Friday Funny

Photo Friday - 'The Beach'

Me at Middleton Beach in Albany. It was 38 degrees that day - very rare for Albs.

28th December 2006

Will Jimmy Add a Premiership To His Brownlow?

According to some 'experts' pointing at recent history........no.

Geelong's Brownlow Medal winner Jimmy Bartel seems destined to be a member of the losing Grand Final side if the pattern continues....

1997 - Robert Harvey (St Kilda)

2000 - Shane Woewodin (Melbourne)

2003 - Nathan Buckley (Collingwood)

2005 - Ben Cousins (West Coast)

2006 - Adam Goodes (Sydney)

Although the following Brownlow winners in the nineties and noughties have gone on to be premiership players in the same year.

1993 - Gavin Wanganeen (Essendon)

2001 - Jason Akermanis (Brisbane)

2002 - Simon Black (Brisbane)

Maybe there's hope for Jimmy?

I hope so. I hate going for the Vics but I don't really have much of a choice. I feel sorry for Geelong with their 44 year premiership drought and I'm not going for the bogans from Port - they're as feral as the Dorkers. It must have something to do with port clubs ;)

Either way it will be a much less stressful Grand Final for me than the two previous years.

* Photo is from Sky News Online

Facebook Geek

I never thought it would happen....but I'm pretty hooked on Facebook.

I was very sceptical when a friend invited me to join. I thought, "Hmmm, another timewaster. I already have my blog....that's enough."

At first it just seemed too weird. Adding strange applications such as aquariums, gardens, buying drinks for people (yes, I'm serious - people actually pay real money to buy their friends a virtual drink) and doing things to people such as karate chopping them, hugging them and throwing sheep at them.

But Facebook sucks you in...slowly but surely.

The things I like best about it is that it helps you keep in touch with people and find long lost friends. Just yesterday a girl whose name I didn't recognise invited me to be her 'friend' on Facebook. It turned out it was an old friend of mine from primary school whom I hadn't seen pretty much since then. She's now married (that's why I didn't recognise her name) and is living over east, in Newcastle. I recognised her by her photo. It's great for stuff like that. Sharing photos online is good too.

It also has its drawbacks. I read Facebook is costing workplaces millions of dollars in time wasted by their employees. I guess, as a Christian, I want to use my time wisely. Facebook is good but it's a bit sad if I spend all day on there. It's also sad if I only ever talk to my Perth friends via Facebook instead of catching up face to face.

I went out to dinner a little while ago with a friend who is also on Facebook. We agreed that it's such fun finding people on there and seeing what they're up to and that it's sad when they set their profiles to private - then we can't stalk them hehe.

Do you use Facebook? Do you like it? What do you reckon are it's pros and cons? Or are you one of those who couldn't care less? I've tried to get Duncan to join but he refuses.

Potty About Potter

Duncan's birthday was on the 21st July - and he had to share his special day with another guy.

Harry Potter

(Don't worry I'm not about to reveal any plot spoilers for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this post. It's safe to read ahead :) )

It was the first time I'd ever lined up with the fanatics for the 7am bookstore rush. Being the cheapskate that I am, I used to wait until the book was available in paperback and therefore cheaper. But this year I had an Angus and Robertson voucher so I went to the Belmont Forum where I was out in 10 minutes.

Apparently it was a different story at the Carousel - queues of more than 45 minutes.

Duncan doesn't see what the big deal about Harry is and since we had his birthday gathering on his actual birthday, he put a ban on anyone being unsociable and reading Harry Potter instead of joining in the party.

I'm jolly glad I've now finished it cos now no-one can ruin the ending for me. It has taken me a while and I'm not normally a slow reader but I was so BUSY that I didn't have time to sit down and read sizeable chunks in one go. Every week my pastor's wife asked me if I'd finished yet so we could discuss the ending and a few weeks ago I was finally ready to talk about it.

Last week, I was talking to Emma on the phone and she hasn't read the last book yet but she mentioned that some people have already given away part of the plot to her. She's had the endings of the past three books ruined for her by big mouths - poor love.

Why must people do this? I told a friend that she wasn't to tell me ANYTHING that happened (she was further ahead than me at the time) and she said "Oh no, please I just want to tell you one thing."
I roared "SHUT UP."
Silence! Zip it! Shut your trap!

Far out, I wanted a surprise. Why do people want to ruin the surprise for others?

I got to the end without anyone giving away the ending and I don't intend to ruin it for anyone.

It's a shame there are no more books but I'm sure Duncan will be glad Harry won't be stealing my attention ;)

Diary of a Wedding Planning Machine: Reception Venue Dramas

I blogged a few weeks back that all was well in the reception venue department. Well, a few weeks ago, Duncan and I got some bad news.

One of the reasons we chose our venue was that they were not one of those greedy mongrels that make you pay to set the room up the day before.

Then I got a call from my mum saying they had suddenly brought in this new fee, charging us an extra $450 (approx.) to hire the room for half a day the day before to set up. They had not mentioned this fee when I first checked the room out and when we tentatively booked it. It was not mentioned on any of the leaflets we were given. They had just suddenly decided to screw us over for more money.

To say I was angry was an understatement. I hate being ripped off and taken for a ride. I don't care if they'd only decided to charge us an extra $20 - it's not the amount, it's the principle of the thing. I'm not one of those types who'll just lie down and pay the extra money.

Dunc and I drove around madly a few Saturdays ago looking for an alternative venue (which we didn't find).

Luckily I have a very sweet talking mother who rang them up and convinced them to drop the fee. She can charm the birds out of the trees when she wants.

So all is good again, we can keep the 12th April as our wedding date and our reception place has avoided a name and shame on my very public blog haha.

We also ended up going with WA Spit Roast as our caterer. Their prices are good and they have been recommended to us by two other people who have used them for weddings. We chose our menu online - easy!

If you're planning a wedding - beware! A lot of companies will just hear the word 'wedding' and try and rip you off!

Photo Friday - 'Fantasy'

This was taken at my friend Sarah's 30th back in 2004. The theme was 'Myth, Legend and Fairytale'.




















Obviously I'm Dorothy from 'The Wizard of Oz'. If I had a dollar for everytime someone asked me why I wasn't wearing ruby slippers, I'd be a very rich woman ;)

What a Friend We Have in Eade

I liked this article written by Western Bulldogs' coach Rodney Eade last week about the Eagles.

Even though we lost, I thought it was jolly nice coming from a Vic ;)

Juddy Has Left the Nest

This week is sure turning into footy week on my blog.....

I was sad and disappointed to hear about Chris Judd's departure from the Eagles. He has been a great player and captain but it's obviously time for him to move on.

All of those people whingeing and abusing him should seriously get a life. He hasn't let you down. He can't please everybody. That's what happen when people turn someone into a god....they will disappoint you because they're not God.

I get annoyed when players leave clubs who have put a lot of time and effort into them because they're being offered more money elsewhere. That's disloyal. But if Judd's telling the truth about family being the sole reason he wants to go home to Melbourne, then that's not disloyalty. It's not like the Eagles couldn't offer him plenty of money.

Of course, you never really know how much truth is told at press conferences. I'm sure Judd has noble reasons for going. But didn't old Micky Malthouse say he was returning to Melbourne because of his sick mother-in-law or something? Like he was going to admit that Eddie Everywhere flashed the cash and he was goooorrrne.

There are other rumours floating around that he's leaving so Rebecca Twigley can further her career or he's sick of the Eagles' problems. People can speculate all they like. But the truth is we'll never know....

Now Judd is saying that he actually made the decision to return after the 2005 season, he is being slammed for being sneaky for taking the captaincy when he knew all along he was leaving. But he did the right thing. He chose to focus on the Eagles, rather than distract everyone with news he was leaving months before he actually did. Right now, I'm doing the exact same thing. I'm planning to finish my job in March so I'll probably resign in January. The reason is that I'm leaving Perth (I'll blog about that later). So is that disloyal because I haven't told my workmates even though I've made my decision? What's the point of telling them now? It'd only make them think I'm not committed to my job right now. I'll give them enough notice so they can find a replacement. They gave me a chance by giving me my first job after uni but it's not disloyal to leave. I'm grateful to them (like Judd says he is to the Eagles) but it's time to move on.

I don't think it's selfish that the Eagles are wanting to be adequately compensated. They drafted him when a lot of other clubs didn't want to take a chance on him because of his shoulder problems. The Dorkers could have taken him but they chose to stick to their history of ridiculous draft choices and trade their No. 1 pick to Hawthorn for Trent Croad...who is now back at Hawthorn. If greedy Melbourne clubs want him so badly and consider him the league's best player then they can cough up. A couple of high draft picks and a handy player should do it. And no, we don't want Fevola. Like we need any more players with off-field behaviour problems.

It's far more disappointing losing Judd than it was losing the semi-final the other night. But the Eagles have plenty of talented players who can prove that they can win without Judd. If slummy clubs like Carlton or Richmond think that getting Judd will make them premiership contenders they can think again. It's a team game. Judd is very very good but he also had a lot of talented teammates around to make him look even better.

I don't think I can watch a replay of the 2006 Grand Final now. I can't even look at the Eagles poster next to my desk. And I'll feel sick watching him run around playing for the jolly Vics.

Bye Juddy. Thanks for everything. But we're still gonna tackle ya to the ground next season.

* Photo is from http://theaflblog.com

Wirra

If any AFL player deserves a big thumbs up it has to be David Wirrpanda (pronounced Wirrpunda).

Not only has he been a talented player for the Eagles for the past 12 seasons but he sets a great example by the way he conducts himself on and off the field. He doesn't get into fights, he doesn't get suspended, he doesn't hit the headlines for suss off-field behaviour. From what I've seen and heard about him, he just seems like a quiet, humble bloke. Wirra's also a great role model for both indigenous and non-indigenous kids with his charity work through the David Wirrpanda Foundation. He uses his profile to do good in the community.

I reckon more players should take a leaf out of his book and realise there's more to being a champion than just great onfield performances.

* Pic is from the Official West Coast Eagles website

It's Over!

There will be not be a repeat of the Grand Final glory we experienced last year.

Sarah and I celebrating the glorious victory last year. 30th September 2006

My man (before he was my man) watching the boys sing their club song

Craig and Sarah

I'm disappointed but not devastated.

As the old saying goes....there's always next year.

Friday Funny

This was emailed to me a while ago......

THE ORIGIN OF PETS

Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."
And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will know I love you, even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish and childish and unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. And Adam said, "But Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and all the good names are taken and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."
And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but no-one has taught him humility."
And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not worthy of adoration."
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam. And Cat would not obey Adam.
And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility.

And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Dog wagged his tail.
And Cat did not give a toss one way or the other.

The Albany Pottering Sabbatical

Currently I'm down in Albany for a few days R&R. I drove down on Monday and am going back tomorrow. It's been a great trip. Too short but just what I needed.

Weeks ago I told Duncan over the phone that I wanted to take a one-week sabbatical. I just felt like I needed to take some time out by myself and he understood. It wasn't that I didn't wanted to spend time with him (he couldn't come down during the week anyway) but I just needed to spend some time 'pottering'. Female readers, I can see you nodding.

Some men don't understand women's need to potter. But us women need to do it. I needed to take some time to chop things off my 'to do' list because life gets so cluttered with work, commitments and 'busyness' (especially in the city) that I don't have time to get little jobs done. One of workmates recently took some leave and she told me she had a week of pottering and reading Harry Potter. I was jealous ;)

I've been asked what is 'pottering'? What do women do when they potter? Well it's just like doing little chores and errands that you don't normally get time to do. My original plan was to take a week off but stay in Perth and potter. I planned to tell no-one (except Duncan) that I wasn't at work because otherwise I'd get sucked into socialising during my pottering time. I scrapped that plan because I wanted to save some of my leave so I decided to have a shorter pottering sabbatical and spend it in Albany. That way I was away from the busyness of Perth and could spend some time with family and friends down here as well.

Over the past few days I have:

• Mended my clothes that had holes in them.
• Written and post thank you notes to people who have sent Duncan and I engagement presents.
• Watched some TV shows I'd recorded because I didn't have time weeks earlier.
• Went op shopping for costumes for a 30th birthday that Duncan and I are going to on Saturday night (that was an unfruitful quest).
• Shopped for new sneakers (also an unfruitful quest).
• Got a haircut.
• Had my car serviced.

These are things that I would have delayed for weeks had I not taken my pottering holiday. One may ask 'isn't resting the whole point of a sabbatical?'. But it has been restful. I haven't been stressed at all. I've got stuff done and had a great time catching up with people.

I highly recommend all women take a pottering sabbatical if they possibly can.

5 Things

Amanda from Amanda's Musings tagged me so here goes...

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
How ironic I just blogged about this the other week. In short, I was 14, I lived in Albany with my parents and brother and was a Year 9 student at Albany SHS. For more details see my post 10 Years On.

2. What were you doing one year ago?
Feeling quite down actually. Wondering where my life was going, what God had in store, should I make big changes, were there any men left for me and would the Eagles make the Grand Final?

3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy?
* Dove or Cadbury Milk chocolate
* Chicken Crimpy biscuits
* Drinking chocolate powder with just a little bit of milk so it's like a thick chocolate sludge. YUM!
* Barbecue Samboy chips, Chicken Twisties or Burger Rings
* Spearmint Mentos or Kool Mints
(Healthy aren't I?)

4. What are 5 songs that you know the lyrics to?
* Climb Ev'ry Mountain
* The Sound of Music
* Edelweiss
* Do Re Mi
* I Have Confidence
(Gee I wonder what my favourite movie is ?)

5. 5 Things you would do if you were a millionaire?
* Support missionaries
* Support bible translation organisation
* Support struggling local churches
* Support TEAR Australia
* Give to my friends/family in need

6. 5 bad habits
* Dawdling
* Procrastinating
* Getting stressed out
* Inappropriate language (yes I know..... I'm BAAAAD)
* Watching too much TV

7. 5 things you like to do
* Live for God and learn more about him
* Catch up with Duncan, friends and family
* Dance
* Sing
* Chill out and watch movies

8. 5 favourite toys?
* Beads and all the accompanying tools.
* Computer
* TV and DVD/VCR player
* My Golly I got in Victoria.
* Digital camera

9. 5 things you would never wear?
* Skivvies
* Overalls
* Low cut or see through tops
* Too short skirts
* High heels (I can't balance)

10. 5 things you hate to do
* Vomit
* Clean my house
* Ring up people I don't know well
* Stranger/walk up evangelism
* Waste things

Now I tag James from Middo's World, Dodgy Pete from Longfur, Rodney from The Journey, Scott from Scott's Simple Life and Iris from Double Half.

The Eagles Rollercoaster

Tonight is the Eagles' first final against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. I'm a bit nervous but they seem to win when I doubt them so there's hope.

Ronan Keating sang that Life is a Rollercoaster. Well, I think being an Eagles supporter this year is like being on a rollercoaster.

Wonderful Highs

*Photos are from the Eagles derby victory in Round 3 on the Real Footy website and their thrashing of the Western Bulldogs in Round 17 at the Telstra Dome on the Afana Gallery website.

Devastating Lows

* Photos are from the Sydney Morning Herald (Ben Cousins goes to rehab), Yahoo Sport (Daniel Kerr leaves the field after the Eagles' shock loss to Brisbane) and Fox Sports (the Des Headland-Adam Selwood incident).

I don't like rollercoasters much.

Which Eagles will show up tonight? Who knows....

Personal DNA

Iris over at the Double Half blog did this test and I couldn't resist doing it as well.

Here are my results:

Advocating Idealist

Have a go yourself and see what results you get.

Crikey!

While we're on the topic of death anniversaries, can you believe Steve Irwin died a year ago today? It has gone so quick! But it has probably been a slow and painful year for his family though.

I was sitting in my car, listening to the radio when I heard the sad news. I was on my lunchbreak at work and was about to drive somewhere. Can't remember where I was going though.

He was one of those people who many of us just didn't expect to die. He'd flirted with danger so many times, it seemed very likely that when he did die one day it would be due to being eaten by something. Perhaps a crocodile or a big bear or another savage beast. How ironic that it was a stingray's barb.

Steve Irwin, like Princess Diana, has become much more respected since his death. He was often ridiculed so much but many of those same people who thought he was an idiot now think he was just the greatest.

I thought he was a bit of an idiot because of some of the stuff he did but I really admired the way he was so passionate about wildlife. Often he was ridiculed because of this passion. But at least he was passionate about something. So many people just drift along in life and never really get into anything. Then they have the nerve to stand on the sidelines and laugh and take potshots at others who wear their heart on their sleeve.

I wonder if the crocodiles miss him or if they're glad they're being left alone?

* The photo is from The CBBC Newsround website.