Sunday, December 31, 2006

The Turn Of The Year

It's New Year's Eve, my loves!

I had half drafted a long navel gazing post about the year past. A link-tastic review of a year of TOA existence. Me, Me, Me. And you, because without you I'm nothing, natch.

It still sits in draft, and I have to be out of the door in half an hour's time. Plans to finish it off were derailed by a lovely gourmet lunch at a friend's house that turned into a three hour session of sweaty dirty monkey love. (Too much information? Trust me, you haven't heard the half of it. Anyone know if concealer can cover poppers burn?) So now I'm racing to get ready and then I'm off to a New Year cocktail party above the lights of Sydney. There will be cocktails and fireworks.

Sounds a bit like this afternoon, really.

So, sorry for the rushed New Year's wishes. I hope you all have a great and grand New Year, but if it's ordinary then my advice to you is don't get too strung out, because it isn't an omen for the year ahead. It's just what it is. See you all in 2007, like tomorrow! My biggest thanks possible for hanging out here in 2006, hopefully you'll stick around for the year ahead. I'll be here.

Be good, be naughty, have fun, and see you over the hump.
Lots of love.
xx

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Find Your "Heart Song"

My friend Ursula arived from Brisbane early this morning with her young son, to stay with my flat-mate Bodhi and me for a few days. Bodhi's daughter is staying with us for the week as well, making this a very fun but very full little cottage at the moment! After a late breakfast at a cafe nearby, we headed into a large shopping complex to go to the movies and see Happy Feet.

It's a beautifully made film. The quality of the animation is absolutely spot on, with all the penguins successfully being given quite distinct personalities. I mean, they're penguins right? Just how unique can you make a penguin seem, next to another penguin? They manage it though, which is commendable.

I enjoyed it, but it sort of didn't work for me in parts. The concept of the penguins singing, each one finding it's own 'heart song', and what happens to a penguin who can't sing was nicely done. There were some interesting metaphors for ostracism due to difference, acceptance etc, that can be applied to anyone with a 'difference'. Gay people, people of colour, people with disabilities...

What didn't quite work for me was how dark some of the film was, and I found some of the ecological message a bit heavy handed. The smaller kids in the audience were quite restive during those parts of the film. Having said that, it is a great achievement in animation, the music and dance scenes are really well handled and on balance it's an enjoyable movie experience.

Sing it, grrrl!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Christmas 2006, In Memorium

So, that's that done for another year.

I hope you all had a fabulous time. I'd love to post that I did, really I would. However, in the spirit of truth in reporting I have to say it was 50/50 between really, really sucking the big one and being fabulous. I'm such a creature of extremes. Like, really.

Pre-Christmas stress (especially of the financial kind) got the better of me this year, and so I largely opted out. Non participatory. I sent some gifts across for my two nephews but agreed with my two sisters, one of whom just bought a house recently, that we wouldn't bother with gifts this year. I struggled with the Christmas spirit, in part because I knew that I'd likely be the recipient of gifts from friends, friends who wouldn't receive one in return. Kind of dreading disappointing others is not a great way to enter into the spirit of the season.

So, it wasn't fine 'in theory' but it was all going to be theoretically, well, manageable and ok. Except, it kind of wasn't. I got strung out, I felt sad and disappointed, crabby, pressured and frustrated. I had social plans for Christmas day lunch. However a combination of my mood on the morning, screwing up the food I was to take, a mess up with the transport plans that I thought meant I'd be catching 2 trains across the city with a full picnic basket on my own, and then breaking a shoe as I was about to leave the house, sent me into a shitstorm emotional spiral. So I elected not to go. Then I got a phone call from the train station saying that without my knowing it the transport arrangements had reverted back to their original plan and "where was I?". Where I was was sitting at home on the edge of not just tears, but reasonableness as well.

I didn't go. What I did do was have a cry, pull my shit together, deal with my anger and frustration, collect my thoughts, ring back and apologise for my melt-down on the phone, go for a walk and get some perspective. It sorted itself out. I made it sort itself out.

In the evening I co-opted Mikey (the lovely ex) and we went to Christmas dinner at my friends Meaghan and Jamie's house, with many of the greater extended clan. It turned out to be a wonderful night, a perfect antidote to how I felt in the morning. I still felt a bit odd and fragile, and weird about being given gifts by friends I had nothing for, but in a much better mind set. Food and drink were consumed, babies were held, kids played with, cats patted and old friends caught up with. It was a good night.

Yesterday, I spent a wonderful day with Morgan and a bunch of my friends from Flickr at the home of Kt and her family. A long afternoon into evening of food and drink, playing "cross country croquet", chatting to friends and people I just met, and playing with various and sundry kids put some of the Christmas cheer back into Christmas.

So. It was a strange one this year. I've had negative times in my life, but rarely do I want to shout and cry, and have a good old fashioned melt-down like I did on Christmas morning. I'm normally set to a slow simmer. On the upside, I pulled myself out of it fairly well. With the help of friends that have known me for a long time and take me as I am, and that I care very deeply for. Even though none of them knew what had been on the agenda earlier in the day. The rest of the day, and the following day, were much better.

High highs and one very low low. I can see where I went wrong. Where I planned poorly, took too much negativity on board, let difficult circumstances get to me, and placed stress of expectation and regret on myself. I'm not beating myself up, just being honest and learning from the experience.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Season's Greetings

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...



...make the Yuletide gay, people!


Whatever you celebrate I hope you have a happy and safe holiday everyone, filled with love, good cheer, happiness and joy. Failing that, at least a nice hug from the hot friend that your cousin brings along. Thanks for being here!

Friday, December 22, 2006

I Love This Photo


AJ is delighted
Originally uploaded by Karinne Taylor.


Check out this photo by Karinne, taken at the Chrissie Pissie I blogged about early in the week. I love this photo! I had just taken some pictures of AJ and was showing him himself on the screen on the back of the camera. Just after this pic was taken he moved in closer and kind of gave me a cuddle as I scrolled through the pics I took of him. Then he shot me such a huge smile I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest.

(Oh, and yes. When I look at this picture I can see that the older I get the more I start to resemble my father. Spooky.)

My Wish For You

It's a many splendoured thing. It makes the world go 'round. It means never having to say you're sorry. It's a battlefield. Maybe it's all you need.

All You Need?
Partially torn down advertising poster, Newtown.

Held

Last night I had one of the most moving theatre experiences I've ever had. Mikey (the lovely ex), Morgan, Steve, Bec and myself went to see the Griffin Theatre adaptation of Tim Conigrave's autobiography Holding The Man.

Matt Zeremes as John (left) & Guy Edmonds as Tim (right)
Picture by Janie Barrett - Sydney Morning Herald


[Spoilers ahead]

I don't want to spoiler it too much for people who haven't read the book (but given that it is mentioned on the book jacket and in everything written about the book and the play, it's not that much of a spoiler I guess) but the story follows the relationship of John and Tim. After meeting and falling in love at High School in 1976, the story follows their 16 year relationship, the good times and the bad, until John dies from AIDS in 1992, followed two years later by Tim himself. The book was written during the years after John's death and published posthumously in 1995. Since then it has had worldwide acclaim, and certainly would rank as one of the most important works of gay literature, and probably one of the best autobiographies, to come out of Australia.

It is an extremely sad and moving story, but ultimately it's a story about love. About human frailty, about mistakes, consequences, guilt, forgiveness and joy. It's also very funny at times, and the production certainly emphassises this aspect as well as the loss. As an historical look back at the early years of the AIDS crisis in Australia it's also a sobering reminder that this disease is still around.

The story, and the play, is told from Tim's point of view. Aside from John, four other actors play all the other characters (about 40 in total I think), sometimes even crossing gender boundaries. The production was spare, but very clever in it's use of sound and even puppets to tell aspects of the story. Interestingly, Tim Conigrave acted and wrote theatrical pieces, and was heavily involved in the Griffin Theatre. So there is a beautiful symmetry to the production being commissioned and staged by Griffin.

The season is a sell out, but it is coming back during the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. I'd certianly recommend it to anyone able to get a ticket, and I also really recommend the book. Have tissues handy.

The Griffin theatre is a perfect venue for a play like this. Tiny and intimate, where you can almost reach out and touch the actors. Where you can see the tears and the smiles close up. Wow. The cast, especially the two young leads, do an amazing job. The two boys are both fantastic, handsome, charismatic and with a genuine chemistry. No actory fakiness in evidence here. When Guy Edmonds as Tim cries it's real tears we see.

It was real tears in the audience as well.

[For more info here are some Wikipedia entries on Tim Conigrave and the book Holding The Man, some production information about the Griffin production, and a fantastic review of the production by The Sydney Morning Herald.]

[Updated: Morgan's has posted his review of the production on his blog also.]

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Snowed Under

Work is kickin' my ever expanding ass today, I've got a couple of hundred clients to invoice before we close the shutters for Christmas break and the phone hasn't stopped ringing. Hateful. Oh, and we're out of coffee and I'm making do with instant. You know, I can actually feel myself losing a little bit of self respect with every sip.

So this is likely it for today, my lambs. I know, one crappy Christmas Tree pic and this waffle! You all deserve more, you know it.

The good news is I finally got the gifts I'm buying for my immediate family posted yesterday afternoon. Along with the shame storm for dilly dallying I got to pay a premium postage rate to make sure they got there in time. Fun! Christmas makes me feel so judged. I'm also off to the theatre tonight to see a fab play about The Gays, which I'll endeavour to review tomorrow, assuming the friggin' phone shuts up for 5 minutes.

Things could be worse I guess, I could be getting sued for US$7.6 million. Although, somehow I think being described as a pudgy poseur would hurt more.

Tinselicious

The giant, and oh so camp, Christmas tree at Darling Harbour here in Sydney.

Tinselicious

Tinsel, mirror balls, lights and odd coloured cherubim. This picture doesn't really do the scale of it justice, it's huge! I think they made an error of judgement though, this thing doesn't need a star on top it needs a drag queen.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

World's Thinnest Thetan

OHMYGOD, I sincerely hope this project goes ahead. It's so unhinged that it sounds kind of fabulous, don't you think? Talk about a train wreck...

Worst of all, she thinks it would be good for her career. Um, ok then.

New Arrival

A huge shout-out to my Flickr compatriot and fellow blogger Laubscher on the arrival of his new baby. Congratulations Mr & Mrs Laubscher!

Laubscher and I have only met a few times in person, although I follow his photostream on Flickr and his blog with almost the same enthusiasm as a stalker. Almost. I like to think of myself more as an enthusiast, m'kay? He's an ace photographer and a genuinely nice guy. Smart, funny and friendly. One of those people that you can chat to and half an hour later you feel like you known him for ages.

Once again, congratulations! Best Christmas gift ever.

Taking A Beating

So far this morning my business shirt has:
  1. Been spattered with toothpaste from some too enthusiastic Sonic-ing. (Not noticed until on the train to work.)
  2. Been rained on.
  3. Been grubbied by being bashed into a piece of scaffolding, after some curbside jostling at the traffic lights.
  4. Been splashed with coffee.

I, and my shirt, shouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning. We'd be cleaner and unbruised for a start.

Say "Cheese"! No Wait, Say "Tiny Cheese"!

Tiny camera, or giant hands!?

Say Cheese!  Tiny Cheese!

The most appropriate Christmas Cracker toy ever.

At first I couldn't figure out if it did anything, then Lou pointed out that you fill it with a tiny amount of water and it's a teeny tiny water pistol... damn, I've given away the secret.

Hey, come here and let me take your picture!

[Updated: Karinne scored an action shot!]

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Seasonal Stress

I promised myself I would do better this Christmas. Shop earlier. Put money aside for gifts, and for the week without pay that will comprise my 'holiday' over the period we are closed at work. Plan things better. Be more organised.

Well, promises are made to be broken it would seem. Even the ones we make to ourselves. Scratch that, especially the ones we make to ourselves. Although, in my defence (as Mikey would say) I've had some unexpected expenses these past few months that have screwed with my plans somewhat. It's patently not my fault you see. Sort of. :)



I've reigned things in heavily and pared it all right back this year, modified my plans. Limited who I'm buying gifts for, and staying in Sydney to save the cost of interstate airfares. Maybe it's because of this, but I'm seriously lacking in festive cheer this year.

Oh sure, as you can see from my last post, it's not all Bah Humbug. I had a great time at the Chrissie Pissie. The other 90% of Christmas is passing me by this year though. Shopping feels more like a chore than it has in the past. Normally I love buying gifts, wrapping them, giving them, the whole thing. This year I'm just not getting the usual pleasure from it. The deadline is looming to post off my gifts and I'm still not done.

So, I'm stressing. Christmas has become an exercise in deadlines, budgetary restrictions, and the possibility of causing disappointment by not giving many gifts this year. Gack. I know that I'm causing this stress on myself, but I'm just going to have to let it go. Do the best I can, try and not let it get to me, and try and see the bigger picture. Still, some of the joy has gone.

I guess it's kind of 90% Bah Humbug after all.

[Updated: OK, I've gotten over myself a bit since I wrote this and am now not feeling like such a big baby about Christmas. I stand by what I wrote though, because it is stressful this year and I am feeling a bit ho ho hum about the whole thing. And no, I didn't miraculously win the lottery or find a bulging wallet in the street during lunch, nor scored a Sugar Daddy, so the bit about financial stress is still accurate. Sadly. I was kind of pinning my hopes on the Sugar Daddy one.

Further Updated: Hmmmm, I'm not the only one feeling Grinchy this year!]

Monday, December 18, 2006

The "Chrissie Pissie" 2006

Christmas is a time for traditions, right? The ones we all participate in en masse, and the ones we create ourselves amongst or own families and friends. One of my favourite Christmas traditions is the annual Chrissie Pissie hosted by our very own "world peace & a speedboat" Louise. I've mentioned the Chrissie Pissie before, and its something I look forward to every year. I'm a relative newcomer, scoring my first invite about 5 years ago when I was dating Mikey (the lovely then not ex).

To describe it as an afternoon and evening where the huge extended 'family' of friends gets together with potluck food, drinks, kids, 'secret Santa' random surprise gifts and lots of laughs falls short of capturing the magic. A big part of the fun is buying the cheap crap/fabulous gifts that are then handed over to Gordy (aka "Surly Santa") for distribution that manages to be both random and arbitrary. Once handed out, the gifts must then be opened one by one in an orderly fashion so that everyone gets to enjoy the delight/embarassment. Its completely awesome.

The passage of time has been an amazing thing to watch. Couples have formed. Kids have been born and grown. New friends and partners have joined the clan. This year was particularly marked by the arrival of more kids, with a whole buch of newborns in attendance. It was a great afternoon that slid into evening, and I was home about 11pm pleasantly full of food and drink, and brimming with good cheer.

Persephone The Pirate!
Persephone the pirate!

Size CountsSanta's Little Helper
Isobel discovers the joys of a gift as big as she is (left) and Rachel helps Surly Santa hand out the crap/fabulous random 'secret santa' gifts (right)

Valkyrie!
Rachel models the fantastic Valkyrie Evening Wear gift, Elvis glasses sold seperately

Valkyrie!Valkyrie!
Wigstock! Ken (left) and Coz (right) get in on the action

Thank You, Thank You Very Much
James scored the Elvis Impersonator Kit - envy!

Avenging Unicorn!If The Candle Fits
Lou and the fabulous Avenging Unicorn (left), while Scruffy scores a HO

Avenging MousiclesHarriett In Motion
Avenging Mousicles, a blur of purple tie dye and whirling plastic knives (left), and Harriett in motion, having a great old time (right)

Friday, December 15, 2006

Someone's In Trouble

Walking to the train station this morning, I spotted this sign on the screen door of a house in the next street to mine:

Someone's In Trouble

Oh oh, someone's really in trouble...

Thursday, December 14, 2006

It's A Small World After All

I was chatting to my sister who lives interstate on the phone last night, about Christmas and all, how they have just a bought a house etc, and she told me about the most amazing coincidence.

When they moved house my brother-in-law's younger brother brought along a friend of his to help them move. This friend runs a boarding 'motel' for dogs with his wife, near where my sister lives. In conversation this chap told my sister that he breeds Australian Silky Terriers. My sister told him how she thought they were cute dogs etc and by the way her brother (me) used to be in a relationship with a guy in Adelaide who bred and showed them.

It turns out, this guy is his estranged brother, who left Adelaide after a huge fight with the guy I used to live with. Something I understand entirely, as I did basically the same thing. I mean, what are the odds? Spooky.

Happy Birthday Mikey!

Everyone help me in wishing Mikey (the lovely ex) a very happy birthday!



Happy Birthday, bitch. Love ya!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Extended Dance Remix

It's been a tough day, chickens. An old gent cussed me out for next to no reason, then to cap it off rang back and made the same complaint to a co-worker after he refused to speak to me (the nerve!), I have work out the whazoo, one of the staff is resistant to some improvements I want to make... and as we've already established, I have ailments. Ack. I could use a drink.

The closest thing to a remedy I have to hand right now is my boss's "80's Dance Fever!" CD currently playing in my computer. Rick Astley just promised me personally that he's never gonna give me up, he's never gonna let me down, never gonna run around or desert me, he's never gonna make me cry, never gonna say goodbye, never gonna tell me lies or hurt me. Now, on the advice of the Kane Gang, I'm respecting myself.

It helps.

Catching Death

The "coasting" I talked about yesterday turned into a bit of a slide instead, a slide into the start of coming down with some sort of bug. Sore throat, stuffy head, you know the drill. I slept for about 10 hours last night, which is very unusual for me but I feel better for it. I don't feel real bad, just a bit congested and a bit of a sore throat.

I know these things are caused by viruses. The part of me that still hears my mother's admonition that "You'll catch your death of cold." from wandering around in bare feet, can't help but wonder if the sudden swings from hot to cold weather we've been having haven't had some affect. Grammatical complexities aside. I'm still not convinced about the bare feet thing though...

So. Feeling a bit poorly, slept lots, missed episode 2 of Weeds (sadly) on account of extended sleeping behaviour, etc. Currently at work, and outlook slightly improved by cup of coffee and cracking open the gift tin of assorted biscuits from one of our clients.

Come to think of it, I had kicked my shoes off yesterday. Can you catch your death of anything wandering around in socks?...

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Waiting

More specifically, it's 11ish and I'm waiting for the muse to whisper in my ear still.

It's Tuesday. It's grey, overcast and cool. Work is kind of dull and yet frustrating at the same time. I'm on my second cup of coffee and my shoes are kicked off. Nothing's wrong, it's all just a bit meh today, you know? No real highs or lows, just coasting.

Oh, by way of a follow up to this post about books I can tell you how much I'm loving "American Gods". Two thirds of the way into it so far and not wanting it to end. I might tackle "Anansi Boys" next, especially after the props given it by Michael.

::drums fingers::

That killed a few seconds. So just which one of the muses is the muse of bloggers? No, I'd like to know. I mean, if Olivia was the muse of rollerskating and leg warmers then surely there's one for blogging?...

Monday, December 11, 2006

Oliver's 1st Birthday

In a weekend jam packed with social events, probably one of the briefest was my flying visit to the 1st birthday party for Oliver, handsome son of my friends Daen & Adrienne. On account of it being the start of the Christmas Social Season and all, and me being the social butterfly that I am, I could only pop in en route to a pre-Christmas lunch that another friend of mine was throwing.

Birthday Boy

At least I was lucky enough to be there for the blowing out of the candle and the opening of the presents! And from my point of view, fortunately it was long enough to take some snaps of Oliver.

I discovered a little while back that children are amongst my favourite subjects to shoot. One of the benefits of the baby boom amongst my friends is that there are all these beautiful kids around to photograph. Sadly, people sometimes doubt that your motives are pure if you try and take pics of kids, so I only like to shoot the children of my friends. I like the fact that I'm helping in my own small way to document their lives as well.

Oliver's Birthday

I was also lucky to be there long enough to see Zoe, the new daughter of my friends Meaghan and James. Born Tuesday the 5th of December, and absolutely adorable and just perfect.

Zoe

Yay! Another subject... :)

Bowling For Santa

On Saturday afternoon we had the Christmas party for the Sydney Photobloggers group on Flickr. It was a really hot and humid afternoon, and about 30 of us gathered for a friendly lawn bowls tournament, lunch and drinks.

BullseyeThe Hat

We played about 6 games, gave out "secret Santa" gifts for all, had lots of laughs and then retired to the cool of the clubhouse for the rest of the afternoon.

The Crazed LookFiguromo

It was a really fantastic afternoon, with lots of laughs and friendly competition. Lawn bowls is deceptively hard, and most of us sucked badly, but that was all part of the enjoyment.

The PoutPirates & Professors

Whoever decided to market what was traditionally an old persons' pastime to young people definately came up with a winning concept. The clubhouse had a funky nightclub feel to it, and the place was packed with young people. We had an easy on the eye young American guy (think 'frat boy') who gave us the run-down on how to play, and made sure everyone kept their shoes and drinks off the green.

Other groups were obviously having Christmas parties as well, including the group who were all dressed up as things starting with "P", such as pirates and professors (above right). Good times y'all.

[Here are all of my photos from the afternoon, and here are everyone else's.]

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Would You Like The Chicken Or The Beef?

Just a little update on yesterday's Christmas lunch for the clients at work. I had a blast. So much fun! I haven't had much to do with the clients up until now, because I'm in the office and so only ever talk to some of them briefly on the phone. I got to meet most of them as I helped serve the meals and the beverages, and got to chat with quite a few.

Everyone had a lovely time, the food was good, the entertainment was fun, we gave out some door prizes*. It was a blast. For the brief bits of time that I actually got to sit, I sat next a lovely couple and he told me fascinating stories about his 43 years in the police force. It was also great to see the friendship between our field workers and the clients. Lots of Christmas hugs and kisses being exchanged, and even some small gifts.

The worst thing about the day? HAT HAIR from wearing a Santa hat all day.

The best things? Being referred to by one of the clients as a Christmas Elf (good call), all the "thank you" comments and best wishes, getting to play Christmas Elf and hand out take home gifts of tiny Christmas puddings as everyone left and best of all one lady took my hand and told me that she'd had such a good time that it will be enough to carry her all the way through Christmas and into the New Year. (She nailed me with that one and I almost lost it entirely.) It was an exhausting but very rewarding afternoon. Christmas doesn't have a religious significance for me, but you could certainly feel the true spirit of Christmas in the air. Giving. Kindness. Thinking of others.

Good times y'all.

* Michael Guy - you'll be pleased to know that we were giving out potted poinsettias! The sort you love so much.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Play Nice And Don't Break Anything

I'll be away from the computron all day tomorrow, ladelling out Christmas fare and making nice in a Santa hat with the old dears. It's client Christmas party day for my work, and we have about 60 frail elderly clients coming for lunch.

Let's pause and consider that for a moment, shall we. That's like eating Christmas lunch with your grandparents 30 times over.

It'll be lovely. There's entertainment (sadly not a Z grade Korean 'Elvis' like I was pushing for), a tiny Christmas pudding to take home (for all but the diabetics) and crackers to pull. The crackers may not be a wise choice, but we'll just hope for the best. See you on the other side.

Your Face Is Telling Secrets That Your Heart Wants To Keep

I met with a couple of marketing guys last night at the huge conference venue we are hiring for the conference we're doing mid next year. To do a walk around and look at the venue, start to plan the fixtures for the bookshop I'll be running there, talk about access and timing issues etc. It was a really good meeting and the two guys were really nice.

But, here's the thing. I kept looking across at one of the guys (and not just because of the salt & pepper hair, blue eyes and slim figure) and he kept furrowing his brow and looking so worried that at one point I thought he was on the verge of tears. So much so that it was kind of odd. It certainly wasn't encouraging. Wow, if he's that concerned we should be really panicking.

It made me think about the times I've had my photo taken, for instance, and I've been pulling an expression that I didn't even think was in my repertoire. Once a senior manager of mine pulled me aside and mentioned to me that sometimes in meetings my face is an open book, especially when I think someone is proposing a stupid idea. Contempt writ large. I was kind of floored and had no idea I was doing it.

I'm sure nice marketing man with the piercing blue eyes wasn't really all that concerned, but he's kind of giving off signals that indicate otherwise. Maybe not even signals he knows he's giving.

On Switching

Hey, you Blogger bloggers out there. Anyone switched to the new version? I heard that the one-button photo posting from Flickr no longer works with this new version, and I was wondering if that's the only downside?

The rest of you, as you were.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

The Cast Members of the Movie "The Family Stone", Ranked In Order Of Ummm.. Bangability

Michael suggested, so I'm powerless to resist.

1. Tyrone Giordano


2. Dermot Mulroney


3. Luke Wilson



4. Paul Schneider


5. Brian J White


6. Jamie Kaler


7. Craig T Nelson


8. Robert Dioguardi


Because I'm such a big homo I've restricted myself to the male members of the cast, but given the chance you know I'd at least make out a bit with Dianne Keaton, right? I mean, the gossip! That woman could spill a few stories, you know it.

Also, don't feel bad for Robert Dioguardi. He's only on screen for a few seconds, so it's not like I even had time to form an attachment. I agonised over where to place Craig T Nelson, because in terms of fun in the sack I'm sure he'd be a riot, but that Jamie Kaler is pretty cute though!

So, there you have it. Care to share your rankings?

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Note To Self

No matter how tired/grumpy/perimenopausal one might feel and no matter how heinous telephone callers to the Big Christian Charity at which you work may be, perhaps best not to use Jesus H Christ! as an exclamation of frustration. For yeah verily it may incur the dipleasure of the good Christian folk.

Book Dilemma - The Solution

For those of you playing along at home, I finally solved my lack of book to read dilemma. After some ummmmmmming and ahhhhhhhing in Borders, I settled on American Gods by Neil Gaiman. I just started it on this morning's commute and loving it so far. I can't believe that the only book by Gaiman that I've ever read is his joint venture with Terry Pratchett Good Omens. Where have I been?

Hey Mr Sandman, Bite Me

If I suddenly stop using punctation in this entry it's not because I'm lazy or don't know the seven correct uses of an apostrophe. It's solely because punctuation takes extra key strokes, which takes extra effort, which takes energy, which I frankly don't have because I woke up like fifteen frigging times last night. Not because someone was nuzzling my neck, or attending to my nethers in a loving fashion. Solely for the reason of, ooooh, no reason.

My morning 20 minute walk from the train station was almost conducted in a crouching position.

I'll come good. There's the morning vitamin B tablet to kick in yet and I have full and free access to the coffee maker. It's all good. I've got that edge that comes with tiredness, the one that has already loosened my tongue enough for me to ask The Office Pen Clicker if she could please, pleeeeeease stop clicking her pen (forgodsakeorimightjustgopostal).

Monday, December 04, 2006

A Post So Much About Nothing It Almost Reads Like A Seinfeld Script

The natural bookend for a post about not having many plans for the weekend, is a post about not having done much over the weekend. They go together like like a pizza binge and shame, like Jake Gyllenhaal and a hormone surge, like Salt 'n' Pepa, like like... and whatever.

I planned on not doing a lot this weekend and I achieved it. See, see how task orientated and disciplined I am? I set goals and I go for them. I might consider a career change to Life Coaching, I'm so good at not do anything. I could not do anything for hours, and still find time to not do things.

So. I did go to drinks, dinner and a movie on Saturday night with Mikey (the lovely ex), Steve and his girlfriend Bec. Shortbus again. I enjoyed the evening, although the combination of a wet Saturday night around three weeks before Christmas meant that getting a taxi at the start of the night was hellish. I loved the film just as much as the first time, and probably picked up more from it the second time around. I certainly caught a couple of lines that I plan I using ad nauseam. "I used to want to change the world, now all I want to do is the leave the room with a little dignity." Har.

Mikey's first question of the evening to me was "So, have you cleaned your room yet?" (Ack. You know you're in trouble when friends bust your chops about promises you make to yourself on your blog.) In keeping with this weekend's goal orientated theme, I set to yesterday afternoon with vacuum cleaner and Scotchbrite 'Miracle' cloth. I didn't exactly produce a miracle (false advertising?) but I did pretty much part the Red Sea Of Detritus. I'd say I got the job about 60% done, which given my other goal of sloth I figure wasn't too bad an effort. I'll tackle the remainder during this week.

If Santa brings me a man for Christmas, at least my room will be ready.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Weekend Plans

As it turns out, it looks like this weekend is going to be the last weekend before the end of the year where I won't have to try and juggle a bunch of social committments just to get through my weekend. Unless I'm having a senior's moment and have forgotten something (entirely possible) the biggest committment I have this weekend is to beauty. Haircut day!

I heart Haircut Day.

Also on the agenda, cleaning my room. It kind of looks like a landfill site at the moment. If there was a landfill site comprised of size "Small" menswear, back issues of magazines, some piles of books, and the odd bit of detritus that is. With a bed perched on top.

Sadly, one of the things about being a fast reader is that sometimes even magical experiences are over too soon. I tracked down the sequel that I mentioned here and devoured it in a night. I tried to make it last, really I did. Loved it! It's not that often that a book makes me cry, even though I'm a big ole softie, but I shed a few tears during this one. Anyhoo, my point being that I have some reading time this weekend and I'm open to suggestions. Hit me up in the comments if you've something to suggest. Remember, it's Summer here now so I'm looking for nothing too weighty and challenging. Think your better class of Beach Reading and you're on the right track.

Given that it's December 1st, my pre-Christmas panic has kicked in. Must. Start. Shopping. I enjoy gift giving but it can get a bit stressful, so the last thing I plan on doing is leaving it to the very last minute. I really don't want to be stalking the shops the day before Christmas feeling like the 10 seconds of Think Music is counting down, and I haven't yet come up with the right answer.

::dunka, dunka, dunk... dunka, dunka, dunk::

So, that's my plans. Not rivetting, agreed. Not entirely suck-worthy either. There's room in there to mix it up, be spontaneous, and avoid doing some of them (room cleaning, specifically). You?

On The Other Hand...

Me,
me,
me,
me,
me.

It's all about ME.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

This One's For Michael Guy

My soul-sister Michael Guy has a love/hate relationship with Christmas.

Michael, I saw this sign outside Elizabeth's Bookshop in Newtown. This one's for you.

Fireside Chat, Anyone?

So, how's everyone doing?

You might think this is weird (but if you've been reading this blog for a while you've probably reset your paramaters of "weird" by now) but I think about you guys a lot. People who drop comments, whether it's frequently or only now and then. If I check my stats and see that someone from Poland or Ireland, or central Australia has been by to read this, it makes me wonder about who you are and what your life is like. I think a lot about my blogging buddies, the people I read often and think of as friends, or the people I only drop by every so often and maybe think of more as fond acquaintences.

You're a nice bunch of people. Obviously I feel I know the bloggers and commentors the best, those that share an idea or an opinion, but in the couple of years I've been writing this stream of consciousness (and occasional stream of unconsciousness) I've only ever had I think two, or maybe three, negative comments left. Those are pretty good odds in my book. You all come across as thoughtful, funny, frequently very sweet, and well, good to hang out with.

You could argue that I don't know you, I guess. Maybe so. But, have you ever had someone thoughtfully hold the door open for you, or met someone's eyes on the train and shared a moment with that stranger over something funny or strange? A little human connection. Thought to yourself "that's really sweet of them" or "they seem nice/funny/interesting", or "I'll bet they're a nice person". That's kind of how I feel about you guys.

Anyway, I'm not shilling for more comments, but I do enjoy them and just want you all to know that (comments or not) I find you guys fascinating and I really enjoy hanging out with you all. I would have packed this in long ago if it was just me talking to myself.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

wOOt!

I totally love it when you read a book that you really enjoy (actually re-read in this case, but let's not quibble). A book that kind of leaves you wanting to know what happened to the characters after the novel ends. A book who's author can boast singing in The Eurovision Song Contest, forchristsakes, as one of his acheivements. (So, where were you Mr Gore Vidal?) Then you decide to do a little bit of research on The Interwebsuperhighway, only to discover there's like totally a sequel, and everything! OMG!

So I just emailed my favourite local bookstore to order a copy.

Pray it doesn't suck.

Boos! & Yays!

Freakgirl's post of Boos! & Yays! made me realise that a) I hadn't done one of these for a while and b) there's some Boo-worthy and Yay-worthy things to share:
  • BOO! for last night's dullish Dancing With The Stars finale. Too much negativity towards Arianne & Carmelo made it a forgone conclusion from the get-go.
  • YAY! for my newest obsession So You Think You Can Dance! [Warning: major spoiler! I didn't realise the show is already over in the U.S. and the website splashpage has "Congratulations XXXX, winner of So You Think You Can Dance!" Oh crap. BOO!]

  • YAY! for really, really good fruit salad.
  • BOO! for leaking take-away containers. Sticky fingers, much? And not in a good way.

  • YAY! for The Family Stone which I finally got around to seeing like a year after its release, and after buying the DVD on a sale table. I heart writer/director Tom Bezucha! Oh, and hello, cute!
  • BOO! for the sound cutting in and out on the extras.

  • YAY! for feeling really happy and healthy lately.
  • BOO! for friends going through tough times. I'm thinking of you, and you know who you are. *mwah*

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Archetypes

I'm currently a bit obsessed with the Face of Tomorrow project. Around a hundred photos of people from each city are layered transparently over each other to form a facial composite archetype for that city. The artist who started the project was interested to see what a multi-ethnic person would look like, one formed from the people he encountered in each city.

The results look slightly stylised but still quite realistic. I'm not sure how the technique works, but to me it look like each face has been slightly elongated or otherwise manipulated to match up the location of the eyes, nose and mouth.

The Sydney composites archetypes are kind of spooky, these people don't actually exist yet they really do look like any number of good looking, slightly Mediterranean faces you might see on the streets of Sydney. The archetypes formed from pictures taken at Bondi Beach and Sydney University are quite unique to each location.

My only one quibble is the youthful good looks of most of the participants. The brief says that they approach 100 indidividuals, but it seems that the locations like beaches and universities (in Sydney at least) are designed for a young and attractive demographic. Having said that, I guess the archetype works best though if you have people of various ethnicities but a similar age range. It would be nice to see the same exercise with aged people, for instance.

Turkey Day 2006

Here are the pics I promised from the Thanksgiving eatfest on Saturday, "Turkey Day 2006". I used to be quite hesitant about photographing people, shy about taking their pictures. This year I decided to break through that hesitancy and to focus on what makes gatherings like this so great, the extended circle of my friends and their kids.

AJIsobel

One of the joys of always having my camera with me is that every now and then the conditions are just beautiful for photography. Saturday was one of those times. Hot and overcast, casting a softer light on everyone and without stark shadows. The bushfires around Sydney had put lots of smoke into the air, which is a terrible, terrible thing, but perfect from the aspect of creating a soft golden sunset.

Sardonic, Moi?

1.5 Carat Smile

The dynamic of photographing friends is easier too I guess. I had my camera out all day, snapping away like a mad thing, which serves to desensitize people to the presence of the camera. Being able to display the photo on the camera and show people just how good they look (glory be for digital!) helps put people at ease a bit too.

Don't Ask

Alcohol, food and a bunch of laughs also puts people at ease. There was lots of all three.

The Consolations Of Friendship

The Further Consolations Of Friendship

I've only posted my absolute favourites so far on Flickr. They might not even be the best pics I took artistically, but I love them for the moments and the personalities that they capture.

ElegantDaen

It's great to have records of these goods times. Already I look back on photos from events just 6 months ago and see the new children that have arrived, the rapid growth of others, the relationships that have come and gone, and the laughs and the good times shared.

Mmmm... Corn.

Mmmm... Tender Morsel.

The hosts of Turkey Day are heading back to the U.S. in January, so it's a bit bitter sweet to think that this may be the last Turkey Day. Certainly not the last party by any stretch of the imagination, but Turkey Day has a unique magic that will be hard to recapture.

Monday, November 27, 2006

How Much Eating, Drinking and Socialising Is "Too Much"?

Oy. It's Monday afternoon and I'm pooped. I had an absolute cracker of a weekend. Fabulous, full of socialising but perhaps a bit light on for sleep.

Friday night I went to dinner at the home of one of the guys from my Buddhist centre. What a fantastic night. We sat outside in the warmth of the summery evening, drank exotic Samoan beers, had a lovely dinner, talked, patted the neighbourhood cat who has adopted him as her own and took a walk down to the water's edge in Balmain to look back at the cityscape over the water. He has such a beautiful home in Balmain, full of persian rugs, Chinese antiques, lots of Buddha statues and memories from a lifetime of travel.

Saturday I kicked the day off with a solo breakfast at the cafe around the corner, before heading off to the Thanksgiving extravaganza hosted by my friends Coz & Rob. Rob is from the U.S. and after years of living here in Sydney, and marrying local girl Coz, they've decided to head back to the U.S. at the start of next year. So this year's Turkey Day will sadly probably be the last. Saturday was hot and hazy from the smoke of bushfires around Sydney, but the night was mild and comfortable for the 30+ of us seated at the odd assortment of tables and trestles set up in the garden. I took somewhere in the vicinity of a hundred photos, a couple of which I'll post here soon.

Yesterday I had a long delicious lunch at a friend's house, way too much wine, and lots of laughs. Oh, and then a fantastic much needed massage in the afternoon.

It seems like I've started the Holiday Weight Gain Season early this year...

Lighting The Tree

On Thursday night I met up with my favourite bunch of photogeeks from the Flickr Sydney PhotoBloggers group. We meet pretty much every Thursday but this time we planned it around the lighting of the big Christmas tree in Martin Place, here in Sydney.

Glisten

It was a fun night, full of the usual laughs, food and drink that these outings entail. We started with a photoshoot around the tree, before heading off for dinner at Wagamama and then returning to see the tree fully lit.

Santa's Biggest Helper

From my point of view these days as an enthusiastic amateur photographer, a lot of the fun of these sorts of events is the crowd. Christmas brings out the kids and big kids.

Roxy

It's always interesting to me to see the variety of shots that we end up with as a group. I mean, sometimes the moment someone photogenic appears, or something interesting or quirky, we have been known to descend upon it as a pack. Despite this we always get a wide variety of takes on the same thing. Points of view. Different technical choices. It's fascinating and I think also educational. It's broadening my eye, which is a good thing.

Peace On Earth

The rest of my photos from the evening are here.