he lives with his Mum, and he's had to send a photo to Defra so they can decide if she is allowed across due to being part pit-bull. So I've told Sylvia to give my number to her brother, so that I can sort out her home. Enough of being stuffed around. I think she will probably be better there anyway, he may not have a home to give her when she arrives from the sound of it.
So all systems are go, and things are getting done... Time is starting to pass so quick! Soon I will be away. Bring it on!

What a crazily hot weekend it has been! Not the best of days on Saturday to do the final clean of the old house, but all is finally done - and dusted! So damn hot, but still I can't complain as this is what we have all been wanting on those days that it has rained.... People are never easy to please are they?
Was a reasonably quiet few days. I went round to the old house, and aside from cleaning, set up a blog site for Al, got pretty stoned with Al as well... But it just meant I paid more attention to detail with the cleaning - hopefully we shall get all bond back! That'd be a goodun! So he was happy with his site, and I was happy to be able to stall the cleaning - or have an extended break doing something other than weilding a rag and spray bottle. Although may I ad that it was quite a fetching site, me there in some grotty clothes with a sponge in one hand and a bucket, or bottle in the other. Grrrl!
On Staurday night it was going away drinks for Pete... Bye Pete, sorry that you're going. It was soo damn hot! I got a bit pissy and thought it was really late, so left - head was starting to pound from too much alcohol and not enough water. But after leaving I realized it was only 11pm, so was able to catch a tram and get an early night. Mind you I got home and decided to give Mark a call - he wasn't there but his brother Lee was, so I ranted to him for about 15 minutes while he was trying to make his breaky... He must think I'm a little strange seeing I have never met him before. Still it's excusable.
Sunday I tried to sleep, Saturday night was so warm! I think I managed to doze, but didn't actually sleep until the morning, and didn't get out of bed until about mid day... Love Sunday, it's my slobbing around day.. Got my chores done though and managed to have a little nap as well before going to the Cuckoo

for Aarons 30th Birthday dinner. A strange strange world was entered upon arrival at the restaraunt.... It's a German/Bavarian style place with a floor show and all you can eat buffet. Yummy food - weird entertainment. Slap dancing and yodelling seem to be the specials of the day. Was a laugh though and the people were nice. Smiling waiters etc. Although I did try to steer clear of the head waiter.
Linc, Brigitta and I got there a little early so we dumped our stuff at the table and went directly to the bar for a pre dinner beer. Whilst waiting there this old guy (head waiter) comes up close behind me, and says "Excuse me, did I hear you say that you were going to buy me a drink?" So I said "Sorry, no, you must be getting quite old and need your ears checked, I didn't say anything" So then Linc got involved and said " I thought you said you were going to buy HER a drink". The old man/waiter turned to me again and said "Is that your Dad?" I said "No, it's my brother" Waiter replied "Well you can't choose your relatives can you?" Linc piped up and said "No, but you can choose your waiters" So the old dude finally left us alone... Mind you this man was dressed in shorts with braces , long socks, and I think sandals... Need I say more?? A fetching look almost as good as my Saturday cleaning clothes! Ha ha.
So now it's Monday again and I am kind of wondering what happened to my weekend. I wanted to do so many other things - get out in the backyard, maybe pick up some of ther fruit that has fallen from the trees. Tidy up the house a little more too. But alas and alack, it didn't happen. Am sure I will have a chance this weekend. Nothing huge planned yet, maybe just a movie with Michelle somewhere. Will have to see how it pans out. Will be socking away some more cash for my trip, and will need to come into Fitzroy to pay for and collect my back pack - it's still waiting in the shop for the final $60 payment. Oh I am also supposed to go into Crystal Heart on Saturda for some more healing by Michel, but am a little sceptical about some of the things he was talking about. Some were spot on, others I feel that he was fishing around for something rather than being 'guided by a higher consciousness'... Shall go along though, either way, as with last time, I should be able to take something good away with me from it.

Showing Al about Blogging. This is fun, well much more fun than cleaning!

Beautiful Thailand - my first stop in the long trek around the world... Well parts of it at least!




White beaches.... Maybe I won't go stright from there to Vietnam, should probably have a little look around...





Forests... Reminds me I should get that list of national parks... Hmmm

Friday at last! Although I feel like I am wishing my life away when I look forward to Fridays as much as I have this week... Although nothing particularly awful has happened, I've just wanted to stay at home and sleep this week. Maybe I am deficient in iron? In any case I made a Drs appointment today so next week I should know if I am sick, or just a whinger.
Was going to have a quiet night tonight, but I rang Luce yesterday and seeing that I haven't seen her since she got back from England, and on top of that Dr Ash is going to be around there, I've decided to make the effort and haul arse over to Richmond tonight. Won't be a late one though as I have to get up early and go to Port Melbourne for the all important final house clean. Then it's just final bills and I can wipe my hands of that side of town! Yippee!
I don't think I am doing anything on Sunday though so a sleep in will definitely be the order of the day, and possibly an afternoon nap...
I will finally have an answer from Steve on Sunday about the hound and what he has decided he can do. It's looking more and more like he wont be able to take her, so she'll be off to Caulfield. I'll have to make some time to visit her over the next few months that I am in Australia. But I think this family is probably the best bet for her. We'll see how it goes - it's a 2 week trial basis for starters.
I'm going to book my ticket to Bangkok next weekend, and probably go visit the UK embassy on Thursday after I have been to court.
It sounds all grown up going to court to represent myself, and buying tickets to far off lands. I suppose I am grown up now - hell I'm 27 - but I don't feel old. Then saying that makes me feel like one of those dirty old men who say they feel like an 18 year old still, and unfortunately they back that up with their behaviour. I wouldn't want to be 18 still, or again. But with 30 just around the corner it's a little daunting looking at my life and what I have achieved... experience I guess but not much else.
Hmmm. When I was 5 I thought I would be happily married now with a few kids... Glad I was wrong!

A strange day today, almost stayed in bed - sore tummy again... but managed to drag myself into work anyway. Am feeling happy, but just not very well. Have to remember to book that Drs appointment. Hate going to the Dr though... They always percribe you something or other and then I have to try and remember to take pills. Hate all that malarky. Anyway, should go and find out what's up with me anyway.

Need to start getting Ian & Riccis wedding present sorted out as well... Must have them around first though so they can say yay or nay to what I intend to make for them... Should be able to do that next week though. Hmm and then start organising what I will need if they want to go ahead with it. It will be fun to make. Should make Ians present as well at the same time... Something to make sure he doesn't forget about me when I piss off O.S. Oh it's a photo album by the way. Was being a little bit mystical there wasn't I?

I went around to Lizs' last night (her place is gorgeous!) and she's lent me her spare bike until I go away. I need to sort out a light and chain for it, but it goes well, and last night it took me maybe 1/2 an hour to get home to mine rather than the hour it takes me on public transport. So I will be able to buzz around the city visiting people so much more easier than I am able to at the moment! What luck! The universe provides... Having good friends helps as well.

I'm on reception today (well now) for ages. Lunch won't happen until about 3 for me. But that's ok, I'm not particularly hungry anyway. Didn't have dinner last night either, just a glass of that Eno stuff, the bubbly epsome salts and crashed out. Tried to tune my tellie to the video first though. After about 40 minutes of twiddling this bloody stupid press and turn knob I gave up. It's still not tuned, and on top of that, the chanels that were now aren't there either! Bugger. Something I will have to try again tonight... ARRGH. I'm not good with these types of things as it is!

Well that's everything that has been going on with me. I know, I know, it's exciting and you all wish that you were living my life of fame and fortune....

Tired today and feeling a little sick. Should've gone to bed earlier. Think I may tonight after picking up the bike.
Other stuff happening, but will blog later.

Well well! Today again is a goodun. Not too much to do at work, and I may get some filing done later today, which although is not the most fun in the world, it will be a relief to get all this damn paper work off my desk! Am staying late so one way or another there will be time to do it.
Had some healing and room cleaning last night courtesy of Michell. Was so good of him to come around and sort it out for me. Although I do wonder how much is 'real' and how much is in his head as he didn't pick up on the suicide in the driveway. I didn't say anything about it though. Plus the healing seems to have done something at least and I feel as though I am making progress on myself again. And he did point out some valid and useful things that I could do with sorting out. So either way I think it is worth my while, and he's not a bad sort.
I will go for another session with him week after next - once I have had my divorce hearing. Although I don't feel so dubious about it now, just wish it was done already. Is a pain in the arse that I have to take the day off just to go into court. Ach well such is the way of the world.
Still I think I should book an appointment with this lady that Ian recommended. Would be worth getting a second opinion.
Am starting to organise the little niggling things that i need to do before i go. Like visit the doctor for shots, see the dentist (Arrgh!), and something else which escapes me at present. Still I have just over 4 months to sort it out, which should be plenty of time...
It's coming up so quickly though! Still I know I will make it because I am supposed to go.

Monday, seems that the weekend was only 1 day instead of 2.. It always goes too quickly, and always on Monday morning when the alarm goes off Summah looks at me like "Do we HAVE to get up so EARLY??"
Still it was a good one. Quite day on Sunday - got to catch up on sleep which was nice. On Saturday I went around to Dad's and got a little pissed, but had a good time. Was one of the better visits. Had a chat with him about all sorts of things, cut his hair for the last time in a long time, and had a good day. Was worth getting up so early and going down there.
Michell is coming around tonight to 'clean' my room. Should be interesting to see what he says about this house. I wonder if he will pick up on the suicide that happened in the driveway... Maybe her spirit has already gone though, who knows, will find out tonight. Later this week or maybe on the weekend I will get sdome 'healing' from him, but maybe not, I may leave that until I see the woman that Ian recomended.
I asked Marie on the weekend if she would come around at the end of the month and help me sort out a budget so that I can begin saving more for my trip O.S. So hopefully she will be able to sort out where I am 'wasting' money and sort out some sort of plan that I can stick to which means I will still be able to go out every now and then, but save heaps more than I am at the moment.
Anyway seeing that it was a quiet weekend there isn't that much more to write about. I'm turning a bit boring. Still missing Mark and haven't spoken with him since Thursday. Not to worry though. Am getting used to him not being around, although I keep dreaming about him and he's never far away from my thoughts.

Friday friday friday! Woo Hoo, I'm dancin', it's happy end of the week day! Although no sleep in tomorrow, have to go visit Dad and do the family thing one last time. Should be good though. Aaron is going to pick me up from Dandenong, so I don't have to go all the way to Warragul on the train, thank goodness.
Am looking forward to having a quiet day on Sunday, enough of running around doing things - finally I can relax. Should probably sort out my things for court and get that all prepared, my hearing is just a week and a half/2 weeks away. But that wont be too much bother, just a matter of finding the file and putting it somewhere handy. Already have my respectable court outfit ready - hopefully it wont be too hot that day...
And also hopefully I wont be hanging around court all day waiting for my hearing so that I can spend the afternoon talking to travel agents.. Am thinking about getting a round the world ticket. Shall see how I go with that though and comparable prices with doing the flights a bit at a time. Guess I wont really know until I get there though. Probably will be best to just get my flight to Bangkok, depends on visa requirments really. Shall have to see as the internet has been surprisingly unhelpful with that.
Anyway not much to do at work today except these bloody outbound calls. Am getting through them reasonably quick though which is good. Had better get back to it though.

Well the card didn't get made, I went to bed instead. But I am feeling better for it today and will make it tonight and send it tomorrow. Hopefully it will get there on time... Should do I would think.

Am looking forward to the weekend - finally some warm weather! Feels like summer again! I'm going down to Dad's on Saturday so it'll be a definite to take my bathers with me and have a swim while I am there! Yay, I love summer, almost as much as Autumn.

Work is good, have finally finished the first draft of those procedures I was writing. Hopefully they make sense, will have to try them out on colleagues before passing them onto my boss Sylvia. It's all pretty straight forward though, I think.

And tonight at last a night off where I finish work at 5 and can just relax and do the usual thing when I get home instead of running around like a mad woman!

So tired today... Definitely will be having an early night tonight, although I'll be making a card before I go to sleep.

Went around to Sarge & Alisons last night. Had a delicious dinner and gave Alison a haircut , which hopefully is like she wanted it.... She said she was happy and it was even all over, no holes in it... She packed me left overs for lunch today as well. She is the sweetest girl! Love her!

Called Mark while I was there, but he was on his way to work so I called again this morning. He keeps telling me that I should get to Europe earlier than what I have planned to. Although I miss him more than anything, I can't just go straight there. I promised myself no more changing or rearranging my plans for someone else, no matter how much I care for them. It just means I'd end up regretting not doing the things I want and need to do. I so wish that he wasn't so far away though... Oh well it's probably a good thing, and you never know how things are going to turn out do you?

On Monday Aaron (my brother) told me that he couldn't look after Summah while I was away O.S. I stressed all day Monday about what I was going to do. But I spoke to my boss about it on Tuesday and she said her brother would be really happy to take her, which was such a relief! It sounds like it would be a really good home for her too, it's with a family, their youngest is 5, but quite tall so hopefully Summah will be ok with her. The father is a builder and would take her to work with him every day, and they have a big back yard which is fenced in, so she'll have plenty of space and love. I called Steve this morning to see if he was still planning on taking her and if so when. But he's not working again and said first off that he wouldn't be able to take her for at least 6 months, which is no good to me as I will be long gone and far away by then. So I have given him the web site for importing pets to the UK, asked him to look at that and get back to me on Sunday with an answer. I'm thinking he will probably say no, even though she won't have to go through quarantine and it wont cost nearly as much as first expected. He's never been that responsible about things so why would he start now, no matter how much he professes to love her..? If it is no, I think I will let her go to the family sooner rather than later. That way if there are any problems I will still be around, plus I will be able to visit every now and then to make sure she is settling in ok. I hate to have to give her away, but if I won't change my plans for people how can I justify changing them for my dog, and this is something i have to do.. So it was a disaster narrowly averted!

Apart from that life has been pretty ho hum. The guy I have moved in with had been a little off with me over the last week or so, but I bought him some Lindt chocolates yesterday and thanked him for letting me move in, and that seems to have done the trick. Chocolates always work with me too.

Soon my virgin credit card will come through and I will be able to pay off the last of my debt a hell of a lot quicker than what I am with the National bank and their hideous interest rates! So life is good, the sun is shining again, and things are still on track!

So the changes haven't worked. Appologies if you had a look last week and were wondering what the hell I was on....

Weekend was good, stayed at home for the most of it and painted my room. It's now a royal kind of blue, depending on which paint shop you go to it's called 'High Tide' or 'Oxford Blue'. High tide is more romantic though don't you think? I did the skirting board, door and window frames in an egg yolk kind of yellow, and the door itself a lighter yellow. Looks soooo much better than the ripped wall paper that was there.

Caught up with a few friends I haven't seen in a while on Sunday, which was excellent, I just wish I had've had more time for catching up, but as per usual there were too many things to do.

Apart from that not much else has happened. Oh, I spoke with the Mark one last night and have changed my holidays to coincide with when he comes back for Ian & Riccis' wedding. So then I can spend a few days with him. He said that he'll come along to sort out my travel plans with me then, so I may leave the booking of my flight, or else go into the city on the weekend to see the travel agent and sort it out like that. I'll have to see how I go time and money wise though. Still need to give Ian some cash for Marks flight too... Seems like all I am doing at the moment is spending!! Not good when I am trying to save, but am getting there to my target of cash funds for my trip, it's just a bit of a panic at the moment, with the move and final bills etc.
I am going to pick up my back pack today though, which is exciting for me!! Knowing what I am like I will do my trial pack some time this week. But not tonight as I am going around to Lizs' new digs to celebrate the move and see what it looks like. I'm sure it will be gorgeous though!
The time is going to go so quickly - already it is Feb, and soon I will be on that plane. Oh can't WAIT!!

I nightmared last night. The guy who came around to my old place when I was looking for a housmate, rather than moving, and spoke about his sperm count for about 1/2 an hour was stalking me, and chasing me. Not good. Have no idea what it means... Maybe a guy with poor performing sperm is after me.. HOPE NOT!

Friday, and it's turned out pretty nice after the pouring rain this morning. Glad I wore my boots!

I had my 1st appraisal yesterday with my immediate boss. Went really well, she said I have passed my probation even though I technically have 1 month to go still. She asked if there was anything, worries or other I wanted to discuss with her, so I mentioned that I am planning on going OS for 2 years in June. She was suprised - I've only been here for about 4 months - but said that if I wanted to come back when I got back to Aus, and there was a position available, that she would employ me again in a flash! So that was a nice little boost! I also said that I was wanting to visit some Oxfam projects while I was going through Asia and she is going to talk to a few people in our programs department on my behalf to organise something for me which is brilliant news!! Everything is falling into place.
Today I am going to put my back pack on lay-by. It's only $130 but I can't afford it all at the moment and want to get it before it either goes off sale or sells out. It's an excellent one, heaps of pockets, day pack which zips on, the whole bit. Nice and light too.
Went around to Jessies last night and updated this blog - did you notice the differences? As well as setting one up for my family to see while I am away, and for Dad when he goes to Qld. There is a link for it so just click there if you wanna have a look. There is also a contact me link so once you've read what you want if you feel like emailing me you just click that little bit and it will sort you out with the email thing.
Spoke to Mark this morning - ended up being late for work, but was worth it and there was no trouble waiting for me when I did get in. He sounds really happy and is getting life sorted. Sounds like things are working a lot smoother for him there than when he was in Aus which is such a good thing. I do miss him though and can hardly wait until he gets back to Aus for a visit. Still time doesn't speed up for anyone, just like it doesn't wait.... Hopefully I will be able to sort out the phone shortly and then it will be that much easier to call.

Well I guess I should get back to work. I have been given more things to do - writing procedures for the batches that we process. Will have to confirm that with my boss and when and how she wants it done. But should be interesting and I like having the extra bit to do - means I don't run out of things to do at work and I stay interested.

Tonight I finally get around to Jessies place to fix this blog! I'm thinking a few changes are well over due to be made, as well as the need to set up a 'family viewing' blog. Should be good - and just in time for when Dad moves to Qld. All sycronized, which is the way of my life at the moment. Everything is happening as it should, or better.

Anyway, not much to say, no doubt will have a stoned ramble tonight whilst at Jessies place, you'll have to excuse that in advance... Ha ha, it's all good though.

Take me now to the beautiful land of Laos!



Let me shop in their markets.....



And let me learn about their ways and culture...

Travel Vietnam tips and things to see:

It's in your best interests not to drink the tap water, especially after flooding!

Avoid cyclo ride after dark.

Dress midestly and appropriately when visiting local dwellings and religious sites, etc.

Leave your valuables behind before a night out on the town, or going to the beach.

When crossing the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh city, always keep looking to the left and right and walk slowly!

Don't offer money directly to minority people - instead donate to a local charity or offer a small gift, such as pens.

However frustrated, don't loose your temper ("loosing face"), as it won't get you very far!

Try and sample at least once the delicious, local street food.

Alway ask permission first before taking photographs, especially in minority areas.

* * * * *
Sleeping out on deck on a boat in Halong Bay

Ordering custom-made clothes from the local tailor shop

Taking a slow cyclo ride through the French Quarter of old Saigon

Eat Pho ga (chicken noodle soup) at a street side noodle stalls.

Watch the traditional water - puppet performance in Hanoi.

Experience the Full-Moon festivities in the ancient town of Hoi An.

Drink rice-wine in the minority villages of the north

Take a koat along Hue's Perfume River, taking in the Royal Mausoleums.

Overnight in a homestay in the Mekong Delta's riverside orchards.

Barter for a bargain at Saigon's largest merket, Ben Thanh

Take a stroll through Hanoi's ancient old Quarter.

CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT, CAN'T WAIT!!!!

Ahh, you've gotta love Telstra don't you? I tried to get the phone connected at my new place yesterday, and was declined by AAPT... Had no idea why, as I had paid all my bills and it was just an electricity bill that was about a month over due, and only part there of owing. So I called Telstra to see if they would connect me. Only to discover that they had an outstanding bill in my name! After a little investigation I found that my final bill for my address twice before this one was still owing - news to me as I had never seen it. Reason I hadn't though was that they had sent my final bill for two addresses ago to my address prior to that. Stupid bloody company. Apparently it is my fault as well. Makes me mad!! Anyway, I'll pay it and get the phone connected through someone else, probably Optus as now AAPT wont let me try with them again. Bastard phone companies!!
Aside from that, life is pretty damn good! It's a beautiful day (again), Summah has settled in well at the new place and is starting to get along with the little puppy Wunja. She is so cute - a staffy boxer cross. More boxer than staff though, and such a dainty way of walking. Makes me smile just watching her. She's still pretty timid though. She'll follow me around and grab at my trouser legs to play, but as soon as you turn around to look at her she runs off! So sweet!
I have decided to paint my room blue, bright blue. Will do that this weekend if the weather stays nice. Should be able to finish it in one weekend and have it all ready for my cupboard when it finally arrives! It's all looking pretty good though.
Dad goes to QLd in about 2 weeks. But my little brother comes back to Melbourne from Uluru about the same time. So it's almost like a trade of family members. It's soo good that he's coming back, I'll be able to spend my last months in Aus with my little Linc around. He's moving to Lygon street so not too far away from where I have moved to. Can't wait to see him again, I've missed the light that he brings to things.
So all is well in my small sphere. Am happily chugging along, will be able to sock more dollars away soon for my travels and Yvette and Paul will be putting money in my account before and while I am away which is even better! I'm gonna get my back pack and plane ticket soon which should give me that extra little bit of motivation! Going soon, the days are going by so quick.. So soon I'll be on that big plane!
But before that Mark comes back to visit - only 7 weeks away! So many good things happening now, and to look forward to!

Tuesday already... But I have moved now to my NEW HOUSE!! Tra La la lah! It's sooo good! Love it. My room is HUGE compared to where I was, and Summah is loving the enormous backyard. We're going to have a housewarming party once the other guy (Very) has moved in. (Oh and I found out what his second or last name is - impressive - Ha ha ha) Which will be brilliant, there is a massive shed out the back with a pool table and couches, so plenty of room for a good 'shin dig'.
So I'm almost settled after having 3 days to move and organise my things at the new place, I'm still waiting for some cupboards in my room, so it's still a bit of a mess, but organised chaos... I also get to paint my room whatever colour I want. So that will be my project this weekend. I'm thinking a bright blue with gold door, frames, skirting and window. Should look ok huh?
Dad moves to Qld in about 2 or maybe 3 weeks. That's happened pretty quick. My brother has bought his house down here, which is excellent. They're sorting all that stuff out now and soon Dad and Ann will be up the other end of the country. Good place for free holidays though! I'll be going down to Warragul though weekend after next to say good-bye. It will possibly be the last time that I see them before I piss off O.S
I buy my ticket for that soon too. Can't wait! I'll be jetting off before you know it!! Yay!

mmm... Halong Bay, Vietnam.... I'm going there!




Ho Chi Minh City, the bright lights and fast life of Vietnam? I'm told it's crazy - so what better place to start my travels and adjust to the life of a nomad?




Although I doubt I will stay somewhere as splendid as this...

And the chance to visit some of the projects we sponsor in Asia, rice banks, water sanitisation, something to keep me learning and thinking along the way.