Reflections on a question I get asked often.

I went to a first birthday party today.* It was everything you’d expect from such an auspicious occasion. The birthday boys were the centre of attention: finding the wrapping paper far more interesting than the presents. There were kids everywhere. And there were the parents keeping a wary and indulgent eye on their children and … Continue reading »

Another leaf to be turned.

My life is packed in boxes, as I count down the hours to move into a space of my own on Saturday morning. I went and dropped some more stuff at what will be my new abode after work, and while it still looks like something out of Changing Rooms (sans Laurence’s kitsch touches), every … Continue reading »

When we arrive, Sons and Daughters…

Things I have learnt today: Freestyle is still not my friend Breaststroke is Don’t go to the supermarket after swimming or the gym. You’ll end up doing crazy things. Like buying breakfast cereal and intending to eat it Vegemite and chippie sandwiches are surprisingly tasty I really need a haircut I’m rather enjoying my wear-a-dress-as-often-as-possible … Continue reading »

Ground control to Major Tom…

Very quick. Before the road work at eleven thirty at night drives me insane. I wish they’d inform those living in the area that they’d be working all night before they actually do. There’s a new job on the horizon. I’m so very excited. Actually. Excited doesn’t even begin to cover it. I’ll let you … Continue reading »

And all I ask is for a tall ship and a star to steer her by.

Food is a touchy subject for many: for eating and discussing. It requires all the senses to really appreciate it. Food can also provoke an emotional response. If I am feeling homesick, for example, I make a big dish of macaroni and cheese, or champ (complete with loads of butter and spring onions). When I’m … Continue reading »

Drawing down the moon

2011 is nearly over – and in many cases, thank heavens for that. It’s been a very trying year for me, my friends and my family for many, many reasons. But for me, it has been a bit of a sea change as well. In my first year out of academia (almost to the day … Continue reading »

A little bit of this, and an little bit of that… my part in the Festival of the Scorpio

What a whirlwind of a couple of weeks! A conference presentation, a birthday, and a drastic change of pace have left me catching my breath and re-prioritising everything again. Where to begin? So some moons ago, 377 or thereabouts, give or take a quarter… after days of waiting, I graced the world with my presence. … Continue reading »

Train Tracks*

I’m having a brain break at the moment. Getting all the paperwork done before finishing this chapter of 2011 and starting my next job on Thursday sees me at work on a Sunday afternoon and staring at a computer screen for hours while a gorgeous day wanes outside my window. This is my current view: … Continue reading »

Sometimes all you need is a little reflection…

I’m not going to talk about the propaganda and politics of religious festivals, and the double whammy this particular long weekend brings us in the antipodes. Everybody has their own views and opinions and the rest of us should act like grown ups and respect that. Instead, I’m going to talk about the novelty of … Continue reading »

It never rains, it pours.

A few weeks ago, I rashly declared that I would go to Wellington, and I wouldn’t leave until I had secured a job and a place to live. So I went, and managed to catch up with lots of old friends. Took in some cricket, and some knitting. And some knitting at the cricket… (I … Continue reading »