Day One Hundred and Thirty One

Yep you guessed it another early start...

Another day in office getting ready for next week, it's funny how you forget all the office politics and general whinging about things which must be the same the world over!

A few meetings later (oh how I haven't missed meetings) I made my way home, stopping for fish and chips.

Watched a bit of telly (Celebrity Masterchef is on, how exciting) and then went to bed.

Oh and finally the old ones keep coming round with updated twists, but I've added it in here for a laugh...


Subject: Terrorist Alerts

The British are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist threats in Islamabad and have raised their security level from "Miffed" to "Peeved."Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to "Irritated" or even "A Bit Cross." Brits have not been"A Bit Cross" since the blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out. Terrorists have been re-categorized from "Tiresome" to a "Bloody Nuisance." The last time the British issued a "Bloody Nuisance" warning level was during the great fire of 1666.

The French government announced yesterday that it has raised its terror alert level from "Run" to "Hide". The only two higher levels in France are "Collaborate" and "Surrender." The rise was precipitated by a recent fire that destroyed France 's white flag factory, effectively paralysing the country's military capability.It's not only the French who are on a heightened level of alert. Italy has increased the alert level from "Shout loudly and excitedly" to "Elaborate Military Posturing." Two more levels remain: "Ineffective Combat Operations" and "Change Sides."The Germans also increased their alert state from "Disdainful Arrogance" to "Dress in Uniform and Sing Marching Songs.." They also have two higher levels: "Invade a Neighbour" and "Lose".

Belgians, on the other hand, are all on holiday as usual, and the only threat they are worried about is NATO pulling out of Brussels .The Spanish are all excited to see their new submarines ready to deploy. These beautifully designed subs have glass bottoms so the new Spanish navy can get a really good look at the old Spanish navy.

Americans meanwhile are carrying out pre-emptive strikes, on all of their allies, just in case.

At a local level...New Zealand has also raised its security levels – from "baaa" to "BAAAA!". Due to continuing defence cutbacks (the airforce being a squadron of spotty teenagers flying paper aeroplanes and the navy some toy boats in the Prime Minister's bath), New Zealand only has one more level of escalation, which is "Shut, I hope Austrulia will come end riscue us". (these are not spelling mistakes, just typical NZ pronunciation). In the event of invasion, New Zealanders will be asked to gather together in a strategic defensive position called "Bondi".

Australia, meanwhile, has raised its security level from "No worries" to "She'll be right, mate". Three more escalation levels remain, "Crikey!', "I think we'll need to cancel the barbie this weekend" and "The barbie is cancelled". There has not been a situation yet that has warranted the use of the final escalation level.

Day One Hundred and Thirty

A really nice sunny day in Melbourne. Came in early and had a really good day getting lots of things done. It's all coming together.

Had a wonder round the Queen Victoria markets at lunchtime, some nice stuff in there but not quite up to Borough market standards!

Booked flights for Darwin next year to catch up with Hazel (well actually did that on Sunday but forgot to mention it).

Had a wonder round Melbourne Central on way home, we have to take our event participants there one night next week so wanted to get the lay of the land.

Waited for ever for a tram, got home, had a call with Kate and off to bed.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Nine

Awoke at 5.30 am, although my brain said switch the alarm off you have another hours sleep, thankfully I had set a second alarm and so dragged myself out of bed. Kate drove me to the airport and we said our goodbyes. This trip will be the longest we have ever spent apart...not looking forward to that.

Was having an uneventful flight until a poor old gentleman collapsed at the back of the plane. Seemed stuff was coming out off him from all possible means. The crew had oxygen on him and laid him out in the back row behind me. I can tell you the cabin environment wasn't pleasant for last 40 mins off flight but had to feel sorry for the guy. Still means we got fast tracked into Melbourne so paramedics could meet him.

Did a day at work, walked some of venues in Melbourne for event and then walked back to Northcote. A quiet night in with calls to Kate and then bed.

Internet (well more precisely the small laptop) is playing up in Northcote so blog updates may be sporadic or late (if anyone is still reading).

Oh and big debate around here about this...

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/split-second-twist-of-fate/story-e6frfhqf-1225788487205

Day One Hundred and Twenty Eight

A lazy morning, a quick bit of shopping and lunch before coming back to the house . We went out for a barbecue in Newtown at Carolines house. Was very relaxing and good chat and company. Came home for sleep before getting up at 5.30 and flying back to Melbourne.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Seven

Woke up with a bit of a hangover in Willoughby.

Made our way back to Glebe and met John and Rhian at the house. We took them up to the AB for a farewell lunch which was nice. We run them over to the airport, said our goodbyes and headed home.

We went back to Willoughby for a while before going back to the airport to collect Bill and Carol. They arrived just as we got to airport so was a quick turnaround.

Back to Willoughby for a quick cuppa and then we drove back to Glebe for some much needed sleep!

Day One Hundred and Twenty Six

Another long day in the office, was in work by 7.40am.

Was interesting to see the Melbourne Southern Eye in a state of dismantling, apparently it broke. It i meant to be like the London Eye but has had many problems

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=12219

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Southern_Star_(observation_wheel)

Got most of what I wanted to done. Headed off to the airport in the afternoon and had some delays on the flight back. Got back to Sydney about 8.30. We had a quick turnaround and then went o Michaels house for drinks to celebrate our engagement. It was great to see everyone.

We talked a bit about this video which is interesting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95tmYmeHf84

Left there at 1am and took a taxi to Willoughby to look after the pets.

Day One Hundred and Twenty Five

Thursday 15th Oct..

Another cold, windy and at times wet day in Melbourne, it's like blighty here in October.

Another early wake up, although at about 6am this time rather than 4am.

A good day at the office, got lots done, still quite a bit to do but got my head fully around event now.

Had a call from a recruitment agency I met in Sydney a while back with a possible events role, should hear more form them tomorrow about it.

Flying back to Sydney tomorrow evening, cant come soon enough...

Day One Hundred and Twenty Four

Quick update today

Long day at Oxfam, woke up early again...4am, was in office at desk by 7.55. Spent all day building monster spreadsheet...

Back to Northcote at 7pm for dinner and chat with folks here. Spoke to Kate in Sydney and now Im off to bed...

Day One Hundred and Twenty Three

Second day at Oxfam (Tuesday).

Woke up early again after going to bed at about 9pm. Woke up at 3.30ish and dozed until about 5am. Got out of bed at about 6.20 for a shower. The house share I'm in is good, a bit of a trek from office but not too bad. the people who are letting me stay Eleanor and Aaron are very welcoming.

Took tram and walked into office, was at my desk by 8am. Spent all day pulling together a master logistics plan from many different sources of info, I need it all in one place to make it work.

Booked flights back to Sydney for weekend, will be in town form Friday night until early Monday morning.

Came home this evening, had some dinner and spent some more tie working on plans.

Its cold, wet and windy in Melbourne!

Day One Hundred and Twenty Two

Monday

Woke up at 3.30ish and laid awake until Kate woke up about an hour later, oh the joys of jetlag.

Got up at 6.30 and got ready to go to airport. Got to Airport to find flight had been cancelled! However was bumped onto an earlier flight and had about 10 mins to clear security and get on flight. So much for leisurely trip to Melbourne.

Arrived and took but to town and taxi to office. So far day has been good, sorting out a whole load of stuff and trying to get event clear in my head. Got some way to go. I'm writing this from office, I'm about to pack up and head to house share Ive sorted out. it's belting with rain so may taxi it instead of trams and walking, although need to figure it out so I know reverse route for tomorrow.

Pretty tired from jet lag still!

Day One Hundred and Twenty One

Happy Birthday Bill!

As it was Kate's dads birthday we went for a meal at Moncur Bistro in Paddington. Was very nice. We came back and did some sorting out and then made the fatal mistake of a little lie down at 4pm. at 6.30 we dragged ourselves out of bed feeling groggy and sat in front of TV for a while.

We had a good Skype call with folks although they could see we were knackered so it was quick.

Did some packing for Melbourne and off to bed.

Day One Hundred and Twenty

We arrived into Sydney bang on time arriving just after 6am on an uneventful flight from Singapore. managed a bit of sleep on the plane.

We were met by Bill and Carol and went to Willoughby for brekkie.

We spent most of morning there catching up and then headed back to Glebe just before lunch. We did some shopping at Broadway and then sorted our stuff out in the afternoon. I also washed a thick layer of red dust off the car from the dust storm 2 weeks ago.

We then headed into Darling Harbour to meet John and Rhian for drinks/dinner. I was pretty knackered before hand but livened up when we met them. Had drinks in Pontoon bar and then dinner in Blackbird cafe.

http://www.pontoonbar.com/

http://www.cocklebaywharf.com.au/venues/26/blackbird-cafe/

We took the tram home and are now off for some well earned kip...

Day One Hundred and Nineteen

Not sure what day this represents, for ease I'm going to say Friday...so on Thursday night we boarded our flight to Sydney. As I write this I'm stood in Singapore Airport using the free t'internet terminals, there are people hoovering around trying to get on the machines, they'll have to wait!

Flight was good, typical BA service and attitude! We slept a good 6to7 hours each on this leg. We are waiting for next leg to Sydney in an hour and half.

Day One Hundred and Eighteen

A day around Basingstoke packing, some emotional goodbyes, the joys of Heathrow T4 and a flight that got away on time!

Missing everyone in Blighty already!

Day One Hundred and Seventeen

A quiet day around Basingstoke, got up and did some shopping in Basingstoke with a Wagagmamas lunch.

In the evening a family dinner at home, with the worlds biggest Chicken Kievs.

Showed the folks the Aussie masterchef DVD to show them what we had been banging on about when we first arrived in Oz.

Hit the sack for some ZZZZZZZZzzzzzs

Day One Hundred and Sixteen

6th Oct 09

Back to London from Basingstoke for the last time. Ah the joys of South West Trains.

We caught up with Kathleen for lunch in The Mudlark, was cool to see her.

Had an excellent evening in the Refinery Bar with

Alastair, Chris, Rick, Kevin, Marianne, Dave, Aaron, Shehla, Kay, Keith, Charlotte, Tim, Pauline, Pru, Paul, Ray, Karo, Beck, Kate (obviously), random apple mac man for a while too. I believe I have name checked everyone in attendance and you have all got your little bit of blog fame as requested.

We drank too much but had a great time catching up with everyone.

And for the Stewards 2010 good food and wine review, here is link to Refinery Bar

http://www.therefinerybar.co.uk/


Kay, Keith & Kate


Kay and Keith

Charlotte and Tim


Us with Pru and Paul


Too much champagne? Kate, Kay & Charlotte

Day One Hundred and Fifteen

We had a lazy morning in Earlsfield and then headed back to Basingstoke briefly to collect some stuff. We then drove back to Yateley and had a nice dinner with folks.

This evening we spent time in the local pub I used to drink in in my earlier years.

http://www.eversleycross.co.uk/wheretogo.htm

Caught up with friends, was good to see dean, laura, craig, kay, rob, jo, jo. Chatted about old times and talked about catching up in the future.

Tomorrow its more drinks in London, lunch with Uni friends.

We'll soon be back on the plane to Oz. I'm not sure I've mentioned it before but I start 4 weeks employment (events mgt yay!) with Oxfam in Melbourne a week today...

Day One Hundred and Fourteen

A quiet day in Basingstoke with a great fry up brekkie for all the family, we then drove up to Earlsfield and had dinner with Pru and Paul at the Leather Bottle. John and Rhian are lucky to have such a good pub within 5 mins walking distance.

http://www.leatherbottlepub.co.uk/

Not much else to report!

Day One Hundred and Thirteen

Saturday

I forgot to mention yesterday, I was asked in the restaurant on Friday by an Australian waitress if I was Australian just from talking to her and not mentioning anything to do with Oz!

We got up after a great night out and did a quick trip to Chris and Helens to pick up stuff laying around there I had left behind before going to Oz. we then briefly stopped at the shops in Colliers Wood and bumped into Jon.

We came back to Basingstoke and in the evening had a family celebration meal of our engagement at the Four Seasons hotel. Very nice it was too, its very posh! There was even a C list celeb in the restaurant and for all I know lots of what looked like WAGs with footballers.

Here is link

http://www.fourseasons.com/hampshire/

Day One Hundred and Twelve

We spent the day in and around London, Kate caught up with Pru in town for lunch, I hung out in Earslfield and around Colliers Wood.

grapes pub and then went to We then both headed into town to meet Chris & Helen and Kevin and Debbie. We started in theGauco Argentinian restaurant. Had a great food but it was a bit pricey. It did have great view of Tower Bridge.

We headed back to the Grapes and drank a few more. It was great to catch up with them all and see them all looking so well.