Seriously, don't sweep

When setting out into the world this morning I had expected not to return home until Sunday evening. I was not correct in that assumption. The mindless rush of packing flustered my otherwise calm morning, and the surprisingly empty freeway prepared me for an AMAZING cup of coffee that concerningly put a pocket rocket in my grumpy pants and turned my frown upside down.

Today at work, I confirmed that it has not been my lack of skills or talent that has gotten me ill favour with some of the brand managers. Today, I managed to see a work so blindingly beautiful crafted by a contracted outsider shot down for being shite.

I looked at the commissioned work and had to admit, it was stunning. An amazing improvement on the original (that we had borrowed from an overseas brand) and yet still it was not good enough. This tells me two things: I do amazing work, and it is put down all the time, thus my disillusion that I am untalented.

Today, however I start to remake the design from scratch. It was an impossible task for one day. SO impossible that when quittin' time came and I had not completed the work, I managed to slip out unnoticed as everyone readied themselves for the Monday office trip to Asia. It shall be quiet without anyone next week.

This evening, I managed to book into Isobel's Salon for a much needed haircut. Driving all the way down to Wollongong for the snip, I had expected a post hair cut dinner with Glen and Leila. Unfortunately, it was not to be. Such sadness. Isobel however was quick to offer a place at her new pad with Tyson and Nico watching SHOCK TREATMENT (sequel to THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW). Let me tell you, it was pretty nifty. Insane, and not as awesome as ROCKY, but the production design was a wet dream.

I must have appeared rude when I decided to jot off on back to good ol' Campbelltown instead of staying at Isobel's... But I rationalised that my bed along with a darkened room could equal a shit load of sleeping in tomorrow. Here's hopin'

Fruit of the Moment: 10pm cheat-a-thon

I dont think it matters if he's gay or not here.

My morning ritual has become somewhat repetitive. Get up. Run 5 miles. Drive to work. Nod off at the wheel. Wait for the the gate guy to open the work car park. Make breakfast. Check Email. Make Tea. Start Work.

I gotta shake this up a bit.

Tomorrow, just for fun I should eat breakfast BEFORE I check my emails.

Today was a day of finance. I assessed my assets and determined that without spending any more money from now until June, I can officially afford my trip to Connecticut this year. Oh BUGGER; I need groceries. Oh well.

The M5 journey home was bumper to bumper for some reason. But I managed to make it home on the limited petrol I had left in my tank. And there goes another blow to my not spending money plan.

I watched BURN AFTER READING with Mum and Dad tonight. It put me in a very hungry mood. I ate my soup dinner, and two extra cups of vegies, and a bowl of sultanas, and two pears and a yogurt and a muesli bar. At this rate I am about to explode. I got to get back into the habit of drinking a litre of water at dinner.

Fruit of the Moment: Penny Play

There once was a sailor named Cameron McFee

I've come to the conclusion that running in the mornings pre-sun-up will only get colder. My hands were like icicles as tried to turn on the shower handles when I returned to the warmth of the insideness.

Work was really productive. Got much work done, with very little procrastination. I did manage to do my usual email and blog list check every hour or so, but that's about it. I was so busy I never even saw Mr Wednesday!?

Dinner was to my surprise FABULOUS! I met Gen for dinner at the china-town and ate the same Spicy green bean dinner I had with the Sean and the Aneesa and the Ruby when we had our city fail adventure last year. It was JUST as delicious as I had remembered.

Meanwhile, due to an enormous cock up from my online printer, the LOVESONG fliers wont be available until mid MAY. Which is a little worrisome. OH NOES!?

On the awesome side of the sauce, the rehearsal tonight was awesome. Got through 3 whole scenes and the cast is really getting into their character. Pete, has actually memorised his lines and receives the STAR OF THE WEEK award for being a Banana Republican.

Fruit of the Moment: Memory Full

Can you do that? Thanks.

Today was all about the LOVESONG promo.



After work, I found myself traveling to Blakehurst to visit Peter who is playing the main character of Bean in LOVESONG. Together, along with help from his mother, brother and a short trip to see his grandfather down the road we put together a fantastic promo which I am currently editing.

Let me tell you, to find the music that I wanted was a little bit of a hassle. It turns out it wasn't written by that Saint Saëns (the Carnival of the Animals dude) but rather was an excerpt from a ballet by Louis Mérante called Sylvia, the excerpt called Pizzicati.

I'm having a little trouble exporting the bugger. As always I am trying to make it as big as possible without being massive in file size. Although, I think i've found a nice balance.

To help me along: more corn :)

Pete was a real sport for helping out this afternoon. But i'm so gosh darn tired.

Fruit of the Moment: Tuesday Groceries

The Jam was imported

Look at how far I ran this morning. In miles. I must have passed by about 20 people on my travels of Port Kembla. Everyone was in a real good mood. They all said hello back for once. Perhaps it was the public holiday.

It was a beautiful day for a birthday too. Unfortunately it was not my birthday, rather Glen's 27th celebration. During breakfast he came back from surfing, disappointed that the waves had not swelled as the forecast had promised they would.

I decided today would be a great day to stay still. To stay dormant, and to catch up on a few creative projects that have been running around the lap track in my brain.

Glen saw to it that the day was to be spent out and about in Bowral and Fitzroy Falls. He used the cunning and ultimate Power of the Birthday to "make us get ready". Leila and I were compelled to get ready quick smart.

The Power of the Birthday you see, grants the birthday person anything they desire. Washing up, cleaning, fetching bowls of delicious foods, all these could be yours to delegate with the ultimate power.

So, we set off for Bowral. It was the perfect day for it. Beautiful sun and the perfect temperature. The Coffee was superb and the drive was picturesque. I even got to refine my small talk techniques with Leila's Aunt Marianne on the drive there.

Not surprisingly, our lunch turned into a spotlight on how difficult I can make life for others. I had planned on ordering the Vegetarian Burger Salad Platter. It was discovered that the vegetarian ball of lentils and chickpeas were in fact prepared in a deep fryer. This eliminated that option. So, I tried the salad toasted wholegrain sandwich option. This turned into an abundantly disastrous choice.

The manager took it upon herself to change my order into something more presentable. And so after I had settled on my sandwich, she asked me If I wanted an arty looking salad instead. I hadn't thought this question through and assumed that the previous waitress had written down all my instructions with the previous order. (She hadn't) But wanted to please the manager, so agreed to her new plan.

As a result, the wholegrain bread was forgotten and replaced with white, the greens and tomato salad magically turned into roast sweet potatoes, covered in (of course) oil along with wanky lettuce soaked in dressing.

I decided to not send the whole meal back. But instead complain about one thing. This turned out to be the bread. So I told the waitress, that this wasn't the bread I had ordered and that I in fact originally wanted multigrain, and that as there had been so much confusion I just wanted additional bread on the bill. When it came out finally, the bread was thicker than a deck of cards and there was four enormous slices.

I'm just over it at this point. I didn't want to eat anymore. Meanwhile, no one else at the table had gotten anything to eat and Leila's aunt continued to go without the water she ordered despite our coffees.

I ended up with no food and a foul mood. Leila was angry at me; most likely for being difficult at a cafe she really likes, one which I wont have the opportunity to go to again, where as she will. The difficult thing was really when she told me I wasn't allowed to complain about something, change the order and then not eat whatever it was they replaced it with. And of course I'm allowed. As long as I pay for it, why not?

And the waitress seemed to find my salad sandwich with no butter, oils, cheeses or avocado obscenely difficult to manage along with her temper.

No one won here. It was just like Monopoly.

Thankfully, the mood lifted when a waiter arrived with everyone's orders AND my original order. It was perfect (ironically). Besides the bread which I removed. I was so amused I couldn't stop laughing with Glen... It lightened my mood immediately. And I ate my cubed cucumber with gusto.

Glen was even happy to drive me all the way to Campbelltown after our visit to Fitzroy Falls as I had forgotten to pack my Video Camera for tomorrow night's LOVESONG promo shoot with Peter. I got to ride with him on a motorcycle for 2 hours and 2o minutes with a 5 minute break at my house to pick up the camera.

The ride back to Woolongong was bitter cold. So cold, my legs were unable to stand on their own properly. It was concerning when I fell into the shower recess while climbing in. I didn't slip, my legs just gave way and buckled. The hot water soon woke them up. But I was still very shaky on my feet.

We were joined by Pam, Greg and Marianne for dinner. The roast for two turned into a roast for five. Our post roast Catan game was disappointingly boring. We resolved to amend the amendment we originally made to the extended player rules back to the official rules as it would liven up the game play.

Interestingly, even with the least amount of pieces on the board I ended up with five victory points, (the most out of everyone) when we decided to call it quits at 10pm. Greg and Pam needed to drive back to the Blue Mountains. So a half victory for me.

And for some reason, this evening I was so hungry that my dinner just wasn't enough. An extra 2 pieces of toast just 10 minutes ago attempted to satisfy the munchies. And even my yogurt dessert which I bulked up to include cut up fruit didn't hit the spot. I STILL continue to starve, should I eat a little more before bed? Yes.

Happy Birthday Glen. Sorry for being a fussy pain in the ass.

Fruit of the Moment: Sultana Weevil

But, candles aren't flamable

My 5 miles of Campbelltown scenery this morning was coupled with an overcast sky and a light drizzle. The weather not being very accommodating, it was difficult to call such a grey, rainy day Sunday. Also I found leaves to be much wetter when I ran into low hanging trees along the side of the road.

There were less cars than I would have thought for an ANZAC morning. Perhaps their users were all too busy inside the various open bars, RSLs and pubs around the city.

I had left around 1 hour to pack for four days of backpack living. Apparently that wasn't enough, and I left over an hour late to attend a rehearsal for the Arcadian's Contemporary Musical Theatre Workshop.

The day was a complete mixed bag. What I most despise about musical theatre is the standing around waiting for nothing to happen. Rehearsals you see, often result in your waiting around for an hour only to be rewarded with 10 minutes of work. This definitely was the case today. Luckily, the performance is next week and practice now is on my own time, which is just peachy.

At short notice, I was informed my bedroom at Leila's was to be given away to a visiting interstate Aunt who was in need of some TLC. I meanwhile will look forward to sleeping on the amazingly comfortable red couch. All I have to worry about is fighting my Godson for space.

I once again had Risotto for dinner. Leila made pumpkin risotto after I had stupidly thrown away her entire celery supply, placing our Catan game on hold while she went to Woolworths to yield some more. Actually, what I really had was a large spoonful of Risotto and half of my pre-cooked Friday night pasta.

Once the dinner was complete, and the chestnuts were shelled and consumed, Catan was resumed and Leila won. Its funny how I continue to love this game, regardless of my consistency in anti-winning.

Fruit of the Moment: Exploding Chestnut

Increased my Geek Cred

Apparently when you have an abdominal ultrasound for reasons that are not explained to you by your doctor, there is some kind of universal understanding that states scans are to be picked up in advance by you prior to revisiting the doctor for the results they wanted.

In addition to this, vaccinations for various immunizations required for overseas travel actually cost $80+ a hit. That's a whole lotta mula for all those pesky viruses.

Also, when you ask WHY you are getting these scans and paying for these vaccinations you were told you had to get without explanation, doctors will look at you like you have

a) spoken a language forien to them (or possibly made up dialect given their chances of knowing a forien language to be relatively high. You know, because they're smart). And

b) acted wrongfully and rudely

Im so glad I got to (therefore) spend the remainder of my day parading around Peters of Kensington with my sister. I got to induct Louise into the wonder that is that store. Luckily she did not spend upwards of $80 on Vera Wang Stationary, instead opting for the heart shaped pie dish. A wise investment.

I was rather taken aback however when for lunch at their overpriced cafe when I was not allowed to order a sandwich because it was not on the menu. And "the chef does not take special orders when we are busy" But I DID manage to modify their club sandwich after establishing they were out of vegetarian wraps.

My order of a club, without butter and with multigrain bread, toasted instead of fresh, without pesto, oils or any meat and extra salad. The waitress looked at me and said after this very long and painful quest for a salad sandwich: "Why don't i just get you a salad sandwich?"

My knowledge of modern etiquette told me that to answer with "Because, you Fucking incompetent underpaid lackey; YOU informed me that this was an impossibly difficult task for Chef to acheive." was not the correct course to pursue.

I merely smiled of course and said "that would be perfect." Louise was relieved she wasn't going to be eating alone. I really am high maintenance.

Such is overpriced service now-a-days.

This evening after whipping up a vegetarian feast in the kitchen, Louise and I threw an early birthday for Glen with servings of Bruschetta, Cheese and Mushroom Risotto. I also made Hazelnut Cupcakes for Leila and A White Chocolate Raspberry Butter Cake for the lighting of candles.


And here is the best news of the day: The Mushroom Risotto tasted FABULOUS. And I know for a first hand account! I had three whole scoops of that mountain of deliciously cheesy piled goodness and could have no more. The butter was an ingredient that my mouth could isolate like a lost friend whom it was very glad to see. There was much embracing.

Once again, Our Catan night was superiffic. Glen even WON a game. I, meanwhile continued my not winning strategy which is luring everyone slowly into a false sense of superiority. Mwah ha ha har....

Fruit of the Moment: Delicious Delicious Butter

I knew about it, but i didnt realise

Well yesterday I was in a foul mood. Perhaps it was the pains I suffered so early, minutes before the sunrise...

Today was a whole different kettle of salmon. TODAY my friends, I had me some coffee. And not ANY type of coffee... oh no, it was OFFICE DELIVERED coffee courtesy of both Lidia next door and Nicole from across the hallway. BLESS THEIR cotton socks.

My coffee was delicious. So so so delicious. It really brightened my day. In a Technicolor way. I'd say coffee is like my opium. I get so many awesome ideas while drinking some delicious crushed coffee beans, burnt to perfection. Like double face off Catan for example... Two boards, one game: so much mayhem.

Lets just forget the fact that last night I stayed up until 2am watching episodes of THE BIG BANG THEORY and eating whole coffee cups filled with frozen corn kernels mixed with various sauces I found in the kitchen. Yes, lets forget THAT and focus on today's awesome working day.

Just so much creativity was awakened. It was almost disgusting how the creative fluids were expelling. And best of all, this afternoon I got to re-work the mood board for DAVENPORT'S Winter 2011 range!

A mood board is kinda like a graphic representation of all the fashion, colours and well, moods used in that season's underwear range. Here's the original the "DAV" boss wasn't too happy with:


After an hour or so, I got me a purdy makeover:


Its still a work in process, but a little better than its predecessor. Hopefully. My favorite part is the pink Donkey Kong. Click to enbiggen.

So, last night was our first LOVESONG rehearsal at a paid space in Sydney Central. Imagine my lack of excitement when 2 hours before we are scheduled to leave, my actors pack up and go. A definite lack of communication I will need to clarify if I'm not to waste any more money needlessly.

On a positive note, the Postcards are on their way to being printed. And soon we shall see results. ALSO tonight thanks to too much BIG BANG THEORY, I stole this idea and made it into this idea.

Yay parody!

Tomorrow brings Peter's of Kensington and much more Catan

Fruit of the Moment: Ice Cube Rescue

Please pass on our best wishes to all your cast and crew

While driving to work this morning, a sudden urge of creative writing gripped my attention with an intensity that blew the clock off the kitchen wall.

Here's what I wrote about my prior 5Mile Run:

It seems the discomfort I suffered during my morning run turned out to be a stubborn bowl movement, which post 5 miles of shake and bake, was not so stubborn after all.

On reflection, I sincerely hope you were not eating anytime while processing the sentence above.

I managed to write those two sentences between Ingleburn and Liverpool. Go me. Also, not so fun for my sore stomach.

Fruit of the Moment: Eight PM Exit

Aussie Cozi

Today I recall sitting at my desk and thinking to myself: "good golly, my work IS fabulous". My tasks no longer included care labels or print matching, but a whole host of creative juices for 3 different DAVENPORT campaigns:

The 2011 Australia Day merchandise for BIG W
The 2010 Trade Secret Summer "discount" Range
and a few additional LOGO deisgns for Women's winter flannel PJs

All of which got me working so hard, I barely knew what day it was. Of course when I bumped into Mr Wednesday on my way out the door, I had almost forgot it was due for his visit. Luckily, I quickly set about my wits and wrote my phone number on a post it.

Id say the friendly banter has gone on long enough. The over laughing and the questions about twilight just all lead to the hopefully encouraging assumptions I have made. So, I informed him to come along to a cabaret I'm involved with at the start of May. "Dude, I'm THERE" was the eager response.

This evening I worked on the [long overdue] artwork for the LOVESONG postcard. Got me a fabulous print. Check it out:


Fruit of the Moment: Continued Criskits

Hang on, I'll check. Yep; It's the Sky.

This weeks weigh in was both a disappointment and a relief. Having lost no weight, but gained muscle I feel that Ive reached the end of my weight loss trail.

On the other hand, having dieted and maintained my weight is concerning for my return to normality. Although with all the extra food I have been eating (as ridiculous as a handful of sultanas could be considered 'extras' sounds) Its not surprising.

Also given that I've had a real stressful two weeks, I'm super glad I'm easing back into normal eating over the NEXT two weeks.

Yesterday, I had tried and failed to contact Tuneil for a little dinner date at my house. a quick sms solved the issue this morning and we were good to go at 6:30. Although I arrived home a short 4 minutes prior to the duo arriving in the driveway. They sprung me bringing in the garbage bins. HORAY FOR EMPTY BINS!

On the menu for the happy trio? A few new creations:

Leafy Greens with Sultana and Walnuts


Hakunafrittata:
Combining a sweet potato mash crust, Egg whites, mushroom garnish and sweet cherry tomatoes NOMNOMNOM



Home style Oven Roasted Fries with Rock Salt and Basil


And with all those egg yolks? A Baked Raspberry Custard, which was apparently divine according to Tuneil. Noah it seemed was too wrapped up in SPIRITED AWAY to enjoy such a scrummy dessert. I was so tempted to eat a bite. Sadly, it remains untried.


Tuneil was super awesome and cleaned all the dirty dishes for me. I may or may not have given away some of my sister's Baileys while we chatted after our dinner well eaten.

Fruit of the Moment: More Flags

If you find the key, take the bins out

Getting back to work after a great weekend seemed to put me in a good mood. Not your walking on sunshine type mood, but a generally happy disposition that had everyone commenting how much better I looked.

This morning (of course) was day two of the double portioned breakfast. It was so gosh darn delicious. Although, come dinner time, I had to have a cup of peas, corn and rice in addition to my pasta dish. So, I will look forward to the time I can adjust ingredients too, rather than just portion sizes. It sucks that I'm cheating on my diet with rice. Of all things!?!

The drive home had zero traffic at bottleneck point (where a 4 lane 110km highway becomes 2 lane 80km highway just outside of Ingleburn) I was stoked to get home without that hassle for once.

Meanwhile, Louise it would seem is trying to set me up with her 40 year old boss. I have my reservations. Let it be known.

Fruit of the Moment: Apricot Crunch

Wait... I have a thought [tofu]

Diary of a Cereal Cooker:

Last night, after having waved Leila and Glen back to the Gong, I set about the task to create the glorious Rocky Road Chocamudcake that's been swimming around my brain for the past week or so. And after the trouble below, we came up with the image above.

Having begun by cleaning up after Louise's sleepover Pie bake-off, it set me back around 50 minutes. Not that I was bitter, as cleaning is super satisfying, but I realised at 12:30 as I started to melt the dark cooking chocolate that this was to be an all nigher.

And apart from the addition of making ANZAC BICKIES and the cake overflowing in the oven 1 hour into the bake forcing me to spoon out scolding hot chocolate into a handy nearby cup to prevent the electric elements from a chocolate suffocation; It went smoothly. I left everything to cool at around 4am and set down for 3 hours sleep.

7am came and my harvest gave me a beautifullly cool canvas in which to smother in marshmellows, cherries, crushed walnuts and Dark Gooey Chocolate.

I continued my baking trend with a bakery treat for Dianna and Bridgette; Post Sleep Over Morning Banana Pancakes with Gelato and Honey.

And NEWS FLASH: I have finally increased my cereal intake from 35g to 60g. WOWZERS. I got to my first piece of fruit (which was meant to become 2 pieces) and couldnt hack even one whole banana. But I managed. So god dam delicious!

Today, the food that I consumed continued to snowball out of control: like a snowball that gathers green moss... or some shit like that.

Yogurt, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Bocchini, Onion, Seed Loaf from Bakers Delight, MASSIVE green salad, muesli bar, Thai veggie chili soup and Tofu pumpkin basil chili stir fry with Rice. So much food overload I am stil busting at the seams.

In an excellent and surprising turn of events, Mum and I had a great day together. Which, honestly had worried me given we hadn't seen each other since last Saturday. But Dad was in excellent sorts. And he really REALLY loved his surprise BBQ we threw for him, complete with giant balloons, wrong sized socks and special guests Erwin and Maureen.

Louise also caught the Catan bug yesterday and actually went to buy the game this afternoon after the party had died down. She celebrated her purchase by winning her first game. Congrats to Louise. Now, if only there could be some kind of giant combined CATAN championship with two boards, a whole load of spare time and no mercy. Jonathan, Leila, Glen: I'm looking your way...

After all the cooking, cleaning and lack of sleep I am domestically and mentally exhausted. Lets get back to work tomorrow shall we?

Fruit of the Moment: Bleeding Raspberries

Look, I love the art Deeco of this place

Horay for fabulous days! [And for Fabulous Raspberry Pies my sister makes].

After this weeks pile of utter shite (excluding Tuesday of course), I needed a reason to keep on working, living or generally doing things.

So, if you are ever in need of pulling me out of depressing rut, please complete the following:

STEP THE FIRST
Wake up early for an abdominal ultrasound to test for kidney stones, arriving 40 minutes early to amend a $125 blood test bill that wasn't bulk billed to medicare for some reason.

STEP THE SECOND
Forget that it is Dad's birthday and have an amazing morning conversation with him and a shared coffee post his need to contribute to his daughter's home by whipper-snippering bi weekly.

STEP THE THIRD
Get ready for Ada's 30 minute flyby Midday Wedding by realising that a) I didn't own any black socks and b) my shirt I bought in January in now miles to large for me.

STEP THE FORTH
Attending said wedding in size 32 pants (omigosh!? SIZE THIRTY FUCKING TWO?!) and standing around like a turtle doing its thang. The dresses were beautiful and Leila wore her fabulous shoes.

STEP THE FIFTH
Invite Leila and Glen back to house for lunch as there was all of three fish canapes circulating at the wedding, go about my domestic clothes folding/house tidying duties and deciding on a fabulous night out to dinner.

STEP THE SIXTH
Playing Settlers of Catan with said awesome friends and getting my sister in on the game. It was Such an AWESOME game of CATAN. It went for longer than usual, as Louise was being quite the competitive competitor for a newbie to the very complicated game. Glen and Louise felt anxiety for its longer than usual game time, most liked due to Louise's sleep over guests having arrived half way through.

STEP THE SEVENTH
Go to Outback Steakhouse and wait around trying to decide what to order from a restaurant that serves meat as its drinks. Fortunately for me and my wonderful, wonderful Leila who insisted that I was lactose intolerant (to avoid them serving me anything douced in butter, cream or cheese) I got me a serving of vegetables and amazing BBQed mushrooms.

STEP THE EIGHTH
Visit MONDOS to watch Glen and Leila eat Gelato. Delicious Gelato. I enjoyed my vicarious adventure in desserting. On a sad note, the bathroom lighting pointed out how gaunt I am currently looking. It concerned me for the first time in my whole diet.

Fruit of the Moment: Boutique Wedding Cake Pistachio Ice Cream

Helvetica Black

Today all my dreams came true.

Including the one where the Board of Studies took over a thousand dollars away from my account.

I also managed to drain some unwanted car battery when I arrived early at work and took a 50 minute nap with my lights on.

I also got to stay behind at work until 7:30pm on a Friday night, because it's better than my social life.

AND as an added bonus I got to not play any board games coupled with a really bland tasting pasta dish that has enough left over for tomorrow night's dinner.

Fruit of the Moment: Surprisingly Awesome Passionfruit

What does prominently mean?

Noteworthy of interest: my spleen tried to escape its cozy inner body casing this morning as I jogged past McDonald's. Seems it was not happy with its current rent conditions and wished to rip a wall down to make way for a more open plan living apartment.

Unfortunately, the agony I suffered prevented me from completing the 5miles this morning, although in a futile attempt at reaching my goal, I jogged for at least another two while writhing in pain.

If it wasn't for that gosh darned thingamabobs I had to... [HEY!? the word 'thingamabobs' is recognised by Firefox as an actual word!]... I had to finish, I'd be calling up sick for the second time this week. My car ride to work was more of the same fun painful attempts by some lower organ to wriggle its way out of its casing. I guess there's not much room inside anymore. You have to expect this when you charge the same rent for a reduced space.

Last night, I was so angry at myself for two reasons:

a) I cheated on the diet and ate a bodywise muesli bar AND a pear for late night snack instead of picking one of them.

and

b) I was mad that I had gotten worked up about eating an additional piece of fruit. Like its such an unhealthy thing to do... I may as well call off the WHOLE diet now; its RUINED!

After work (which was slow and painful in the Chernobyl stomach kind of way) I managed to drag myself up to East Gardens Shopping Center to buy some pants for Ada's Wedding, Dad's Birthday Present and the Fruit for my famous It's-So-Moist-It's-Dirty-Christmas-Fruit-Cake, which I'll need to start tomorrow because I've neglected to restock my store of both mixed spice AND nutmeg. OH! and some slippers for myself too :)

Fruit of the Moment: Dutch Cinnamon

Okay, keep sane

5-Mile Run: a blur.

Work: a blur.

Driving: a blur.

Grocery Shopping: a blur

Attempt of visiting Mum: Fail

Big Bang Theory: Mediocre double episode

With more than 3 hours sleep tonight, i'm sure more things will happen during the day tomorrow. Although, I do recall sneaking out of my office at home time because a boss of mine implied it would be a good idea to continue working. Although it could have been a mirage. I was that tired.

On a positive note; guess who's holiday leave was approved today?! Bucks Rock, here I come.

Fruit of the Moment: Yellow is ripened

Characters similar to Bean

Fabulous food for thought.

I set myself a task while setting out this morning at sunrise for my 5mile run. I was undecided if I was unwell enough to take a sick day. The resolve after 3.5miles was; yes.

However along such short lived run, I passed a number (I counted 7) of expensive looking Double Bay cafes. It took me three seconds to work out a rough plan of how to recuperate after what seemed like a most traumatic experience.

A day of restauranting. A day of applying my horrifically difficult diet to an assortment of cafes and eateries. Genevieve received the honour of choosing the first outing to breakfast. What she chose so beautifully was INDIGO.

Here, there was the exciting option of an egg white omelette. With it, mushroom, spinach, tomato and Rye toast. Genevieve's French Toast still looked more appetising. The Omelette turned out to be an enormous beast, invading most of the over-sized cafe plate it occupied. I managed to eat a third of it along with two long blacks. It was delicious.

In anycase, ringing into to work was the hardest thing I had to do today (especially since I had only yesterday applied for two weeks paid leave). But when you have had the past two days I've had; you need to recoup. And recoup I did.

I made a bee line down the highway to Wollongong, listening to NEXT TO NORMAL as it
a) reminds me of Buck's Rock and
b) it is simply fabulous and as a result put me in a fabulous mood.

Glen, eating his wheat related cereal bites was rather stunned to see my car Beybaloo rock up his driveway and he quickly ushered me up to his shed to show off the amazing set he has finished for LOVESONG. The bar he made yesterday for under $20 was simply perfect.

In an act of self healing, I offered to clean the kitchen as it was one of his chores to finish for the day. So while Glen vacuumed, washed clothes and tidied the house... I set to work polishing, wiping and cleaning dishes in a merry and somewhat cheery disposition. Somewhat not unlike Marry Poppins and her exploits in the Nursery cleaning department.

It felt so cleansing to clean, I'm sure Leila would enjoy more visits of this nature from me. (Currently she is calmly knitting her latest garment next to me, not plaintively as she correctly pointed out. Unfortunately it seems the last three rows have to be now unstitched...)

So my next step was to secretly invite myself to lunch with Leila. Glen rang to organise a visit, and we were to go to RELISH ON ADDISON. And after enjoying the warm morning sun watching Glen dissemble and reassemble a bike shed he is building, we get out the bike gear and ride his Motorbike to Leila's work. FUCKING AWESOME RIDE.

Leila I trust was surprised after I arrived in tow behind her husband.

Unfortunately, RELISH was a gorgeous restaurant for people not on crazy diets. My selection therefore, turned out so so. Roast vegetable and rocket Pide. I had asked the waiter not for any butter or oil. Despite this, the rocket was drenched in what Leila assured me was the basil pesto oil. *sigh* Leila's Chocolate fondant looked and smelt positively orgasmic. And I believe it was. The long black was not fabulous, but fine.

On the ride home, Woollies provided a much needed loaf of bread and yogurt restocking. A tomato toasty replaced my lack of lunch.

This evening, was VIETCAFE, and a whole load of orders:
The vegetarian soup was loaded with salty mushroomy eggy goodness
The rice-paper rolls were crisp, fresh and awesome.
and the Choy Sum with Oyster sauce were just the greens I needed.

Photography genius Jonathan visited us for dinner, and for our night of gaming we played two EXCITING rounds of SETTLERS OF CATAN. I continued my losing trend, but I also continued my enjoyment of the game. Its pretty awesome. Jonathan claimed a monopoly on the night winnings. Along with most of Leila's milky lollies. My final long black happened to be just chill :)

And for all the turmoil that has happened, I feel ready to face my week with large thanks to the New Zealand gang. Lets go back there soon.

Fruit of the Moment: Fish Sauce

This may set the tone for the whole thing but...

Aftermath is now a word I am completely familiar with.

My recent expression of independence has left me with a rainbow of emotive ideas, phrases, wants and needs. Having fought and unresolved issues with my mother is breaking new ground for me.

Generally, my pattern is to follow three simple steps:

1) Argue about an issue when prodded or put down.

2) Stress my point and be misinterpreted.

3) Compromise my world view in favour of calming the storm and returning to lake placid

Yesterday, however when confronted with the option of yet again going through step 3, I found it important somehow to continue to stress my point and assert my independence. in short, I stood up to my Mother in the only way I know how; by being cold and distant in her allocated time of resolution.

However this morning, after collecting my thoughts, I wrote my mother an email in hopes to begin to reach an agreed state of understanding in contrast to establishing who was right and wrong. . I hope this strategy pans out with a positive outcome for all involved (my Father included, who now has to live with the feud my Mother and I are currently extending).

In anycase, it comes at no shock that everyone at work noticed how "flat" I was. All day. And for all their noticing, I was 10 times this inside. The whole incident has taken an enormous chuck of my metaphysical flesh, marinated and seared the sucker while ruthlessly tearing apart the soul from sinew. Chewing. With macabre satisfaction.

So, after having 5 seconds to begin my situation to Gen when I arrived for the 2ND LOVESONG rehearsal, It was frustrating that I had to then direct a comedy about love whilst in a state of inner turmoil and despair after my actors started arriving.

Somehow, I came through. And for all my suffering and lack of understanding or comfort, Gen opened her first aid kit at around 9pm, and proceeded in her delicate operation.

Gen has an uncanny, methodical and logical way of condescendingly analysing a situation that really speaks to me and my (how shall I call it? Individual?) Brain.

Its something that I really love about her.

She knows how to separate issues, addressing a variety of problems one at a time; clearly, logically and calmly. And without self regard or need of urgency. She knows when to talk and when to listen. She was exactly who I needed to really start mending me from the mind out.

I feel that I now need to start on my physical being and need of comfort. Without resorting to Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese.

This is a job that i'd say only one person in the whole wide world could curently acheive. She knows who she is.

Fruit of the Moment: The Gift of Chocolate

Perhaps the Black Dress?

What a mixed bag today was.

I managed to slip into my running shoes at around 7am when the sun from a beautiful Autumn morning called to me from the little beeping noise inside my mobile.

The run was super. No traffic, no people, just sun and sky and Broadway's greatest in my ear. What made me feel amazing on my return is Justin and Tuneil sharing a beautiful breakfast with My Sister and Brendan. All seated around the breakfast table.

My usual 35g of cereal tasted so much better served with a large dose of good friends and cool plans such as CAMPING: MARK 2 and KENNEY'S FAREWELL PICNIC.

For such a swell morning, some dark clouds rained on my domestic parade. Amongst my organising for next Sunday's BBQ, and cleaning of the house (which included a refreshing and satisfying rearangement of all kitchen drawers, cupboards and pantries) was a phone call from my Mother. Actually, Dad had called for Louise and then gave the phone to Mum to talk to me.

Now, this seemlessly harmless action quickly spiraled into a flurry of insanity, violence and home invasion. I shall explain.

Mum had forgot Tuneil and Justin's name temporarily so asked "did your friends come last night". I mistook this (as my brain often mistakes things) to mean "why didn't you invite friends?"

My response apparently SHOULD have gone something like this:

"Tuneil? Yeah! she had an awesome time. Okay, see ya later Mum"

Instead, I was trying to logically explain why I felt the lack of want to invite any of my friends to my sister's toilet opening. It came out very oddly, and for the most part Mum seemed to find this really annoying. And trying to press my point that I realised my mistake, while explaining why I had made an interpretation error seemed to make things incredibly worse.

5 minutes later, and continuing to argue about how I don't communicate with my family left my Father who was waiting to take Mum to the movies in a real testy mood because a) they are now late and will probably miss the ads and b) it was Mum's idea to go in the first place.

ONE word from him was all it took for WWIII to break out over the phone and I just hung up.

I unplugged the house phone and tried to calm down with some classical music and tea. This seemed to be working until my Mother started to call my mobile. I hang up. around 8 times. I dont know what state you are from, but in the United States of Kenney, this clearly is a sign that I don't want to talk right now. So when she turns up in the driveway, I just lock the doors, and close the blinds and sit down, giving clear evidence I do not want to interact while so irrationally worked up and emotional.

Needless to say, they had a key. Which lead to a very out of hand situation. When I get this angry, I either a) shut down completely and avoid doing anything or b) scream yell and otherwise throw shit around the room.

I don't know if it was the right choice, but I chose option a).

Trying to mentally and physically keep my Mother out of my life is an exhaustive process. So when she tried to keep pushing and keep advancing I lashed out, not caring as one often does in situations where their parents have invaded the house, clearly uninvited. Mum's hand got stuck in the door she was trying to force open. I stayed my course tho. I was surprised that my door didn't snap in two. The amount of force applied was astronomical.

Eventually they left and I cried myself stupid for 20 minutes. I felt dead. I still feel dead. I felt so alone.

And this is why I made 4 cheese macaroni and cheese and proceeded to get more depressed when I couldn't eat it.

Fruit of the Moment: Leftovers

They do if their name is Denise.

From the domestic bliss of cooking many bakery goods last night, to visiting the wonders of Peters of Kensington. I feel that my domestic meter is currently in hyper-drive.

Today, for those in the know I visited POK for a certain purchase and ended up getting myself some pink Murry River salt.

I met the wonderful Leon in the coffee mug aisle and we walked around the store for a bit. It was real neato walking around the homewares with an exceptionally good looking man. Leon is after all, a little gorgeous. I'm sure all the gay couples picking out their coffee percolators and matching egg timers were getting a little jealous. It was fun to play pretend for a bit. Even though he is happily engaged with the most lovely American girl.

We met for coffee and our preliminary talks for the LOVESONG score. Leon has taken on board the task to score the entire play. Hes a little bit awesome like that.

This evening, was the toilet party. Sean and Aneesa made it to the fold, and were welcomed by their elders with an onslaught of alcohol. Good thing they were the responsible ones. Unlike our Auntie Tuneil who had an evening to be remembered. It was night filled with no awkwardness whatsoever. Sean, i'm looking at your balloon here. Its still floating around.

Here is a short story composed by a woman who reportedly is "never going to drink or eat again after this piece of cheese"...

My best dearest friend was called Denise, and she found too many drugs when she had a reason to be a slut. She wants the sluts to die with dignity. And is debating how long it takes to get to kangaroo Vally while lost in his eyes.

Fruit of the Moment: Recipe Recount

No point, I just think its a good idea for a t-shirt.

Today was finally the day I officially applied for the annual leave necessary to go to America in time for Buck's Rock. It worked out well too. My boss seemed quite supportive which can mean one of two things:

a) YES! Such a fabulous opportunity, I wish I could go too...

or

b) YES! An amazing solution to finally getting rid of that worthless employee.

I feel a bit worthless at work atm. It's not through lack of doing anything, just a whole lot of communication breakdowns and wild goose chases. People tell me to do one thing, then call bloody murder when its not done in the opposite way.

It was also a LOVESONG-less day, which had me pretty much focusing too much on yardage designs. At one point I looked up and saw it was 1:05pm... that's completely past my lunch break.

Anyhew, I was little miss-bake-a-lot this evening in preparation for tomorrow night's TOILET PARTY. My sister has finally renovated her bathroom and now has an indoor toilet. Something a lot of families did without back in the day. And in celebreation of such renovtion I have made Double chocolate fudge brownie cupcakes, Church Picnic Carrot & Walnut cupcakes (with enough batch left over to make a carrot loaf for Mum) and MONTE CARLOS!

The MONTE CARLOS are currently cooling as I write this.

Fruit of the Moment: Electric Burning

Anti things from the ocean... Excluding chocolate sea shells

Managed my 5Mile run this morning. Got to sample the finest of Campbelltown scenery as well, including the catholic club, Tim's garden Center, Campbelltown Train Station and The local BWS.

My day at work included a few new patterns and elastics for DAVENPORT's 2011 AUSTRALIA DAY promotion. It was an adventure in Green, Gold and True Blue varieties.

Thankfully, ACTT got back to me in regards to a rehearsal space for LOVESONG. And I'm happy to report a dramatically reduced price. Thank you Squabbalogic for recommending them :)

I once again managed to spend over $200 on my weekly grocery bill. HOW? (I ask you) Quite possibly it has something to do with Louise's Toilet Party on Saturday. I've elected to back a few treats for the evening. They required things like chocolate and walnuts and vanilla essence.

This evening at Leila's I had thought Glen and I were to have a sushi dinner. Turns out, he made ME sushi. Just for me. And even more awesome was the set he wanted the approval for. GOLD STAR goes to by set designer.

I also won my first game of SETTLERS OF CATAN tonight! I'm in orange...

Fruit of the Moment: Chocolate Love Nesquik

Tell 'em Squabbalogic sent ya!

And I giveth you:

WEBSITE

I woke up with a little more pep in my system. Wix however took it out of my this evening with its INFERNAL GOOD FOR NOTHING click and drag options. However, it is now done.

The theme of today was indeed LOVESONG.

Tickets are now officially on sale. Online :)

I have also organised an official rehearsal schedule around my actors, and am in the process of locking down a rehearsal venue for the last 5-6 rehearsals. One option was the SEYMOUR CENTRE, which at a whopping $400 for 5 rehearsals turns out to be $26 an hour. Not so cost effective.

I'm hoping the ACTT will come back with a more reasonable price for such a low funded poor poor man like myself. The wonderful NAOMI, who I kept calling Erin was very helpful over the phone.

Other than this, Mr Wednesday asked me if I liked twilight today. This was about as exciting as the conversation got besides the banter about preppy cardigans and scarf wear.

Also, the invention of Salt and Vinegar Stir Fry produced a whole lotta moaning... in a I'll-have-what-he's-having kinda way.

Fruit of the moment: Mistaken Chick Peas :(

Ah yes, Moneypenny.

Back to work on a day where everyone seemed to ask if I was feeling sick.

Do I LOOK sick to you? BUDDY? Just because I haven't SHAVED and start coughing up BLOOD while SPEAKING to you, doesn't mean that I'm under the WEATHER okay?

No really. I felt so weak today. From the moment I braved the very warm chill of Sydney air (in comparison to Wombeyan Caves, it was practically Summer) I felt a little weakened as if I was down to half a heart meter. This was me all day. Spirit half mast.

Anyhew, people at worked noticed. And commented.

Now i'm commenting on it here.

Meanwhile, in a post work meeting...

George from Ultimate Fitness was quite concerned at the dangerous amount of weight I lost during the past 2 weeks. (4.3kgs) He's now adjusting my diet so that I

a) eat much more more protein
and
b) eat much more protein

aparently this will help with getting the internal batteries into 4th gear.
Fingers crossed. He promised cheese. Please oh please oh please...

Fruit of the Moment: Sitting Rooibos

Sound horn at blind corners

Waking up and continuing my regular exercise program was never REALLY on the cards these holidays. I was sticking to the food, but dammit, it was Fucking cold at Wombeyan Caves.

Sorry to disappoint you all with a lack of visual spectacle, but I come to you from a convenience store in Double Bay, which is nearing its close time, and thus becomes rather INconvenient.

This morning Louise hustled the troupes into packing up mode while Brendan and I managed to pack our cars with all the loot. Okay, so Brendan did all the heavy lifting. But I played a neato game of tetris with the items. We left before Tim and Grant, later hoping Grant's car could successfully start Tim's engine which was drained of all battery from last nights "LETS USE TIM'S HEADLIGHTS TO SEE" game.

I slept much better last night, but there was less of it. And our hero was reluctant to go to sleep as the fire from the night before had him drowsy and content.

Driving home, I discovered how slow Brendan can actually drive. Granted the road actually wasn't a road, just a place where the rocks had been driven over more often... still, cars were being distinctly angry at us on the narrow unpassable one lane track. Seriously, Mum had told us not to go the alternate route home, because it really was 55KM of dirt roads. Instead of 80Km of doubling back on highways. I'd say, it evened out in the end. I'd go the Golburne way in the future. More antique stores :)

I was glad to get back to good old bitchumen. Arriving home before Louise, I had time to fully appreciate the wonders of a long, hot shower before discovering my clothes smelt like some seedy pub from the Cross, thanks to all the fire smoke.

And I barely had time to think before jotting off to my first LOVESONG rehearsal in Double Bay at Genevieve's apartment. It went well, but for far too long. AND no one enjoyed the hot cross buns. Oh well, I shall try them at work tomorrow, and we shall see then.

A good weekend ended with a good (but brief thanks to Glen) conversation with Leila. Soon, there will be more Catan. Soon.

Fruit of the Moment: Half Price Easter

Mention that I'm pregnant okay?

Once again, I come from the electricity deprived darkness that is the Wombeyan Caves Camping Grounds. (Well, once again I TYPE out for your convenience what I wrote there)

Last night, I could not sleep. So, so so much coldness, combined with the insanely loud snores from Grant's tent and the impending morning exersise gave me very little comfort on my "why-did-i-use-this" air matress.

My back woke up stiff and pained, and my limbs were like ice.

A midnight pee adventure prompted me to retrieve the spare sleeping bag from Beybaloo, my car. The rain convinced me to abandon exercise plans and I finally "slept in" until 8am, by which time, everyone was already awake and kicking.

The Hardest part of my day was being around people in holiday eating mode. The Easter Sunday chocolate rolled freely and the snacks were consumed with reckless abandon. My diet kept me in check, cut in normal circumstances food would have been my enemy.

A guilty confession, at my 4pm snack, I ate a piece of fruit AND 2 rye cruskits. I am so wicked right? (pffft! sad pandas for diets)

Even more depressingly - no one ate my hot cross buns :( Louise didn't like the one she tried and when no one else wanted to touch them i was internally crying in despair until Brendan's impromptu 4pm bun craving. His report was favorable, and I hope honest.

We checked out the self guided Cave walking tour today when all the "adults" had departed to head home, and i fell quite easily into teaching mode listing the differences between stalactites and stalagmites (Stalactites hold on tight to the ceiling you see)
Everyone was also interested in the ways a cave had been formed by hundreds of yoears of water carving through the sandstone.

I also managed to read through LOVESONG in preparation for tomorrow's first rehearsal.

But Christ! Today was bitterly cold. I drank so much coffee and coffee and tea, the frequent trips to the bathroom were given.

My manly evening task was constructing the fire. Something, I felt I had a firm grasp on (having gathered many bundles of kindling from the surrounding roads and building up a beautiful pyramid...). Tim however seemed to find my efforts unsatisfactory, chucking a shit load of wood ontop of my structure ruining my 30 minutes of "manliness" while everyone enjoyed their poker game. Bitter Much?


After the fire died down AGAIN from the small setback, I spent about an hour building it up again. Successfully, might I add. And by nightfall, the glowing embers were once again covered with a pile of wood that could have built a small cub house by Tim. This time the whole thing went up and we had an enormous bonfire of warmth. Still, Bitter Much?

There was something incredibly satisfying however cooking my soup over the (pre enormous bonfire) fire I had made. everyone else employed Louise's stove to make chops, sausages and/or pasta.


Overall, a great relaxing day of camping full of Easter Sunday awesomeness and a Cluedo win for Kenney (Colonel Mustard with the Spanner in the Study)

Fruit of the Moment: White Rabbit

My Life In 6 Bags

Ah, so with the lack of electricity, civilization or heat - I come to you via good old pen and paper for now (Although, here it is typed out for people who find it hard to read)

We all woke up bright and early in preparation for our camping adventure to Wombeyan Caves.

Tuneil and Noah turns up, right on cure in the cursed car that failed to drive us to Adelaide. Anyway, i remember feeling a little hesitant taking off - Knock on wood!

Turns out my fears were not for nothing. As Louise and Brendan took a toilet break near some random Goulburn McDonalds, Tuneil was called home for a family emergency leaving me sitting in on the drive back to Campbelltown, so i could pack all the gear from Tuneil's car into my tiny Yarris Beybaloo.

Currently, Louise is interrupting me is interrupting my thought process en-lighting me on her favourite music - which granted, conflicts with the rest of the group, but i've lost the point... Oh yeah:

I had to drive to the camping groups by myself listening to DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS. Much to the apologies of Tuneil who needlessly kept appologising for putting me out. Trust me, we were more concerned for you. Sorry to put YOU behind in getting home.

In anycase, I arrived late and my tent had ALREADY been put up!! (score!)

It was a pretty awesome afternoon spent with childhood campers Grant and Tim with their partners Leah and Lauren. Linda and Erwin spent time with Mum & Dad while Louise and Brendan kept being the cute couple they are. Good thing i dont feel excluded not having a partner and all... wait :(

now I is sad

Note to Self: find a boyfriend*

AND it's frigin FREEZING up here. I am currently huddled around the toasty open fire listening to Grant recount his glory Rugby days.

Louise just felt rain, so she's off to the toilet for the final visit of the night. Best be off too.

Fruit of the Moment: Moving Water

*(see amendment left by Louise in the written version)

He accepts all offers. I mean, they have to ask him first.

What do you do with the first day off in a very long time?

Bake :)

Today became all about the kitchen. I surrendered my hands to the kneading needs of my Hot Cross Bun Dough and let myself swim in an ocean of domestic bliss.

So so so satisfying. Here are my buns before they rose:


Hot Cross Buns, Monte Carlos and for dinner? Tomato & Chill Reduced Sauce Pasta.
I even used an entire roll of Handee Towel Paper cleaning as I went.
I also managed to clean out the fridge of all it's out of date stock.

Here are my apricot jam glazed Hot Cross Buns:


For one half of the yield, I threw in some cherry Brandy. So Mummies only, okay?

I felt so immersed in craft today that I completely forgot to pack for camping tomorrow. Which is my next task after the blog. I've only just taken off the apron.

Tangent: Mum watched INTO THE JUNGLE today.

And was fawning over Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's "amazing physique".
I was like ...The Rock is meh in comparison to Sean William Scott.
Mum was like ...wa? yo fool, yo crazy ass.

UNTIL of course she was watching the bonus features on the DVD. Mr Scott decided to wade shirtless down some water rapids to set up a shot. Needless to say, she now agrees with me.


On an amazing note, LOVESONG has now been completely cast. And in an adventure of facebook stalking, I have cut together a panel showing off our cast:


We start our first rehearsal on Monday evening. I've only JUST realised I haven't printed enough scripts. But, with mine and Gen's laptop serving as an impromptu Kindle, we should just about manage.

Fruit of the Moment: Black Feet

This aint a picnic either, but at least its movey

So I started to cough this morning prior to my run. Figures. Its getting cold too. Last night, I opened my new VanHeusen winter night shirt to wear to bed. It was warm and cosyness.

Work today really wasn't the party I was hoping for. Given that I never again need to look at those curse-ed care label booklets at least for a month, I had thought that I was going to enjoy a good crack at some yardages.

Perhaps it was the multiple times I fell asleep at the wheel, or how I aimlessly walked around Woolworths for an hour and a half spending over $250 on weekly groceries. But today was zoned out. Interestingly, the price of petrol rose from 113c/L to 139c/L... overnight?!

I had also planned to visit Gen down in Coledale. I'm glad I got to cancel. Who knows what sort of accident I could have had heading down Mount Ousley. I need to recover. I need rest. And I need to bake. Thank goodness I have four days off, and enough ingredients for my Hot Cross Buns tomorrow.

Fruit of the Moment: Indecisive Casting