Monday
Qantas grounding is finished, which is a relief as we are flying with them in December to UK.
A very quiet day at work, hardly anyone in the office to be honest, roads were quiet too, suspect a lot of people are having next couple of days off as it's Melbourne Cup tomorrow.
Helped Kate make some things for stuff they are doing at work tomorrow for the cup, indeed I managed to get superglue all over my fingers in the process.
Monday 31 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Seventy
Sunday
A relaxing day around the house and then a good Skyope call with folks in the evening.
A relaxing day around the house and then a good Skyope call with folks in the evening.
Saturday 29 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Nine
Saturday
A relaxed day at home and then the interesting news Qantas has grounded it's entire operation. There has been a long running dispute here between Qantas management and 3 of the 15 unions representing Qantas staff. There has been ongoing one day stoppages, 1 hour strikes etc and both sides not wanting to get to a resolution. There was a hostile AGM on Friday and then today the Irish boss Alan Joyce pulled the plug on all flights to try and get a resolution. A big par tom me says good on him, the unions are being unreasonable in their demands and he should show them who is boss. It's going to be interesting to see how it pans out.
In the evening we went for dinner at the Powerhouse followed by going to see 'the Idea of North' an A Cappella group, they were fantastic. Sample are here if you click on Album pictures
http://idea.com.au/our_music
A relaxed day at home and then the interesting news Qantas has grounded it's entire operation. There has been a long running dispute here between Qantas management and 3 of the 15 unions representing Qantas staff. There has been ongoing one day stoppages, 1 hour strikes etc and both sides not wanting to get to a resolution. There was a hostile AGM on Friday and then today the Irish boss Alan Joyce pulled the plug on all flights to try and get a resolution. A big par tom me says good on him, the unions are being unreasonable in their demands and he should show them who is boss. It's going to be interesting to see how it pans out.
In the evening we went for dinner at the Powerhouse followed by going to see 'the Idea of North' an A Cappella group, they were fantastic. Sample are here if you click on Album pictures
http://idea.com.au/our_music
Friday 28 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Eight
Friday
Relaxed day at work, headed home early to pick Kate up and then we headed off to the Greek Club in South Brisbane for the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Awards Dinner. Trailwalker put ourselves forward for three awards and became Finalists in 2 categories, one of which we won.
More details here
http://www.qorf.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=1353
Here are pictures of our award for The Brisbane City Council outdoor event award
Framed Certificate
The Award
Erin and myself collecting with our awards.
In other big news we sold the flat in London today. All went smoothly by all accounts which is great. It gives Kate and I a nice nest egg for buying a place here in Australia in the future. goodbye Dinton Rd!
Relaxed day at work, headed home early to pick Kate up and then we headed off to the Greek Club in South Brisbane for the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Awards Dinner. Trailwalker put ourselves forward for three awards and became Finalists in 2 categories, one of which we won.
More details here
http://www.qorf.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=1353
Here are pictures of our award for The Brisbane City Council outdoor event award
Framed Certificate
The Award
Erin and myself collecting with our awards.
In other big news we sold the flat in London today. All went smoothly by all accounts which is great. It gives Kate and I a nice nest egg for buying a place here in Australia in the future. goodbye Dinton Rd!
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Seven
Thursday
A quiet day at work so not too much to report here. Looks like everything is all set for flat sale in UK, Alvin has kindly been up to the flat to do final clearance of stuff. yesterday buyer did an inspection and seemed happy with it.
Quiet night at home to.
A quiet day at work so not too much to report here. Looks like everything is all set for flat sale in UK, Alvin has kindly been up to the flat to do final clearance of stuff. yesterday buyer did an inspection and seemed happy with it.
Quiet night at home to.
Wednesday 26 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Six
Wednesday
Up early for a Skype call with folks to get an update on flat sale in London. Tenant has moved out, cleaners have been through and Alv and Crystal will clear the place during Wednesday and Thursday with completion set for Friday. Fingers crossed.
Walked to work and back again, not much to report there.
Lazy evening at home. Also got a pay rise for being in my job a year already.
Up early for a Skype call with folks to get an update on flat sale in London. Tenant has moved out, cleaners have been through and Alv and Crystal will clear the place during Wednesday and Thursday with completion set for Friday. Fingers crossed.
Walked to work and back again, not much to report there.
Lazy evening at home. Also got a pay rise for being in my job a year already.
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Five
Tuesday
A scorching day in Brisbane, was hot walking to work. Before that I drove to post office to pick up a parcel, our first Next delivery had arrived, pretty quick service, 5 days delivery from UK and no shipping costs. Not as much range online to Australia but good all the same. Can finally chuck out some socks that have holes in!
Slowish day at work and then home in the evening with a quick walk along the river.
A scorching day in Brisbane, was hot walking to work. Before that I drove to post office to pick up a parcel, our first Next delivery had arrived, pretty quick service, 5 days delivery from UK and no shipping costs. Not as much range online to Australia but good all the same. Can finally chuck out some socks that have holes in!
Slowish day at work and then home in the evening with a quick walk along the river.
Monday 24 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Four
Not much to report today, the Queen went past the river across the road form where we live, however we were both at work so missed her. More info and pictures here
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/gallery-e6frer9f-1226175057942?page=1
28 Degrees here today, 17 overnight.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/gallery-e6frer9f-1226175057942?page=1
28 Degrees here today, 17 overnight.
Sunday 23 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Three
Sunday
Lazy day in the morning, lunch at the new farm deli and shopping followed by a lazy afternoon at home.
Lazy day in the morning, lunch at the new farm deli and shopping followed by a lazy afternoon at home.
Saturday 22 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty Two
Saturday
Went through the usual rigmarole of viewing this morning, seems no one showed up as we sat outside at the bus stop stalking the front door!
This evening we went to the Hogs Breath Cafe for dinner (dead classy...) followed by seeing Contagin at the cinema, pretty good movie, Kate scored it 7.5/10.
Oh and the weather up here is not looking crash hot going forwards
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/forecasters-fear-new-la-nina-as-pressure-grows-to-open-floodgates-of-major-dams/story-e6freoof-1226174041275
Went through the usual rigmarole of viewing this morning, seems no one showed up as we sat outside at the bus stop stalking the front door!
This evening we went to the Hogs Breath Cafe for dinner (dead classy...) followed by seeing Contagin at the cinema, pretty good movie, Kate scored it 7.5/10.
Oh and the weather up here is not looking crash hot going forwards
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/forecasters-fear-new-la-nina-as-pressure-grows-to-open-floodgates-of-major-dams/story-e6freoof-1226174041275
Friday 21 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty One
Friday
Up early and out on the trail walking with Brett. Had to review part of our last section as it's too steep in places after people have walked over 95km.
Walked 9km this morning, up and down some pesky hills too. It was all around Mt Coot-tha and we stopped at the Summit lookout for a while on the way through.
Managed to come across some excellent wildlife, a Goanna scuttled across the track and up a tree next to us. You don't get this back in blighty, the thing was about a metre long, here's a pic...
Up early and out on the trail walking with Brett. Had to review part of our last section as it's too steep in places after people have walked over 95km.
Walked 9km this morning, up and down some pesky hills too. It was all around Mt Coot-tha and we stopped at the Summit lookout for a while on the way through.
Managed to come across some excellent wildlife, a Goanna scuttled across the track and up a tree next to us. You don't get this back in blighty, the thing was about a metre long, here's a pic...
Thursday 20 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Sixty
Thursday
An early start to get into office for 8am to dial into a teleconference with HQ in Melbourne.
A few team meetings in the morning and then I headed home at lunchtime to get my hours back from yesterday and early start this morning.
Relaxed afternoon at home and headed out to pick Kate up and bring her home.
An early start to get into office for 8am to dial into a teleconference with HQ in Melbourne.
A few team meetings in the morning and then I headed home at lunchtime to get my hours back from yesterday and early start this morning.
Relaxed afternoon at home and headed out to pick Kate up and bring her home.
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty Nine
Wednesday
A laid back day at work and then I headed out to the QORF (Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation) Forum after work. A good chance to network with others in the outdoor sector in Queensland and get updates form Qld Parks and Wildlife Service.
Trekked home on a train from Milton at 9pm.
A laid back day at work and then I headed out to the QORF (Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation) Forum after work. A good chance to network with others in the outdoor sector in Queensland and get updates form Qld Parks and Wildlife Service.
Trekked home on a train from Milton at 9pm.
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty Eight
Tuesday
A slow day in the office before heading home. Ended up picking up Kate form work and then we went for a walk along the river.
Had a flurry of email activity in the evening regarding the sale of the London flat, all looking good for next week touch wood.
A slow day in the office before heading home. Ended up picking up Kate form work and then we went for a walk along the river.
Had a flurry of email activity in the evening regarding the sale of the London flat, all looking good for next week touch wood.
Sunday 16 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty Six
Sunday
A day mainly around the apartment sorting lots of stuff out and ticking things off our ever ongoing to do list.
Skyped folks in evening and had lunch at Powerhouse earlier.
A day mainly around the apartment sorting lots of stuff out and ticking things off our ever ongoing to do list.
Skyped folks in evening and had lunch at Powerhouse earlier.
Saturday 15 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty Five
Saturday
Bit of a chaotic morning, went to see one apartment for rent just across street next to us which was nice but not OK for moving too if we decide to move out, got home and Kate was in shower and I phoned another agent about a place in same building (The Elington), they were doing inspection in 1 minute. Kate quickly got out of shower and we looked at that one, again nice and could work date wise but again we are going to see what happens with our place before making any decisions.
Rushed home and Kate finished her shower in 10 mins before we had to be out of here for the open inspection. We waited outside in car and thankfully no one came to view it. Word is Qld housing market has more properties than buyers which is good for us, hopefully it wont sell! We went for lunch in New Farm and did some shopping them home.
Went for a swim in the pool this afternoon too!
Had a monster storm here this afternoon, it is storm season now so not unexpected. Here the storm warning pic...
More here
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-bracing-for-return-of-fierce-storms/story-e6freoof-1226166809511
Had a great Donna Hay chorizo and chicken dish for dinner.
Bit of a chaotic morning, went to see one apartment for rent just across street next to us which was nice but not OK for moving too if we decide to move out, got home and Kate was in shower and I phoned another agent about a place in same building (The Elington), they were doing inspection in 1 minute. Kate quickly got out of shower and we looked at that one, again nice and could work date wise but again we are going to see what happens with our place before making any decisions.
Rushed home and Kate finished her shower in 10 mins before we had to be out of here for the open inspection. We waited outside in car and thankfully no one came to view it. Word is Qld housing market has more properties than buyers which is good for us, hopefully it wont sell! We went for lunch in New Farm and did some shopping them home.
Went for a swim in the pool this afternoon too!
Had a monster storm here this afternoon, it is storm season now so not unexpected. Here the storm warning pic...
More here
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/state-bracing-for-return-of-fierce-storms/story-e6freoof-1226166809511
Had a great Donna Hay chorizo and chicken dish for dinner.
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty Four
Friday
Went for a walk along the river before work and then walked to work too.
A relaxed day at work and in the evening Kate and I went to Eve's on the rive rot celebrate my permanent residency visa. Chocolate desert was to die for!
Went for a walk along the river before work and then walked to work too.
A relaxed day at work and in the evening Kate and I went to Eve's on the rive rot celebrate my permanent residency visa. Chocolate desert was to die for!
Thursday 13 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty Three
Good day at work although left a little early as there was a severe weather warning issued, they look like this when they come out....
http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html
Anyway headed home on bus as it was raining hard and then gambled on not getting large hail stones and picked up Kate.
http://www.bom.gov.au/cgi-bin/wrap_fwo.pl?IDQ20041.html
Anyway headed home on bus as it was raining hard and then gambled on not getting large hail stones and picked up Kate.
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty Two
Wednesday
Getting a lot warmer in Brissie now, hot walking to work.
Went in and we finally announced our trail today, theres a blog post here
http://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/2011/10/11/hitting-the-2012-trail/
Knocked off at 5 and headed home.
Getting a lot warmer in Brissie now, hot walking to work.
Went in and we finally announced our trail today, theres a blog post here
http://trailwalker.oxfam.org.au/2011/10/11/hitting-the-2012-trail/
Knocked off at 5 and headed home.
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty One
Tuesday 11th October
Walked to work and had a meeting with city council in the city during the morning to discuss event. All went OK.
Back to office and then walked home.
Arrived home to find a letter form Dept of Immigration, I'm now an Australian Permanent Resident, woohoo! After 2 years and 7 months after our initial application I now have full partner visa and residency! This also means I can legitimately apply for credit card and proper mobile phone contract etc.In just under 2 years I can go for Citizenship.
A good day all round, Kate and I had a takeaway to celebrate and will celebrate over dinner at the weekend.
Walked to work and had a meeting with city council in the city during the morning to discuss event. All went OK.
Back to office and then walked home.
Arrived home to find a letter form Dept of Immigration, I'm now an Australian Permanent Resident, woohoo! After 2 years and 7 months after our initial application I now have full partner visa and residency! This also means I can legitimately apply for credit card and proper mobile phone contract etc.In just under 2 years I can go for Citizenship.
A good day all round, Kate and I had a takeaway to celebrate and will celebrate over dinner at the weekend.
Day Eight Hundred and Fifty
Monday
Walked into work and spent all day on maps etc and bring Brett back up to speed after his 4 week break.
Walked home and chilled at home.
Walked into work and spent all day on maps etc and bring Brett back up to speed after his 4 week break.
Walked home and chilled at home.
Sunday 9 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Nine
Sunday
A lazy morning, got woken up at 4am by neighbours upstairs rolling in drunk. Later in morning we drove into the city to pick up Kate's Tiffany Bracelet which has her charms soldered on it.
Lunch in Myer centre, back home, walk along the river and cooked ourselves meatballs, very nice. Had a three way Skype with Sydney and Adelaide which was nice.
A lazy morning, got woken up at 4am by neighbours upstairs rolling in drunk. Later in morning we drove into the city to pick up Kate's Tiffany Bracelet which has her charms soldered on it.
Lunch in Myer centre, back home, walk along the river and cooked ourselves meatballs, very nice. Had a three way Skype with Sydney and Adelaide which was nice.
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Eight
Saturday
Usual rigmarole of tidying up for apartment sale inspection this morning. We went out and staked the place out in the car to see if anyone showed up, one couple came through we think. We looked at a couple of rental places too in the morning.
In the afternoon we did some shopping and then in the evening we had a very nice night out to the Centro Cinema to go see The Hunter stating William Defoe and Sam Neill, was very good indeed.
Usual rigmarole of tidying up for apartment sale inspection this morning. We went out and staked the place out in the car to see if anyone showed up, one couple came through we think. We looked at a couple of rental places too in the morning.
In the afternoon we did some shopping and then in the evening we had a very nice night out to the Centro Cinema to go see The Hunter stating William Defoe and Sam Neill, was very good indeed.
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Seven
Friday
Went out walking the trail this morning with my colleague Erin, all went well, have a final trail now and a full GPS log of it. Thankfully it adds up to 100km.
Went into the office after that and was only one in there all day. Picked up Kate form work and started the weekend.
Went out walking the trail this morning with my colleague Erin, all went well, have a final trail now and a full GPS log of it. Thankfully it adds up to 100km.
Went into the office after that and was only one in there all day. Picked up Kate form work and started the weekend.
Thursday 6 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Six
Thursday
A wet rainy day in Brisbane today. A quiet day in the office and took an early mark and headed home at 3.45. Picked up Kate from work as it was still raining.
A trip to coles after work.
Not much else to report. World seems to gone mad at the sad death of Steve Jobs.
A wet rainy day in Brisbane today. A quiet day in the office and took an early mark and headed home at 3.45. Picked up Kate from work as it was still raining.
A trip to coles after work.
Not much else to report. World seems to gone mad at the sad death of Steve Jobs.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Five
Happy wedding anniversary to the folks.
Got up and walked along the river before walking to work.
A solid day of re-drawing trail maps at work before coming home at 4.45pm
Skyped folks and watched TV.
Got up and walked along the river before walking to work.
A solid day of re-drawing trail maps at work before coming home at 4.45pm
Skyped folks and watched TV.
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Four
Took the day off today to sort out car. Got call that it was ready at 11am and went down to collect it. $800 later and I headed to the RTA to get the new registration sorted out. $350 dollars later we have a car registered in Queensland, new CTP insurance and we are good to go.
The RTA always amazes me, the really old folk coming in with walking sticks and hardly able to see the ticket machine renewing their licenses. Crazy!
Came home and did a load of ironing, before picking Kate up form work and a quiet night in.
The RTA always amazes me, the really old folk coming in with walking sticks and hardly able to see the ticket machine renewing their licenses. Crazy!
Came home and did a load of ironing, before picking Kate up form work and a quiet night in.
Monday 3 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Three
Up early and dropped the car off at the garage for it's safety certificate inspection (equivalent of MOT), then walked into work, Was at my desk by 7.50am.
Had a call later in day that there is a problem with the steering rack, a 725 dollar job, wonderful. The car is staying in overnight while they get the parts and I can collect it tomorrow.
Kate was training today which went well and she got an early mark and was home by 4pm.
Nice dinner and off to bed after watching X Factor Australia.
Had a call later in day that there is a problem with the steering rack, a 725 dollar job, wonderful. The car is staying in overnight while they get the parts and I can collect it tomorrow.
Kate was training today which went well and she got an early mark and was home by 4pm.
Nice dinner and off to bed after watching X Factor Australia.
Sunday 2 October 2011
Day Eight Hundred and Forty Two
Sunday
A morning spent at Chermside doing some shopping. Walked along the river in the afternoon and had a good Skype call in the evening. Alv showed us latest work on his latest video, all looks really good.
A morning spent at Chermside doing some shopping. Walked along the river in the afternoon and had a good Skype call in the evening. Alv showed us latest work on his latest video, all looks really good.
Day Eight Hundred and Forty One
Up and about and headed down to shops to get brekkie and papers. Came home and we did final prep before heading out while inspection happened in apartment. We did convey our displeasure to agent before we left at the way they used our personal items to decorate the apartment for sales pictures.
We loitered outside for a while but no one seemed to show up to view the place, result.
We looked at another place to rent at same time and that was crap.
In the evening we went for dinner at Claret
http://www.clarethouse.com.au/
not bad!
We loitered outside for a while but no one seemed to show up to view the place, result.
We looked at another place to rent at same time and that was crap.
In the evening we went for dinner at Claret
http://www.clarethouse.com.au/
not bad!
Day Eight Hundred and Forty
Friday
A good day at work with lots of map book changes completed.
Spent a lot of time on the evening tidying up apartment before inspection tomorrow.
A good day at work with lots of map book changes completed.
Spent a lot of time on the evening tidying up apartment before inspection tomorrow.
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