TL:DR

So, one month in a shorty...

Two weeks in Bathurst, didn't pack up the house, got locked out, watched alot of Stargate SG-1. Stayed with Craig for two days then Lena and the boys for the remainder. Attended Dave's bucks party (paintball) and wedding to Glenda.

Family came to Bathurst to pick me up, then we went to Kiama to drop mum off while sis, Mike, Steven and Jo and I went to Canberra for Days in the Diocese.

Danced in Civic, met up with Summa, danced more at EPIC, and celebrated a French Mass that was televised straight to France. Made new friends.

Monday 14 July 2008 went from Canberra to Sydney to start World Youth Day duties with St John Ambulance. Met Ricky at the Welcome Dinner at the Roundhouse...friend ever since.

Tuesday and Friday at Barangaroo (after a double at Darling Harbour Friday morning where there was a Hit-and-Run), Wednesday and Thursday at the Domain, Saturday night at Randwick Racecourse...and Saturday touring around Sydney with Ricky and Hywel...

Flew back Monday 21 July 2008 to Maroochydore, went to Brisbane to spend quality time with family from Tuesday until Thursday. Went to Warner Brothers Movieworld on the Gold Coast.

Friday, did my induction and got new uniform items for work, and that nigt was at Narangba Tavern; three fights, one ambulance call out.

Saturday morning was helping to protect the Prime Minister while he was at Nambour RSL to dedicate a new Wall of Rememberance and acknowledge Nambour RSL's 90 years of operation. Saturday night was at Redcliffe and having numerous escorts, especially of two older idiots towards the end of the night...

-----

Got drunk last night after talking to Grace (found a bag of my stuff finally under the TV that's been sitting there since Wed), she's now going out with Damien, who she met while I was there, before we went out...but she was quite friendly with him already since, so it was kinda inevitable...so much for her high horse stance about not going out with any guy because she doesn't trust them...and she made it clear she didn't want anything to do with me again...oh well, screw it...

Had a chat with Viviana, and things got interesting...

Also called Ricky in South Africa, and had a chat to his mum for a little while (she broke some ribs a few days ago, so she's recouperating at home....hope she heals well...)

Apart from that, just been typing up the past few posts most of the afternoon, and now about to organise some grub and write a letter I promised to Viv earlier in the morning...

Right, last time I'm going to mention Grace....period.

Be safe.

N

"Due To Technical Difficulties, The Ride Will Restart Momentarily..." Part 3

So, on the Tuesday after I got back from Sydney, my family's flown up to Brisbane in preparation for their flight back to Brunei...I decided that I'll take a few days off uni to spend some time with them...

After having a dash to the uni to find out what classes I needed to take this semester, and running into Grace momentarily, I managed to just pack a quick bag and run to the bus...then took another bus....then a train, finally arriving into Brisbane to catch dinner at Jo Jo's...nice place...good sized portions and food...

Slept the next few nights at Cloud 9 Backpackers in upper Roma St, near the Fire and Ambulance station...so there was a bit of noise through the night...which happens...

On Wed we went to Warner Brother's Movie World down on the Gold Coast...and had quite a fun time there, a touch of rain, a bit of wind...and a roller coaster that jammed up with us inside it...and it went backwards too, which was a bitch...

Mike actually took a picture of me standing at the Wild West show thingy, and there was one of the actors that was supposed to be playing the bad guy...apparently I looked scarier than he did...

Apart from that, it was mostly family time, and so, this one's a shorty...

QR Codes, Work, Flights, Cold...

Right, it's been a while since the last blog, eh?

Just been busy...real busy...with work...not going too badly, has it's moments, surely, but all in all, interesting and rather fun...got a good crew that I work with regularly, the pay's alright, I've got their backs, and they've got mine, so we're all good...just marathon shifts over the past few weeks because I'm leaving in a few hours back to Bathurst and Sydney for the next month...so, got all cashed up for what needs to be done down there...mainly move the last of the stuff from the unit up to here...

So, I've logged jobs at Redcliffe, Marybrough, Alexandra Hills and Eagle Farm (both in Brisbane), Sands Tavern, Lake Kawana Community Centre and Corbuld Park (those three on the Coast)...as with St John and everything else in the past, there's alot of travel time that goes into it...luckly enough, getting paid to be a passenger to jobs now too...so, a little extra on top...and weekend shifts are always good....but public holidays (which I've worked on one so far) are the best of all...getting tired, but luckly enough, weekends are a bit longer than usual...

"We all do as we must to make our way in this world and unfortunately, sometimes we have to do things others may qualify as 'evil'; either get used to the idea or you're not going to last long....."

I'm too nice a guy I believe...actually, I know...I pretend to be all hard on the outside, but inside, as G once said, it's in turmoil...and soft and squishy...I should be over her...but I'm not...was talking to Katie about it actually...and about what happened over the weekend...there was a guy we ejected from Redcliffe, for intox and disorderly behaviour...he was really gunning for it (no pun intended, as it'll be made clear shortly)...he threthened Oli and myself with deadly force, by going to his car and getting his gun and coming back and shooting all of us...now, wether he was drugged and/or drunk to the eyeballs is a given, but still, when a threat like that is made, it has to be acted upon...since I was the guard on the door, it's my responsibility to ensure that the patrons coming in are of legal age, and are not intoxicated, and those that are and have been removed do not come back in...so, yours truly was standing outside looking at this guy, making sure that he did not really go to his car to grab a gun and come back...and all I could think about was Grace...I know it's a bit of a pipe dream about getting back with her...since she did make it very clear that she didn't want anything to do with me ever again...but the only thing I could think about was exchanging that moment to just see her again one last time...and when the guy did make a move for his car, allow me to ensure you that it was nearly a running tackle to him if he so much as went to his boot first instead of a door...TL:DR, he drove off, but we were keeping a close eye for the rest of the night towards the main gate in case a car comes flying in and straffs the doors...

In other news, I met someone at the club too that used to live in Bathurst...and was actually Bill's old boss before he moved back...didn't know it, but he looked really familiar, then we just started talking, next thing he went, oh yea, I was in Bathurst...!...then it's uh....Bill's mate, right....and yup...there you go...small world that it is...

I've got a new business card too; as Steve said, it's a bit wanky to have a business card with no business on it, but I've designed it in such a way that it's different from normal ones...I mean, there are ones already out with it, but it's just a bit of a novelty...it's got QR barcodes on them...now, for those who do now know what QR Codes are, just do a search for them...I've encoded the ones on my card to go to certain places that are importaint to me, such as this blog...there's no lettering, just pixles...and you require a reader to decypher them, using your camera phone (I've downloaded a program to do just that...Kaywa Reader is what it's called) but anyway, if they can read that, and actually know what it is without me explaining to them, then they are more than welcome to contact me that way...

I'm not sure what else to write...so I guess I'll be packing now...one month...two bags...and hopefully a new laptop at the end of it...

Be safe.

N

Let's See How Far We've Come...

It was an alright night...watched Indiana Jones, had a few drinks at the Pig, and went across and played poker at the Blue Bar...

Brian, one of the blokes I drink with at the Pig (after a three week absence) is going on holidays, and he was talking to me about his consideration of a change of career....he's been a psyc nurse for a long time, and I think he's just sick and tired of all the BS that comes with the job...what ever his decision, I guess that'll be the best one for him...

Indiana Jones...it was a good movie...of course, fun, a bit jumpy at times, but overall, it's Indy...from River Phoenix playing a young Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, to Sean Connery playing Dr Henry Walton Jones Sr, to Cate Blanchett as a Russian scientist...this franchise has a feel that it could very well last for a long long time...kind of like Star Wars...epics...if anything, watch this movie...well worth what you paid for (my opinion anyway)...was also looking at the shots for Get Smart, look good already...and Kung Fu Panda...and definitely looking forward to Ice Age 3 next year...movies...haven't watched a movie in ages actually...the smell of the popcorn, over priced, of course...but just the atmosphere...*sigh*

Poker was shite...bowed out second hand, it was looking good, until the Ace kicker...I did meet with the First Mate of a boat that ran aground here on the coast last week...yea, found out he was from Sydney, and used to live in Wentworthville, where my aunty used to live too...and there was this idiot who refused to leave...again, similar to my situation on Saturday night at the Sands....no photo ID...we get given a booklet with all the acceptable forms of ID, and yea, the bloke didn't have any....anyway, had a swing, one of the other punters (not a bouncer) hit back, and the bloke disappeared...was probably the only down turn of the evening...apart from what happened earlier...

I'm going to have to move on, Grace already has, so I better do the same...I really didn't want to, but I guess my choice in the matter is over and dusted...nice guys do finish last I guess...and I guess it's also a bit of give and take...I wasn't exactly the most lovable bloke all the time, but most of the time I'd like to think I was.......now, if only she'd tell me what she had planned on getting me for my birthday...hehe...

I'm going to cheese it, got class in the morning...had class earlier, but I honestly didn't think I could have concentrated anything, so it would have been a waste of time anyway....

N

To Give Space, Or Not To Give Space, That Is The Lose, Lose Question...

chocolatebox says (2:57 PM):
nick i'm sorry but it's too late for that

Well, the conversation started happily enough...hi, how you doing, etc etc...

It's been the hardest few days to give her the space she wanted, so she could make up her mind after our conversation on Wed night...

So, one week of not being close is good right...not calling, not really contacting her by sms or messenger...to give her time to think out the options and all...

chocolatebox says (2:53 PM):
nick if you'd really wanted me to think about getting back with you you should have acted like you wanted it

?!

I read a quote last night....

"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an egg and ham breakfast; the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

I was committed to her...to an extent...I think I still am....but like I said,

BruNick says (2:51 PM):
i've already taken numerous steps back
chocolatebox (2:51 PM):
back to?
BruNick says (2:51 PM):
away from you...
chocolatebox (2:51 PM):
yea i noticed
chocolatebox (2:52 PM):
so you didn't wait for my answer, but i guess that just cemented things
BruNick says (2:52 PM):
i'm still waiting for your answer...
chocolatebox says (2:52 PM):
no you're stepping away
so
BruNick says (2:52 PM):
but seeing how things were going downhill, i was just waiting for the inevitable
babe, i'm stepping away far enough that you can make your own decisions without me influencing them too much

So, long story short, if I give someone space, they'll break up with me....if I didn't give them space, they'll think I'm too overbearing them and still break up with me...so...what's the plan then?

Then she put in the knife....oh, did she put in the knife...

So, lesson learned: don't bother with women; they tell you one thing, ask for something, you give, they go...

N

Why Can't I Be A Baby?

Well, at times, Grace and others call me a big baby...maybe I am, but after tonight, I definitely wish I was...

(No disrespect to Grace or what we talked about earlier...it was what happened after - and I'm still trying to figure out - that's got me wishing...)

Now, if asked the question, "If you could change anything in your life, what would you change?" My answer normally is, "Nothing, because if I changed anything, I wouldn't be here at this moment in time answering your question." That's changed in recent weeks, but we'll leave it at that...now, before I get to what I'm actually doing, let me explain how my week has been thus far:

I've got four assignments due in this week, a presentation Friday night, a job interview with QHSS and a meeting at the university on Wednesday morning and afternoon respectively, a quasi-relationship that's sort of hanging somewhere around here and a headache.

Now, people who've known me for a long time have seen me do more with less, but on that same token, have also seen me snap; rest assured, I'm not going to snap, unless it's my pen and the people who write up these member guides for superannuation funds...which brings me to this:

The job interview went well, but I cannot officially work until I have my security license in hand, which is fair enough...but now, comes the paperwork...

Since I left Stannies all those years ago, I was under the Non-Government Schools (NGS) Superannuation Fund, and I think I had about $240 in there while I was working; this is now down to something like $74.78 or something like that due to member fees every year, admin etc etc etc and it's a dead fund for me, because I'm not longer working in a "non-government school"...

Security officers/crowd controllers are covered under the AustralianSuper Superannuation Fund, and since I've never had any dealings with them, I've got to apply for membership. Sully (the ops manager for the SunCo QHSS) provided me with a book from AustralianSuper and said to fill in the relevant forms at the back of the book and send it to them...one of said forms is the "Transfer your superannuation into AustralianSuper" form...which is what I need for the transfer of my pittance from NGS to AustralianSuper...problem is, since I haven't really been keeping note of my membership number with NGS, I'm in a pickle...

Add on top of that the joining of a new fund too; "What is your threshold, do you just want 'Death and TDP (Total and Permanent Disability)' or the addition of 'Personal Income Protection' insurance cover (which the former is compulsory at an additional $3 a week), who are your beneficiaries in the event of you dying...one of the funny things I read, and again, very true, was about the duration of your insurance cover; so anyway, there's the list of what happens, you move overseas, you transfer to a different fund, you cancel in writing etc etc etc or "you die, which ever comes first." Nicely put...

Argh.

Which now brings me back to the title...

Why can't I be a baby?

I get to sleep all day, I get to poop my pants without embarrassment, burp and vomit after eating without any looks of disgust, get carried everywhere, get 'cooed and oooo'd' by people, not walk, not talk, not go to school or study, not work, not pay taxes, not worry about superannuation, not care..............

Sigh...bugger huh? Hehe...

I'm going to sleep now...and hopefully don't do what's aforementioned...especially poop my pants, because that'll just be embarrassing...hahahahahahaha.....

Be safe...

N

...Meaning...

For those that are not familiar with this comic strip, it is linked to here: PvP Online. It's just celebrated it's 10th year, and is quite a good read...it's also quite interesting that this comic strip was actually for today.........

I had a long chat to Grace earlier, about meaning, and how I've lacked it in some aspects in my life recently...

When I first met her, and started to get to know her, she's now realised that what I had was a facade, before I really opened up to her...I know I've always had reasons to lock away stuff, and build Fortress Nick...one brick at a time...until it was impenetrable to the outside world, and inside I'd keep everything that has ever happened that I want to hide away and not think about...

I asked her tonight about when she looks into my eyes, what does she see..."Loneliness...emptyness...hurt..."

She then commented that I'm always far away, thinking of something else when I'm with her...it's true though, I always think of something else everywhere I am...

I know I have to find some direction in my life, but I don't believe I'm ready...

N

How Does I Life Good?

It's been an interesting few weeks...

I've finally got the internet, my visa, the reference letters (for my security license) and my assignments nearly in order...looking forward to this week coming; license -finally- getting issued, interview with QHSS (the security company), and hopefully...hopefully...start work on Friday or Saturday...

Unfortunately, Grace and I broke up...long story, not something that I'm going to get into with too much details...I'm good, had a few chats to Grace about it...and I just hope that she's ok too...it was a bit of an overreaction, I think, but that's life...but she is still a friend, and we still see each other every other day at uni...but I do miss her...and still feel for her...in a big way...

*Sigh* Cooking is going full steam ahead...been cooking quite a bit actually...lets see now, so far, in the last two weeks, I've cooked:

• Satay Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Coca Cola Pork Belly
• Honey Soy Chicken with Thin Hokkien Noodles and Shredded Egg Omelette
  
• Spinach and Feta Tortellini (from a packet) with a Chorizo and Capsicum Sauce
• Beef Ravioli (again, from a packet) with a Garlicly Tomato Sauce (simply sinful it is...)
• Baked Rice with Chicken, Mushroom and Capsicum

I've also begun another dish, but grew lazy (and missed the time), so, white sauce with mozz and tuna is ready to be poured over pasta and baked with a potato crust...tomorrow or Wed I guess...

Not much, I know, but not doing too badly I don't think....made them large enough to have at least 3 serves for each batch, so there's 21 meals there...and on top of that, I don't eat every meal at home (I do splurge every now and then, like Saturday night for dinner...300g "petit" rump, medium well, with pepper sauce and steak chips...good stuff that...), and I do also have the odd meal at the university Brasserie, or just skip a meal...but oh well, that happens....

I'm thinking I might do something similar to the baked rice for this Friday coming...the university is hosting a group of West Papuan school teachers who are working on their English and all that, and my Friday night class is having them in to have a bit of a chat and all...and everyone's bringing in a plate too to share....so I might just do that....hmm...or salt and pepper chicken drumletts, quick, easy, and ovenable...

*Yawn* I might go catch some zzzz's...getting a tad sleepy...

So, be safe...

N

Internet, Internet, Where For Art Thou, Internet...

No, I have not died...nor have I gotten the internet yet at my new place...and I also used up my internet quota at the uni...so, very, very limited access to everything at the moment (had to wait two days to get this thing running)...

New unit is nearly fully unpacked, and it's good...got Azheel and Aisha (from the old house) to move in temporally while they get out of the other place and find their own joint...but there's also the option for them staying on...so we'll see how that pans out...

Midget paid up...still $20 short the bastard...but I'm going to inform the uni that that's the case, and follow their advise...if they say leave the $20, well, there's not much I can do about that huh? Just going to keep within the rules on this one...

Oh yea, ANZAC Day was Friday too, and went with the St John division to Nambour for the Main Service...it was interesting and a really good one actually...went up with Erin to put the wreath up, and I don't think I've ever seen so many Serving Brothers and Sisters of St John (one of those level things you get after being in for years and years) in one division (probably at a State dooda, but not in a division!)...

Lee also had his first night as a security officer on Friday at The Sands Tavern...there was a concert on there, and only four guards...I didn't want to go in (there was a $30 ticket thingy), so I tottled over to the Pig for Friday night drinkies...all well and good, had a few, then headed back when they closed and just waited at The Sands...started having a chat to Aston, one of the other guards who I met earlier, and all was good, until there was a little biff in the car park...so, off he goes, Lee comes screaming out, that gets sorted...they both come back, and we were all chatting outside near the main doors (this was within 10 mins of the biff happening), and everyone was leaving and all that...next thing you knew, one of the girls from inside comes out and goes, "Any guard interested in stopping two blokes from knocking each other's blocks off?" So, they go back in and grab the guys...they eject them both, then some smart arse decided to jump in and be a hero...so an all in ensues...and it was messy...

Aston came out of it with a black eye after he was lifted up and kissed the side of a car, Tony (the security chief) had his shirt torn, Jamie (the other guard) just kept everyone back, as did I, and Lee...I'm not sure what he did, but he was at the other end of the car park...it was really, really messy...long story short, they were supposed to knock off at 0130, finally finished an hour later, then Lee and I went to the all night fry up to get some dinner, and all was good...by the time we got to my place, it was 0400...and just didn't feel like sleeping...until 0700ish...

Saturday was my mummy's birthday...gave her a call, and had a nice little chat to her about things...and they were in Miri to celebrate and have dinner and stay overnight in the Marriott...she was telling me how her Year 1 class ambushed her at the door in the morning to sing Happy Birthday to her and all that...hehe...and they were in a shopping centre and they were getting excited because Adidas had half price shoes on sale...so she was asking me what size my foot was, which is a 12...next thing I knew, she was saying for me not to get too excited, my sister was wearing size 13's, and my brother in law was wearing size 15's...they've both got smaller feet than I do...hehe...so I probably would have been wearing size 20's or something using that scale...

Grace and her mate Sharon (from Kuching, Malaysia, but stays in Brunei) came over for lunch on Saturday too...cooked up Coca Cola marinated lamb chops with mashed potato and broccoli...came out really well actually...had to boil down the Coke first though, then cool it before pouring it over the lamb on Friday night (before we went to The Sands)...had a nice lunch and a chat to Sharon while Grace went and crashed for a few...

Ok, I'm going to finish this here...just remembered I've got to try to track down Grace in Facebook...:)

Be safe.

N

Like Hiroshima And Nagasaki In His Legs...

So, what's been going on this week? Not much at all...:(

Supposed to have finished packing by now, and just doing the last little bits and pieces...instead, procrastination is the order of the day...well, week if you want to be technical about it...I did do some packing, but not enough to fully finish the room...in fact, I've been packing everything else except the room, which isn't much at all...I might just send some more stuff up north using the mail service for now, and go from there...

Sent up some sheets and basic cooking utensils on Friday...was talking to the AusPost people, and they were suggesting to send the boxes by normal parcel mail instead of Express (my original idea)...they were saying, that even though I sent off the parcels today, using normal mail the parcels could still be arriving up north on Wednesday...I think the thing that really swayed me was the price difference; $33.45 normal as opposed to $78.30 for Express, and even then there was no guarantee that it would arrive before Wednesday...so, prices clicked in, and also opened up another viable way of sending stuff up north...

Also went on duty yesterday for what was meant to be a really easy and early finishing event...instead, we were still there three hours later...when the photo below was taken...
The event we were covering was a hill climb component in the morning until lunch, then a Criterium around the Pit Complex...and today was the Blaney to Bathurst race...110km or 75km of road bike riding...the only reason why we had State Unit 158 (on the extreme left) was because Brendan had to use it for motocross today, while State Unit 148 and Bathurst 450 (van and other 4WD ambulance respectively) were used today for the race...so, from left to right, Justin, me, Tammy, Paul, Mick and Jess...Justin and Jess are both on BERT (Bicycle Emergency Response Team) units, and there we all are, in the shadow of the Mt Panorama Pit Complex...on a beautiful Bathurst Saturday evening...

What was funnier was when I heard that some enterprising thieves STOLE a LIGHTBAR from one of the State Units when they were up here last weekend for the ARAP (Advanced Responder Accreditation Program) course...they unbolted the bar, and cut the wires...there goes $2500...bastards...

Also went out last night...was extremely dehydrated (we were on tarmac all day) and kind of forced myself to eat something....it was obviously when I just finished an entire container of No 7 from Noodle Box (combination meat noodles) that I get a sms from Shaun...saying to get ready because I'm going to be going to their place for a BBQ and drinking session...so, off we go...I'm squished into the back against the baby seat on one side and Fat Tony on the other (there is a major reason why they call him Fat Tony)...looked like a bloody clown car with Arron up front and his lanky legs...at least it wasn't in the Kingswood...that would have been too strange...anyhow, BBQ'd hamburgers with cheese, bacon and onions was what's on order, and it went down well...and before and after that there was the rum...I think I got 18 into me at the end of the night, and was still sober enough to hold a conversation and walk straight....what was a close call was when we did Jager bombs though....that one I kinda went a little green from, but in the end, all was good...it was a good night, until I ran into Bryce in the toilets...bastard went, "Hey fuckhead, weren't you meant to be deported or something? Who the fuck let you back into the country?" luckily enough there was two other blokes, one of which who I sort of knew, in there at the time too...because he pipped up, "Hey Nick, you'd never leave here (meaning Australia) would you? You're making too much money from the place..." to which I replied, "Yup, definitely making more money than most of the boys I used to go to school with..." at which point Bryce (who I did use to go to boarding school with, and was a sort of poster child of a racist hick) started calling me a bastard and useless and all that....to which I replied, "Mate, do you still live with your parents out in Oberon? I've got a house now on the Sunshine Coast...screw you." and walked out, to which all I heard was him trying to say something else, but just ignored him...I know I told a few gray lies, but I do have a roof up on the Sunshine Coast, so I guess they were a darker shade of gray...

Man, I really miss Grace...been sending her sms' but not talking to her...she's been a bit busy this week past with her dad up and everything, and she's doing her first aid course today and yesterday, so hopefully she's passed her ten questions easily...I'll be ribbing her about it with a vengeance if she makes any mistakes...:p

I think I've finally sold my bed...the first item sold in fact...:(...my bed...it's going to go...$450 for it, mattress and frame...I am going to so miss it...it has been such a big part of my life, and on top of that, was really comfortable...

And on that note, I'm going to jump back into it to enjoy what I can of it...

Be safe...

N

All In For Five Hundred...

Man, that's the one thing I really miss about Bathurst, apart from all the guys and girls that I've known for years around here...No Limit Texas Hold Em...I'm not saying that I'm good, I'm not saying that I'm bad...I just roll with Lady Luck...but at the end of the day, I still enjoy myself immensely...

Yesterday was a very "Don't know what to do" kind of day...in the afternoon, after some lunch, things finally started moving...I'm going to be moving into the unit next door to the university...:)...the unit is already semi furnished, with a fridge, washer and dryer in the laundry, some couches, microwave etc...and beds...*sigh*...but I'm currently sleeping in my own bed...and it's so nice...

Changing all my eBay details...I'm no longer a business...hehe...I think it's about time to start updating all my records anyhow with a new home address and all that...

Anyhow, things are going alright...had a haircut, Grace's dad is spending some time with her, so all's good, and yea, just going to be bumming and packing and organising stuff...yay...

Be safe...

N

If You Can Still Hear The Cops, The Music Is Not Loud Enough...

Guitar Hero 3...what a game...but more on that later...

I'm back in Bathurst now, after a heck of a trip...well, it was actually quite pleasant...got to Central at 0640 this morning, then jumped onto the train...bought a book to read, which is going alright so far, interesting story line ('The Beijing Conspiracy' by Adrian d'Hage)...and yea, just sat in my booked seat, and just chilled....the carriage though, was a full one...but there was a pair of seats across the aisle that were empty...so, they offered a hot breakfast (which I was glad to have taken - didn't know when my next proper meal was, which was dinner just then), and while in the buffet car, asked the chief purser if I was able to move across to the two seats...he said he'll find me when we've gone past Penrith, and if there's any spare seats, he'll move the passengers around...so, anyhow, Penrith came and went, and he came by, and asked me to grab my bags and find him in the buffet once I'd finish my breaky...so, did just that...and got moved to First Class...:D...man, is the legroom so much better or what! In the entire carriage, there was five of us...so I was sprawled across my seats and half the foot leg area...it was good....it was very good....and I managed to get sleep for about 40 mins, which was great...

So, got into Bathurst (on time at 1040! In fact we were early!) and took a cab to the house...and I rang the door bell...it's technically not my house anymore...I mean, I've got keys and all, but I still waited for Bill to open up...and yea, we caught up...and played Guitar Hero 3...:) Craig dropped by too, and we were catching up and all that...*sigh*...I miss this...but I dare say things will eventually become similar up on the Coast...

Then Bill and myself did something that I definitely miss...go to the movies on Sunday evenings and play video games...:D...and they got the "new" Time Crisis 3 just when I was leaving...so, off we went, and attacked it...first time ever that I've finished the game...and first time that Bill's played it (I think)...

Whoa...am just watching Without A Trace...and there's this absolutely great line..."Offense is the best defense, and it's normally the way of guilty men"...hmm...sounds familiar...maybe something that's currently going on now?

Anyway, back to TC3...we were shooting for 30 mins and change, and anyone who's played any Time Crisis knows of the step pedal (step down to "stand", release to "hide/crouch and reload")...mine was stuck, as were the sights on my weapon...which sucked a little...but we did a whole run through of the game, from start to finish...finished with something like 1.6 mil points...and came FIRST! Numero Uno...we logged the fastest time and highest score...hehe....good ol' "BMH & NIC" at the top of the list...and we both though 13 minutes and change of TC2 was a good time for us...

Apart from that, went for dinner at The Ox, they've changed the place completely...and saw a bloke win OVER9000 dollars on the pokies...never seen something like that before....six digits in the "WIN" column...the damned thing was going off for ages........lucky fella....

And yea, watching TV now, and about to call Grace...who's now back at home...without internet access...man, I miss her...and she misses me...or so she says...I managed to talk to her earlier...and she was commenting about our little night out in Maroochydore on Friday...and she was glad she did, because she trusts me more now, after seeing how I interacted with other people that knew me and was just being me...score another point for me being a good guy...

*Sigh* Well, just have to wait for further advise from university and find out what my options are with the real estate agents up on the Coast...

Going to call Gracie now...

Be safe.

N

Intentions And Requests

"Mr Gumbleton,

Please be informed that I will be vacating the premises as per your instructions (given to me verbally on Saturday, 29 March 2008) on Saturday, 19 April 2008 by 1700hrs.

As I will be vacating the premises on that date, as well as leaving on holiday with effect from today Saturday, 05 April 2008, I have offered to the other housemates included in this email, namely Ahmad and Ahisa, Itaru, Nami, and Kuang, access to my food items, especially the fresh items such as eggs and so forth. Anything left over will be disposed of by me by Saturday, 19 April 2008.

While I am away between Saturday, 05 April 2008 and Wednesday, 16 April 2008, can I please request a notarised copy of my original written application form for my personal records. Can I also please request that monies owed to me be readied by Saturday, 19 April 2008 at 1700, when I, or an authorised delegate, will then return the keys to the property.

Please do not try to discuss with me verbally or contact me unless via email before Saturday, 19 April 2008.

Kind regards,

Nicholas Newn"

I've moved out of the house as of 1145 this morning...that email was sent at 0954...so, about two hours to totally pack everything that I've got up here on the Sunshine Coast...not too bad I guess...

I'm flying off to Syd in a few hours, so I better get my gear sorted out (I'm currently at Lee's place...) and have a shower...the last part was a "push into bag and squish" moment...

Man, I miss Grace...

Be safe, and catch up in a bit...

N

Did You Know Bunnies Are Born Pink?

Funny comment from Grace, bless her...she hasn't slept in a couple of days pending the completion of two assignments, and I managed to talk her into coming out for a little while to the Pig for a few drinks...she had just finished her first term of her first semester in her first year at uni...so, out she came, picked me up from uni, and off we went...$60 later, we're finally in Maroochydore...and she starts falling asleep because of lack of sleep from the past few days....I was trying to give her sleep creds, but I think she would understand that I kinda needed to keep what few I had for the next few weeks...

As for Midget, I'm out of here in the morning...and I'm bringing him to Tenancy Tribunal...bugger this, he's just pissing me off...he talked to Kuang saying that he didn't want someone who wasn't communicating with him to leave the house...so technically he's evicted me before the 19th...but, I've got my rights, but just in case, I'm moving my stuff out and storing it at Lee's place until I get back in from Bathurst...and hopefully by then I've found a place to live too...the uni's been great in helping me out, especially in advocacy...this will happen...this will be messy, but this is warranted...man, I've been here seven weeks, and I'm already rocking the boat...but it's going to be well worth it...

As for my medical, I only had to pay $800!!!!! YAY!!! I asked the doctor why I needed to pay the $1700, and, while the reason was valid (because the reports could be subpoenaed, he would have had to close his practice down for the day, and he mostly did WorkCover stuff anyhow...), he decided to make it $300 for my consult, and $500 for the report...so, all's good...:P

*Sigh* I just said catcha later to Grace...and I already miss her....I know I did something that she didn't like tonight, but at least she's now home safer than what she could have been...and for that, I'm sorry...I think I'm falling for her in a big way...and becoming all musshy too...hehe...she, I can honestly say is a pretty stable thing, for the moment anyhow, and I hope that she can be for a while more....I think there's definitely something there..........

I better get some sleep on...got to pack my stuff up and move out by 1100...and fly to Syd at 1600...

Be safe, and miss you G...

N

VTA...

Variation To Assessment...first one....and it's a doozie...

Long story short, today, I'm finally going for my medical (that $1700 one), have to hand in a VTA for an assignment that I haven't even started due to having to find a house...well...read here:

Priorities:

1. Organise house
   
2. Get monies - check
   
3. Apply for security license for job- check
4. Study

Man....the past few weeks have been hectic...and I've also got to wait for the tenancy people to contact me today regarding my dear friend Midget...speaking of which...he's sent me an email demanding that I acknowledge that I understand that I have to move out by the 19 April...I've been advised not to contact him or have any discussions with him until further notice by the advocate at the university....:) Yay...

Helped (I think...) Grace and Jo with their assignments...but it was more me spending time with Grace (as I think she and Jo knew)...cooked dinner for them too...so I guess it wasn't that bad...and I think Grace and myself have been invited to an 18th birthday party on 19 April...hmm...I wonder huh?! Hehe...new house...party...NO GRACE, NOTHING LIKE THAT...but you do have a place to crash if you want...if I (when I) get this place....

*Sigh* One more day till back to Bathurst...and things are moving at warp speed at the moment...

Be safe.

N

So, What Do You Do With 36000+ Unsorted Songs?

You download FixTunes...I've just downloaded the program, and the security alarms didn't go haywire, so things were positive already...now, it's doing what it has to do...so I'll keep things posted on how it goes...apparently, this program gets the tags in your music, checks it out, adds album art, sorts out the names of Artist, Title, etc, and makes it all nice and all that...have a look at the screen shots, try it for yourself, but if this works, it's a real winner...

So, today's been quite productive...handed in my application for my security license, cost me $300.50...but the application is not being processed until I have three written references, so that's been organised, and I'll pick it up when I get to Bathurst...

Then, once that was finished, dashed back to uni, just in time for an inspection of a property on the doorsteps...$300 a week, 2Br double story unit, with washer and dryer, fridge, stove/oven, microwave, two lounges, dinner setting for four, outdoor entertainment setting for four, coffee table, entertainment unit...in each bedroom there's a double bed, chair and table area, and each room has its own shower and basin...shared dunny, but there's two, one upstairs and one downstairs...this isn't that bad a place...the complex has a swimming pool and tennis court, again, it's a three minute walk to the uni (I walk past it every time I go to/come from uni)...Lee and I are the only application of the place, so it's looking positive, even if it's for six months (but who knows, maybe I'll be there for longer...we'll just have to play this one by ear)...so, paperwork's signed, dropping it off tomorrow after class...

*Sigh* Managed to squeeze seeing Grace for about 5 minutes today...wish it was longer...but oh well...might be able to catch up with her very quickly tomorrow before I have to go to Kawana to drop off the rental application...I'm seriously going to miss her when I go to Bathurst...she's sleeping now, but should be awake at around 0300 to start her assignment...bugger huh? Hope she's warm in her new jumper...hehe...

I'm going to bed too, got an early class...so, it's been my sis' birthday, as well as Jess'...and Carin's yesterday...so Happy Birthday all, and God Bless...

And to you too...be safe...

N

You Will Need Three References...All Who Have Known You For Twelve Months Or More...

*Sigh*

Things are a tad lil bit rough at the moment...looking for places to stay, what to do with my security license (where I'll need those three referees), job prospects, uni...mum's not so happy with me at the moment either...and yes, I did make mistakes...but which 18-24 year old hasn't at sometime, or anyone else for that matter? I believe, in my honest opinion (better believe it), that it is important to make mistakes. The question then, is what you will learn from those mistakes?

Mistakes, as discussed in the last paragraph, were made, but in doing so, new people and experiences have been had...for which, there are no words to describe...

Grace. She was a chance encounter in the line for the "New To The Coast" bus tour during O Week...I was actually not going to go on that bus at that time...but then, I missed something, and just went, "bugger it, lets"...and I met her there...and now...I can't stop thinking about her...her hair, her eyes, her smile...and I just wish I could spend more time with her and not have any consequences because of it...I know, I know...I'm at the stage where I'm questioning, "Is this lust? Or Love?" The line between is so slight and narrow it's sometimes not even there...and it's been a while since I've really felt this way...well...P was something that just happened...that was a fling...and I'm kinda glad it didn't work out...but because of her, I came up to Brissy, got to know the place a little, had fun, and in doing so, decided that I wanted to come up here...now, since that happened, I couldn't go to Brissy to do any study...the chances of meeting up with her were a little up there...so, where else to go except the Sunshine Coast? One thing to another, and here I am...

So, TL:DR, if I was given the opportunity to change anything in my life, would I take it?

No.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still stressing, but at least now, as I told her before, there's something a little bit more stable in my life than just all those things that always fail, but then somehow fall back into place and be all good...

I know, that if something more permanent happens, there will be trials and tribulations, but it's another fact of growing up...and it's a journey...some are good, some are bad, some short, others long...and sometimes, just taking that proverbial first step is everything that will be whatever...if that makes sense?!

Unfortunately, this has to come in...but only quickly...Midget is in the house...I don't know why, nor do I care, but it's funny because he's not talking to me at all (a plus), and not even making eye contact...I shall try to do so next time round...see if it's anything I should be gearing myself for...at the end of the day, I'm still going to make his life a misery......I honestly believe that he deserves it...but then again, Upper Management does have a way of making sure that people get their just desserts...

So, how's university going? It's not going too badly I guess, two assignments last week, one this week...break coming up too...:) And I'm flying off for Bathurst on Saturday...well, staying overnight in Sydney Saturday, then training it to Bathurst Sunday morning...just in time for Sunday Night Trivia at The Ox...then ten days of sorting, selling, packing....man...this is going to suck...but it has to be done...

And unfortunately...I don't get to see Grace until I come back...*sigh*...man, I'm going to miss her...I already miss her after catching up with her this afternoon...but still...

Ok...so, this is what's happening...house inspection tomorrow at 1400 (yes, I'm looking at this place which is right next to the uni...$300 a week, but Lee is moving in...), put that application in...and pray it works...visa medical at 1100 Friday, going to part ways with that $1700...assignment due by 1600...flying for Sydney Saturday at 1610, arriving in approximately 1845 local...train to Bathurst Sunday at 0720...do a little dance, make a little...oh, mountain of shit to chuck out?...Fly back to Maroochy on Wed 16 April, arrive in at about 1500, come back to the house, drop bags, get ready to go to uni that night, and hopefully run into Grace while there...Thurs, 17 Apr, go to class in the morning, and -hopefully- move house that afternoon...Friday, hand keys back, get money (or break Midgets nose, using reasonable and proportionate force, then take money), and say goodbye to Kuang, who's been an absolute champion...and a good friend...going to miss him...as well as the rest of the guys in the house...except one...but meh...

*Sigh*...why does she bat her eyes like that? Hehehe................

Be safe.

N

Car Into Tree...Police On Scene...

True call over the radio...hehehe...

Not much is happening today...it's been getting really cool in the mornings though...wore a jumper (!) this morning....that is, before someone special came by...

There's a few birthdays, sorted them out...only wish I could sort out that medical report thingy...

OOO...man, just realised, my sis is 30 this week...man...well, she's married now, and she's set with her job and all....*sigh*...I guess life does begin at 30...

I've got to figure out what to do for accommodation...better find out before the weekend...call Uni in the morning...*sigh*...what to do...I'll figure out something...

Missing and thinking of someone...and hope her finger is better...and it wasn't my fault, promise...hehe...

Be safe.

N

MMM...Hazelnut...

Mmm...why does Cadbury's Hazelnut Chocolate taste so good???

Was telling G this story earlier...how my love of hazelnuts started with me following my mum's dad (who passed away 28Mar97...Good Friday...) to the supermarket in Singapore when I was a lot smaller (about eightish) and yea, he was teaching me about all the different food items and everything...and took a handful of hazelnuts to try, and gave me a few to munch on too while we walked through the fresh produce...and then we walked back to the hazelnuts........I think that's where I started really liking hazelnuts...and yea...have a block of hazelnut chocolate everywhere...you can ask anyone what chocolate I eat, and if they are observant, they will realise it's hazelnut...hehe...

Well, Friday was not the last day of TAFE as I -kinda- happily found out...this definately reminded me of times in Bathurst, where there were three day duties, and we'd go out Friday and Saturday nights too...as well as work Fridays to Sundays...hehe...I'm absoloutely shattered, but it's a bit of a walk down memory lane...

Just finished two days of Queensland Ambulance Service's "Apply Basic First Aid"...it was quite interesting not "existing" in the class...I attended it for free...bored, plus, it got me away from midget...who called me Saturday...but more on him later....unfortunately...anyhow, it was a good few days, had a couple of South Africans in the class, on top of Max, Lee and "me", and yea, just had a ball...

Last night was a biggie though...on a very limited budget...but it was good...met Scott, a skin cancer doctor, and Jodie, his Pede nurse wife...which was interesting...and had drinks with some of the staff at the Pig too...Jess for one...who, (because G wasn't there with me...and felt a bit down...) I asked to rate me out of 10...I got a 9.5/10...apparently, I've got the "whole package"...intelligence, sociability, looks, and easy going.....and that if something might happen between someone and I, that that person was very lucky to have me...

So, let's see, TAFE discussed (I've actually got video from our self defence lesson, but I'm not allowed to upload it anywhere online......), Pig discussed, G to be discussed...so that leaves Midget...great...:(

So, anyhow, Midget calls me up, in the middle of class on Saturday, ya de da de da bullshit about how I said I was going to live at the house on a short term basis, which is correct, until I had to do that whole shite with the medical (which is the Friday coming...:( )...and all this and that...and what not...and that my room mate is leaving on 19 April and that the room needs to be renovated and all that...so I have to leave the house on the 19 April...! WHAT THE FUCK!? I am seriously thinking of breaking his legs....but then again...I need to use "reasonable and proportionate force to the threat being offered" under the Criminal Code Act Section 546...to "defend myself"...so, another spanner to go into the works....I'm definitely going to be having a chat to the university now, and hopefully the Australian Tax Office and Queensland Tenancy Board...needless to say, I'm pretty steamed about it....but I really have got bigger fish to fry...I'm sure the sudden appearance of certain items on his computer is enough for reasonable and proportionate force of me beating the shit out of him...with a ten pound sledgey...

Enough about the fuckhead...I've been having an absoloutely wonderful week until that point...and I hope to at least be able to salvage enough to smile again...headache, fuckwits and lack of appetite be damned...

Things, I think, are progressing with G...was looking at a picture of her earlier on my phone (that I "don't" have) where she looks absoloutely beautiful...her face is glowing, and she seems happy...well, with a comment like this:

chocolatebox>NEWSFLASH!! Men really are from mars!! says (8:32 PM):
so really I think spending ANY time with you is nice.
=)

I guess things are on the up and up...and I get to see her tomorrow morning after not seeing her over the weekend...and let me assure you...she sounds really cute when she's sleepy....hehe...no, nothing like that happened....she was nice enough, while babysitting her cousins, to give me a wake up call at 0630 this morning....after I got home and talked to her and finally went to bed at 0230....but yea...I don't think she even remembered talking to me until I confirmed it later on in the morning by sms...hehe...

So, I have to finish this now, G's waiting for it so she can choose to either shoot to kill or maim me for what I've said in today's post...and she's got an early morning too....while I finally get a sleep in...yay...

Be safe...and thinking of you G...

N

We Are Legion...

We never forgive, we never forget...

So, where have I been over the past few days? Well....

Grace.

A one word answer to a complex timeline...well...most of it was spent together over the past few days...in the process making me all mushy...*shucks*...I honestly, positively think that I'm really falling for her...I mean, there's still that little bit of doubt, as with anything when it's new and untested...but I think there could be something, somewhere...

And my computer is doing it again (Grace would understand)...Currently Playing: U2 - Stuck In The Moment...for three days, everything seemed like those scenes in the movies where the music is appropriate for that moment in time...and my playlist on Winamp is in a double random config...so this lappy knows what's going on...hehe...

Last day of TAFE tomorrow...defensive tactics and basic control...should be fun...and I can start the process tomorrow afternoon....so...one month...it's been a hectic three weeks though, that's for sure...

I've got to get some zzz's...still not feeling that crash hot since last week...

Summa's birthday today too...and she was stuck in a training seminar all day...unlucky!

Be safe...and miss you G...

N