So much been going on in my life lately.

The Spring racing carnival was memorable...Derby day Beautiful with oh so many people. Caught up with old friends, mingled with new. Home 7am the next morning. Cup day the weather was shit and it started out with heavy rain and wind. Put a dampner on things before i headed to the warmth of the members then down into the birdcage for free grog and food. Cheers Dyson.....

What else?

Work... Yeah still there, was good to have a few days off over the racing carnival. Still enjoy it though despite some moments of question. Saturday night was a crazy one. Really busy. In my year of working there never have i dealt with so much shit from customers.

Love life?? Yeah about that. Not a great deal going on. There's a hint of it but I can't seem to get it off the ground.

Catch up on stuff day today...

Oooh ooohh new u2 album. I always swore i'd wait until it's official release this time, even if it did hit the net early. I caved............. I'll still buy it when it's released of course but I do have a my own copy already.
First impressions??? Hit me harder than All that you can't leave behind firstdid. It's an Edge record in the sense of a return to his atmospheric, melodic and stand out guitar. Bono's words are great. The songs are anthemic, beautiful and definately resonate something big. I love it!

What a Brilliant day. Sun. Everyone in a good mood.

Went for a run along the yarra near home.

Spent ages cleaning and organising shit at home.

Felt like staying clear of the pubs.

Ti's the day to vote for the Federal Election and like every other Australian I made my way to a polling station to cast my vote, to voice my opinion. Must admit though, I'm not heavily Political and I don't have an overly keen interest so my vote wasn't really well researched or thought out. The best bit of it was returning to my old Primary school and having so many lost memories come flooding back. From the layout of my classroom, playground etc to when I used to run around the oval or kick the footy during playtime. That part of my life seems like a dream but just seeing it all again reasurred me it was real.

The new place is ace. I've really spent a decent amount of time arranging my room and getting ideas. Either that or it's nice to come home from work and relax to some music or tele. (We just got Foxtel Digital put it and I wonder if it's worth it. It just induces more mindless channel flicking) It's great to have the company to.

Moved outta home. With the exception of my 18 months in the Uk, this is the first time I've lived away from the confinds of the parents. Was never in a hurry to move out but now im so glad I have. A cool room in a cool place in Kew, only a short walk from work. The people I live with are great. Already I'm having domesticated ideas on how to improve, do up the place.n It's a new found sense of freedom and responsibility.

The new single hit worldwide radio yesterday. I burnt my own copy and have been listening to it non stop. What a track! 

I always enjoy going out to the airport. The place where people are either leaving things behind for a while or are returning with a sense or renewed freshness in their life.

We picked up Damo after his 6 months in London. As we stood near the barrier in the International arrivals section waiting it occured to me that here is a place or even a moment when life seems perfect. Where everything seems to dissapear, where people are reunited and the world, it's problems, fears, doubts whatever not an issue. Everyone happy. I recall some girl coming through those doors, seeing her boyfreind standing right near me, and just rushing into his arms where they embraced each other tightly for what seemed like ages. A good 5 minutes with no words, no conversation. I don't know why exactly i'm writing on this but i guess i was somewhat taken back by it..... Corny???

Anyway, as Damo came out I said rather loudly 'There he is'. Other people looked at me, it didn't matter. Great to see him again. Shaved head and tanned. Overseas travel creates change in a person. Both physical and emotional. I should know, I've been there, done that.

We went out last out in what turned out to be a huge and fun night. Feels like a while since I've had that. All his mates and myself hitting it hard at a few places around town. Barry's at the end of the night was a nice top off. I was cynical in going there at first thinking it would be crap. I cut loose and had a ball. Rather drunk to. We ended up at a freinds place in East Brunswick at stupid o'clock, waking the poor girl up so we all had a place to crash. Few hours sleep on the fold out couch then eventually made it home this afternoon just in time for Fathers day Lunch.

I've been the cleaning lady at work all week, and again this week coming. The plus side is that it gives me a more normal/structured working week and has given me the weekend off.


I watched a great movie tonight, one i can't believe i'd never seen before. 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's nest' with Jack Nicolson.

What else?? I've got a lot of choices/decisions to make at the moment. The need/desire to move out to somewhere else. The restlessness with wanting to do something more with my life career wise. What exactly to do? When and where to do it. Do i continue to ride the wave or should i take a bit more charge and swim through it.

I'm listening to U2's Pop as i write this. A slightly different version i made up that includes the reworked /remixed vesions of songs that featured as singles or on the Best Of album. I prefer it this way than the original version actually.

'And it looks like the sun, but feels like rain. And there's heat in the sun to see us through the rain'

Other albums of choice lately.
The Panics, 'A House on a street in a town where I'm from'...
Brilliant!!

New album out November 22, the first single 'Vertigo' released to radio in a matter of weeks, another world tour next year. Im excited. I saw them last time round in London, Birmingham and Dublin. It was an amazing experience. How I'd love to do it again. 

Often I'm to lazy to even write anything but fuck it, here goes another ramble.

Perth was awesome, my first time to the other side of the country and a good break away from things here.  Flying over business class i felt kinda special and made the most of that dangerous thing called free alcohol.  Well it's free when your on the plane anyway, the extra cost of the seat would cover that but hey, i got frequent flyers.  50ml shots of chivas regal had me slightly struggling to get my words out by the end.  And being stuck in a plane seat isn't all that great a way to get silly anyway.

Staying out in Sterling with Simon's dad and sister was nice.  Although it meant we couldn't really cut loose and have the same holiday effect as when your in a hotel it was nice to have a place to relax in.  The weekend was big, Friday and Saturday in Northbridge and a Sunday session down at Cottasloe( spelling?) .  Did the touristy thing to the remainder of the time, checked out Freeo including the prison, the ferry over to Rottnest and a 3 or so hour bikeride.  Was nice....  Came back to Melbs all refreshed.  Been working most of the time since but love it still.  Weekdays and then the night shifts on a weekend.

Wheel of beer last night after I knocked off work,  with Nat and a few others.  $5 a spin and a plethora of tasty beer prizesd to be won.   From 3 spins I won about 6 pints.  By midnight it was time to leave, intoxicated and a fun night.

Watched a really good film tonight. One of those films that really draws you in. 'Bloody Sunday' is a re-creation of the events that took place in Derry, Northern Ireland, January 30th. 1972.

I was in Northern Ireland back in February last year and got to know more about the countries history. A subject that has always interested me. Upon watching the film and in particular one of the bonus documentries that showed where it took place, I had to run and look at my photo's. Recognising the scenery instantly.

I awoke this morning feeling not to bad, considering another night out. I didn't try to prove anything last night by consuming lots of the hardcore stuff at a quick rate. There wasn't any need.

After a wonderful dinner with Mum and Dad in Carlton i was supposed to meet Aldrich at Puggs around 9 for birthday drinks. I get driven there after dinner but decide to call to make sure they'd arrived. Still at home... Wasn't going to wait in that place by myself. Not my kinda scene anyway.... A large group of old freinds were congretated in Brunswick St. First time in a while all together. The crowd i used to hang with and shared many beers with week after week back in the day. Decided to start there instead with the intention of heading on later on. Was great seeing everyone, didn't leave 'em. Old days relived almost. In a smallish bar, Labour in Vain we drunk jug after jug and talked meaningful shit all night. The remaining few progressed to Polly at the tail end of the night and ran into more freinds. The Godfather Cocktail was yum. None of this juicy, fruity rubbish. Strong alcohol baby, how they should be drunk. The Termy is on the way home. Yes I went there again at the very end for a quick drink.. Maccas, cab, home...

Weather is an easy topic to bring up but hey, it was a bloody wonderful day today. Drove to Rob's place in East Melbourne then we walked into town, checking out a few shops in Bourke St Mall. Always people. A far cry from good 'ol Tempe town.

There's a movie dad has been meaning to see for a little while now so with an oppurtunity to do so we went to the Jam Factory in Sth Yarra to catch 'The Day After Tomorrow'. Looked good on the big screen but I won't hurry to see it again. Coffee at a little cafe afterwards followed by a souva in Bridge Rd. Good just hanging out with Dad....

On the way there i drove past the pub where she works and saw her in the window as i made a quick glance. Ran into her last night to, we didn't even say a word to each other. I tried to smile and make contact as she walked past but we looked the other way. Awkard and weird.. Bullshit if you ask me... It used to be good..... I never meant to react the way I did and make the comment i did, I'd take it back if i could. I should've just held my breath, but being blown off, ignored then subtly having it rubbed in my face was a little painful. A reaction only natural?...

I don't mind that things didn't work out. I just don't like ending these sort of things on bad terms. It's always hard when your the dump/ee as oppossed to the dump/er. And even though I always new when we were hanging out that we had nothing or little in common it's still just a little annoying. When your looking for something real but it seems most of the time the fake, plastic short term is all you get and all you can take comfort in and even that doesnt last.

Hows that song go i so love?..
"This one goes out to the one I love, this goes one goes out to the one I left behind.. Another Prop to occupy my time"

I then thought about someone special tonight from my past. Still wonder if only.

My that was a deep and personal little vent session. Does this ramble belong here?? And now for something completely different.

Im going to Perth on Thursday. Bring it on Baby.

Bloody 'ell. I'm so not cut out to be a computer geek sometimes. I just don't have much geek in me I guess!!!

I try to make one simple little bloody change to this website design/layout and it takes foooooorever. Trial and error. Was an easy thing in the end.

Work!! Yeah still there, still enjoying it, still love being a people person. There's been a bit of weird tension inhouse lately though. Causing unsettlement and minor doubt. On my mind. Changes... I'm learning alot aiout being in a business that involves a more social aspect to run. Things I agree with, things I don't..


I had a Saturday night off and what do i do?? Go out into a pretty cool bar in town,leave card behind bar, order lots, urinate it down the toilet, get chatty, get happy, get stupid, end up at bloody work again on my night off, talk shit, stumble as I try to throw my arms around the world, get taxi, get home, get giddy, get sick, pass out at friends place. Watched movies at Simon's all day Sunday.

I need a holiday and I'm going to take some time off soon. Haven't really since I started at the pub some nine months ago. Need to just get away from it for a bit. All to serious lately.

Things are so quiet and peaceful when there's no one else around. Maybe to much so. With Damo in London doing what I already have, and the folks away on a well deserved trip in Canada, it leaves me with the house to myself. On one hand it's great. Im responsible for it all and I like that independence. But, on the other hand it gets quiet and a little lonely when im here. I am close to my family. I try not to spend all that to much time here lately, and when i do i eat, sleep or watch a movie or whatever.

Today no work, blue sky, sun.

For something to do i went into town, parked the car near Rod Laver and went for a walk in the Domain. Not that often I get down there. I sometimes forget how wonderful this city is and wish that i spent more time being a part of it rather than living in the 'burbs. Oblivious and detached from so much that goes on. Day's like today made me reavulate where I am and wonder why i am still here?

Checked out the music bowl, memories from the '95 REM gig came flooding back. Went for a walk along Southbank and ate a souva by the river. There's quite alot of residential apartments in that area and I thought about 'what If' I lived there. How good it would be to be in that part of town. So close to the city, the arts precinct, the gardens. whatever.... I realised that I don't belong here anymore. For me the grass is always greener on the other side. I need challenge, meaning, purpose.

Work is still going well I guess. Not quite as many hours but still enough to make up a full 35-40 week. Think I'll cook some dinner. Going to head out for a while tonight with soem friends. Better watch my money though, went a bit silly on Saturday night and tossed way to much money and scotch down the urinal......

Chris Martin - The Elongated Frontman.
Pious, semi-virginal, extremely charitable. Accused
of being a bed-wetter.


Which member of Coldplay are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

nothing to much to say tonight, well worthwhile anyhow.
just wanted to at least say something.......

Radiohead has been cancelled tonight. Tom unable to sing due to a fucked voice.
They also played Rod Laver last night but my turn was tonight.

About 1pm this arvo I got the call from a friend to tell me the show was a no go, herself finding out from someone whom had been already waiting in line. I was on my way in to the venue...

Not happy.

Looking forward to this for so long. The one band I've never seen, whom for so long have been high on my wishlist of bands to see....

Let down and hanging around..
I'm not here this is not happening...
High and Dry.
Fade out again

Nice Dream............................

A night at home.. Rare..

Friday night turned out to be huge, firstly dinner in Brunswick St then onto Polly for some expensive but amazing cocktails. Stuff the fruity ones gimme as potent as you can get. Then to the Evelyn to see Hamo's band.... Once again ended up at the Termy, even my nights off are spent there. Shots, Scotch and whatever else. Apparently i was funny??? Left with Kendall around close. It's all a blur.....

Nick's wedding Saturday night was great. Good vibe and great food. All the old crew together again. Seems like the only time we catch up these days is at weddings. The original plan was to go to over 28's afterwards, ended up at the Perceveirence in Brunswick St. Didn't stay long...

Worked Sunday night, Pub was dead so closed early....

Radiohead tomorrow night, am sooo pumped. Can't wait. Operation get Bo out of work early is in full effect. I want to get there as early as possible to secure a decent posi on the floor.

3am................................

Winding down after yet another nightshift at work. Responsible for closing. I am nocturnal.

The next week and half will be pretty much similar. At least i get my days to do whatever. So many different people come and go at work. Bingo tonight had the front bar together in a happy vibe. Sat down for a quick smoke break with a couple of familar termy locals..... Few girls filmed me on a camera then insisted on giving my phone number into the lense. So drunk by close they became a tad annoying. They'll probably have memory loss tomorrow.... Dealing with drunk people takes work.

Not all people are annoying though.

It's a job of so many brief encounters. One person comes and goes, then the next comes along. Everyone leaves at the end of the night. I stay on to close. Drive home in the quiet of the night alone.

Think I'll nod off to a dvd again.....

For the first time since starting work feels a little like routine. Maybe I just miss so many of my friends and family I'm losing touch with. But that's growing up.. Moving on...

My new extended family is now the Termy. But I've made so many more new freinds here. Enjoying almost every moment. This is my current phase in life.

Things seem alot different this year. People moving on. Mick's getting married next week. Andy and Tim expecting any day... Where am I at?? The same place in some ways, somewhere else in others. Still single... Potentials come and go.

I'm listening to some INXS as i write this. Was also watching the 91 Wembly DVD earlier today.... Hutch truly was an amazing talent.

Climbing as we fall
We dare to hold on to our fate
And steal away our destiny
To catch ourselves with quiet grace

Storey to storey
Building to building
Street to street
We pass each other on the stairs

Listened to by the walls
We share the same spaces
Repeated in the corridors
Performing the same movements

Ok think I'll sit down and write something again ( I know you'll be pleased with this Sticks)..............

Work is still going well, actually It's great, even with the long hours and late nights.... I have today off which is nice though..

It was St Pats day on Wednesday, that day of the year when everyone Irish and those not even close to being Irish jump on the Paddywagon and celebrate. People who would never touch Guinness all of a sudden to decide to give it a go. I was supposed to work Wednesday night but managed to get Bo to fill in for me as it's one day of the year i don't like to miss out on. After the hourlong staff meeting at work I downed a few pints myself and then headed to the Dan O'Connell. Every eyar they close of the park beside the pub and fill it with makeshift bars and have a large stage for entertainment. The price seems to go up every year. $12 to get in this year, but hey, they get the numbers and it seems the place to be on the day. I'd say it was well worth it. With bands playing all day, The Australian U2 Show headlined, playing the setlist from the Slane DVD. With the park full to the brim, the crowd was singing along and really getting into it. Had an awesome time.

Ended up at Bimbo's at about 1am, had one CC and dry and was well and truly ready top go home. Only after a souva from down the road......

I awoke early the next day and with my car still at work had no way to get there. Public transport from Tempe is frustrating and while a cab an easy option, it's also an expensive one. I thought of trying Simon, whom I'd been out with the night before. No way he was going to be ontime for work, and gave him a call at around 9. Managed to scam a lift into the city with him. This gave me two or so hours to kill before getting the tram straight to the pub for work. Sat down to a great fry up at some little cafe in Swanston St and downed a few coffees to get me going for the day. Tired and hangover but still enjoying being in town. Been awhile since I've been in there during a work day. The place is a buzz. At one stage a couple of guys carrying massive backpacks and other carry bags (obviously backpackers) asked for directions. It wasn't that long ago I was doing the same thing on the other side of the world. I miss it. I do love meeting travellers over here. We get a few in our pub from time to time.

Weekend plans? Going out tonight for a friends farewell. Managed to get one of the girl's to fill in for me again giving me a Friday night off. Woohoo. Less hours does mean less money though, now only doing about 40 hours this week instead of the original rostered 60, but hey, i need some nights out. Work Saturday night and all day/night sunday.......

Once again, a fair time between entry's. More time in reality than on the computer i guess. Work is still going well, more hours and more responsibility. It's becoming a good learning experience. Working weekends and those standard hospitality hours my life has moved away from the regular routine that I found myself in for so long here in Melbourne in the past. Work is also my social life most of the time. I do miss hanging with my usual mates on Friday, Saturday nights. But I guess everyone has gone there own ways of late anyway. Not like it was a few years ago. Always the single, carefree one, perhaps this way of living suits me for now. Still when the oppurtunity comes to pursue something more solid and the chance to settle, well, I'd probably take it

Having the new upstairs area open at the pub now brings a fresh new vibe to the place. Cocktail lounge, music/entertainment room, outdoor rooftop bar. With the addition of live music it's helping me get back into my passion....

It's my Birthday today. Monday......

Twenty Six years of searching.....

I spent the morning and arvo doing whatever. Watching TV, listening to music. Went out to do a bit of shopping and spend money on myself. Found some great bargains and cheap clothing. Subway for lunch. Love that stuff..........

Dinner tonight with all the family at the Old England, including most of Dad's side. Great meal and a few wines....

New Years Eve at the Terminus. All the crew I work with.....