I Don't Mean To Be Alarmist, But...

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Bad Monkeys

I had a bit of a low activity day today. Futzed around on the computer this morning, without any inspiration for a blog post. Did some laundry. Washed some dishes. Then took myself off into Newtown to grab a few things from the supermarket.

So I came home with a new book, some food, and absolutely none of the things I had actually set out to get. I can survive one morning without deodorant, right? I mean, if I rectify that situation pretty early and don't run into anyone I know, or get too close to any of the cashiers?

As always when I'm down the shops as my parent's used to say (like we lived in a village called Something Quaint-On-Sea) I popped into Better Read Than Dead for a browse. As always, I walked out with a new book. This time "Bad Monkeys" by Matt Ruff.

UK edition cover by Will Webb Design. The Australian edition cover is almost the same, except for the placement of the text for some reason.

I did something I haven't done with a book in ages, I started it as soon as I got home and the next time I looked at the clock I had been reading for around three hours. I've been reading it on and off while I made dinner, and now I'm around 3/4 finished already.

The story kicks off with a woman called Jane Charlotte being questioned for murder. Only she is being questioned by a psychiatrist and not a police officer, on account of the strange tale she told during her arrest. That she was a member of a secret organisation devoted to fighting evil. Her department, "The Department For The Final Disposal of Irredeemable Persons" or "Bad Monkeys" in the colloquial lingua franca of the organisation, is an execution squad. Designed to rid the world of Bad Monkeys, or at least ones that have been labelled as worth removing by the "Cost Benefits" department.

US cover design. I really like this Rorsach Test inspired design, and I'm not sure why they changed it for the UK and Australian editions.

Jane's story is told in extended flashback sequences, starting with her childhood and the situations that lead her to be recruited by The Organisation. Jane's story grows increasingly bizarre in the telling. Quite skillfully Matt Ruff blends enough elements of the plausible, the unlikely and the outright strange to make you want to believe Jane, then doubt her, then wonder if she's delusional. Every time the doctor seems to uncover possible holes in Jane's story, new twists take her tale in a new direction.

As mentioned in the NY Times Review the tone of the book does owe some to the novels of Philip K. Dick. The wry tone and use of the outlandish as every day. There are a few science fiction type elements, and the book also sits in the psychological thriller/crime novel genres.

I'm only about 50 pages from the end, and I can't wait to see what happens. It's been a while since I've read something this engaging!

[Updated: Finished! I really enjoyed it, and best of all there were some plot twists towards the end that I did not see coming! Very enjoyable.]

My Bloody Valentine

Valentine's Day is later this week, and you know what? I have always had very mixed feelings about Valentine's Day.

On one hand I think it's sweet. It's nice to have a day that reminds people to honour their partner, and to make them feel special. Or to have a day that maybe works as a catalyst to bring people together, giving them the courage to approach someone they admire. It certainly supports those involved in the floristry, restaurant and confectionary industries.

Plus, who doesn't love good chocolate in a heart shaped box?

(FYI, my preference is Dark. And Belgian.)

Beresford Egan illustration from a volume by Marquis de Sade

On the other hand it's very commercial, which somewhat cheapens the sentiment. It creates expectations that can be crushing if they're not fulfilled. (I wouldn't be surprised if Valentine's Day almost seperates as many couples as it helps create.) It especially gives the finger to those singletons who aren't happy being single.

So, two sides of the coin. I know people say that we shouldn't need a day to show that we love those we do, but I don't know I agree with that. We have days to commemorate all sorts of things; to make us focus on peace, rememberance, conservation, mothers, fathers... quite a list. I kind of think that we do need reminders to a degree, and the human animal is a celebratory one. We love a good celebrate.

Like I love good chocolate. Did I mention that?

I've had some nice Valentine's Day surprises over the year, including one anonymous card that I still don't know who it was from. I've certainly had some lovely times with guys I was dating, nice dinners, as well as flowers and cards sent, and received. I guess the trick as a single person is not to expect.

Although frankly, I will be surprised if those chocolates don't arrive.

[Updated: I had some queries in the comments about the illustration, and here's what I could find. It's taken from a 1929 edition published by The Fortune Press of "De Sade" by Brian De Shane (pseudonym of Catherine Bower Alcock) with illustrations by Beresford Egan. 7 red and black illustrations by Egan are listed. It seems to have been a volume of essays about De Sade, rather than his own writings. I found the info here, just scroll down the chronology until you get to the 1929 plum covered edition of "De Sade". I found the pic on someone's livejournal some time ago, and if I can remember where I'll link to that too.]

Those Pesky Bootlaces!

Give thanks for them.

Introspectacular

Sorry for the lack of posts on Friday. I had frantic work deadlines to meet and stuff to tidy up before starting my holidays next week, and then I raced out after work to catch up with my friend Robbie for dinner and a few drinks. Catching up with Robbie was a good antidote to a shitty, stressful week.

OMG, those sodding birds have eaten all the breadcrumbs!...

Wow, I had really gotten myself into the deep dark part of the forest by the end of last week; overtired from a string of poor night's sleep, stressed from work deadlines and job frustration, stressed about money, damp and miserable from a week of constant unrelenting rain (hello, this is Summer suposedly). Anyway, I blogged about most of this at the time so none of it is really newsworthy.

I spent much of yesterday racing around in the (yet more) rain to hardware stores, and meeting painters at the house to get quotes on having the house repainted. Best thing of all I took some time to reflect, and especially to revel in the fact that I have a whole week away from work stretching out before me. Aaaaaah...

This afternoon I'm off to a birthday celebration for Evan's birthday, which should be fun. When I get stressed or strung out I can get a bit introspective and solitary, which is not always productive. It's easy to run around in mental circles, that sometimes turn into an ever diminishing spiral, you know? Stewing over negative thoughts until you just about disappear up your own bunghole. So getting out and having some social time should be a Good Thing! Catch you later.

Unless I disappear up my own bunghole that is.

Improved Forecast

Never underestimate the power of a good cathartic cuss, or three.

Um, I'll buy a vowel please.

I'm in a bit of better place today than yesterday. First off I had a better night's sleep last night, which certainly helps the overall outlook. I've also received confirmation that my holiday leave for next week has been approved (Hell yeah!), and I had a couple of chats with some of the managers to unload and let them know how unhappy I am about the work deadline situation. Lastly I got the ball rolling on the house renovations, by organising some painters to come and give me quotes early next week. The sooner that is done the sooner I can get the housemate situation sorted.

Also, at the end of this week my friend Robbie is in town again from Melbourne, so it'll be nice to end off a rough week by catching up with him for dinner and a few beverage items.

So all in all, a little brighter outlook today.

[Photo via the fabulous Hilly Blue.]

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

To any and all of my Chinese readers, Happy Chinese New Year! I hope the Year of The Rat brings prosperity, love and happiness.

The Chinese Lantern Festival, Sydney 2006.

Wound Up

You know, I don't do a lot of venting here (or at least I try not to) so I'll ask for your patience while I get this off my chest. Hey, come along and explore the dark recesses of my psyche before we resume normal programming!

I'm having a bad day today. A really bad one. A take-this-job-and-shove-it-screw-you-all-just-try-and-push-me-one-step-further type day. It's mostly, but not all, about work. You know, this isn't a hard job, although it does involve a huge spike of work at the start of each month (like the suck ass task of writing around 300 invoices, just for starters).

Or it shouldn't be hard, but everybody down the chain from me misses their deadlines on a regular basis. Because I'm at the end of the chain before things go to Head Office, I'm the one that is always under the gun each month to meet my deadlines. I've complained about it, we've had meetings and assurances, and nothing has changed. The managers seem unable or unwilling to deal with it effectively.

So, I bit back the temptation to sling in my resignation. I would dearly love to, but being without a housemate and paying double rent at the moment means that I can't afford to be without my fortnightly income. What I did do was apply for a week's holiday next week. I need the break, plus I need time to get the house 'new housemate ready', get quotes from house painters, have the carpets cleaned etc. I kind of begrudge using up my annual leave, but the break will be nice.

Maybe I'll start job applications while I'm at it.

The other thing that sent me on a negative spiral this morning was running into an old friend I hadn't seen for a while on the train this morning. David and I have never been close, close friends, but we have socialised quite a bit in the past and enjoy each other's company. David is one of those lean, handsome, funny and thoroughly charming guys that seems kind of ageless. He's a real sweetie.

You know when you meet someone you haven't seen for a long time, and you see that moment where their eyes flick downward for a brief split-second? Not judging you as such, but just taking in the changes. The fact that I'm probably 6-8 kilos heavier than I was when we used to hang out together regularly. It wasn't anything unkind or judgemental that he did, but in that moment I saw a quick flash of surprise. Right before I felt my self esteem wilt a little.

We all fear this right? This is the thing that stops most people from attending school reunions and such like, seeing that moment of comparison between what is and what was, and surprise.

Ugh. Woe is me, right? Pity party, your table is ready. Anyway. Don't worry it's just a bad day today, as Annie said "the sun'll come out tomorrow". Although I think the forecast is for rain.

SYTYCD:Australia - Episode The Second

My previous post about So You Think You Can Dance: Australia seems to have divided us into two camps. Me in the Pro Camp (so to speak) and Everyone Else in the Eh, Not So Thrilled Camp. Ok, fine.

Just you wait peoples, the magic will happen.

So, my thoughts about last night's auditions episode 2:

• This is kind of odd programming. I mean, yes I'm glad they appear to be charging through the auditions episodes quickly (because: not my favourite bits), but it premiered on Sunday, then was on again last night, but not on tonight and back on again on Wednesday? WTF? I like structure people! Weekly or daily, pick one.
  
• Again with the hats Matt Lee.
  
• Sob stories. Oh my gawd, the sob stories! Don't get me wrong, I feel for people who have been through hardships, but auditions/job interviews/first dates are NOT the place for them. Maybe that's harsh, but stand up there and be judged on your merits.
  
• I don't think the producers feel that way though. They obviously primed the judges with information about the contestants who had special needs or sad stories to tell, while it seemed like the judges knew little or nothing about everyone else. Maybe I'm wrong, but they started signing to the deaf contestant as soon as she started walking on stage, and they pushed a couple of the contestants who had sad stories to 'tell them about their backgrounds'. Going for the tears.
  
• Perhaps it was editing, but I'd rather they concentrate more on the dancing and then let us get to know them afterwards. I think that also serves those contestants who get through (as a good number of them did) better, by having everyone be on an equal footing without it seeming like a pity party.
  
• I was bit unsure about Natalie Bassingthwaite as host, but I've warmed to her. She was really sweet and encouraging to some of the dancers that were upset that they didn't get through.
  
• Yowza, there are some cute boys! Pray they make it to the final 20.
  

I'm Feeling A Bit Peckish

Not sure why.

Precipitation

It feels kind of shameful to admit this, given the drought and all, but I'm with James, this rain is starting to shit me to tears. (Ok, sure, at least it's still warm. There is that.) Except for the weather goddess smiling on us during the Opera on Saturday, it has basically been bucketing down since late last week. Everything feels damp.

Oh, and that smell? It's me. My black trainer style shoes got all wet, and now I'm sitting here and I can smell my own feet. And not in a good way.

Right now it's raining lightly, but the forecast for the rest of the day is for heavy rain. Last night it was torrential. You know the kind that makes you turn up the tv, and then look nervously out the window to make sure that that thunderous noise is actually rain and not like the beating of wings and the rushing of souls as behold The Rapture is come?

Oh, and my kitchen flooded a little. Again.

5 Tuesday Morning Commute Thoughts And Observations

• My local coffee place takes friendliness to an almost embarassing level. The moment you set foot in the door there's a chorus of "Hello Andrew!" Good morning Andrew!". Ok, it's nice, but unless I'm really up for it I can usually just manage a sheepish "um, hey" kind of response.
  
• Sometimes I boom a big "Morning!" at 'em, just to keep them guessing. They probably think I'm bipolar.
  
• People, you need to let it go. Seriously. It's February, time to take the Christmas wreath off your front door. You don't get a second dip at the Santa action for a whole year yet.
  
• Likewise the faded cards poked into your venetian blinds. Be brave, they've had their moment of glory.
  
• There's a guy who gets on my train in the morning who once caught me checking him out. I don't think he was particularly buoyed or encouraged by the attention, so ever since I've been actively not looking at him. You know? Except I keep accidentally looking at him. Like I'll look up from my book at the exact moment that he is walking by. So of course he doesn't get that I'm not looking at him, because as far as he knows I'm looking at him. Or, not not looking at him. Poor bastard, I can tell I'm freaking him out. Do you think it would help if I chased him up the platform explaining that while it appears I'm not not looking at him, that's just the cruel hand of coincidence?

Shouldn't That Have A Question Mark On The End?

So, episode 1 of So You Think You Can Dance: Australia.

My fellow Australians - Verdicts? Opinions? Love/Hate? Couldn't Care Less?

Here's mine:

• Wow, they just used the exact same opening sequence and program idents as the US version. I guess cut & paste is cheaper, right?
  
• The audition episodes are always my least favourite bits. Having said that, last night wasn't really an exception, although it wasn't too bad and I did find myself getting a little misty a couple of times.
  
• Ok, shut up. Seeing people really, really happy always makes me tear up.
  
• On the upside; the dance standards look fairly high, and it bodes well for the other cities given that they've only done Perth and Brisbane auditions so far.
  
• On the downside; 'dance is my life', 'I've lived through such hardship', 'I have way more confidence in myself than my skill would deem reasonable' cliches were in full force.
  
• Is it just me, or did some of the hard luck stories seem to get an easier ride through?
  
• Judge Matt Lee, what's with all the hats pumpkin? Unless I missed it flash by in the promos, it looks to me like you've got some sort of hat on in every future episode...

*cough*prematurebaldness?*cough*

Opera In The Domain

Every year Opera Australia provides a free summertime Opera In The Domain performance for Sydneysiders. This year was Sydney Opera's production of "La Boheme" (here's a synopsis if you're not familiar) with a fantastic cast under the baton of Giovanni Reggioli.

Opera In The Domain is a packed out event, so those in the know usually get there early on Saturday and reserve their spots before the majority of the crowd rolls in. This year a bunch of Sydney knitters got together from lunchtime onwards to sit, knit, chat, drink and then enjoy the Opera. It had looked like it wasn't going to happen earlier in the day, because from Friday afternoon onwards it was grey and rainy. But despite a gloomy start to the day, the clouds cleared and it turned into a beautiful mild night.

Even though it was an overcast afternoon it was also hot and humid, so much of the time we were huddled under whatever shade we could find or make for ourselves. We hung out, entertained some of the passers by who weren't used to seeing people knitting en masse, and then enjoyed a magical night of Opera. Fantastic! I'm definately going again next year.

We were so happy - and you?


The before picture, sitting and knitting (L), later in the day the crowd starts rolling in (R)


David Reidy interviews us for his "Sticks & String" podcast.


Webgoddess & The Snook (L), Roceal, Adam and a ball of Tofutsies sock yarn (R)


Webgoddess, where your stitches at?


Street performers to keep the crowd amused (L) and kicking off with the National Anthem (R)


For an expat American, Webgoddess sure does LOVE the National Anthem


Evening settles over the Opera (L), city skyline (R)

[As always, click the pics to watch them grow!]

Flower Power

On Saturday morning I got up with the sparrows (scratch that, before them) to join my friend Judy and her son John at the monthly Pyrmont Growers' Market. Saturday was warm, grey and rainy for much of the day, but the weather held off long enough for us to have a nice wander around the markets.

I didn't buy much, just a jar of seriously yummy tayberry jam and the paper. I never buy very much at the markets, the pack sizes of most of the produce is too large for lil' ole singleton me and inspiration is sometimes slow to strike. Much of the food on offer is at the 'gourmet' end of the spectrum. I enjoy the market experience though; coffee and pastries, people watching, puppy dog watching, hanging out with Judy and John, and taking photos. As Judy pointed out I'm a voyeur.

This time around it was the flowers at the market that really drew my attention. Their cheery little faces brightening up a gloomy morning.

Australian native pink gumnuts


Sunflowers. What could be cheerier?


Lotus pods. "The jewel is in the lotus ~ Om Mani PadMe Hum"

Renovation Inspiration

Mad Eye Moody

I seem to be capping the week off with a snit for some reason. Maybe it's the lack of croissant or something. Eh, who knows? I'm kind of tired and crabby right now, and my left eye is pissing me off by being a bit sore, itchy and twitchy. Maybe it's just because it's been a big week, a string of late nights, busy(ish) work days and mornings where I've been waking up earlier than I really have to.

Who can say?

Anyhoo, I'm looking forward to this weekend. Tomorrow will most definately NOT be a sleep in morning though, as I'm being collected at 6.40am by my friend Judy to go to the Pyrmont Grower's Market. (Madness!) Then in the afternoon I'm hanging out with a big bunch of knitting buddies at the city park here known as The Domain, to secure our spot for the evening's free Opera In The Domain concert. ("La Boheme", nice.) At this point the forcast says a good chance of rain though, so please send 'no rain mojo', thanks.

Sunday I think I might have a forage at IKEA, because I want to get some of these fabrics to make cushions for my bedroom (I have a striped quilt set in the same blue/green colours and I think these would make a cute addition and liven it up a bit):



Then Sunday afternoon I'll head to the pub for knitting as per usual, before settling in in the evening for episode 1 of "So You Think You Can Dance: Australia". (Squeeee!)

Although, the way things are going I might be watching it with one good eye.

Breakfast Of Champions

I decided to start the day with a smoothie this morning. Despite all behavioural indicators to the contrary (because let's face it, I'm nothing if not fruity) I've been noticing the lack of fruit in my diet. So this morning I took a suggestion from a rarely consulted book I have about diet and exercise, and whizzed myself up a glass of fruitiliciousness. Health is so much nicer when you can drink it, right? Rockmelon (cantaloupe), a kiwi fruit, some mint and about a half/half mix of pineapple juice and orange juice.

Hello, yum.

Of course I'm craving a croissant right now, but what can you do? Baby steps.

Don't Hate Me

This is sort of self congratulatory and bragging (and for that I apologise) but I just need for you to know that Rufus Wainwright was also most excellent last night! In fact, he seemed a bit more relaxed than on Tuesday night and the audience was a bit more revved up. People leapt to their feet a few times, and not just for the standing ovation he received at the end.

Also, you know, I never thought that anyone could make a fluoro lime green satin suit look good, but he managed it.

Oh, and Sam Neill (plus a smattering of local celebs and demi-celebs) was there!

That is all.

On The Short List

I was Google searching for Japanese knitting books (yes, obsessed) and I found a couple of pics from some of the Japanese men's knitting books I already own. This is not the cardigan I plan on making next, I couldn't find a picture of that one anywhere, but here's a pic of one of the one's that's on the short list:



I like the zip front, the cunning way the rib changes direction to give a nice shoulder fit, and the overall slim fit of it from the stretchy rib. I probably wouldn't make this in white, because hello Blimpy McBlimperton, right? But I would make it in a slate grey maybe. Or a heathery grey green. Or black would be nice, but too hard on the eyes to knit.

Do we like?

[Click the picture to see more detail.]