Monday, July 25, 2005

The Hardest Time Of Life

What actually IS the hardest time of our lives?? I was told in year 12, that it was the hardest time in my life. Hmmm...........I don't agree with that. In fact, I found year 12 to be alright. Perhaps this is because I'm looking at it in hindsight. It was probably the hardest time I'd ever faced in my 17 years on earth, but probably not the hardest time I've ever faced in my 22 years on earth. In fact, I'm going through probably the hardest time of my life right now. I think I have too many choices, and options to choose from and I have people's feelings to take into consideration, and money to think about and who knows what else!!! "Welcome to adulthood" I hear you all say, and I say "yeah, thanks".

However, there are many hard times in people's lives, for example, being born is apparently the hardest thing you'll ever do because your body undergoes so much stress. My mother had me by Cesarean Section, so I guess I didn't really go through a hard time, though, she on the other hand, probably did.

Then you hear of people who's hearts break when they have to tell their kids they don't have enough money to buy them that fancy toy they wanted. Are they SERIOUS?? What about the people in third world countries who don't even have to tell their kids they are going to die soon because they don't have food to eat, because the kids know it themselves!! Is that particular point in time the hardest in their lives, or is it their WHOLE life that is hard, and one more thing like that isn't going to make it any harder??

Man, I'm really getting worked up about this. I think it stemmed from this guy from the "Save the Children Foundation" talking to me about sponsering a child through them even though I told him I already sponser one through World Vision. However, I would be able to help children in Australia through this fund, so I was told. This was yesterday and I stood there and listened to him for a while and said I would prefer if I could make a one off donation, however, he wouldn't hear of it and was even reluctant for me to check out their website, because I told him I wanted a bit more information. He then told me he was a walking talking brochure!!! Argh!!! Anyways, I told him I'd give it a bit more thought and went on my merry way.

Then, today, I saw him again. He asked me "did you think about it??" I said "yes, and I've decided not to do it because I already sponser a child through World Vision". He then asked me how much I pay per month and where my child was from. I told him "Africa" and then he said, "you could sponser a child from Asia or help a child in Australia for less than that". I got a bit peeved as it really seemed to me like he was trying to get me to choose between races, and we all know that is not acceptable. I then told him I would prefer to sponser a chlid in Africa because the Australian Government offers some support to Australian children, much more support than the African government. I think it was then that he realised that I was a hard sell, and it was NO DEAL!!!

I supported his cause, but honestly, he was too in-your-face for my liking!!!

Jack Handy Thought For The Day: To me, it's always a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says "Hey, can you give me a hand?" you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks."

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

So It Figures.........

I've gotten so old that the 'Candyman' movie I watched last night was not the version I watched as a child. In fact, this one was so pathetic, I felt rather embarrassed for getting Adam all excited about watching it............ It had the same cover as the original and I didn't bother to read the back of it, coz I mean, honestly, how many 'Candyman' movies can there be?? I know there are two, but this one didn't have part 2 written on it anywhere (or perhaps it did, now when I think of it, but I'm sure it didn't...........I'll check when I get home). Anyways, I was disappointed and I think Addy was too. Oh well, I'll just have to look for the original one I watched in my time.

I've been practicing hard for the Can Can performance we are doing at Bastille Day on Saturday night. I had a practice last night and I was so tired after it. I have been surviving on not much sleep this last week. I can't wait until our performance is over, I'm too busy to go to practices..........busy doing what?? I don't know!!!

Hmmm...........what else has been happening?? I have been moved to another location on the 12th floor. Ironically, I'm now sitting where my Dad used to sit (I think they did this on purpose!!). I have a great view of the ocean, which is quite delightful, but I feel isolated because I don't face anyone. In fact, I face a partition wall and a shelf of folders. How excitement!!! I now have a longer walk to the fax machine, printer, photocopier, toilet, kitchen, and exit door. I have a great view though (I keep telling myself this!!).

I'm actually going to miss all the hustle and bustle of having visitors when the leave. It makes life seem that little bit more exciting when you have to take people places. We are going to the Wharf for dinner tonight. Fish and chips!!! Yay!! For all you Kiwis, that was fush and chups!!! Ha ha!!

'Til next time, take it easy......

Jack Handy Thought For The Day: Whenever I see an old lady slip and fall on a wet sidewalk, my first instinct is to laugh. But then I think, what if I was an ant, and she fell on me. Then it wouldn't seem quite so funny.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Katherine

So now we are doing the 'Tourist Thing' and taking our visitors around the Territory. We went to Katherine on the weekend and had a pretty good time.

Now, Katherine is three hours drive south of Darwin and is well known for it's Gorges. A Gorge is a body of water between two bodies of rock (I think this is the definition of a Gorge - sue me if I'm wrong).

We arrived at about 3.30pm on Saturday after a 9am-ish start. It took us that long due to us stopping for rests and also detouring and having a look at Adelaide River's old Railway Station. As we were leaving the Station, we heard the sound of a train and lo-and-behold, it was the Ghan. It was quite spectacular and I'm sure we all went slightly mad taking photos.

When we reached Katherine we decided to go to Katherine Hot Springs for a little swim, which was nice and relaxing. Then we went to our hotel rooms and had lunch (a rather late one). After eating too much, we all decided to go for a walk around town and get some supplies, ie. chocolate!! When we got back, we realised we were so tired, and all went to bed.

The next day, we went to the Katherine Gorge and went on the 2-hour tour by boat/ferry (I don't know exactly what it was). It was honestly beautiful. I can't imagine how nature can be so spectacular (this sounds like a cliche), but it was...........

Darryl Somers went there to promote the Territory. Remember the advertisement "You'll never, never know, if you never, never go". Well, part of it was shot at Katherine Gorge. Also, the first Australian film "Jeddah" had scenes shot at the Gorge. This film also had Aboriginal actors in it, which was historical in itself. Anyways, I'm starting to sound like the guide, so I'll stop with all this talk.

In all honesty, Darwin is at it's most beautiful at the moment and now, is probably the best time to get over here!!! So, get over here and you can go and see all these cool places!!!

I feel like I'm missing out a lot being at work and all whilst my visitors and parents do other cool stuff. However, I'm connecting more with Adam, and I'm really going to miss him when he leaves.........we hired the movie 'Candy Man' last night, and I told him that I'll watch it with him. Yet another old school thing that he would have been too young to know about 10 years ago when I watched it for the first time!!!!

Miss you all!!!!

Jack Handy Thought For The Day: We tend to scoff at the beliefs of the ancients. But we can't scoff at them personally, to their faces, and this is what annoys me.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

An Unlikely Feminist

Yesterday, my extended family, Sashani, and I went to see Madagascar. It was a pretty good movie, though it had taken ideas from 'The Lion King', and also the book 'Life of Pi'. However, the penguins, giraffe, and hippo were original, so all was not lost.

When I was dropping Sashani home, Adam (my cousin's son) was forced to come with me to protect me from all the evil's on the roads of Darwin. I knew he really didn't want to come, but I laughed at him and told him he had to do what he was told coz he was young (I actually enjoyed this part, and I'm sure he felt like punching me). On our way to Sashani's she talked continuously about dancing/clubbing/guys. On our way back, Adam said to me that he used to do dancing. I was obviously impressed (he is only 12) and asked him what kind of dancing etc. He used to do break dancing and crib-walking. I expressed my interest and said "my friend's brother can do crib-walking!" I told him he had to teach me to do it. Then I asked him how long his brother Andrew had been with his girlfriend, Sarah. "6 months" he replied. "6 months and they've already been on a holiday together!!" I exclaimed. I then said "you know, boys ALWAYS get to do what they want, you are really lucky you know!" I think I surprised him a little with my attitude and frustration. He didn't say anything to that (I don't know what he could have said that wouldn't have lead to a lecture, so I think he did the smartest thing by staying silent!!). I then asked him what kids do these days for fun. He said hanging out at the shops and occasionally the park where they might ride their bikes around. I bet they terrorise people at the shops (this is just a well informed guess, I'm sure he doesn't do that!!). We actually became pretty close last night, and I feel like I got to know him pretty well. When we got home he said to his dad “Anika knows what crib-walking is!” and actually sounded quite surprised. I then felt old because he just assumed I wouldn’t know what it was!!!! He’s a nice kid and I will continue to impose my thoughts on feminism on him till he gives in and just smiles and nods!!!

Yes, that’s a GREAT idea.

Jack Handy Thought For The Day: When you go ice-skating, try not to swing your arms too much, because that really annoys me.

Monday, July 04, 2005

Full House And Other Things

Well, well, it's been a long time coming, but I've finally decided to update my blog. Woohoo!! I just returned from Sydney on Monday morning. My flight got in at about 12.40pm and by the time I collected my luggage it was about 1.20am, and by the time I got to sleep it was about 2.00am. I thought I'd set my alarm on my mobile for 6.45am so I could leave for work at 7.30am. When my alarm went off I dragged myself out of bed, and went to the bathroom, it was only then I realised my mobile was still on Sydney time, and it was actually 6.15am Darwin time!!! How annoying!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyways, I got over it, and things were all good.

I had a nice time in Sydney, it was freezing and rainy, but there were a couple of days of sunshine in there which cheered me up and made me feel like continuously saying "it's another BEEEUUUUTIFUL day!!!" Thanks to all my buds who made me feel welcome and those who made a big effort to cross over from the ACT into the real part of the country. I honestly had a blast with you all. I also enjoyed all the shopping I did!! Woohoo, go the Factory Outlets!!! Also, spending time with a certain 'someone' was fun and I'm glad to see that some things never change.

At the moment our house in Darwin is full. My cousin from Perth, her hubby, and one of her sons (the little one) are here for a holiday. So far, it's been so good. I played basket ball with Condi and Adam yesterday, and I think I almost passed out from running and jumping like I haven't done in a long time!!! It was a lot of fun though, and I realised I can still shoot hoops a little............

We are all going to see 'Madagascar' today. I've heard this isn't a GREAT movie, but I'll try not to go in there with too many expectations.

Take care and you have a BEEEUUUTIFUL day!!!!

Jack Handy Thought For The Day: For mad scientists who keep brains in jars, here's a tip: Why not add a slice of lemon to each jar, for freshness.