Sunday
We went for breakfast on the shores of circular quay, I spent a 50 dollar note Kate had given me 2 years ago which I had promised to buy her breakfast with on Circular Quay once were were married.
We checked out of The Hilton and headed back to Willoughby
A relaxed day around Willoughby followed. Hazel and Peter came to Willoughby to pick up the Holden kindly lent to them by Bill and Carol so they could head north up the coast for a week while the rest of us headed to Dubai and Europe.
We had a family dinner in the evening and then we dropped my folks back to the hotel.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Four
Saturday
A beautiful day in Sydney with family friends taking in the Harbour on the Captain Cook Cruise. A couple of pictures below.
We had a few drinks after the Cruise at the Cruise Bar on Circular Quay
Kate and I had dinner in the Hilton Restaurant - The Marble Bar this evening.
http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/restaurants-bars/marble-bar-detail
A beautiful day in Sydney with family friends taking in the Harbour on the Captain Cook Cruise. A couple of pictures below.
We had a few drinks after the Cruise at the Cruise Bar on Circular Quay
Kate and I had dinner in the Hilton Restaurant - The Marble Bar this evening.
http://www.hiltonsydney.com.au/restaurants-bars/marble-bar-detail
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Three
Friday 25th February 2011 - The Day I Married Kate...
Just a short report today as I could not do justice in words to what a wonderful day it was. The morning was spent with a family breakfast near Circular Quay. I then had some time on my own to go over my speech etc. I sat under the Sydney Harbour Bridge taking in the beauty of the harbour and rehearsing the speech to myself.
Soon I was getting ready and heading to the Hilton to check in. I had forgotten Taxi changeover at 3pm in Sydney and almost ended up having to walk or get a bus, although luckily just got a cab.
And so I found myself marrying my beautiful bride on a beautiful Sydney afternoon overlooking the harbour.
Just a short report today as I could not do justice in words to what a wonderful day it was. The morning was spent with a family breakfast near Circular Quay. I then had some time on my own to go over my speech etc. I sat under the Sydney Harbour Bridge taking in the beauty of the harbour and rehearsing the speech to myself.
Soon I was getting ready and heading to the Hilton to check in. I had forgotten Taxi changeover at 3pm in Sydney and almost ended up having to walk or get a bus, although luckily just got a cab.
And so I found myself marrying my beautiful bride on a beautiful Sydney afternoon overlooking the harbour.
Day Six Hundred and Twenty Two
Thursday
During the morning myself, Rob and Dean headed to Peppers to pick up the Wedding suits. Kate and I then drove to the Sergeants Mess to drop off all the stuff for the wedding, it was all very efficient and signed off.
Time came for me to say goodbye to Kate and I got a lift with Bill over to the Hotel and checked in. In the evening we had a very pleasant Steward/Shaw family dinner at Wolfies on Circular Quay. Was very nice way to spend last night as a single man before marrying the beautiful Kate tomorrow.
During the morning myself, Rob and Dean headed to Peppers to pick up the Wedding suits. Kate and I then drove to the Sergeants Mess to drop off all the stuff for the wedding, it was all very efficient and signed off.
Time came for me to say goodbye to Kate and I got a lift with Bill over to the Hotel and checked in. In the evening we had a very pleasant Steward/Shaw family dinner at Wolfies on Circular Quay. Was very nice way to spend last night as a single man before marrying the beautiful Kate tomorrow.
Day Six Hundred and Twenty One
Wednesday
Wedding Rehearsal Day. We shuffled lots of cars and people around and finally found ourselves at The Sergeants Mess to do a run through of the wedding ceremony. All went well and we worked out who would stand where and the order of everything. Kate and I also signed off the final paperwork to allow it to all go ahead.
As a final highlight the Queen Mary 2 sailed past afterwards as she departed Sydney.
Wedding Rehearsal Day. We shuffled lots of cars and people around and finally found ourselves at The Sergeants Mess to do a run through of the wedding ceremony. All went well and we worked out who would stand where and the order of everything. Kate and I also signed off the final paperwork to allow it to all go ahead.
As a final highlight the Queen Mary 2 sailed past afterwards as she departed Sydney.
Day Six Hundred and Twenty
Tuesday
Kate and I drove over to Edgecliff for final meeting with the Photographer. Our intended photographer has twisted her ankle so we met her replacement. Afterwards we headed home and prepped for our Stag and Hen nights.
My stag night started at Circular Quay and involved Jet Boating around the Harbour, drinks and then dinner at Darling Harbour at Ripples. This was very nice and then headed to the Casino to round off the evening.
Kate's Hen night involved cocktail making class, followed by dinner at the gazebo restaurant at Elizabeth Bay and then onto The Victoria Rooms.
Kate and I drove over to Edgecliff for final meeting with the Photographer. Our intended photographer has twisted her ankle so we met her replacement. Afterwards we headed home and prepped for our Stag and Hen nights.
My stag night started at Circular Quay and involved Jet Boating around the Harbour, drinks and then dinner at Darling Harbour at Ripples. This was very nice and then headed to the Casino to round off the evening.
Kate's Hen night involved cocktail making class, followed by dinner at the gazebo restaurant at Elizabeth Bay and then onto The Victoria Rooms.
Day Six Hundred and Nineteen
Monday
A day spent in and around Sydney doing last minute things for the wedding. We spent some time at Chatswood Chase buying some bits and pieces for the wedding venue.
We had lunch with the folks at the Fish Market.
Dean and Laura arrived in Sydney form Perth this evening.
A day spent in and around Sydney doing last minute things for the wedding. We spent some time at Chatswood Chase buying some bits and pieces for the wedding venue.
We had lunch with the folks at the Fish Market.
Dean and Laura arrived in Sydney form Perth this evening.
Sunday 20 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Eighteen
Sunday
Today we celebrated Kate's 30th Birthday and also welcomed family and friends with a picnicing in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney. Was a bit of a hot day to be carrying so much stuff from the car after trying to find a 2 parking spots but we managed it in the end.
We found ourselves a nice spot under the shade of the trees and set up. Was lovely when everyone arrived and was a very relaxed day indeed.
After the picnic we went to the ECQ bar on Circular Quay and had some cocktails and drinks
http://www.mirvachotels.com/quay-grand-suites-sydney/ecq-bar-circular-quay
All wanting something to eat we headed up to the Lowenbrau place in the Rocks
http://www.lowenbrau.com.au/
Today we celebrated Kate's 30th Birthday and also welcomed family and friends with a picnicing in the Botanic Gardens in Sydney. Was a bit of a hot day to be carrying so much stuff from the car after trying to find a 2 parking spots but we managed it in the end.
We found ourselves a nice spot under the shade of the trees and set up. Was lovely when everyone arrived and was a very relaxed day indeed.
After the picnic we went to the ECQ bar on Circular Quay and had some cocktails and drinks
http://www.mirvachotels.com/quay-grand-suites-sydney/ecq-bar-circular-quay
All wanting something to eat we headed up to the Lowenbrau place in the Rocks
http://www.lowenbrau.com.au/
Day Six Hundred and Seventeen
Saturday
Happy 30th Birthday to my gorgeous fiancee Kate!
Was up at 6.25am and off to Sydney Airport where I had only been 10 hours earlier to pick up the best man Rob. The airport was crazy bu the finally emerged and was great to see him.
We drove back to Willoughby and he got to meet the family!
Later in the morning I dropped him over to Manly where he will stay for a few days.
Back to Willoughby and then we all headed up to Chatswood for some food, a quick lunch really followed by some shopping. I managed to pick out a dress for Kate, just call me Gok or whatever his name is.
In the evening we all headed across to Circular Quay to celebrate Kates 30th at the Cafe Sydney
http://cafesydney.com.au/
Happy 30th Birthday to my gorgeous fiancee Kate!
Was up at 6.25am and off to Sydney Airport where I had only been 10 hours earlier to pick up the best man Rob. The airport was crazy bu the finally emerged and was great to see him.
We drove back to Willoughby and he got to meet the family!
Later in the morning I dropped him over to Manly where he will stay for a few days.
Back to Willoughby and then we all headed up to Chatswood for some food, a quick lunch really followed by some shopping. I managed to pick out a dress for Kate, just call me Gok or whatever his name is.
In the evening we all headed across to Circular Quay to celebrate Kates 30th at the Cafe Sydney
http://cafesydney.com.au/
Day Six Hundred and Sixteen
Friday
And so our last day in Brisbane, I went to work and wrapped up as much as I could before my departure, seemed to do lots of running around. Kate picked me up at 5 o'clock and soon enough we were off tot he airport again.
Had some food, took a relaxing flight back and landed at 22.30.
Were my by Bill, Carol, Chris and Hannah who had flown in form Adelaide not long before. Headed to Willoughby had a cuppa, chatted and hit the sack.
And so our last day in Brisbane, I went to work and wrapped up as much as I could before my departure, seemed to do lots of running around. Kate picked me up at 5 o'clock and soon enough we were off tot he airport again.
Had some food, took a relaxing flight back and landed at 22.30.
Were my by Bill, Carol, Chris and Hannah who had flown in form Adelaide not long before. Headed to Willoughby had a cuppa, chatted and hit the sack.
Day Six Hundred and Fifteen
Thursday
Into work again, a good day getting stuff done. The folks came over to Teneriffe in the afternoon and got some washing done before their return to Sydney tomorrow. They didn't stay too late after we had a Thai dinner from around the corner.
Not sure where the time in Brisbane went but very nice having folks around.
Into work again, a good day getting stuff done. The folks came over to Teneriffe in the afternoon and got some washing done before their return to Sydney tomorrow. They didn't stay too late after we had a Thai dinner from around the corner.
Not sure where the time in Brisbane went but very nice having folks around.
Day Six Hundred and Fourteen
Got up early and headed over to Toowong and met Brett. Then went for a meeting with our key project stakeholders and locked in our trail at last.
In the evening we had a quiet night doing some last of the wedding stationery.
In the evening we had a quiet night doing some last of the wedding stationery.
Day Six Hundred and Thirteen
Tuesday
I spent the day at work, Kate an folks did thier own thing during the day.
More to follow.
I spent the day at work, Kate an folks did thier own thing during the day.
More to follow.
Monday 14 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Twelve
Monday
A good day at work, nearly cracked the trail after all the flood chaos.
Walked home and met folks who had taken bus to Teneriffe. We had a superb salad meal cooked by Kate, played a bit of scrabble and then I dropped folks home to hotel.
Oh and I've won the last 4 games of scrabble in a row. Go me.
A good day at work, nearly cracked the trail after all the flood chaos.
Walked home and met folks who had taken bus to Teneriffe. We had a superb salad meal cooked by Kate, played a bit of scrabble and then I dropped folks home to hotel.
Oh and I've won the last 4 games of scrabble in a row. Go me.
Day Six Hundred and Eleven
Sunday
A quiet day for Kate and I and we spent much of the morning and afternoon finishing off wedding things. We then headed into town at 4o'clock to meet folks. We grabbed a cup of tea at a cafe on the river and then walked down through town to the South Bank to get some dinner.
We then all attended the Billy Connolly benefit gig at the Convention Centre. Was OK but quite stale and a re-hash of the stuff we had seen in Brighton a couple of years back. Don't think he did anything I hadn't seen him do before.
It was a bit distasteful his jokes about houses washing away in Toowoomba too.
Ade rating 5/10.
Took a taxi home dropping folks back to hotel on the way.
A quiet day for Kate and I and we spent much of the morning and afternoon finishing off wedding things. We then headed into town at 4o'clock to meet folks. We grabbed a cup of tea at a cafe on the river and then walked down through town to the South Bank to get some dinner.
We then all attended the Billy Connolly benefit gig at the Convention Centre. Was OK but quite stale and a re-hash of the stuff we had seen in Brighton a couple of years back. Don't think he did anything I hadn't seen him do before.
It was a bit distasteful his jokes about houses washing away in Toowoomba too.
Ade rating 5/10.
Took a taxi home dropping folks back to hotel on the way.
Day Six Hundred and Ten
We picked up folks and headed south to Springbrook National Park and we visited Purlingbrook Falls
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purlingbrook_Falls
We then headed to the Gold Coast for lunch. We ended up at Surfers Paradise and had lunch at the Surf Lifesavers Club.
Kate and I went for a swim in the afternoon and I got caught by a blue bottle on the leg which was a bit of a pain for an hour.
Drove back to Brisbane and we had dinner in Teneriffe and then the folks grabbed a taxi back to the hotel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purlingbrook_Falls
We then headed to the Gold Coast for lunch. We ended up at Surfers Paradise and had lunch at the Surf Lifesavers Club.
Kate and I went for a swim in the afternoon and I got caught by a blue bottle on the leg which was a bit of a pain for an hour.
Drove back to Brisbane and we had dinner in Teneriffe and then the folks grabbed a taxi back to the hotel.
Day Six Hundred and Nine
Friday
Another day at work trying to finalise our trail, a day of ups and downs in that respect with good news on trail and then bad news. Hopefully next week we'll have the trail cracked.
flat and had a fish and chip supper. The folks spent day in Brisbane sight seeing. We picked them up after work and came back to theWas very nice family time.
In other news, lots of ex-colleagues got bad news of the back of this press release
Another day at work trying to finalise our trail, a day of ups and downs in that respect with good news on trail and then bad news. Hopefully next week we'll have the trail cracked.
flat and had a fish and chip supper. The folks spent day in Brisbane sight seeing. We picked them up after work and came back to theWas very nice family time.
In other news, lots of ex-colleagues got bad news of the back of this press release
Nokia and Microsoft announce plans for a broad strategic partnership to build a new global ecosystem
Companies plan to combine assets and develop innovative mobile products on an unprecedented scale
Nokia Corporation
Stock exchange release
February 11, 2011 at 9.30 (CET +1)
London, Feb. 11, 2011 - Nokia and Microsoft today announced plans to form a broad strategic partnership that would use their complementary strengths and expertise to create a new global mobile ecosystem.
Nokia and Microsoft intend to jointly create market-leading mobile products and services designed to offer consumers, operators and developers unrivalled choice and opportunity. As each company would focus on its core competencies, the partnership would create the opportunity for rapid time to market execution. Additionally, Nokia and Microsoft plan to work together to integrate key assets and create completely new service offerings, while extending established products and services to new markets.
Under the proposed partnership:
- Nokia would adopt Windows Phone as its principal smartphone strategy, innovating on top of the platform in areas such as imaging, where Nokia is a market leader.
- Nokia would help drive the future of Windows Phone. Nokia would contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support, and help bring Windows Phone to a larger range of price points, market segments and geographies.
- Nokia and Microsoft would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives and a shared development roadmap to align on the future evolution of mobile products.
- Bing would power Nokia's search services across Nokia devices and services, giving customers access to Bing's next generation search capabilities. Microsoft adCenter would provide search advertising services on Nokia's line of devices and services.
- Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft's mapping services. For example, Maps would be integrated with Microsoft's Bing search engine and adCenter advertising platform to form a unique local search and advertising experience
- Nokia's extensive operator billing agreements would make it easier for consumers to purchase Nokia Windows Phone services in countries where credit-card use is low.
- Microsoft development tools would be used to create applications to run on Nokia Windows Phones, allowing developers to easily leverage the ecosystem's global reach.
- Nokia's content and application store would be integrated with Microsoft Marketplace for a more compelling consumer experience.
"Today, developers, operators and consumers want compelling mobile products, which include not only the device, but the software, services, applications and customer support that make a great experience," Stephen Elop, Nokia President and CEO, said at a joint news conference in London. "Nokia and Microsoft will combine our strengths to deliver an ecosystem with unrivalled global reach and scale. It's now a three-horse race."
"I am excited about this partnership with Nokia," said Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. "Ecosystems thrive when fueled by speed, innovation and scale. The partnership announced today provides incredible scale, vast expertise in hardware and software innovation and a proven ability to execute."
Please visit www.nokia.com/press for press materials.
Day Six Hundred and Eight
Thursday
picked them up and brought them back to Got up and went to work and at lunchtime Kate picked me up. We drove to the folks hotel andTeneriffe for lunch. I made my way back to work and Kate then took the folks shopping in the afternoon.
I came home form work and then we all went out for dinner at the James St Bistro. Afterwards we drove the folks back to the hotel and came home. Did some more wedding stationary and then went to bed.
picked them up and brought them back to Got up and went to work and at lunchtime Kate picked me up. We drove to the folks hotel andTeneriffe for lunch. I made my way back to work and Kate then took the folks shopping in the afternoon.
I came home form work and then we all went out for dinner at the James St Bistro. Afterwards we drove the folks back to the hotel and came home. Did some more wedding stationary and then went to bed.
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Seven
Wednesday
Nice early text messages from folks to say they had landed in Sydney, had a quick call too.
A long day at work, however a revised trail is looking good.
Kate picked me up just before 5pm, we came home briefly and then it was off to the airport to pick up the folks.
Was great to see them coming down the stairs of the plane and a great reunion in the delightful Brisbane airport.
Brought them home and showed them flat, and soon enough took the tired two to their hotel.
Oh and its good to hear Caro has landed on Aussie soil too.
Nice early text messages from folks to say they had landed in Sydney, had a quick call too.
A long day at work, however a revised trail is looking good.
Kate picked me up just before 5pm, we came home briefly and then it was off to the airport to pick up the folks.
Was great to see them coming down the stairs of the plane and a great reunion in the delightful Brisbane airport.
Brought them home and showed them flat, and soon enough took the tired two to their hotel.
Oh and its good to hear Caro has landed on Aussie soil too.
Day Six Hundred and Six
Tuesday
Brett and I spent most of the day 4wd'ing through Brisbane Forest Park looking at trail routes and measuring GPS data etc. All looks good for event, was along day though.
In the evening spent lots of time doing more wedding stationary, Kate should start our own business doing it post wedding!
We spent time tidying up before the arrival of the folks tomorrow.
Brett and I spent most of the day 4wd'ing through Brisbane Forest Park looking at trail routes and measuring GPS data etc. All looks good for event, was along day though.
In the evening spent lots of time doing more wedding stationary, Kate should start our own business doing it post wedding!
We spent time tidying up before the arrival of the folks tomorrow.
Day Six Hundred and Five
Monday
Another week, less than 3 now until we get married!
A day in the office doing more prep for event.
Came home and we spent lots of time ticking things of our wedding to do list. Folks are now flying to Singapore and will arrive in Australia on Wednesday morning.
Another week, less than 3 now until we get married!
A day in the office doing more prep for event.
Came home and we spent lots of time ticking things of our wedding to do list. Folks are now flying to Singapore and will arrive in Australia on Wednesday morning.
Sunday 6 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Four
Sunday
Got up at 4.50am as I had agreed to go and help out at a walking/running event at Mt Glorious (where our event starts). Tough getting up early but amazing to see the amount of people out cycling at that time of day on a Sunday morning.
Event all went off OK, only 150 people compared by our 1200 but good to see how they managed their start etc.
Came home by 11am and we did more things on the wedding to do list!
Went for a walk along the river in the early evening, had some dinner and spoke to Carol, then my folks by Skype, they are very excited to be arriving in Australia on Wednesday. Will be great to have them here.
Got up at 4.50am as I had agreed to go and help out at a walking/running event at Mt Glorious (where our event starts). Tough getting up early but amazing to see the amount of people out cycling at that time of day on a Sunday morning.
Event all went off OK, only 150 people compared by our 1200 but good to see how they managed their start etc.
Came home by 11am and we did more things on the wedding to do list!
Went for a walk along the river in the early evening, had some dinner and spoke to Carol, then my folks by Skype, they are very excited to be arriving in Australia on Wednesday. Will be great to have them here.
Day Six Hundred and Three
Saturday
A day of wedding prep etc before the folks arrive later in the week. We did some shopping in Milton and the city.
Much of rest of day at home doing wedding stationary.
A day of wedding prep etc before the folks arrive later in the week. We did some shopping in Milton and the city.
Much of rest of day at home doing wedding stationary.
Friday 4 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and Two
Friday
Up early and to a meeting with QPWS. Things are looking good for the event, going to be a few busy months I think.
Nipped home for lunch and then back to work.
The evening was relaxed in front of TV with a few drinks and a nice nachos dinner.
Up early and to a meeting with QPWS. Things are looking good for the event, going to be a few busy months I think.
Nipped home for lunch and then back to work.
The evening was relaxed in front of TV with a few drinks and a nice nachos dinner.
Thursday 3 February 2011
Day Six Hundred and One
Awoke to thankfully find little loss of life up north.
A quiet day at work, not much to report from there. Did get lots of wedding things done though, final prep all coming together now.
Came home and carried on with wedding stuff, spoke to Bill and Carol.
Tomorrow is Friday thankfully.
Some pics from up north
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/cyclone-yasi-pictures/
A quiet day at work, not much to report from there. Did get lots of wedding things done though, final prep all coming together now.
Came home and carried on with wedding stuff, spoke to Bill and Carol.
Tomorrow is Friday thankfully.
Some pics from up north
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/cyclone-yasi-pictures/
Wednesday 2 February 2011
Day Six Hundred
A day dominated by Cyclone Yasi. This is a bad one, catergory 5 and headed to the North of Queensland. I fear when we wake tomorrow there will be significant damage and loss of life.
Spent much of day at work tracking the progress of it as well as trying to continue normal work which is already disrupted after floods.
Had a good Skype call with folks in the evening.
Some interesting articles below.
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/how-cyclone-yasi-compares-around-the-world/story-fn7ik2te-1225998762870
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/port-hinchinbrook-resident-made-emergency-call-to-be-evacuated-but-was-told-nothing-could-be-done-to-help-them/story-e6freon6-1225999067005
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/inside-a-monster-20110202-1adpi.html
Spent much of day at work tracking the progress of it as well as trying to continue normal work which is already disrupted after floods.
Had a good Skype call with folks in the evening.
Some interesting articles below.
http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/floodrelief/how-cyclone-yasi-compares-around-the-world/story-fn7ik2te-1225998762870
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/port-hinchinbrook-resident-made-emergency-call-to-be-evacuated-but-was-told-nothing-could-be-done-to-help-them/story-e6freon6-1225999067005
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/weather/inside-a-monster-20110202-1adpi.html
Tuesday 1 February 2011
Day Five Hundred and Ninety Nine
Tuesday ...day 599
Another day at work, walked in this morning, was supper humid as it had rained earlier, in fact rain woke me up at about 6am. Got to work and sat in front of fan for five minutes.
A day of chasing stakeholders and meetings at work.
Walked home in the rain, gotta keep walking come rain or shine.
Looks like Queensland is in for yet another battering, this time from Cyclone Yasi...
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland-facing-a-deadly-event-with-cyclone-yasi-anna-bligh/story-e6freon6-1225997904763
Another day at work, walked in this morning, was supper humid as it had rained earlier, in fact rain woke me up at about 6am. Got to work and sat in front of fan for five minutes.
A day of chasing stakeholders and meetings at work.
Walked home in the rain, gotta keep walking come rain or shine.
Looks like Queensland is in for yet another battering, this time from Cyclone Yasi...
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland-facing-a-deadly-event-with-cyclone-yasi-anna-bligh/story-e6freon6-1225997904763
Day Five Hundred and Ninety Eight
Monday
Back to work, not much to report from there still. Came home and we looked at some wedding bits and pieces.
New season of My Kitchen Rules started tonight, fall of very annoying people but I'm gunning for the Queensland butchers.
Back to work, not much to report from there still. Came home and we looked at some wedding bits and pieces.
New season of My Kitchen Rules started tonight, fall of very annoying people but I'm gunning for the Queensland butchers.
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