So I have been looking around for a while now for some new sunnies to replace my venerable Revo’s. There is nothing wrong with the old sunnies but After about almost 2 years with these sunnies they are getting kinda tired and I felt i needed some new ones. For a while now as well I have been just browsing for a new watch. Something to replace my work watch which I wear every day and have been since like year 8 (when dad gave me this watch). Today I was meeting Kelly for lunch in the city so I thought i might go in a bit earlier and check out what I could find in the city. I hadn’t planned on getting anything at all. I walked up to Sunglass Hut in the city. Had some awesome music pumping (with a DJ mixing on some decks as well) and some very cute girls working in the store. Thought to myself, now this is the way to shop, I could be happy with this. So I went in and remembered that Blair had some Raybans that looked pretty good. Immediately as I walked up towards some sunnies one of the cute staff members was up to offer me some help (and probably try to make a sale). Had a look at a few different pairs and found a couple of pairs I liked and was probably not going to get anything. She went off to help another couple (o well no sale for her) and another staff member came up while I was trying on some sunnies. This girl was a lot cuter. She came up and immediately asked if I needed some help and if she can maybe pick out a few styles for me. I said I was just looking and she said not a problem. As I tried on another pair she saw me put a pair on and said “they look great on you” (they looked ok) and then she asked a couple of questions about what I was after etc so I thought I may as well give her a break and let her try and sell me something. She didnt actually pick anything out but definately pointed me in the right direction.

They did mention that I would get a free watch with purchase but i was like schmeh it will just be some dodgy thing. So after a great lunch catching up with Kelly, I thought I need some female advice of the none sales kind. So we went down to Sunglass Hut and I tried them on infront of Kelly. And of course over somes the same sales girl. After independant female approval i was like ill take it! Wasn’t to bad $220 for the glasses and they looked good. I was like so i get a free watch big deal it will be crap. So the sales girl takes me over to this wall of all these amazing looking watches which are probably pretty expensive. She says to me “pick whichever one you want” I was gobsmacked. Asked her if she was serious and she says yes. I picked up a watch that immediately pulled my interest and then checked the price ($220) and shes like that looks good. It was something that would go down well at work so thought why the hell not 😀

So after kelly saw me get the $220 watch for free she was like “OMG I HAVE TO GET SOMETHING NOW!” so she went off to look around while I paid for my purchases. Kelly never ended up getting anything but I was happy with my purchase. I am still a tad gob smacked about the whole free watch thing. I have to go back to the store on monday to get them to take a link out cause its a tad to big around the wrist. Was good to catch up with kelly hear about all the stuff I have missed and just catching up with such an awesome person.

In other news, nothing huge. Another Star night down on tuesday with another certificate in the bag. Getting closer and closer to end of year.

Photo of watch and Sunnies.

Tuesday 24Apr
Early morning start again today. 4am. Its been so long since I have seen what 4am looks like. I hope that after the next two days I don’t have to see it again for a while. At the airport by 530am and I was the only person checking in. Quick as anything check in, asked for an upgrade to business class, was asked if I wanted to pay anything, I said no, she said “Fat Chance.” So after clearing immigration and then security which was painful considering I was carrying war medals and an umbrella (apparently umbrellas are now dangerous), I had a walk through the International Terminal for my first time ever. Its quite boring actually. Nothing like what I imagine Singapore’s airport to be. A lot of shops, a lot of waiting areas and a few cafes. Sat down reading an Australian Aviation (still don’t know why I only seem to buy the mag whenever I fly) and sat back to wait for my flight. By the time boarding came around there was not that many people waiting for the flight. I overheard some staff saying 62 people. 62 people onboard a 747-400 which can hold around 400ish. So I take my exit row seat and wait for the close up and everything and one of the staff members came up and asked me if I would like to sit in business. I mean HELLO! dumb question. So I move up to the 2nd business cabin on the aircraft. 14 seats and I’m the only one in it. Now I have flown business with Qantas before and the thing is that would not be such a huge thing. However I was flying an International Spec aircraft. That meant Qantas Skybeds. Now if you have seen the ads for these seats you would know just how awesome they look (link) They are awesomely comfortable and so much fun to sit in and use the AVOD and also the massage function *drool.*

Once arrived in Sydney it was raining, so scrapped the plans to stay and take photos at the Airport. Saw a United new colours and Thai 744 in new colours as well so was muchly dissapointed. Spent the morning bumming around the city and then spent the afternoon the Talleh (one of my friends from OCAU). Tuesday night was spent with Talleh, Mibba and Nav (all from OCAU) at the Chasers War on Everything Taping. I was very impressed by the taping. It was good, the guys were very funny. Sadly didn’t get to hug Andrew Hansen as I was ordered to by Nat (sorry) but maybe next time.

Wednesday 25Apr
Hello 4am again. My new arch enemy. Up at 4am, quick change and walk around the corner from the Menzies Hotel to Martin Place for the Dawn service. I get there and feel a few sprinkles on my head so I hide in a doorway of some building on the corner out of the rain while the sky opens and the heavens pour down. After the service I scurry back to the hotel and decide its back to bed for me and the March will be watched from the comfort of my hotel room. (Little did I know that my cousin Lindy was going to be marching for my Grandads Brother). I met up with Lindy and Sophie and Andrew at the 2nd/2nd MG Btln Association lunch. This was the first time I have ever gone and it was definately something different. Lots of toasts to the Queen and the battalion and fallen comrades and the like. A lot of people to meet and see the sort of people that my Grandad fought with in the war. It was an eye opening experience. I am definately returning next year (and hell I may even march).

After leaving the Menzies it was back to the airport and this time rather than push my luck I just asked for an exit row seat, and I got it. Spent the time at the Airport drinking coffee, reading my mag and perving on the gorgeous girls in the Airport and hoping that one of them would be next to me on the flight. There was some Qantas crew looking like they were returning home to Brisbane and one of the girls was drop dead gorgeous, I could not keep my eyes off her. When boarding began I sat down in my seat, asked for the usual extension belt and was told by the Flight Attendant that CASA does not allow fat people in the exit row (well he didn’t use those words but thats what he really meant) and that he would have to move me to a new seat. I was not really caring considering there was a row of 3 just next to me with the same amount of leg room and plenty or space to stretch out. Was hoping to just have a nice pleasant trip home when the Flight Attendant comes back and says “would you like to come up and sit in business.” I mean WTF! twice in two days. So up to business I move. What a trip home. Although not as good as the Skybeds but hell, I wont complain. Got home last night, read through my emails and uploaded photos off the cards and went to bed. A tiring 2 days.

Friday – 20Apr
Ok so after I left you all hanging at the Net Cafe in Airlie Beach i ended up just spending some time walking around Airlie Beach and just seeing where everything was. I caught the bus back to Shute Harbour and decided to walk over to WRAY. BAD IDEA! After climbing 97 steps, walking up a further hill, then down a hill, then down their driveway I was buggered and not in a state to be showing up to their office, although I assume a lot of people show up that way. I was there maybe 10-15 mins and they ran through a few things with me. Luckily they showed me the short cut back to the Fantasea Ferry Terminal. I spent some time at Shute Harbour chatting with Jade (since i missed my ferry). Went over to Long Island and enjoyed my time there and had a bit of a relax. Reading under the Umbrella in the main resort area. I saw that Contiki were on the island and funnily enough so was Youngy the drive I had last year, but he was no where to be seen the entire time I was on the island. Met up with the rest of the group that afternoon and it was pretty subdued evening.

Saturday – 21Apr
Early wake up and Breakfast with the girls and then on the launch over to Hamilton Island. No real problems this morning with panic, quick vomit before breakfast and all is ok. Boat ride over to Hamilton was pretty good only one or two freak moments. Hopped off at the Airport Dock and checked our bags into Hayman island (our bags went over several hours before us). Picked up our Golf Buggies from the Marina and went around the Island. The Golf Buggies were fun to drive although slow. Going up to the top of One Tree Hill was like torture. It was so slow. Used up the activities voucher I was given and went for the long drive in the buggy out to the Target Sports range. I was allowed 30 rounds of .22 Calibre. Used them mainly in the Semi Automatic Pistol but also used 3 rounds with the Bolt Action Rifle. Twas very good 😀 I got 2 bullseyes (one with each gun). Headed over to Hayman on their Luxury Launch Sun Paradise. It seemed like an older boat (probably their first one of the current line) and with Beer in hand headed over to the island. Big night plenty of drinks consumed on Hayman.

Sunday – 22Apr
Bit of a sleep in compared to other mornings with an At Leisure breakfast as we prepared for our departure to Hamilton Island. Took some photos around the Island in the morning and then caught Sun Goddess this time back to Hamilton. Hamilton Island’s airport is much nicer than Proserpine but then again neither of them are fantastic. With the boats going to Hayman this time it was a lot of movement at times but I tried to show I was calm. Doubt that it worked though. Quick flight home with VH-VQN again (same aircraft as Thursday). All in all not to bad a famil.

Photos to follow.

Day 1 – Thursday 19Apr
So i’m resting up at the moment after a long day, couple of firsts today.
* First Flight on Jetstar
* First time to Proserpine Airport
* First time in a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)
* First Barnacle Cut

Pretty non eventful day really. Going on the Ocean Rafting was pretty good, only a quick spring around the bay with Beer in hand. Nothing bad on the fear front only a couple of freak out points, getting into the RIB had to climb across to others and they seperated for a second and had a bit of a freak out thinking i was gonna fall in. Was a bit panicy about the reef trip on Friday, I don’t think so much anymore it is a fear of boats, but more a fear of being out in open ocean, I don’t know. Pretty tired early start on Friday. Jetstar was not to bad to fly with. Pretty hands off service, but not to bad. Proserpine Airport was pretty dodgy. Got off the ground only a few minutes late but arrived 10 minutes early but then had to wait 15 mins to get bags. Aircraft was VH-VQN which was pretty nice inside.

Official Itin
0800 – Start Work
1100 – Finsih Work
1130 – Airtrain to Airport
1255 – JQ830 to Proserpine
1435 – Arrive Proserpine – Transfer to Coral Sea Resort
1530 – Arrive Coral Sea Resort – Site Inspection
1630 – Ocean Rafting – Nibblies, Drinks, Quick tour of the bay (pretty fun doing donuts in the boats)
1830 – Transfer to Pinnacles resort for a Site Inspection and Nibbles and drinks on the Balcony of one of the rooms
2030 – Desert at the Airlie Beach Hotel
2130 – Return to Coral Sea Resort

Day 2 – Friday 20Apr

Ok well this is a live update for today not a pre written one like yesterday’s. I am pretty ashamed of myself today. I let this fear get to me and overtake me this morning. I had a panic attack before sleep last night and then this morning had a huge one. I didn’t sleep much at all last night and had not eaten properly since Wednesday. The rest of the group has gone off to the Reef and I am here in Airlie Beach. Going to go for a walk towards the water front and take some photos. See if I can find some inspiration. Otherwise I will wait till i get to Long Island tonight and take some fantastic shots of the sunset. Going to head back to Shute Harbour maybe soon and go to Whitsunday Rent a Yacht as I’m in the Cruise and Sail side and see if they can show me around a couple of boats maybe to help with my knowledge, which is pretty limited due to the fear. Anyway not much left of this internet. Gotta go.

Tommorrow begins Day 1 of 6 On the Road for the next week.  I will be home one full day in the next week (monday).  Tommorrow after spending a whole 3 hours at work (o0o0o0o0o0o0o scary) I am flying off to the Whitsundays for work.  Part of me is thinking that I should not take the big camera, however after looking over my old Hayman photos and realising how good some of them were (not the best but damn good, example).  With this I think I can justify getting up a touch early on Sunday morning on Hayman island, going for a stroll around the Island and taking a few photos.  The only thing is camera gear is big and hefty which means my big Crumpler back pack (picture).  I love the backpack its just large and sometimes a bit of a hassle.  But I deal with it, the sacrifices you have to make for your hobbies.

Anyway here are some basic outline plans over the next few days.  I will be keeping the blog going although will probably be writing it down as I go so that I can also keep track of the hotel rooms as I go (easier than taking a brochure around… sorry work people).

Day 1: Thursday – 11am finish work > Fly to Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) with Jetstar(*sigh*) and then a couple of activities and site inspections and Overnight Coral Sea Resort.
Day 2: Friday – Easy Day – Reef with Fantasea and Overnight Long Island.
Day 3: Saturday – Long Island to Hamilton Island > Half a Day on Hamilton > Hamilton to Hayman > Overnight Hayman
Day 4: Sunday – Hayman to Hamilton Island > Hamilton Island to Brisbane with Jetstar (*sigh*)
Day 5: Tuesday – Early morning Flight to Sydney on Qantas International Sector (YAY!) > Spotting > Chaser Taping > Overnight Menzies Hotel Sydney
Day 6: Wednesday (Anzac Day) – Dawn Service > Wreath Laying > Anzac Day March (photos probably) > Lunch with 2nd/2nd MG Bttln > Fly Home with Qantas.

Busy times coming up.  A lot of flying but I love flying anyway.  Hopefully trip to reef goes ok.  Don’t really wanna have to start panicing on the way out to the reef so I guess this will be a time to try and help with the fear, dunno if I’m going snorkelling yet either.  Shall see.

Anyway on an early shift tommorrow so should go to sleep.  If I can somehow get access to Internet somewhere I will update, otherwise I will update Sunday night when i get back.

Well saturday night was a fantastic night. It was the annual OCAU Cakes of the Pan (pancake) Scoff. It was a fantastic night, partying, eating and drinking. I went out with $100 came home with $6 and i remember each and every little bit of it. The night was so much fun. Daniel (navillus) came up from Sydney for just the night so that was great it was as though it was a repeat of the Sydney meet with Me, Flora, Erin and Nav out partying again. But this time i got to party with all of my other friends. We started the night with the “collective” at the casino. I was only expecting a few people for some pre dinner drinks. turned out to be 20 people. Was like sweet this is gonna be a good night. By the time we got to pancakes the numbers were up to 56. Pancakes was great i fed myself stupid with pancakes and it only cost me $8.50. Had some drinks below pancakes at the Knight Bar and then we headed off to Union Jacks for some cheap drinks and good music and dancing.

The podium was danced on by many including me and It was at Union Jacks that i began drinking some more Gin. Now while i was in Sydney i tried Gin for the first time. It tastes damn good with some Tonic water and some lemon. Around midnight we were still at Union Jacks and it was at this point that Yena joined us. Yena is an old friend that I met also online but on a different website. She is a beautiful and intelligent girl who knows how to party and one of her goals in life was to get me drunk. Well after we left union jacks and went to the Exchange she got her wish. I was plastered as I danced away drinking more Gin but this time at Yena’s suggestion with Juice, which is apparently very Gangsta (I googled it when i got home and its from a Snoop Dog song). I had a fantastic night and I enjoyed partying with Yena which I havent done in quite some time and it was good to have a final night out partying and spending $$$. Finished the night out at the casino where we finished off with $3 Daiquris and a touch more dancing.

Now that Saturday is all over its now back to being more serious with my life. I need to start saving for this trip to the states. My goal is $500 per fortnight (i get paid fortnightly) into my ING savings for my trip to the USA. I have $5k owing on this trip (which i have saved at the moment) and i need about another $6k AUD for spending money (equates to roughly $5k USD). That should be enough $$ to keep me going in the USA for a full month. I am also planning to get back into some more exercise and that means once my leg is no longer so bad will be back to Zone 3 every weekend. For the moment (if my right foot doesnt get any worse) it will be steps and plenty of them. I have 18 steps in the front of the house 10 in the back. So i’ll be doing plenty of steps in the house.

In other news I have had some more info on the Doubletrouble front (see previous post). An old friend from high school (who obviously reads this blog) has sent me some links to their myspace. So messages have been sent and we shall see what happens. Stay tuned. 😀

So i was on my way to work this morning sitting at the station when i run into an old teacher of mine from high school (i have forgotten his name but from here on out we will call him Mr B). So we were chatting about stuff and he lets me know that two girls I went to high school with who i was kinda friends with are now working on tv in Malaysia. I was thinking to myself this afternoon about the old high school days and thought, well if they are anything like most australian TV celebs or shows they would have a myspace. WRONG.

Back to the drawing board. So old faithful. Into google their names go and first hit I get is the MTV Asia boards. I’m like wtf MTV. So i look into it more and apparently they are VJ’s on MTV. Reading through find a podcast and listen to the voices and it sounds very familiar and can hear the kinda voices i remember for high school. I looked everywhere for a contact email or something like that and i was dissapointed to find nothing.

So i went to the contact us part and found the public relations side of MTV Asia. I have now sent them an email to see if I can contact them and say high to some old friends from high school with their new celebrity status. So i will keep my friends up to date of what happens. lets see if BigMal can contact the DoubleTrouble.

btw their link

http://www.mtvasia.com/doubletrouble/

So I finished reading the Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster the other day and it is definately an interesting read. It makes you think, What if there is something out there that created the universe that is not the so called “God.” Reading through it they made very good points about how the world was created by the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) and that it was created the way that he thinks we should be and manipulates the earth how he sees fit. I am not in anyway poking fun of the beliefs of others (thats not something a Pastafarian does) but I mean you have to admit they have some good points.

For those that don’t know much about the FSM he is a flying monster made of spaghetti (and two meatballs). He looks down from Heaven on us and any time and when we think that we have proven he does not exist he plays with the results to ensure that we will still believe. Heaven is where the Beer Volcano and Stripper Factory are and when we speak about the FSM we should be wearing the clothing of our prophets the Pirate.

I happen to like this “religion” simply for the fact its something different. Theres no real strict laws or anything to follow other than the 8 “We really rather you didn’ts” or that at least once a month I should be eating Spaghetti and on a friday drink my fair share of Grog and chase some booty like the pirate that I should be (although not so sure about the boat thing).

O for the life of a Pirate with my Parrott on my shoulder and my Grog in my hand, My wench beside me off searching the world for my booty (not that sort of booty.. sickos).